West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
Two more West Seattle Crime Watch reports before the night’s out:
GUNFIRE INVESTIGATION: Police have told dispatch they found at least five shell casings in the 4400 block of 26th SW, after going to the area to check out 911 callers’ reports of hearing suspected gunfire. No injuries reported so far.
STOLEN RED TAHOE: Lexy says this happened in Admiral:
Red 2003 Chevy Tahoe. Stolen sometime last night or this morning. BZE4423 plate number. Case number 22-116443.
(WSB photos)
Pitcher Felix Schlede got the win for West Seattle High School tonight in a Metro League playoff game against Bishop Blanchet, striking out 13 in six innings on the way to the Wildcats’ 5-2 victory. They played in intermittently showery weather at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center.
The big inning for WSHS was the fifth, when they brought in three runs.
Next up, the league-leading Wildcats play Eastside Catholic at 7 pm Saturday, also at Steve Cox.
With five days left until the return of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – this Saturday, May 14th – we’re getting down to specifics. The map/list has been public since Saturday, so you can see who has what, where. And we’re publishing some lists of certain types of sales from among the 320+ registered, starting now. First – the sales with all or part of the proceeds intended as benefits – here are the beneficiaries listed by the sellers:
#56 – Hope Lutheran Youth fundraising for travel
#70 – Emerald City Pet Rescue (including the kid-made $1 painted rocks in the photo above)
#72 – Boy Scout Troop 284
#78 – new nonprofit Hazelwood Preschool
#115 – Girl Scout Troop 42860
#211 – WSHS Earth Club (note that this sale’s location has changed – it will be at WSHS)
#221 – Esperanzas Unidas (youth-made art kits to raise $ to educate girls in Honduras)
#232 – Seattle Humane
#248 – Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp (this sale starts on Friday)
#255 – Kitsap Humane Society
#270 – Delta Kappa Gamma’s scholarship fundraiser for women in education
#303 – Solstice P-Patch’s fundraising plant sale
(Did we miss anyone? Let us know – we reviewed all 320+ registrations but there’s always a chance we missed making a note.) Official sale hours are 9 am-3 pm Saturday, but some start earlier and some end later – see the listings for those notations, and be sure to re-check the map page for late changes and cancellations before Saturday – lists like this will be cross-linked there too.
(WSB photos)
It’s playoff time, and the Chief Sealth International High School boys’ soccer team played O’Dea this afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. The result was a 3-0 season-ending loss for the Seahawks.
The score was a flip of the two teams’ last meeting two weeks ago, which Sealth took, 3-0. The Seahawks end the season with 11 wins in 16 games.
Stephen sent the photos and report, with a question for other drivers:
I was driving eastbound on Spokane (after I turned right from Avalon) around 3:15 pm today and as I go under the higher bridge, wet concrete started falling like a waterfall. There are rocks mixed in the concrete and broke my upper right windshield. I just wanted to see if other drivers got hit as well. There was a yellow pickup truck behind me and I am sure it got dinged.
Stephen hadn’t yet reported it to SDOT. For any kind of city-road/bridge-related problem, 206-684-ROAD or 684-Road@seattle.gov. (If it’s an urgent hazard after-hours, 206-386-1218 or 911.) We’ll follow up with SDOT tomorrow.
CARJACKING ARREST FOLLOWUP: On Friday, we reported on the Harbor Island-vicinity arrest of a woman suspected in a carjacking north of downtown. The 25-year-old suspect remains in jail, bail set at $5,000 though the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says they requested $75,000 bail. We’ve obtained the probable-cause documents, which say the carjacking victim was pulled out of her parked Subaru Forester near 8th Avenue North and Thomas Street (map) just before 3:30 pm Friday. Police got word about 10 minutes later that the car was “seen driving up on railroad tracks, and (the carjacker) was seen fleeing the Subaru.” The car was found abandoned on tracks southeast of the low bridge. Police searched the area and even used the Guardian One helicopter to look, but didn’t find anyone – until they got word someone had been robbed of their wallet somewhere in the Harbor Island vicinity, and that led them to the suspect.
JESSICA BEACH: Last week we reported on the robbery charge filed against 34-year-old Jessica M. Beach for threatening staff at the South Delridge T-Mobile store while stealing merchandise. We mentioned a separate assault case that the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had filed against her the same day, but weren’t able to immediately obtain information. Today we have those charging documents. She was charged with third-degree assault for hitting a man in the head with a golf club April 21st while he was trying to detain an alleged associate of hers after a burglary in Burien. Beach remains in jail, bail set at $150,000 total for the robbery and assault cases.
One reader report today …
ANOTHER CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT: Jerry Simmons, who often shares photos here and elsewhere online, is the latest victim. Thieves took the catalytic converter from a truck used in his plumbing business:
Jerry says this happened in the Fairmount Park area.
Two updates from downtown this afternoon on public-safety issues of note:
POLICE HIRING: Last night we previewed tomorrow’s City Council Public Safety and Human Services Committee meeting, for which the agenda includes two divergent proposals by Councilmember Lisa Herbold – the committee’s chair – and Councilmember Sara Nelson. This afternoon, a news release announces that they have agreed to work together on the issue, though previously Nelson had noted that Herbold declined to co-sponsor her proposal, a resolution supporting hiring incentives such as bonuses; Herbold had proposed an ordinance that would cover moving expenses for new SPD hires and some other hard-to-fill city jobs, and pay for a police recruiter. The news release says both councilmembers have agreed to work with Mayor Bruce Harrell on “a unified approach and path forward to passing legislation related to hiring incentives in support of improving public safety.” He is quoted as calling both councilmembers’ original legislation “two thoughtful proposals.” Nelson now plans to offer a “friendly amendment” to Herbold’s proposal that would add money for “SPD’s recruitment advertising and outreach budget.” The mayor, meantime, promises to propose a “more comprehensive recruitment strategy … before summer.”
REPEAT OFFENDERS: According to another news release, Seattle Municipal Court judges have agreed to City Attorney Ann Davison‘s request to exclude certain repeat offenders – aka “high utilizers” – from the Seattle Community Court program. The announcement says they’ve agreed to this somewhat under protest – “The court strongly disagrees that Community Court has not been effective in dealing with the ‘high utilizer’ individuals.” The program, less than two years old, is described as intended “to assist individuals booked into jail on low level misdemeanor charges through access to services in the community instead of sitting in jail waiting for a court date.” Previously, the court had said it was “evaluating” Davison’s proposal.
That simple rocking chair has huge sentimental value – but it got a new home by mistake this past weekend. Erik says his neighbor is hoping to get it back:
My neighbor had her garage cleaned up this weekend and her daughter’s blue rocking chair was mistakenly given away (Admiral neighborhood). If you were given the chair or know someone who was could you reach out to my neighbor Lauren at 206-271-5484, it’s a very sentimental piece they’d love to get back. Thanks in advance for anyone who might be able to help.
Big event for local yarn aficionados starting Wednesday – here’s the announcement from Seattle Yarn (5633 California SW):
Destiny Itano and Cheryl Lea of Seattle Yarn are celebrating their fourth year as owners of Seattle Yarn at 5633 California SW in West Seattle! They are also one of 20 local yarn stores in the PNW participating in the Puget Sound Local Yarn Tour, an amazing annual tradition that’s been going on for 16 years. The tour is 5 days and starts this Wednesday, May 11. Many fiber art aficionados make the annual trek, trying to make it to as many stores as they can in a few days to have their “passport” stamped. In past years, many tour participants have been “finishers”, having reached all 20 stores!
Also: There is a daily prize drawing, a free knitting pattern, free crochet pattern, locally dyed yarns, a new and exclusive yarn from Indigodragonfly, a selfie station designed by Destiny’s son – a local artist, conversations with master fiber artists, and, of course, deals! I would also encourage folks who appreciate fine arts to come by and check out some of the beautiful display knitted pieces – which are stunning! And everyone loves the ever growing family of gnomes and bears, knitted by Elspeth and crocheted by Winter.
(Gnomes and bears NOT for sale)
Seattle Yarn will be open extended hours for the tour, May 11-15: Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm.
11:14 AM: Just announced by Metro:
Scheduled repairs to the Seacrest Dock in West Seattle will close the dock during the midday sailing hours between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm from Monday, May 16 through Thursday, May 19. Should work complete early, notification regarding service resumption will follow.
We’re following up to see what the repairs entail.
ADDED 2:14 PM: Water Taxi spokesperson Al Sanders tells us it’s actually maintenance: “The time is needed to complete the final phase of dock maintenance at Seacrest Park which had been scheduled for mid-April but was delayed due to supply chain issues. The contractor is planning on three days of work with one day as a buffer, so it is possible to resume service earlier based on their success in executing the work.”
(Sunday clouds, photographed from Lincoln Park by Paige Canfield)
Here’s what’s up for the hours ahead:
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm online, councilmembers look at the week ahead and recap the past week. No public-comment period, but the agenda explains how to watch/listen.
SPORTS: Two high-school playoff faceoffs today: At 4 pm, the Chief Sealth International High School boys’ soccer team plays O’Dea at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle); at 7 pm, the West Seattle High School baseball team plays Bishop Blanchet at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center (1321 SW 102nd).
OPEN D&D: Drop in to play 6:30 pm-10 pm Mondays at Meeples Games (3727 California SW).
TRIVIA X 3: Three scheduled options tonight for trivia players – 7 pm at Best of Hands (35th/Webster), 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something coming up that should be listed on our calendar and in our daily previews? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you haven’t already seen this on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – you can dine and dance (or sit and listen) this Friday night while giving student musicians a boost:
West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance
Friday, May 13th from 6-9 pm
West Seattle High School Courtyard (Commons if inclement weather)Featuring the West Seattle Big Band, with performances from our high-school musicians, including our Jazz Bands. Dinner will be provided by Thai U Up, with dessert from our very own WSHS culinary students.
Dinner/Dance tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door for adults and $20 students/children; $10 dance-only tickets are available. wshsmusic.org
Not only a community performance, this event will help Raise Funds for Fundamentals! Money raised will help us build our foundation with instrument purchases, sheet music, and coaching. We will have direct donation opportunities and a raffle for some really nice baskets filled with gift cards, opportunities, services, much more. We are still accepting donations if you or your business would like to donate!
Please visit wshsmusic.org for reservation and payment instructions. Any questions, donations, concerns can be sent to westseattle.musicboosters@gmail.com.
As explained on its website, the WS Big Band was originally formed by WSHS alumni 26 years ago.
6:03 AM: Good morning and welcome to Monday, May 9th.
WEATHER
The National Weather Service again predicts a mostly cloudy day, chance of showers, high in the 50s.
BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES
Metro is on its regular weekday schedule, but watch @kcmetroalerts (new account) for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.
Check the West Seattle Water Taxi status here.
Ferries: WSF continues using the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth. Check here for alerts/updates.
STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT
Mariners are home vs. Philadelphia at 6:40 pm.
BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES
777th 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.)
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge:
West Marginal Way at Highland Park Way:
Highland Park Way/Holden:
The 5-way intersection (Spokane/West Marginal/Delridge/Chelan):
Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed; 1st Ave. S. Bridge openings are tweeted by @wsdot_traffic.
All city traffic cams can be seen here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page
Trouble on the roads/paths/water? Text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Mary reports her pickup truck was stolen late Sunday night:
I have a 2007 dark blue Chevy Silverado truck that was stolen out of the front of my house around 46th and Erskine … The license plate C43764G. Please keep your eyes out for it!
2:25 AM UPDATE: Here’s the police report # – 22-115989.
TUESDAY UPDATE: Mary reports it’s been found.
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