day : 28/04/2022 12 results

What are police and politicians doing about crime? Here’s what the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce heard

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The shrinking sworn staff of the Seattle Police Department doesn’t just mean fewer officers on the street. There are also ripple effects, as was evidenced in a public-safety discussion convened at noontime today by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce.

Two examples: One participant mentioned going to the Southwest Precinct with an urgent matter and having to wait a long time for an officer since the lobby was closed and locked. Another, responding to precinct commander Capt. Martin Rivera‘s plea to report all crimes, said he tries, but “your online-reporting system sucks.”

Along with Capt. Rivera, today’s online meeting was headlined by the two city councilmembers whose divergent proposals for boosting SPD hiring were the subject of impassioned discussion at this past Tuesday’s meeting of the council’s Public Safety and Human Services Committee (WSB coverage here), West Seattle/South Park Councilmember Lisa Herbold – who chairs that committee – and citywide Councilmember Sara Nelson. Our area’s King County Councilmember Joe McDermott was there too but not as a panelist. Here’s what happened:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another gunfire investigation

April 28, 2022 7:20 pm

| 66 COMMENTS

| Crime | High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

7:20 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating another case of car-to-car gunfire right now – they’ve found “rifle casings” at two scenes, both in High Point, one on SW Graham and one on SW Morgan (both at the intersections with Lanham). No victims reported so far. Police are blocking traffic on SW Graham at 34th and to the east of there. Updates to come.

7:29 PM: Now police are saying there’s only one scene with casings, Graham/Lanham. According to dispatch, differing descriptions of the cars involved. (added) They’re also checking Sylvan/Holly.

7:45 PM: Photos added of markers showing where casings were found. Our crew talked with some of the witnesses who say they saw gunfire from a white car, and that a red car might have been involved too.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Police say this incident and the earlier one in Sunrise Heights might be related. Their summary of this one says, “Witnesses advised that a red sedan was following a white sedan from behind, heading Westbound on SW Graham St. Witnesses said occupants from both vehicles were firing shots. Officers located evidence of a shooting from Lanham Pl Sw and SW Graham St. Officers also found evidence of a shooting at the west side of the intersection of 35 Ave Sw/SW Graham St. Officers continued to canvas the area and found property damage on an unoccupied vehicle.” If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 22-106623.

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UPDATE: West Marginal Way reopening after crash

April 28, 2022 7:04 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:04 PM: Thanks for the tip – a wire is reported down across West Marginal Way SW south of the Duwamish Longhouse and we’re told traffic is currently blocked both ways.

(Added: Photo by Amanda Simantov)

7:42 PM: This was the result of a crash. Police are calling for tow trucks.

8:11 PM: Officers have just told dispatch that all northbound lanes are reopening, along with one southbound lane. We’re checking with SFD regarding injuries.

11:22 PM: According to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, this was a two-vehicle crash, with one hitting a utility pole, bringing down the aforementioned wires. SFD evaluated an 18-year-old woman who turned out not to be hurt; no one else reported injuries, either.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police investigating gunfire in Sunrise Heights

April 28, 2022 4:45 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | Sunrise Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photos)

4:45 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating gunfire reported this past half-hour in Sunrise Heights. Shell casings have been found. No victims reported so far. We’re at the scene and will be updating.

4:54 PM: The photo was taken at 32nd and Webster [map]; police tell us they found “several” casings. They also confirm no reports of anyone being hit/hurt. The only description information they have so far is that this may have involved a “red car and gold car.” They’re about to leave the scene.

5:04 PM: Or maybe not. Dispatch has just told officers someone just called in to report finding another casing, in the alley in the 3100 block of SW Webster.

ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Police say it’s possible this incident and the later gunfire in High Point are related. Their summary says, “Witnesses advised that a red sedan was following a white sedan from behind, heading westbound on SW Webster St. Witnesses said an unknown suspect from the red sedan was firing shots toward the white sedan. After hearing the shots, other witnesses reported that a gold sedan was seen speeding away from the area.” If you have any information, the incident # is 22-106468.

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THEATER: Seattle Lutheran High School’s final production ‘The World According to Snoopy’ opens Friday

April 28, 2022 4:42 pm

| Comments Off on THEATER: Seattle Lutheran High School’s final production ‘The World According to Snoopy’ opens Friday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

What will be soon-to-close Seattle Lutheran High School‘s final theater production, “The World According to Snoopy,” opens tomorrow. SLHS is hoping for a good turnout and sent this reminder:

Seattle Lutheran High School Drama is proud to present The World According to Snoopy. Snoopy is the world’s most lovable dog, but people don’t feel the same about his owner, Charlie Brown. In a series of comic strip-like scenes, we watch everyone’s favorite “Peanuts” characters go to school, sit in the pumpkin patch, ask for psychiatric advice, and have wild flights of fancy. This funny, uplifting musical reminds us all of the power of friendship. Don’t miss it!

Thank you to our sponsors: Bakery Nouveau, West Seattle Runner, Sea Pines Physical Therapy, Phoenicia, Biojunction Sports Therapy, BAJ Capital, Seattle Fish Co.,, Peralta Orthodontics. and Freshy’s.

Friday, April 29th at 7:30 pm
Saturday, April 30th at 7:30 pm
Sunday, May 1st at 2:30 pm

Tickets:

$10 for adults
$7 for seniors and non-SLHS students

Location: Menashe Gymnasium at Seattle Lutheran High School (4100 SW Genesee St)

Appropriate for ages preschool and up. Run time of 2 hours with a 15 minute intermission.

Purchase Tickets at the door or online here.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Ramp to northbound Highway 99 reopens early

April 28, 2022 3:01 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

As shown in that live traffic-camera view, the cones are down and the ramp from eastbound Spokane Street/West Seattle Bridge to northbound Highway 99 is open again. The work to fix a hole in the ramp was projected to last up to two weeks – which would have kept it closed until next Monday – but WSDOT just announced this afternoon that it’s done, and Metro has announced that buses that had been detouring through SODO are returning to their regular routes.

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GARAGE SALE DAY UPDATE: Registration’s closed – here’s what’s next

April 28, 2022 1:48 pm

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| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Thanks to the ~320 sellers who signed up for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day before registration closed late last night! WSCGSD is Saturday, May 14th. Here’s what happens next:

*If you’ll be shopping – whether you’re just going to walk/bike over to nearby sales, or travel around the peninsula – May 7th is when we’ll have the map/list available in both clickable and printable formats. The links will be here on WSB as well as at westseattlegaragesale.com.

*If you’ll be selling – we’re going through all the registrations now, so please watch your email in case we have a question. Your sale number will be on the map/list, so once that’s out, you’ll know which sale number to tell your friends, relatives, etc. to look for. If you have to cancel, please let us know as soon as you know – we can take you off the map and out of the guide up until we publish them on May 7th.

As we go through the registrations, we’re making notes such as unusual items, group sites, block/business/school sales, bake sales, and other things to spotlight over the next two weeks. We also want to hear from any organization interested in donations of unsold items – so far we have heard from one, a Goodwill truck that the Lafayette Elementary PTA will be making available that afternoon. Anyone else? Let us know.

Thanks for supporting the return of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day!

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Behind on your utility bills? City’s shutoff moratorium has expired, but help might be available

April 28, 2022 12:19 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Coronavirus | Utilities | West Seattle news

The pandemic moratorium on city utility shutoffs has expired. So if you’re behind, you can’t just let it slide and hope nothing will happen – you’re urged to seek help. Here’s the announcement explaining how:

Seattle City Light (SCL) and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) today announced new flexible payment plans and expanded assistance for customers who are struggling to pay their bills. Customers are urged to visit seattle.gov/UtilityBillHelp or contact the utilities immediately to learn more about their options. Both utilities offer flexible payment plans with no late fees for all customers, and for income-eligible residential customers, significant discounts and emergency assistance money are available.

“We know many of our customers face economic uncertainty that has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Andrew Lee, Interim General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities. “We are taking steps to ensure our customers are aware that assistance is available. We encourage any customer who is behind on their utility bill to contact us today for assistance.”

Approximately 8,500 SPU residential customers and 36,000 SCL residential customers are behind on paying their utility bills. About 1,200 SPU commercial customers and 4,000 SCL commercial customers are in arrears.

While the City of Seattle moratorium on utility shutoffs expired on Friday, April 15, SCL and SPU are focused on proactively engaging with delinquent customers to help them access assistance to get current on their bills. SPU and SCL will be communicating directly to customers who are in arrears to make sure they’re aware of resources available to them before beginning the process of shutoffs for non-payment. Customers who remain current on their payment plan and current bill will not be at risk for shutoff. Customers at risk of having their services shut off will receive additional, direct communications prior to a shutoff taking place.

“Many customers have struggled financially and made tough decisions about which bills to pay. We want them to know that there are options to help get them back on track and alleviate some of the stress through flexible payment plans or assistance programs,” said Debra Smith, General Manager and CEO at Seattle City Light. “Our aim is to get customers to a place where they aren’t facing shutoff for non-payment when the process resumes. We’re here for you and want to help.”

Residential customers can visit seattle.gov/UtilityBillHelp or call 206-684-3000 to set up a flexible payment plan and to find out what assistance is available to them. The City’s Utility Discount Program offers discounts of 60% off electric bills and 50% off water, sewage and solid waste bills for income-eligible residential customers. Utility representatives will also let customers know what types of emergency assistance money might be available to them.

Commercial customers who are behind on their utility bills may also sign up for payment plans. They are encouraged to visit seattle.gov/UtilityBillHelp, call (206) 684-3000 or contact their SPU or SCL representative directly for assistance.

To learn about other assistance for customers financially impacted by Covid, including those seeking assistance to avoid eviction, please visit City of Seattle resources.

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FOLLOWUP: West Seattle neighbors’ generosity helps theft victims restart their business

April 28, 2022 11:20 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

One month ago, we reported on a work-van theft that left Alejandra and Obed unable to operate their small business. Their friend Brenda then sent organized a crowdfunding campaign to help them get back to work, and now she has this update:

Thanks to the amazing support of the West Seattle community, the crowdfunding campaign has raised just over $6,000, allowing the couple to replace nearly all of the tools and equipment that were stolen and have their business up and going again! They are very thankful for the community’s help and everyone’s generosity.

Also, some of the West Seattle Blog readers and those who donated to the Go Fund Me asked how to learn about their services. I am attaching a photo of Obed using one of the new tools [above] and their business card with their services and contact information.

Thank you again to the WSB and the WS community for turning this unfortunate incident into a story with a very happy ending!

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Bridge briefing @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition, Madison’s ‘Twelfth Night,’ more for your Thursday

April 28, 2022 10:30 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Lincoln Park, photographed last weekend by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox, reminders for the rest of today/tonight:

PRESCHOOLS’ ONLINE AUCTION EXTENDED: Join RIFC and SWEL have extended their virtual 9th annual silent auction through May 4th – you can help these Delridge preschools by bidding, starting with registration here.

LIGHT RAIL COMMENT DEADLINE: Final day to send Sound Transit your comment(s) on West Seattle light rail routing/station-location effects.

SOUND TRANSIT BOARD: No official items related to the West Seattle project on the 1:30-5 pm online meeting’s agenda, which includes information on viewing/commenting.

SPORTS: One home game – West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS in softball, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm online, with the agenda including two discussions with SDOT reps – about West Seattle Bridge repairs and the Freight Mobility Plan. Our calendar listing includes how to watch/listen.

‘SCREENAGERS’: Watch the film and then discuss it with a counselor in an online event presented by a group of local schools, 6:30 pm.

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Come try something new at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), 6:30-10 pm.

‘TWELFTH NIGHT’: Second of three online performances of Madison Middle School‘s online production of Shakespeare‘s “Twelfth Night”– our calendar listing has the RSVP link.

Have an event to list on our calendar/in our daily lists? We’re adding more daily – email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SUMMER CAMP: Explorer West Middle School offering week of cryptozoology!

April 28, 2022 9:42 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Summer break gets ever closer, and many summer-camp opportunities have long been filled up. Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) has one with openings, July 11-15, for rising 5th, 6th, and 7th graders – here’s what it’s about:

Curious what creatures lurk in the shadows of the Pacific Northwest? Join us as we explore different habitats and discover how scientists study elusive creatures and what separates solid science from quackery. The real thing is often stranger than fiction! We’ll examine fossils for evidence of evolution, visit the beach to learn how Native stories of sea serpents can shed light on local geology, explore adaptations with microscopes and perform hands-on science experiments. Each day will include a field trip or hike in a local park. Flyer attached! Contact Lisa at lisak@explorer-west.org with questions or to register.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday watch

April 28, 2022 6:02 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:07 AM: Thanks for the tips. SFD has responded to a vehicle fire in the 900 block of SW Holden. We’re told the vehicle has been moved to the side.

————

6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, April 28th.

WEATHER

mentioned here, Genesee Hill Elementary [map] expects extra biking, rolling, and walking today, so be extra-careful on all routes around the school.

ROAD WORK

*Overnight alerts continue for some work under the bridge related to what’s happening on it – follow the link to see tonight’s schedule.

*The 8th/Roxbury crews were working on Wednesday morning when we went through around 10 am, with work concentrated in the curb lane on the northbound side just north of Roxbury.

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro is on its regular weekday schedule. Watch @kcmetrobus for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi, which is operated by Metro, is now on the summer schedule – with later evening runs on Fridays and Saturdays.

Ferries: WSF continues using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

766th morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)