day : 08/04/2019 11 results

DEVELOPMENT: How ‘early outreach’ meeting for 8415 Delridge project went

(From Novion Group’s website for 8415 Delridge project)

Since the city changed the Design Review rules, few projects have been scheduled for a full board review – there’s nothing on the Southwest Design Review Board‘s horizon right now – but several have had informal “early outreach” drop-in sessions, usually drawing a handful of neighbors, with the format and even the choice of notification methods left up to the developers. Another one of those sessions was held this afternoon, this time for the 14-rowhouse project planned to replace a 65-year-old house at 8415 Delridge Way SW. Project architects Novion Group scheduled the meeting for 4:30-5:30 pm in the Southwest Library’s community room.

In addition to our reporter, three nearby residents showed up. Their concerns included poor drainage in the alley behind the property, explaining that it has a tendency to develop giant puddles. The project team said that will be addressed. Neighbors also wondered about the trees on the site; the project team warned that it’s early in the design process but most are likely to be kept. And they wanted to be sure that parking will be addressed for construction workers and, later, deliveries. The project itself includes one offstreet space per unit, to be accessed off the alley (which is discussed, along with other site characteristics, in this document that’s part of the project file).

We asked when they hope to start construction; could be as soon as one year away, depending on how the process proceeds.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: The architects will prepare a “design packet” for the Early Design Guidance phase, and the city will publish a notice when that’s available for review and comment (we’ll publish an update too).

P.S. If you missed the meeting but have concerns/questions about the project, Novion has a simple webpage for it with comment options.

ELECTION 2019: Next District 1 City Council candidates’ forum Wednesday

April 8, 2019 8:41 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

checkbox.jpgJust under four months until the primary election, and two days until the next forum featuring all five of the candidates running so far for the District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) City Council seat. Their first faceoff was back on March 21st (WSB coverage here); this Wednesday (April 10), they’ll be side by side for the second time during the 34th District Democrats‘ monthly meeting. All are welcome – nonmembers and members alike; the meeting starts at 7 pm Wednesday at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). It’s one of two events the 34th DDs are presenting this month featuring the D-1 council race; the other is billed as a debate, at 6:30 pm April 23rd at Holy Family Bilingual Catholic School (9615 20th SW). The 34 DDs, by the way, have an online survey going, inviting you to help shape the issues on which they’ll focus.

The candidates in the running so far are Isaiah Willoughby, Phil Tavel, Brendan Kolding, incumbent Lisa Herbold, and Jesse Greene; according to the city Ethics and Election Commission tracker, District 1’s five-candidate field is the smallest of any of the 7 districts, so far. But it’s not necessarily the final lineup – the official filing period isn’t until next month.

Remembering Robert N. Johnson, 1941-2019

Family and friends have said goodbye to Robert Nestor Johnson. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:

Bob peacefully passed away on March 24 enveloped in the love of his family at his bedside. We are so thankful that we were able to be with him as he walked into the arms of our Lord. Our hearts are heavy with his loss but we know that he is enjoying a perfect game of bowling and under-par rounds of golf.

Bob was a lifelong resident of West Seattle, born on February 19, 1941. He graduated from Sealth High School in 1959. A few months later he was off to join the Air Force and spent 4 years in San Antonio, Amarillo, and Fort Worth, Texas. When he returned home, he bought a house on Gatewood Hill which he lived in for 53 years.

After the Air Force, Bob became a Welder, Boilermaker and Tool Maker. Over the years, his jobs took him to the Marshall Islands, Phoenix Islands, Canton Island, and Hawaii, where he had countless adventures and “stories.” When he wasn’t off on a job adventure, he worked for local Seattle companies and ended his working career at Boeing. As his family we are grateful that Bob documented his life so we were able to enjoy stories of his adolescence, young adulthood, military career and read about all of the commendations he received for outstanding performance at his various jobs during his life.

Bob was proficient in his hobbies of bowling, golfing, card playing, the games of Cribbage & Scrabble, traveling and camping in his van. He also enjoyed traveling with his buddies to golf courses in other states. Over the years, he was a local at West Seattle Bowl, West Seattle Golf Course, The New Deal, Benbow Inn, the Eagles, and Chelan Café.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents George & Mary Jane Johnson. Survivors include his sister Pat Leago, brother Jimmy Johnson & wife Kelley, sister Lori Stubberfield and husband Scott, along with 6 nieces & nephews and 6 grandnieces & grandnephews.

Our family would like to express gratitude to the staff at Swedish Medical Center, the Hospice Teams and all the individuals who were so kind in the weeks preceding Bob’s death. The compassion demonstrated to us was so appreciated. Per his request, his ashes will be scattered at a favorite family park. Gifts in his memory can be made to Swedish Medical Center.

We will miss you “What about Bob” – you are forever in our hearts

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

Before spring break, Denny International Middle School’s Youth Ambassadors take field trip to Olympia

April 8, 2019 5:42 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

A colossal field trip for Denny International Middle School‘s Youth Ambassadors – the report and photos are from principal Jeff Clark:

The Youth Ambassadors had an amazing trip to the Washington State Legislature, State Supreme Court, and the Governor’s mansion.

We were blessed with the critical support of the Seattle Police Department who provided us with free transportation and four amazing officers to serve as chaperones, including the one and only Officer Vargas.

Ms. Lori Markowitz and the Alliance for Gun Responsibility arranged a packed day of meeting with elected officials who carved out time from their busy schedule to meet with us about specific pieces of legislation addressing gun-violence prevention.

Our scholars were amazing representatives and advocates for the Denny community. They were articulate, compassionate, and direct in their communication with the elected officials and staff. It was an unforgettable experience for all who were involved

We were able to meet:

First Lady Trudi Inslee [photo above]
Governor Inslee [top photo]

Representatives: Pollet, Valdez, Fitzgibbon [photo above]

Senators: Saldaña, Nguyen [photo above], Salomon
Office Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI): Marissa Rathbone and Jerry Price

Other highlights were:

Touring Capital
Touring the Governor’s mansion
Observing civic action by WEA. Scholars learned about the McCleary decision from teachers across the state
Observing the budget voting process
One Denny scholar receiving Washingtonian of the Day for her direct and articulate introduction and rationale for our visit

Thank you to Mr. Chase, Ms. Markowitz, and Officer Vargas for making this great experience happen! Go, Dolphins!

Denny’s sent delegations to Olympia before – here’s a report from two years ago.

UPDATE: Water-rescue response off Beach Drive SW

April 8, 2019 4:25 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

4:25 PM: SFD is sending a fireboat and rescue swimmers to the area of Beach Drive shoreline across from Me-Kwa-Mooks for what’s described as a possible paddleboarder in distress. Updates to come.

4:28 PM: And that’s been canceled already … Seattle Police are reported to have made contact with the person, who is out of the water and OK.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Weekend followups; prowlers; scammers…

In West Seattle Crime Watch:

WEEKEND FOLLOWUPS: We followed up with police today – no arrests to report in either of two weekend incidents we reported on briefly while police were investigating: The Friday night gunfire in Highland Park, and the Saturday night shoplifting-turned-robbery that led to an extensive search in Morgan Junction.

(Saturday night WSB photo)

We did obtain the report narrative for the latter, which says it started when West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) employees “… contacted the suspect for shoplifting. They observed him putting bulk foods items, a Starbucks Frappuccino and other unknown items into his bag. The suspect then passed the checkout stands without attempting to pay for anything. They then confronted the suspect to return the items. The suspect refused to give back the items. … At some point, the suspect … lifted his pant leg up to expose his boot (and said) “I have a knife. I will kick you.” (They) feared they were going to get assaulted, backed off and told the suspect they were calling the police. That is when the suspect ran out the back door.” While searching with K9 help, while police didn’t find the robber, just east of the store, under a car in the 6500 block of 42nd SW, they did find a bag he had been carrying, containing food, a toothbrush, a lighter, and the cap he had worn.

Next, three reader reports:

PROWLER: From a reader in Seaview:

The reader says the prowler was caught on camera around 11:20 am Sunday near 42nd/Juneau.

ANOTHER PROWLER: We also received a weekend report of a man prowling from Roxhill Park toward the former Roxhill Elementary: “He then proceeded to walk through the neighborhood and every house he walked through yards. He came to ours and walked right up to our front door and front window. … Even when confronted he did not run just kept walking through.” Police were called.

SCAM CALL ALERT: Thanks to Lisa for the reminder that scam callers are relentless. She emailed us this afternoon to report, “We just received a robocall from ‘Department of IRS,’ stating it was suspending our social security numbers due to suspicious activity. My mother-in-law, who is 88, also received the calls.” Since she sent us that original note, just as we were about to publish this, she sent word of a few more – one purporting to be about her account at Bank of America (where she does NOT have an account), and one pitching asphalt for her mother-in-law’s driveway … which is already paved.

Also today, this reminder:

NEXT WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION MEETING: 7 pm Tuesday, April 16, at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster), with local police there to answer your questions about local crime/safety concerns, as well as this month’s special guest, a representative from the Seattle Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.

DEVELOPMENT: Key approval for 5952 California SW apartments, with site ‘back on market’

(Rendering by Hybrid Architecture)

Four months after the mostly-microapartments proposal resurfaced for 5952 California SW [map], it’s received key city approvals. The project description is the same as last December, when it went into a second round of Design Review, 2+ years after the first – “29 small efficiency dwelling units and 6 apartment units (35 units total). Parking for 5 vehicles proposed.” Today’s publication of the notice for this opens a two-week appeal period; the notice explains (PDF) how to file one. Meantime, the property was re-listed for sale a week and a half ago (PDF), with the notation “back on market,” asking price $1.8 million, a bit less than its August 2017 listing.

FYI from SPD: Level 3 sex offender moves into southeast West Seattle

Just sent by Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner, another one of the occasional notifications that a Level 3 sex offender has moved into the area:

In an effort to keep you informed, and in our constant attempts to reduce future victimization, we want to let you know about one level 3 sex offender that has recently moved into a Southwest Precinct neighborhood.

Jermaine Freeman, a 45 year old Black Male, is a level 3 registered sex offender who has recently moved to the 9200 Block of Olson Place SW. Mr. Freeman is no longer under Department of Corrections supervision.

To learn more about this offender and for additional safety tips please visit the website at www.waspc.org and search by his name. [Editor’s note: Here’s a direct link to the page with his photo and background information.]

To register to receive an email alert whenever a published offender registers within one mile of your desired addresses, go to (this link).

Level 3 sex offenders pose the highest risk to re-offend. It is normal to feel upset, angry and worried about a registered sex offender living in your community. The Community Notification Act of 1990 requires sex offenders to register in the community where they live. The law also allows local law enforcement to make the public aware about Level 2 and Level 3 offenders. Since these offenders have completed their sentences, they are free to live where they wish. Experts believe sex offenders are less likely to re-offend if they live and work in an environment free of harassment. Any actions taken against the listed sex offenders could result in arrest and prosecution as it is against the law to use this information in any way to threaten, intimidate or harass registered sex offenders. The SPD Sex offender detectives will check on these offenders every 3 months to verify our information.

The single most effective means of protecting your child is communication with your child. They have to feel comfortable discussing sensitive matters with you. Teach your children that they should not be asked to touch anyone in the bathing suit areas of their body or allow anyone to touch them in those areas. Teach them types of situations to avoid. It is not good enough to tell a child to avoid strangers. Please remember that children are most often molested by someone they or their parents know.

Other questions? This FAQ might help.

5 for your West Seattle Monday

April 8, 2019 10:30 am
|    Comments Off on 5 for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Anna’s Hummingbird, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

Flying into spring-break week – here are Monday highlights:

FREE TAX HELP: 1 week until the IRS deadline. Delridge Library has free tax help available 2-6:30 pm today. Drop-in, first-come first-served, as explained here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

EARLY OUTREACH MEETING FOR DELRIDGE PROJECT: As previewed last week, the developers of 8415 Delridge Way SW invite community members to an “early outreach” informal meeting about the 14-townhouse project. Drop-in meeting 4:30-5:30 pm at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)

EVENING BOOK GROUPS: 6:45 pm at West Seattle (2306 42nd SW) and Southwest (9010 35th SW) Libraries. WS is reading “The Best We Could Do” by Thi Bui, this year’s “Seattle Reads” book; SW is reading “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. If you can’t go tonight, follow those links to get a start on next month’s books!

OPEN MIC: Signups start at 7:30 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

QUIZ NIGHT: 7:30 pm at The Skylark, free, all ages, with prizes! (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LOOK AHEAD! Our complete calendar is here.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Spring Break Monday watch

(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)

6:58 AM: Good morning. It’s Spring Break week for many area schools, including the Seattle, Highline, and Vashon Island districts.

TRANSIT: No current alerts but the first two West Seattle Water Taxi shuttles didn’t run, according to Metro.

EASTER, PASSOVER, ETC.: This year’s West Seattle guide

April 8, 2019 1:16 am
|    Comments Off on EASTER, PASSOVER, ETC.: This year’s West Seattle guide
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2017)

We are now less than two weeks away from Easter and the start of Passover, and our annual one-stop-shop list for egg hunts, services, and more, is live – see it here. As usual, we will continue updating as long as new listings come in, so if you have something to add, please send us the info ASAP – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!