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day : 10/02/2020 11 results

Our Lady of Guadalupe to offer three ‘safe parking’ spaces starting later this month
February 10, 2020 10:57 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

(WSB photo)

Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church has, like many local churches, ministered to the needy in a multitude of ways. In the past, it’s sheltered homeless women and families. Starting in two weeks, it’s offering refuge in a new way – several “safe parking” spaces for people living in cars. The plan came to light in an update sent to city councilmembers by Human Services Department director Jason Johnson, as first reported earlier today by The Seattle Times. We have since obtained Johnson’s email, in which he wrote that OLG had approached the city “in late 2019” about getting involved with the Safe Parking program, pioneered by a Ballard church.

The email contained few specifics about OLG’s plan, so we contacted OLG to find out more; turns out they were having a training session tonight for volunteers. OLG’s pastoral assistant for outreach, Jennifer Ibach, provided this FAQ document that’s been circulated in the church community.

Key points:

-The church was asked to provide space for up to seven cars to park; a portable toilet and “hospitality hut” will be provided by the Urban League, the program’s official service provider. OLG is planning to provide three spots to start with.

-The people offered spaces will be “motivated adult individuals and/or couples with no place to stay but in their vehicles.” The Urban League will screen people: “Participants referred to Urban League will undergo an intake and screening process, including a credit check and a national criminal background check.” They will not allow sex offenders or “persons convicted of violent offenses, with a history of violence or with current violent offenses (including restraining orders and domestic violence).”

-There will be a “zero tolerance” policy for alcohol and other drugs.

-Participants will get case management.

-There’s no time limit but it’s expected to be short-term: “This is a road to housing, not a road to parking!”

The FAQ document above has many other details. Ibach told us they expect the program to start February 24th.

Side note: HSD director Johnson’s email also mentioned an additional, unidentified West Seattle church “has also reached out” about involvement in the Safe Parking program and is in exploratory talks.

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SPORTS: Postseason basketball, night 1
February 10, 2020 10:35 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Three postseason high-school basketball games tonight:

(WSB photo: Chief Sealth #1, Cortez Graham)

–Chief Sealth International High School – boys lost to Franklin, 57-50; girls lost to Nathan Hale, 45-22

–West Seattle High School, boys lost to O’Dea 77-50

Only one game was at home, the CSIHS boys’ game, so we were there, and will add photos from that a bit later.

ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: The Seahawks kept it close until literally the last minute – just one point behind – but a technical foul cost them dearly. Top scorer for Sealth was (top photo) Cortez Graham with 19 points. Next was Taien Jackson with 14, including four 3-pointers:

That’s the season wrap for Head Coach Colin Slingsby and team.

The Sealth girls’ season is over too. … Meantime, the West Seattle girls play at Bainbridge 7 pm tonight (Tuesday), while the WSHS boys play Rainier Beach at Franklin on Thursday at 5:45 pm.

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CAMP SECOND CHANCE: What the Community Advisory Committee heard this time
February 10, 2020 8:05 pm
|    Comments Off on CAMP SECOND CHANCE: What the Community Advisory Committee heard this time
 |   Myers Way | West Seattle news

As city leaders consider loosening the rules to allow more tiny-house encampments, West Seattle’s lone authorized encampment Camp Second Chance continues to do well, according to updates at its monthly Community Advisory Committee meeting on Sunday afternoon.

CAC UPDATES: A larger group than usual was present at the front of the room, and each offered an update at introduction time:

Read More

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Charges filed in Alki shooting, Junction robbery, tool-buyback cases
February 10, 2020 6:06 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges today in three cases we’re tracking:

(WSB photo February 2)

ALKI SHOOTING: 21-year-old Allan D. Hawley is charged with 2 counts of first-degree assault in the incident that injured two men, both also 21, early February 2nd. The charging document recaps the same narrative as we reported back in our Friday followup – alleging that Hawley shot at the victims and others for reasons unknown, after a brief bout of fighting that at first appeared to have been resolved amicably. Prosecutors say Hawley does not have an adult felony record and appears to have one juvenile felony, but the record is sealed. Hawley remains in jail in lieu of $400,000 bail.

JUNCTION ROBBERY: 38-year-old Monique S. Anderson is charged with second-degree robbery for last Wednesday’s shoplift-turned-robbery at West Seattle Optix; one staffer there was hurt by glass shards sent flying when she kicked out a window to get away. The charging documents recap that store employees say Anderson had come into the shop on the preceding Saturday but left when she became aware she was being watched; then on Wednesday, she grabbed four pairs of sunglasses worth $1600 and tried to leave, but staffers stopped her, in what was described as quite a struggle. Aside from the theft case for which she had a warrant when arrested, prosecutors say her past convictions were 15+ years ago. She remains in jail, bail still at $10,000.

TOOL-BUYBACK CASE – AND MORE: This case turns out to be far more complicated than first reported in an SPD Blotter summary that we mentioned on Saturday. 31-year-old Jared M. Bruce is now charged wth unlawful second-degree firearm possession and first-degree attempted stolen-property trafficking. The police narrative say this started with $5,000 in tools stolen from a home-construction site in the 4800 block of Puget Way SW on January 26th. The victim found two items, a table saw and generator, for sale on OfferUp. The account offering the items was in Bruce’s name. The victim worked with police, who set up an undercover buyback sting. It happened last Wednesday night at Westwood Village; the suspect showed up in what turned out to be a stolen truck. That was impounded, and he was arrested.

The next day, though, Bruce was released on personal recognizance, and, the charging papers say, prosecutors did not object: “Given the facts known at the time, a personal-recognizance release appeared appropriate, given that probable cause was only found for trafficking in stolen property.” But police had warned, in their report, that the suspect might be linked to a stolen handgun in a storage unit, and “Any release prior to a full and lawful search of the truck would give opportunity for the suspect to arm himself with the outstanding stolen firearm …” (The suspect’s record includes a conviction for unlawful gun possession.)

ss it turned out, when a search warrant was obtained for the truck last Friday – one day after Bruce was released – police found what is believed to be the stolen handgun, linked to a Kittitas County burglary in which Bruce is a suspect. Bruce’s bail was set today at $75,000, but he remains out of custody, so far.

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EAST MARGINAL WAY: Pop-up meetings, survey as SDOT moves ahead with long-awaited safety project
February 10, 2020 4:37 pm
|    Comments Off on EAST MARGINAL WAY: Pop-up meetings, survey as SDOT moves ahead with long-awaited safety project
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

The long-awaited safety improvements for East Marginal Way – a major route for bicycle traffic between West Seattle and downtown, and also a major freight route – have hit another milestone, 60 percent design. SDOT has opened a survey seeking feedback, and will have two “pop-up” meetings Tuesday and Wednesday. Here’s the announcement:

We are excited to share that after securing additional funding for the E Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project in 2019, we recently reached our 60% design milestone for the North and Central segments of the project. We are currently collecting feedback on our design so far – click here to take our survey!

We expect to complete design later this year and move into Phase 1 of construction in 2021. Phase 1 will include a protected bike lane between S Atlantic St and S Spokane St, reconstructed intersections at S Hanford St and S Horton St, and a potential relocation of train tracks at S Hanford St.

If you commute by bike on E Marginal Way S, you may see our project team alongside the bike lane next week. Stop by to learn more about the project and ask us any questions you have! Below are the details for where we will be:

Tuesday, February 11: 7:15 – 8:45 a.m. near S Hanford St and S Horton St
Wednesday, February 12: 4:15 – 5:45 p.m. on S Spokane St near the West Seattle Bridge

For more information about project features and schedule, please visit our project website. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us at EastMarginal@seattle.gov. We are also happy to meet with interested groups to discuss project details – please contact us to arrange.

One such group is West Seattle Bike Connections, which has been very active in advocating for this, and which will have a guest from SDOT at its March meeting (thanks to Paul Dieter for the tip) – 6:30 pm March 3 at Neighborhood House High Point (6400 Sylvan Way SW).

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle High School girls’ bowling team competes @ state – in first year!
February 10, 2020 3:54 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Bri’Anna for the photos and report:

Congratulations to the West Seattle High School girls bowling team! With an undefeated inaugural season, the ladies won Metros, districts, and multiple individual conference awards.

They concluded their season with a trip to the WIAA State 3A Girls Bowling Tournament at Narrows Plaza Bowl in University Place Friday and Saturday. The team bowled six regular games on Friday. Their individual scores were also applied to the singles competition. Senior Evan Smith earned 12th place in the singles event, and freshman Jasmine Bachmeier-Emswiler knocked down an impressive 1000+ pins over 6 games for a top 25 finish.

The tournament concluded with 14 baker games on Saturday. Friday’s pin total carried over to Saturday, and although they held on as long as they could, the ladies finished two pins out of 7th place. Ending their first season as the 8th best high school team in the state is something each of the bowlers is extremely proud of!

A big thank you to Coach Jeremy Marzofka for stepping up to coach, for taking the sport of bowling seriously, and for being a spectacular leader! Congratulations to all 22 girls in the program! What an impressive history-making year! GO WILDCATS!

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WORK ALERT: Drilling in Fauntleroy to prepare for replacing creek culverts
February 10, 2020 1:51 pm
|    Comments Off on WORK ALERT: Drilling in Fauntleroy to prepare for replacing creek culverts
 |   Fauntleroy | Utilities | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

Thanks to Mary for the tip about that drilling crew at work in a very visible Fauntleroy spot – across from the church/YMCA, just south of the historic schoolhouse, right at a RapidRide stop. Shortly after her inquiry, we belatedly received this notice from Seattle Public Utilities, explaining it’s part of preparations for the Fauntleroy Creek Culvert Replacement Project:

When we reported on the project’s early-stage planning last year, construction was expected to happen in phases between 2021 and 2024.

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FOLLOWUP: About Alki’s double harbor-seal weekend visit
February 10, 2020 11:59 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photos by David Hutchinson. Above, the younger “visiting” seal)

Saturday night, we reported on Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network volunteers keeping watch on two harbor seals who turned up on Alki Beach. Here’s a followup from SSMMSN’s David Hutchinson:

Saturday afternoon, Alki Beach played host to a couple of harbor seals. It was very unusual that one of them was an adult (below).

Adult harbor seals rarely haul out on a populated beach as they have learned to be wary of humans. The fact that this animal would choose Alki, and based on body condition, some coughing and lethargic behavior, all indicate the adult seal was likely suffering from pneumonia. Many young seals are also struggling with health issues this time of year. That is why it is critical that people stay far back so these animals can rest safely.

All marine mammals are protected by federal law. If you spot any on our beaches, please keep back, ask others to stay at a distance, and leash any pets. Be sure to call the Seal Sitters Hotline at 206-905-7325. Just a friendly reminder that it is illegal for dogs to be on any Seattle Parks’ beaches on or off leash.

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Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council, trivia, books, more for your West Seattle Monday
February 10, 2020 11:34 am
|    Comments Off on Pigeon Point Neighborhood Council, trivia, books, more for your West Seattle Monday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Eric Bell)

A busy week begins! From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE DROP-IN TAX HELP: Need free tax assistance? You can visit the Delridge Library, 2-7 pm today, as explained here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

2 EVENING BOOK GROUPS: Both at 6:45 pm:
–At Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), reading “The Art of Fielding” by Chad Harbach
–At West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), reading “To the Lighthouse” by Virginia Woolf

PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 7 pm in the library at Pathfinder K-8. Agenda includes:

– Osbaldo Hernandez Sahagun – Department of Neighborhoods to discuss sources of funding for neighborhood projects

– Chris Porter – Candidate for King County Conservation District

– Discuss Spring Clean 2020 and what our project will be

– Sound Transit – to give us an update on the status of the light rail impacts on our neighborhood

(1901 SW Genesee)

ZEN MEDITATION: 7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC, hosted by Puget Sound Zen. All welcome, whether or not you’ve meditated before – details in our calendar listing. (9140 California SW)

3 TRIVIA/QUIZ NIGHTS: Three Monday night options:
*Best of Hands Barrelhouse (7500 35th SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm, $2/person, 21+
*The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm, free, all ages
*Parliament Tavern (4210 SW Admiral Way), 8 pm, $2/person, 21+

WHAT ELSE IS UP TODAY/TONIGHT AND BEYOND: Check out our complete Event Calendar!

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YOU CAN HELP: Victim Support Team looking for new members
February 10, 2020 10:53 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Victim Support Team looking for new members
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Forwarded by Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Danner:

Domestic violence is a community issue.

In the US, 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men will be victims of DV in their lifetimes.

For the last 24 years, community members have partnered Seattle Police with to address and prevent domestic violence.

The Seattle Police Department recognizes the time immediately following a police response as a critical window for survivors to make empowered choices. However, emergency support and resources are often limited and hard to access.

We need your help.

The Victim Support Team (VST) is a rewarding volunteer opportunity to offer support when it is needed the most. VST is a mobile crisis team, operating on the weekends, responding city-wide to offer on-scene and over-the-phone support. Volunteers work in teams of two and provide resource referral, safety planning, and emergency supplies.

VST is now recruiting new volunteers for their Spring Training Academy!

Deadline to submit an online application is March 11th, 2020. Volunteers must be 21+, have a Valid WA license, and pass an SPD background check. To apply or find out more, check out www.seattle.gov/police/vst.

For additional information or questions, please contact the VST Volunteer Supervisor at spd.vst@seattle.gov or call (206) 615-0892.

The Victim Support Team is committed to connecting all community members, in every neighborhood, to this unique opportunity.

For more about what the VST does, see this WSB story from 2013, when a local volunteer spoke to the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
February 10, 2020 6:58 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Monday watch
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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

6:58 AM: Good morning.

STOPLIGHT ALERT: Texter says 35th/Barton signal is in flashing mode again this morning.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Friday afternoon, the start date for the Columbia Street Transit Pathway downtown was finally announced – February 22nd.

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