month : 05/2023 320 results

This was a case of auto theft via tow, reports Madyline, who says this happened at 9th/Kenyon in Highland Park:

Our silver Lexus ES330 with a license plate number of BRG8989 was stolen last night. There are scratches along the passenger side doors and damage to the bumper. The car was parked near our mechanics and was not in running condition. They broke a window (broken glass along the road) and then force-towed the car (there are drag marks on the road). I’m assuming that they are going to try and scrap it, so I would love tips regarding where to call around about that. Also, the items of note on the car were an orange rain jacket, and a car-seat base. Please let us know if you find either of those items dumped.

The frame grab is from a video camera at the mechanic shop, Madyline adds, showing a black pickup towing the Lexus, and, “They also dumped a trailer that they had stolen. The report number is 23-125937.”

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Watch for street-painting crews

May 9, 2023 12:33 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

TUESDAY REPORT: Seen in The Junction today – SDOT crews repainting road markings. Warmer weather this time of year tends to launch a lot of work like this that couldn’t be done during the cold, rainy season, so be extra watchful, and be aware you may need a few extra minutes to get where you’re going.

ADDED WEDNESDAY: We asked SDOT for some context. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied:

Each year, we repaint over 1,500 crosswalks across Seattle to keep markings bright and visible. This work requires dry weather, and so as you guessed the spring and summer is re-painting season. This is made possible thanks to funding from the voter-approved Levy to Move Seattle.

This year, we’re repainting about 160 crosswalks in Seattle City Council District 1. Our signs and markings crew have already completed roughly 125 of these crosswalks, and have about 35 crosswalks left to paint.

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TONIGHT: Two neighborhood meetings, including Hiawatha discussion @ Admiral Neighborhood Association

May 9, 2023 11:26 am

| Comments Off on TONIGHT: Two neighborhood meetings, including Hiawatha discussion @ Admiral Neighborhood Association

| Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Breaking news got in the way of today’s full event list – you can check our West Seattle Event Calendar to see everything that’s ahead – but there are two community meetings we want to mention:

PARKS @ ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: For those interested in the projects happening at Hiawatha, the Admiral Neighborhood Association plans to discuss them tonight with a Parks representative. All are welcome at the meeting, which is in-person only, starting at 7 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). SPD also is expected to be in attendance as usual, so you also have an opportunity to ask about recent incidents/concerns.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Toward the south end of the peninsula, tonight’s also the regular meeting for the Fauntleroy Community Association board. Community members are always welcome. It’s a hybrid meeting, so you can attend either in-person at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) or online – you can register via the FCA website.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Admiral investigation

May 9, 2023 10:38 am

| 14 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

10:38 AM: Police are investigating a robbery reported in The Admiral District, and that had West Seattle High School sheltering in place for a short time – we’re told that has just ended. The call was logged to the 2600 block of California SW, but so far we haven’t found officers in the area. We’ll add more details as we get them.

11:37 AM: We checked with businesses all around the block in person and by phone. A Safeway staffer says that the incident was at their store but says it did not turn out to be a robbery. The only element discernible from archived dispatch audio is that police were looking for a suspect described as a Black man, mid-20s, 5-8, 150 to 170 pounds, wearing a black stocking cap, black jacket, white T-shirt, blue jeans, black shoes – and carrying a crossbow.

4:48 PM: Here’s the preliminary summary from SPD:

At 0958 hours, officers responded to the 2600 block of California Ave SW where a male subject with a crossbow entered the store and stole merchandise. Staff told police the subject had an unloaded mini crossbow in his hands as he was filling his backpack. The suspect left in an unknown direction on foot prior to police arrival.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Chief Sealth IHS/Denny IMS threat investigation (updated)

May 9, 2023 8:58 am

| 33 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

8:58 AM: For the second consecutive day, police and Seattle Public Schools authorities are investigating a social-media post construed as a “potential threat.” Thanks to the Chief Sealth International High School and Denny International Middle School parents who forwarded this message from the schools’ principals:

Dear Chief Sealth and Denny Families and Staff,

We want to provide some information about a social media post shared among our community that is causing concern. Overnight, we received notifications regarding a potential threat.

We are working with Seattle Police Department (SPD) and Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security. The police department and district’s Safety and Security Department are investigating. At this time, we have not determined any credibility to the post.

School will continue as scheduled today, Tuesday, May 9. As a precaution, SPD will have officers on the Denny and Chief Sealth campuses today. We will also have additional district security staff at our school.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is my top priority. We are committed to doing everything to keep our students and staff safe. Thank you to the students and families who reported this concern to administrators. Please talk with your students about the importance of reporting any threats they hear or see immediately.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

Principal Morales & Principal Lam
Chief Sealth International High School & Denny International Middle School

The notice was timestamped 8:17 am. This comes the day after a similar notice was sent to West Seattle High School families. We’ll be following up.

10:21 PM: The principals sent a followup note later in the day, in which they wrote, “SPS staff has determined that the post is not a credible threat. Denny and Chief Sealth were not in harm’s way because of the social post. … The three students involved are facing consequences. Denny school staff are working with the students and their families to help the students understand that making remarks like these is a very serious matter.” The note went on to recommend resources for discussing appropriate and safe online behavior with young people.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Tuesday info, with reopened ramp to NB 99

May 9, 2023 6:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Tuesday, May 9th. After a six-day closure, the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to northbound State Highway 99 is open again, as we first reported earlier this morning:

WSDOT says the concrete poured Saturday cured more quickly than they expected.

TRANSIT

Metro – Downtown-bound buses should be back on regular routing this morning. Otherwise, regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening.

Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule.

Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule but with the chance of sailing cancellations on short notice, so check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.

OTHER SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, high in the low 60s, getting warmer every day for the rest of this week – still looking sunny and warm for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on Saturday! Sunrise was at 5:40 am; sunset will be at 8:32 pm.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Ramp to NB 99 now open, after 6-day closure

May 9, 2023 2:31 am

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

As we reported Monday afternoon, the Washington State Department of Transportation said its repaired ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to northbound Highway 99 would be open by 5 am … and WSDOT just announced that it reopened at 2 am. So if you’re headed for NB 99 at this early hour, you can get there from the bridge again. This ends the closure that started last Tuesday evening after at least five drivers suffered tire blowouts because of a 5′ x 4′ hole in the 64-year-old ramp.

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SPORTS: West Seattle High School baseball team secures state spot with tonight’s Metro tournament win

May 8, 2023 11:01 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos)

With their 20th win, the West Seattle High School baseball team also secured a spot in the state tournament. The Wildcats shut out O’Dea tonight, 4-0 at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, and play Lincoln for the Metro League championship on Saturday night. WSHS pitcher Matthew Henning pitched the complete game, allowing only two hits:

Wildcat Bobby Trigg was first to score a run for WSHS, with a second-inning homer.

They’ll be back at Steve Cox (1321 SW 102nd, White Center) to go for the league title Saturday night, 7 pm.

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Sentencing in Westwood Village Target standoff

May 8, 2023 9:49 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle live

(WSB photo, January 2022)

A King County Superior Court judge has sentenced 32-year-old Timothy Clemans to just over six years for trying to take hostages at Westwood Village Target in January of last year, leading to a six-hour standoff. Clemans represented himself at trial in March, and a jury found him guilty of attempted first-degree kidnapping. Court documents from Clemans’s sentencing hearing last Friday say the only person in attendance besides court personnel was the defendant’s mother. But as we noted last month, the court received a statement from a Target employee listed as a victim in this case, saying that she believes “putting … someone mentally ill in prison for 12+ months is absolutely pointless because you wouldn’t be fixing his problems, you’d just be punishing a sick man.” Prosecutors note that Clemans was found mentally competent to stand trial, and said that although alternatives to incarceration were tried in previous cases, he was uncooperative. His prior felony convictions were for harassment and third-degree assault (backstory here). His 73.5-month sentence is the top of the standard range, 61.5 months, plus a 12-month enhancement for using a deadly weapon (a knife he had taken off a shelf in the store). Judge Marshall Ferguson‘s order also includes three years of probation (“community custody”) after Clemans gets out, and a requirement that he “comply with all recommended mental-health treatment.” He gets credit for the time he already has spent behind bars since his arrest, about a year and a third.

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FOLLOWUP: Spokane Street Viaduct repaving may happen sooner than previously expected

May 8, 2023 7:44 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT camera image)

Discussions of the hole that shut down the state-owned ramp from the West Seattle Bridge to Highway 99 (reopening tomorrow) have swerved into concerns about the condition of the city-owned Spokane Street Viaduct. (That’s the formal name for the east half of the West Seattle Bridge, from Highway 99 to I-5.) Those concerns also came up during the 2 1/2-year repair closure of the west half of the West Seattle Bridge. The eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct, not part of the repair project, did close for work including pothole repairs multiple times during those 2 1/2 years, and SDOT did deck scanning for a more extensive assessment. Then in July of last year, the city announced it had received a $5 million federal grant to resurface the entire eastbound side of the SSV. At the time of that announcement, SDOT told us that resurfacing would happen in “the next few years.” So we asked last week where that plan stands, and got this answer today from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson with a somewhat speedier timeline: “We are currently in the design phase of this project, and anticipate starting construction as soon as next year. The construction work will address the frequent overlay issues that we have been encountering on the eastbound lanes of the Spokane St Viaduct.” The eastbound lanes are on the original 1940s-built SSV structure; the westbound side was built a decade-plus ago to widen it

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RAMP REPAIR UPDATE: Reopening by Tuesday morning, WSDOT says

May 8, 2023 2:52 pm

| 16 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Wednesday)

2:52 PM: Six days after that hole forced the Washington State Department of Transportation to close its ramp connecting the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to northbound State Highway 99, here’s the latest:

As reported over the weekend, crews poured concrete on Saturday, and now it’s curing. WSDOT spokesperson James Poling explained why the schedule remains the same as announced last week (which would reopen the ramp by this Saturday): “The concrete curing process requires our offsite materials lab breaking test concrete cylinders from the pour at certain time benchmarks (24 hours after pour, 48 hours after pour, etc.). Once a test cylinder reaches a strength to safely reopen traffic, the bridge ramp will reopen. The timetable remains the same at this time as our crews await a test cylinder to pass that strength benchmark.”

Meantime, since there was initially much public confusion over who’s accountable for the ramp, and some commenters said they had filed ramp-pothole reports with the city, we asked the Seattle Department of Transportation if they’d received such reports about the state-owned ramp and what happened to them. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson replied, “When the public reports a pothole which is outside the city limits or not on SDOT’s right-of-way, it will be routed to the correct transportation agency. Over the past few months, we notified WSDOT of several public reports of potholes in this location.” We’ll follow up on that, as WSDOT had said previously they weren’t aware of the hole – at least at the magnitude that forced last Tuesday’s closure.

4:28 PM UPDATE: Just got another update – the ramp concrete “has cured more quickly” than expected, and the ramp will be open by 5 am tomorrow (Tuesday).

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FOLLOWUP: City gives approval to zoning exceptions for Alki Elementary rebuild

May 8, 2023 1:05 pm

| 25 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Rendering by Mahlum, from last year’s info packet for proposed zoning ‘departures’)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

As reported previously, the planned rebuild of Alki Elementary School includes nine zoning “departures” – exceptions – that require city approval. In a decision made public today, the city Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) has granted approvals of all nine. They are, in brief:

1. To allow greater than allowed building height.
2. To allow less than required vehicular parking.
3. To allow bus load and unload off site
4. To allow a curb cut to a service area without parking
5. To allow larger curb city width
6. To allow larger curb cut flare
7. To allow less than required long-term bicycle parking.
8. To allow less than required weather protected bicycle parking.
9. To allow a changing image electronic sign.

The first two, height and parking, generated the most neighborhood concern, including in an environmental appeal that a district hearing examiner rejected. Regarding height – zoning would limit the building to 35 feet, but Seattle Public Schools‘ plan is for 57 feet – the SDCI decision says:

The increased height accommodates important classroom uses, building parapet and necessary mechanical equipment to service the building. The departure is appropriate in relation to the programmatic requirements of an elementary school and the character and scale of the surrounding area and appropriately located on the site. The over height areas will increase the appearance of bulk at the site but is commensurate with the overall scale of the school.

The Director finds that the height departure will not exacerbate existing traffic, noise, circulation, or significant impacts on housing or open space in the area.

The parking-reduction approval is more complicated:

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: WSHS threats investigated

May 8, 2023 11:53 am

| 35 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle High School families were notified this morning that “threats to our school” were under investigation. Thanks to the parents who shared the message sent to families by WSHS principal Brian Vance – here it is in its entirety:

Good morning West Seattle High community –

Yesterday we received several notifications regarding social media posts that included threats to our school.

We have reported these threats to Seattle Police and to the school district’s Safety & Security Department.

The most recent update is that the person who made the threats is receiving care now and we don’t believe the threats are credible.

We are ready to welcome students to school today. Thank you to all of you who reached out and to the students who brought this to the attention of a parent and/or school official.

One parent who forwarded this to us says it wasn’t sent until 7:57 am today, shortly before school started for the day. We have a question out to the district regarding why the delay, if the threats were indeed investigated starting yesterday (the police-call log shows an incident number generated just after 1 pm Sunday).

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Summery forecast for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, now 5 days away

May 8, 2023 11:34 am

| Comments Off on Summery forecast for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, now 5 days away

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Warm weather is returning and this weekend is currently expected to have summer-like weather – sunny, 80ish! That includes Saturday, which is this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day. On the second Saturday every May since 2005 – except for the pandemic years (2020 and 2021) – West Seattle becomes Western Washington’s garage/yard/etc. sale capital for a day. WSCGSD was launched in 2005; we at WSB have coordinated it since 2008. This year, more than 400 sales are registered for the first time, and you can preview the locations via the map/list, which we published this past Saturday – the online version here (be sure to use the plus/minus zooming to see all the sales in specific areas) and the printable list here. Official sale hours on Saturday (May 13) are 9 am-3 pm, but as you’ll see on the list, some sellers have chosen to add hours/days. Starting tonight, as we do each year, we’ll publish some lists – such as benefit sales, block sales, plant sales, art sales – as the countdown continues. (You can also search the map for keywords in sale descriptions – see those hints at the bottom of the map page.)

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ORCAS: In view from West Seattle again

May 8, 2023 11:09 am

| Comments Off on ORCAS: In view from West Seattle again

| West Seattle news | Whales

Another orca visit today – Kersti Muul reports whales are in view “straight out from Alki Point to the north”; they’ve been in the area a few hours and are engaged in a “predation event.”

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WEST SEATTLE MONDAY: 12 notes

May 8, 2023 10:39 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE MONDAY: 12 notes

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Baby bunny, photographed by Emily Carston at Lincoln Park)

Here’s the list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

MONDAY MOVIE: 1 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), “Terry’s Greatest Movies You’ve Never Heard Of,” today featuring “The Seventh Victim.” Free popcorn! Contact SCWS to register in advance.

LOW-LOW TIDE: It’ll be out to -2.8 feet at 1:30 pm.

CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: 2 pm, viewable online – info is in this week’s agenda.

CRAFTING AND CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

OPEN MIC: Weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 6:30 pm – info in our calendar listing.

D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, even first-time players. $5.

BASEBALL PLAYOFFS: West Seattle High School plays O’Dea at 7 pm, Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd), as the Metro League tournament continues – ticket info here.

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation event at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

ALKI MEDITATION: Free twice-monthly Dharma Community meditation, 7-8:30 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

PLAY TRIVIA! Three options on Monday nights for playing trivia – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

YOGA AND SOUND BATH: 7 pm at Sacred Growing Space (7358 35th SW), $35.

MONDAY MUSIC: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Man found shot to death in South Delridge (updated Wednesday, victim identified)

May 8, 2023 5:54 am

| 33 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

5:54 AM: Thanks for the tip. Police have taped off part of 15th SW in South Delridge. They’re investigating a deadly shooting reported in the 9200 block, between Cambridge and Barton [vicinity map], just after 3 am. More information soon.

6:09 AM: Police say the victim, a 41-year-old man, was found “lying in the road.” SPD and SFD tried to revive him but couldn’t. No one’s in custody, and there’s no word of a suspect description. They’ve been canvassing the area to see if anyone caught anything on security video. If you have any information, the tip line is 206-233-5000.

(CSI unit’s van at investigation scene)

6:36 AM: Detectives are still at the scene. This comes exactly one month after the last deadly shooting in West Seattle, that of 20-year-old Ka’Don Brown, found dead in the southwest driveway of the Chief Sealth IHS campus on April 8th, a Saturday morning. No arrest reported in that case so far.

ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: The Medical Examiner’s Office identifies the victim as 41-year-old Chad Anderson and says he died of a gunshot wound to the chest.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday info, 6th day of closure for ramp to NB 99

May 8, 2023 5:50 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Monday info, 6th day of closure for ramp to NB 99

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:50 AM: Good morning. It’s Monday, May 8th. This is the sixth full day of closure for the ramp from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge to northbound Highway 99, after a huge hole shut it down last Tuesday evening:

WSDOT reported Saturday that they’d poured concrete which takes “a few days to cure.” We’ll be asking about a reopening timeline update. Meantime, you can get to NB 99 via the 1st Avenue South Bridge, or by using the eastbound WS Bridge’s 1st Avenue South exit, turning north, and getting onto 99 in SODO.

STREET CLOSURE

15th SW is blocked for a homicide investigation. Separate story on that shortly.

TRANSIT

Metro – Downtown-bound buses that usually take the high bridge to NB 99 are detouring while the ramp is closed. Otherwise, regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening.

Water Taxi – Continuing the spring/summer schedule.

OTHER SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge – east-end vicinity:

1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:

Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny, chance of pm showers, high in the low 60s. Sunrise was at 5:42 am; sunset will be at 8:31 pm.

If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!

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UPDATE: Crash on West Marginal Way SW injures 1, takes out tree

May 8, 2023 1:52 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Images from SDOT camera)

1:52 AM: A driver’s headed to the hospital and a tree’s down following a one-vehicle crash on West Marginal Way SW. It happened in the outside southbound lane just north of Highland Park Way SW. The SDOT camera’s video feed shows the driver will be transported by AMR ambulance. Police have told dispatch the tree is blocking the right turn lane, so SDOT is being summoned to clear it.

2:22 AM: The car is being towed:

We’ll check with SFD later this morning about the driver’s condition.

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‘This community comes through’: West Seattle Food Bank celebrates 40 years of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’

May 7, 2023 10:54 pm

| Comments Off on ‘This community comes through’: West Seattle Food Bank celebrates 40 years of ‘neighbors helping neighbors’

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(Photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“We really count on community support – this community comes through.”

That’s what longtime West Seattle Food Bank executive director Fran Yeatts told the nearly 200 community members who gathered last night at The Hall at Fauntleroy to celebrate and support WSFB.

On one hand, it was a classic fundraising gala – dinner, drinks, dessert, donations. On the other, it marked a milestone – 40 years of “neighbors helping neighbors,” as emcee Matthew DiLoreto declared early on. The food bank’s work goes far beyond food – since merging with the West Seattle Helpline three years ago, it also provides emergency assistance to help people stay housed. That is an extra-sizable challenge in Seattle where the cost of living is 49 percent above the national average, DiLoreto said.

Also taking the microphone was WSFB board president David Weld, who observed that the organization provides help that is much-needed in a world where “random” trouble can land people in need, from job loss to illness to family tragedy.

“Because fate delivers these things, there will always be those who through no fault of their own need help. We deliver that help without judgment, and reflexively.” And community help is needed to keep that work going because “the greatest source of (WSFB) funding is individual cash contributions.”

Weld also recounted a proud moment just weeks ago, when rock superstar Bruce Springsteen came to Seattle and for the third time exhorted fans to support WSFB (which had volunteers at the arena and collected almost $20,000 in donations).

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WEEK AHEAD: First-ever meetup for West Seattle and White Center LGBTQ business owners

May 7, 2023 9:18 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Busy week ahead – and if you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement for a first-ever event, happening Thursday:

West Seattle/White Center LGBTQ Business Owner Meetup
Thursday, May 11th | 7 pm to 9 pm
Launchpad Co-Working Space, 6030 California Ave SW

It’s about time LGBTQ West Seattle and White Center business owners gathered together for support, networking, and fun! Join us for our first-ever meetup Thursday, May 11th at 7 pm at Launchpad Co-Working space in Morgan Junction. Let’s get to know each other and see what ways we can support each other. This meetup is specifically for those who identify as LGBTQ and are local business owners (all-size businesses, contractors, entertainers/artists). Drinks and appetizers will be provided.

Hosted by Monica Colgan and Autumn Lovewell, owners of Youngstown Coffee, HeartBeet Cafe, and Launchpad.

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DEVELOPMENT: Aegis Living meets with neighbors of California Avenue SW project

May 7, 2023 6:33 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

(Massing rendering of Option 3 for 5252 California SW, by Ankrom Moisan)

About a dozen people showed up for last Thursday’s informational meeting about the Aegis Living project planned for 5252 California Avenue SW. The meeting was requested by neighbors, who said they were hoping to get more information on the project that had been provided thus far, and led by Bryon Ziegler from Aegis, the company’s director of development and entitlements. Here are the toplines of what happened:

Ziegler started with a recap of the February 2nd meeting with the Southwest Design Review Board (WSB coverage here), at which board members recommended that the project move ahead in the process (which means at least one more design-review meeting, not yet scheduled). That recommendation paves the way for the company to apply for a Master Use Permit for the site, on which Aegis plans to build a five-story, 100-unit complex, a mix of assisted living and memory care.

So what’s the overall timeline? neighbors asked. For one, Ziegler indicated, demolition of the vacant former strip-mall and restaurant buildings on the property is not imminent – but they’re hoping it can happen before year’s end, depending on when the city issues project permits. Construction would likely start several months after demolition, likely in summer or fall of 2024.

Other questions focused on the building’s massing – size, shape, placement on site – which was the focus of the first-stage design review. Is it settled? Ziegler was asked; based on the results of the first SWDRB meeting, he replied, yes. Attendees weren’t happy to hear that, and wondered why they hadn’t had more opportunities for input. (The February SWDRB meeting featured about a dozen comments received before and during the meeting.) Residents who border the alley behind the site also had questions about how the parking entrance, solid-waste pickup, and large deliveries will be handled.

In conclusion, neighbors talked about pursuing a meeting with the city agencies involved in the project, as well as meeting again with Aegis Living; Ziegler said that’s possible. Meantime, since the project is still in the review process, comments on any aspect of it are still being accepted by the city planner assigned to the project, theresa.neylon@seattle.gov.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle 5K returns

May 7, 2023 4:35 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(WSB file photo)

Two weeks from today, Alki Avenue will be filled with runners and walkers out for the first West Seattle 5K since 2019! Sunday, May 21st, is the day that the West Seattle High School PTSA is bringing back the scenic walk/run that takes you along the beach and shore to raise money for helping the school’s students and staff. It’ll start at 9:30 am, rain or shine, strollers and leashed dogs allowed, all ages; plan to get to the beach (61st/Alki vicinity) by 9:10 for the pre-race warm-up. You can register right now online; some registration levels still have early-bird rates in effect.

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