month : 11/2019 297 results

Memorial planned December 21 for John ‘Jake’ Rebar, 1935-2019

Family and friends will gather December 21st for Jake Rebar‘s memorial. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with his community:

John V. “Call me Jake” Rebar

West Seattle lost one of their lifelong staples after 84 years. Jake Rebar went to be with the lord on the morning of November 8th, 2019 after passing from natural causes.

Jake was born October 11, 1935 in Great Falls, MT. He was raised in West Seattle and would always return after his work abroad as an accountant.

He was first and foremost a devout Catholic. He was a great friend to many, including his cherished grade-school friends which he still enjoyed having lunch with once a week. He had a terrific sense of humor and was an eloquent writer as anyone who read his holiday newsletter would know! He always lamented that “work” was just a four-letter word, that he tried it and didn’t like it, yet in retirement he maintained files and checklists as if he was operating a fortune 500 company. Some have even been known to say Jake was a frugal man or as a little birdy may have put it “cheap,” “cheap,” but never with his friends or charitable contributions.

He lived his best life, which afforded him a college degree in accounting from Seattle U, small business ownership with his brother Dick with the Tug Tavern and Jake’s Place, a family, the chance to marry the love of his life, travel, and most of all, friendship. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially every dog in the neighborhoods where he pounded the pavement to whom he offered a friendly pat and a little treat while on his way to church or the Y.

A very special thanks to Jake’s dear friend Tim Law for providing the family several extra months we may not have had without his friendship.

Jake is preceded in death by his parents Victor and Vivian as well as his brothers Jim and Dick and sister Joyce. He is survived by his three sons, Sean (Tracie), James (Katy), and Rich (Jessica) as well as many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Services will be held for Jake at Holy Rosary in West Seattle on Saturday, December 21st, 2019 at 10 a.m. There will be a reception afterward next door at the elementary school.

To share your condolences & fond memories of Jake with his Family & Friends for generations to come, please visit his Online Memorial at: www.emmickfunerals.com/notices/Jake-Rebar

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

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday watch

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

6:57 AM: Good morning. We start with word of a crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge: SDOT says it’s in the right lane just before the ramp to 99. No SFD dispatch so far.

7:43 AM: The crash has been cleared.

9 AM: From SDOT: “WS Bridge inspections starting after 9 am. We’ll start with westbound lane closure then switch to eastbound side, avoiding peak traffic directions.”

UPDATE: Police block Admiral Way at 57th

November 14, 2019 12:47 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

12:47 AM: Police are blocking Admiral Way in both directions at 57th SW. According to emergency radio, there’s an injured man on the road, and SFD was dispatched to check him out. Police report there was no collision involved – but a driver stopped at the scene to protect the injured man until help arrived.

1:39 AM: SFD has closed out the call.

BUDGET: City Council’s latest proposals touch on Delridge SDOT project, West Seattle light rail

That’s Seattle Channel video from the second of two sessions today in which the City Council went through more potential changes to the mayor’s budget proposal. Two items of interest in the early going during this session, which began at #28 on this list – #29 would continue requiring SDOT to report to the council on aspects of its component of Delridge’s RapidRide H Line project. It was noted that the Sustainability and Transportation Committee is planning a December 3rd briefing on the plan, which as reported here last week is now at 90 percent design. #32 is a new proposal from District 1 Councilmember Lisa Herbold requiring a city briefing by next July regarding the status of possible third-party-funding opportunities for light-rail alternatives that cost more than the basic ST3 funding. Neither item was discussed in depth. The council will finalize an amended budget later this month.

Choices, crime, church @ Admiral Neighborhood Association

The Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month meeting last night at Admiral Congregational Church was one of the best-attended neighborhood-council meetings we’ve seen in a while. Maybe that was because of its marquee topic – the church’s potential redevelopment – but that wasn’t the only interesting part of the agenda. Here’s how it went:

SURVEY-RESULTS SNEAK PEEK: The ANA’s community survey brought in 269 responses and the results are being analyzed. President David Hancock offered a sneak peek: In response to a question about what services/improvements people would like to see in Admiral, “improved transit” topped the list. What would people contribute time/expertise to? Top answer: Greenspace maintenance/improvement. What topics would people like to learn about at a community meeting? Top answer: Local history. What would encourage people to come to a meeting? The chance to speak with local elected officials. Look for the full results early next year.

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT: A four-person delegation was there – Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Danner, Community Police Team Officers Will Kohn and Nic Plemel, and Seattle University intern Taylor Lowery.

The officers answered questions, including what to do if someone is sleeping in your business’s doorway:

Read More

FYI: Rescue drill at Terminal 5 on Thursday

November 13, 2019 5:30 pm
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 |   Port of Seattle | Preparedness | West Seattle news

Just in case this catches your eye tomorrow, the Port of Seattle sends this FYI:

Orion, the general contractor at Terminal 5, will be performing a water rescue drill on Thursday, November 14, from 11:00 am – 11:30 am at T-5’s north-end derrick barge, the St. Helens.

LONGFELLOW CREEK: Be on the team that dreams up its future

(October photo by John McIntyre)

Longfellow Creek … home to salmon … and pollution. The creek runs almost the entire length of eastern West Seattle, from Westwood (where it’s undergrounded) to the Duwamish River. Seattle Public Utilities is planning a water-quality project that would focus on reducing polluted stormwater overflows in the creek during heavy rain. But the project isn’t just about some big public-works facility – it’s also about other potential neighborhood benefits, as detailed here. So right now, they’re recruiting community members for an “Innovation Team,” explained as:

We are building an Innovation Team of nine, paid, community co-creators that reflect the diversity in South Delridge. The Innovation Team will guide and work with the Project Team. Team members will attend up to 8, 2-hour meetings this winter and next spring. The Innovation Team will help us:

• Create innovative solutions to achieve community goals
• Build relationships and community partnerships
• Understand risks when deciding where to make investments

Some examples of people we are looking for:
• A high school student engaged in design, poetry, filmmaking, or engineering
• A person for whom English is a second language
• Someone who leads an informal group like a women’s group, soccer team, or book club
• Someone who builds things or helps organize activities in the neighborhood

More details here. The original deadline to apply was today, but it’s just been extended through Sunday. Here’s how to apply.

BIZNOTES: 2 from The Junction

November 13, 2019 1:39 pm
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 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two biznotes from the West Seattle Junction:

CARMILIA’S 17TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY: From Carmilia’s Boutique (4528 California SW) proprietor Linda Sabee:

Carmilia’s will be celebrating our 17th year in the neighborhood with three days of shopping fun and events. We’re kicking things off tomorrow, Thursday, November 14, with a trunk show featuring two local designers and a local CBD product, from 4:00-9:00 – Jules Accessory Design, Origami Crane Clothing, and Heylo Cannabis Lube. Friday and Saturday, the fun continues with new deliveries and specials all day both days. We’re open 11:00 am-6:00 pm.

If that’s not enough to convince you to stop by, Linda adds, “I’ll be serving my somewhat famous cake on Friday the 15th. That’s our actual anniversary and my cake is amazing. Triple-layer chocolate with peanut butter honey frosting.” (WSB photo, 2017)

LADY JAYE ADDS BRUNCH: Two months after the restaurant/bar opened at 4523 California SW, co-proprietor Evan Carter has news of an addition: “We will be starting brunch service this Sunday, November 17th, from 10 am-2 pm. Then we will be continuing service every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am-2 pm moving forward. We believe this will be another great option for the Farmers’ Market shoppers to have!:

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Sorento

Phil reports his 2017 gray Kia Sorento SXL was stolen from his driveway on Wright Avenue SW north of Lincoln Park last night. License #KJF9263, “matching scratches on middle passenger doors on left and right sides.” If you see it, call 911.

6 for your West Seattle Wednesday!

(Red-breasted Sapsucker, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SUPPORT FOR WRITERS: 6 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, facilitated by Hugo House. (2306 42nd SW)

LGBTQ TEEN MEETUP: Second meetup for local teens organized by the Gender Family Alliance, 7 pm – info here; contact organizers for location.

POEMS AND STORIES: 7 pm PoetryBridge event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. This month’s featured readers are Paul Nelson and T. Clear. All ages. (5612 California SW)

Q&A WITH YOUR LEGISLATORS: State Sen.Joe Nguyen and Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon are in the spotlight to answer your questions at a “town hall” during tonight’s 34th District Democrats meeting, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. All welcome. (9131 California SW)

‘A FEW GOOD MEN’: Second week begins for the West Seattle High School Drama Club production, 7:30 pm curtain. Ticket info (veterans free!) is in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)

AT PARLIAMENT TAVERN: “It’s another Joe Doria Wednesday! This month featuring Eric Eagle and Brian Monroney.” 9 pm. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MORE TODAY/TONIGHT/BEYOND … on our complete calendar.

HOLIDAY GIVING: Northwest Insurance Group collecting Toys for Tots again this year

November 13, 2019 9:58 am
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 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

As the holidays approach, the season for community giving is under way. Want to help ensure it’s a happy holiday season for local kids? John Moore at Northwest Insurance Group (WSB sponsor) sends word that his office is once again a collection site for Toys for Tots. Just bring your donation of new, unwrapped toys to the Northwest Insurance Group office at 5431 California Ave SW during business hours.

This and other holiday-giving opportunities will be part of our soon-to-launch West Seattle Holiday Guide – still time to let us know about yours, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Wednesday watch

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

6:59 AM: Good morning! Second non-holiday weekday of tunnel tolling. Also:

FERRY REMINDER: The smaller Salish is now on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route in place of an Issaquah-class boat.

7:05 AM: Thanks for the tip – crash reported at West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way. No SFD dispatch so apparently no major injuries.

7:15 AM: Thanks to Bryan for that photo from the crash scene.

7:33 AM: SDOT says that scene has just cleared.

PREVIEW: What you’ll see – and hear! – on November’s West Seattle Art Walk

November 12, 2019 11:26 pm
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 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thursday night, dozens of local venues await your visit during the November West Seattle Art Walk:

That’s the updated map and venue list. Stars mark where you’ll find art; dots mark where you’ll find food/beverage specials for Art Walk’ers; some, you’ll note, have both. Wondering about the art you’ll see? Art Walk organizers spotlight some of the highlights here – starting with a pop-up at 4526 42nd SW, the little house sandwiched between some big buildings (you’ll know it soon as you see the picture). Other venue previews include WSB sponsors Verity Credit Union (4505 California SW) with paintings by Tatyana Brown, Canna West Culture Shop (5435 California SW) with visual art by Ben Calhoun, Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW) with drip paintings by Whitney LaRene, and Click! Design That Fits – as previewed on their own website – with the jewelry invitational Metal + Material. Those are all happening 5-8 pm. Also part of this month’s Art Walk, The Art of MusicByron Street Swing performs 6-7:40 pm at Great American Diner & Bar:

More about that here; Great American is at 4752 California SW.

WEDNESDAY: Q&A with your state legislators

As year’s end approaches, so does a new session of the State Legislature. If you have questions or comments for your state legislators, you will find them all in one place tomorrow (Wednesday) night at the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting. You don’t have to be a member to attend – they’re welcoming all community members, 7 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). Don’t know your legislators, who represent the 34th District, including West Seattle, White Center, Vashon/Maury Islands, and part of Burien? They are State Sen. Joe Nguyen and Reps. Eileen Cody and Joe Fitzgibbon – all West Seattle residents. P.S. You can send questions in advance – find the link here.

HAPPENING NOW: 2019 Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night

November 12, 2019 6:14 pm
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 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Someone in the family going to middle school next year? The place to be tonight is Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (7000 35th SW), where the annual Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night is on until 8 pm.

(Westside School [WSB sponsor] is among the participants)

More than a dozen public, independent, and charter schools have reps there to talk with you.

(Explorer West Middle School [WSB sponsor] is among the participants)

Just drop in.

READER REPORT: West Seattle Veterans Day postscript – a touching surprise

From Casey Mar at West Seattle Electric and Solar, relaying photos and a story shared by proprietor Keith Hughes:

He is the commander of the American Legion Post 160. This past Veterans Day, he opened the hall to host an open house, inviting passersby to come inside and learn a little bit about our nation’s history.

When he went to open the doors to the public in the morning, this sweet memorial was laid out at the base of the flagpole, waiting to be discovered.

Keith tells me that little Charlie is a young West Seattle resident, and to say thank you to the veterans of West Seattle and beyond, he drew a hand to salute the five branches (to him) of the US military – the Army, the Navy, the Merens, the Soljers, and the President– and individually labeled a flower with the name of each war in American history.

On some of these flowers are written what appear to be names of family members who were servicemembers deployed in certain wars. For example, “Grandpa James Braner (sp?) was awarded for bravery, but never spoke about it. (branch unclear in this photograph)”

Keith is a veteran himself, and it was extremely touching for him to find this display waiting for him. The American Legion is a labor of love for him, and this thoughtful salute from young Charlie warmed his heart and lit up his Veterans Day.

Just last Saturday night, Post 160 itself had presented its annual event with thanks to veterans.

ELECTION 2019: 6th round of results

checkbox.jpgOne week after the voting ended, vote-counting continues. It’s mostly a daily trickle from now on, so this will be our last daily update, but here’s where the Seattle City Council District 1 vote totals stand after today’s results report:

Lisa Herbold – 19,835 – 55.71 %
Phil Tavel – 15,638 – 43.92 %

Comparing today’s ballot-return stats to the number counted so far, fewer than 600 remain uncounted in D-1. Turnout for this district is already above 54 percent; 2015 turnout was 45 percent, with ~10,000 fewer ballots returned, ~7,500 fewer registered voters. The final results will be certified in 2 weeks.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Beach Drive burglary suspects

(WSB photo, Sunday night)

Busy weekend in West Seattle Crime Watch coverage. We followed up today on a Sunday night case in which two suspects were arrested, the burglary at an under-construction home in the 5600 block of Beach Drive. The 36-year-old male suspect tracked down by a K-9 team remains in jail, bail set at $2,000. The jail register shows it’s his fifth booking this year; the others were related to warrants. The 53-year-old female suspect does not have recent bookings but does have a decade-plus record of arrests. Both are facing burglary charges; she also is facing a possible drug charge, as police found a baggie of suspected meth in her purse. The police report reveals that a major factor in their inability to make a getaway was that their pickup truck was stuck in the “wet, deep, slippery mud” at the construction site. One other note: The report also explains why SFD was called to the scene – the male suspect claimed he had “overdosed,” but he was eventually cleared for jail booking. The report indicates the burglary was interrupted before anything was removed from the construction site.

DEVELOPMENT: 12-townhouse project for HALA-upzoned site

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)

That century-old house is on one of two parcels that have a just-filed two-part early-stage proposal for 12 townhouses. The parcels are at 9442 and 9446 20th SW, immediately north of a parking lot that’s across SW Roxbury from Holy Family Church. They were upzoned to Lowrise 2 (M1) under HALA-Mandatory Housing Affordability. The initial site plans show 8 offstreet-parking spaces for the 12 units, to be built in four 3-unit buildings.

Greater West Seattle Middle School Info Night, Tool Library annual meeting, more for the rest of your Tuesday

November 12, 2019 10:57 am
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 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Double-crested Cormorant, photographed by Mark Wangerin)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

LEARNING BUDDIES – MATH: 4 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, teen volunteers are there to help K-5 students via math games and activities. (2306 42nd SW)

GREATER WEST SEATTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT: 6 pm, 13 independent and public middle schools from West Seattle and vicinity have reps all in one place, at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center – see the list here. (7000 35th SW)

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Live/work/study/play in the Admiral area? Get involved! The ANA’s every-other-month meeting is 6;30 pm at Admiral Congregational Church – agenda’s in our calendar listing. (4320 SW Hill)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY’S ANNUAL MEETING: First-ever membership meeting for the West Seattle Tool Library! 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FAUNTEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly board meeting – community always welcome. 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse conference room; agenda’s in our calendar listing. (9131 California SW)

OPEN MICS: Two tonight – jazz open mic at The Skylark, 8 pm (3803 Delridge Way SW); hosted by Joey V at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

MORE! on our full calendar.

WHALES: Southbound off West Seattle

Orcas are in the area again. Southbound off Fauntleroy and spread out, reports Kersti Muul.

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First non-holiday weekday with tunnel tolling

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

6:57 AM: Good morning! It’s the first non-holiday weekday since Highway 99 tunnel tolling began, so all eyes are on both 99 and downtown streets to see how traffic patterns change.

CHAMPIONSHIP CELEBRATION: Early this afternoon, a parade celebrating Sounders FC’s MLS Cup victory wlll head from Westlake to Seattle Center for a rally. (Added: Details here.)

WATER TAXI: Though King County had said it hoped to have Sally Fox back in service by today so Doc Maynard could return to the West Seattle run, Water Taxi Watch shows that hasn’t happened yet, with Spirit of Kingston still on the route to/from Seacrest.

7:18 AM: Another waterborne-transit note – though WSF says the smaller M/V Salish would replace M/V Sealth on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run “starting today,” hasn’t happened yet.

8:01 AM: SDOT is now noting the 35th/Dawson crash also mentioned in comments. … Also a ferry update: WSF says the Sealth will leave the Triangle route as of 9 am and there’ll be a temporary 2-boat schedule until Salish is added. …

8:10 AM: WSDOT reports another incident noted in comments, a stall on the WS Bridge exit ramp to NB I-5.

FOLLOWUP: Eddie Martin gets his World Marathon Majors medal and gives his life-saving gift

(Photos courtesy Eddie Martin, shown above after the NYC Marathon)

Back in September, we introduced you to Eddie Martin, a West Seattle runner who was about to complete the feat of running in all six World Marathon Majors.

In the past eight days, he’s not only done that, he’s also presented a gift that he promised as a way to pay forward his good fortune – since his NYC run was in part thanks to winning a drawing – and as a tribute to a friend who survived a brush with death.

First – he ran the New York City Marathon on November 3rd, following the 2006 Chicago Marathon, 2007 Boston Marathon, 2012 Berlin Marathon, 2015 Tokyo Marathon, and 2019 London Marathon. Here’s his report:

I finished the New York Marathon (November 3rd) and completed the 6-star journey! It was an absolutely incredible experience finishing the Marathon Majors. Pure joy crossing the finish line.

A few highlights:

The crowds throughout the course were the best I have ever experienced in any marathon. People from all over the world were screaming and cheering the entire way.

I finished in 3 hours, 5 minutes, and 44 seconds. I qualified for the Boston Marathon, but I will not be running it again anytime soon – I need a break!

The energy and excitement among the 53,000+ runners at the start of the race in Staten Island was powerful. Crossing the Verrazano Bridge into Brooklyn at the beginning of the race was one of my favorite moments. I also really enjoyed the finish in Central Park.

The Marathon Majors asked me to do a video interview the day prior to the race (as part of the lucky 6 who were picked to run). They ended up interviewing my wife, Carina, and me in Central Park for the “Marathon Live” show. Here is a link (our interview is around 12 minutes in)

My wife, kids and I stayed in Williamsburg in Brooklyn. We really enjoyed exploring Brooklyn. My mom and stepdad stayed in another place in the Brooklyn area. We all did some sightseeing after the race. We visited the American Museum of Natural History, 911 memorial, Times Square, Brooklyn, Battery Park, Financial District, and rode the Staten Island Ferry to view the Statue of Liberty.

Incredible trip and adventure. My daughters had a lot of fun and were impressed with the massive size of New York (particularly Manhattan).

Now, the life-saving gift. As explained in our September story, Eddie works for a company that makes automatic external defibrillators. After an AED helped save the life of a good friend earlier this year, he resolved to give a gift in gratitude by donating one. At the time we spoke in September, he and his friend hadn’t decided on a recipient yet. They chose a church in Bremerton – where the friend lives – and presented it this past Saturday:

Carina, Estela, Vivian and I met my friend, first responders, community leaders and family/friends Saturday for a small ceremony at Seaside Church in Bremerton. Everyone talked through the extraordinary sequence of events that led to my friend surviving his sudden cardiac arrest. The first responders and nurse were recognized and then we donated the AED to be placed at Seaside Church. Great day!

His friend’s survival was also made possible by fast action from a nurse who lives nearby, and she too was at the ceremony. Kitsap Sun reporter Josh Farley tells the story here, covering Saturday’s event. As noted in that story, the AED will also be available to people who use a Bremerton park that’s next to the church.