West Seattle, Washington
22 Sunday
Arbor Heights Elementary put a team on the field at The Safe on Saturday, as part of the celebration for AH winning the first-ever Mariners-Nikon Earth Day Program. The school was recognized for its “green” initiatives, led by teacher Angie Nall (in the teal shirt), including composting and “upcycling” (as featured here previously). The moment in the spotlight before the Saturday night game – chronicled above – was part of the prize, as were new Nikon D3100 cameras. And even a pose with The Moose!
Thanks to everybody who sent tips about this, including the parent volunteer who provided the photo and video. (Got school news? Let us know so we can share it!)
Another followup today on the water-pressure/access problems that hampered firefighters in the early going on August 27th, when flames gutted an Arbor Heights home, sending black smoke so high into the sky that it could be seen for miles around. We have reported that Seattle Public Utilities, which is accountable for hydrants and water service, plans an “after-action review” with the Seattle Fire Department. And today, we just got word that SPU plans to take two steps for starters:
First, SPU spokesperson Susan Stoltzfus tells WSB, eleven hydrants in the area will be replaced with larger hydrants – she says those hydrants are attached to some of the area’s larger water mains, and could be upgraded to provide better water pressure. (Those 11 do not include the two hydrants that firefighters first tried to use on August 27, she says, because they are connected to smaller mains and just enlarging the hydrants wouldn’t do any good.) Second, she says SPU and SFD will decide on a way to make it obvious to firefighters which are the lower-pressure hydrants and which are the higher-pressure hydrants. These are not the only steps they’re going to take – that review is still ahead – but she says this is something they can do relatively quickly (within three months) to help.
(The family who rented the home, you may recall, was out of town when the fire happened; as we reported last week, they are continuing to get back on their feet.)
Two updates on safety near Arbor Heights Elementary School:
First: Thanks to the parent volunteer who shared that photo of the new group of AH crossing guards, sworn in by teacher Margaret Boitano at this week’s all-school assembly. We’re told that almost half of this year’s fifth-grade class trained last spring and are serving as crossing guards now – so keep an eye out for them if you’re driving in the area before/after school. (Safety news from other schools? Let us know!)
Second: Arbor Heights is featured in the latest roundup of Seattle Police Aggressive Drivers Response Team patrols – with four speeders and a “no proof of insurance” citation listed in the SPD Blotter writeup (which includes the latest ADRT efforts from other parts of West Seattle, including the bridge and W. Marginal Way SW).
Arbor Heights is among the few areas of West Seattle not represented by a community council – but Arbor Heights Community Church leaders say they’re trying to step up and help with neighborhood organizing. Tuesday night’s community meeting at the church was announced 2+ weeks ago as a chance to get information about crime prevention, and that certainly was discussed, with the help of Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon. He presented information including how to set up Block Watches. But last Saturday’s house fire, less than a block from the church, was a big topic too.
As first reported here Sunday night, AHCC is coordinating donations for the family who lost everything in the fire, and we got an update on that from Pastor Ken Ross, who says he has met with the fire victims and describes them as still in a state of shock:
*Red Cross has provided them with lodging for 2 weeks; they are still looking for a rental, preferably in the Arbor Heights area, since they have two kids about to go back to school (12-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy, according to family members’ comments).
*Fundraising has totaled $3,000 so far (donation info is here)
*Want to offer clothing or other types of non-monetary donations? The church doesn’t have storage but asks that you e-mail ahfiredonations@yahoo.com to coordinate, or, as previously requested, call 206-935-5714 between 10 am-2 pm today or Thursday (after that the office won’t be staffed again till the following Tuesday)
The pastor also says he plans to meet with a Seattle Fire Department representative regarding the complications of Saturday evening’s firefighting operation – including response time and water pressure. (Here’s our Monday night report on the city’s review plan.)
Arbor Heights Community Church, less than a block away from the home destroyed by fire Saturday evening, is organizing efforts to help the family who lived there. 
They were out of town when the 2-alarm fire, blamed on “spontaneous combustion,” happened. Church volunteer Jerri Anne Forehand tells WSB they returned to West Seattle today and are “trying to sort everything out,” dealing with the fact they “lost everything.” First, the Red Cross found them a place to stay tonight, but for the longer run, they are looking for a house to rent, preferably in the Arbor Heights area, because their kids start school next week. Second, the church is collecting monetary donations for them. Jerri Anne says you can drop a check off at the church or mail it in – make the check out to the church, designated for the fire victims’ fund, and they “will cut one big check for them” later this week, she says. Arbor Heights Community Church is on the corner of SW 102nd/41st SW (mailing address is 4113 SW 102nd, zip 98146), 206-935-5714; if you want to stop in or call with a check and/or information on a potential rental, someone will be there 10 am-2 pm Monday-Thursday this week.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: SFD has now announced the cause. New story here.)
(WSB photo by Tracy Record)
ORIGINAL 5:35 PM REPORT: On our way to house-fire call in the 10200 block of 41st SW. Black smoke can be seen from more than a mile away. (added 5:43 pm) Near the scene. Police and fire are blocking 102nd near Arbor Heights Community Church. More shortly.
(Video added 6:16 pm)
5:50 PM UPDATE: We’re right next to the house with spectators. It is fully engulfed in flames. A neighbor says she does not believe the residents were home.
5:58 PM UPDATE: Still burning. A tree between the house and its neighboring home caught fire and the people next door are fighting desperately to make sure their home doesn’t catch fire too.
Dozens of neighbors are watching and at times cheering the firefighters. The neighbor who believes the homeowners weren’t here when it started says that she got a knock on the door, telling her the neighbors’ home was burning. No word of any injuries so far. Neighbors say it appears the hydrants might have been having problems initially – we’ll be checking on that with SFD.
6:16 PM: We’ve just heard a firefighter’s radio crackle with the word the fire is under control. No word on the cause yet, they’re still actively fighting it. But it is more smoke and charred wood now, still some flames visible inside. We just added video from the height of the fire, and will add a newer photo in a moment.
6:26 PM: They’re still pouring water on the fire. Other media just now arriving. The sun’s rays are making an eerie pattern through the trees that surround this house.
7:05 PM: Fire Chief Gregory Dean has just briefed the media. He says a firefighter suffered burns and was taken to Harborview. He confirms that there was a problem with hydrants and with water pressure; also, fire units took longer to get here than they normally would have, because primary responding companies were tied up with aid calls.
(Photo by Tony Bradley)
The first truck to arrive was a ladder truck, which doesn’t carry water. Subsequent companies used their water, and finally a line was laid to 35th SW to get water at full pressure. This was officially a two-alarm fire. We have the fire chief’s full briefing on video and will upload it as soon as we can. (added – here it is:)
Absolutely no indication yet what caused the fire; investigators can’t even get into what’s left of it, yet. still many, many firefighters still on scene. As for other hydrants in the area – we asked SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore; he says Seattle Public Utilities is responsible for hydrants, so we will have to ask them about what they plan to do to make sure that other hydrants in the area are OK. Thanks also to everyone who has sent photos and video – we will be reviewing them when we get back to HQ shortly.
ADDED EARLY SUNDAY: Some of the other scenes, from both the fire location and from far away, as people noticed black smoke rising high into the air – pictures ahead:Read More
We’ve finally obtained the report on the drive-by pellet-gun-shooting arrests first reported here last week, when police arrested three 17-year-old boys after two people reported getting hit in Arbor Heights. Read on for the narrative, including one suspect allegedly admitting to police they had done this before:Read More
That’s the coolest bouncy toy we’ve seen today – part of the Arbor Heights Community Church-sponsored Block Party, continuing till 4 pm in ARK Park at 41st and 102nd (map).
Face painting, volleyball, overall fun in the sun. And face painting!
The AH church is also where a crime-prevention meeting is planned on August 30th – 7 pm.
8:24 AM: A possible breakthrough in the recent series of drive-by pellet-gun shootings: Late last night, we checked out police activity on 35th SW in Arbor Heights, 
after scanner traffic indicated someone had called 911 after getting hit near 37th SW/Ocean View Drive with an Airsoft-type pellet from someone driving by. While medics were on the way to check out the victim, police quickly stopped potential suspects blocks away, on 35th near 104th. Their investigation briefly closed 35th SW (iPhone photo at right), till the suspects’ car could be towed, but we didn’t get details confirmed till this morning: Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams confirms that “3 juvenile males were arrested in the Arbor Heights area last night for shooting an Airsoft gun at more than one person. The juveniles were shooting at people from the car they were cruising around in. The potential that this group is responsible for recent previous incidents of a similar nature is being explored in the investigation.” We’ll add anything more we find out today.
1:03 PM UPDATE: A little more information from SW Precinct operations Lt. Pierre Davis – starting with how the incident was reported last night: “The victim reported he had been shot in the chest by teenagers in a passing vehicle. As Officers came into the neighborhood another victim called 911 to report he had also been shot by the same group. The vehicle was stopped leaving the scene and all three 17-year-old male passengers were arrested for assault. The three was in possession of a very realistic looking Air-Soft (toy) assault rifle which is very capable of causing injury. The Southwest Precinct officers did an outstanding job investigating this incident and also in stopping this group’s crime spree.”
Arbor Heights Community Church sends word of two upcoming neighborhood events: A crime-prevention meeting with Seattle Police is planned for 7 pm Tuesday, August 30th, at the church (4113 SW 102nd). All AH residents are welcome, as is also the case with the annual block party, happening even sooner – official announcement ahead:Read More
4:39 PM: A garage is on fire in the 10000 block of 40th SW (map) in Arbor Heights, and SFD was sending a “full response” to protect adjoining home(s) – but just determined that wasn’t needed, so some units are being canceled. More when we get there in a few minutes.
4:50 PM UPDATE: Added a photo. We’re told there are two vehicles in the garage, damaged by the fire. No word yet on the cause; no report of injuries. The fire isn’t completely out yet, but it’s been reported “tapped”; smoke is still visible at the scene, but no flames.
5:20 PM UPDATE: SFD confirms, nobody hurt. They won’t know for at least a few hours how it started. The garage/cars’ owner was home at the time, we’re told, but neighbors were the ones who reported the fire. We’re adding a few more photos (including a substitution for our original cameraphone photo).
(8:23 PM TOPLINE: 1 man shot, not life-threatening, no arrests so far, new details just added from police)
5:24 PM: We’re at SW 97th and 33rd SW in Arbor Heights (map), where a shooting was reported in the 9700 block of 33rd a short time ago. Police are said to be looking for a male suspect who got away in a red vehicle – update, a maroon Bronco. Officers are searching for evidence and talking to possible witnesses.
They believe the victim and suspect may know each other. Scanner traffic indicates the victim was shot once, 40-caliber bullet, through the hip area.
ADDED 5:56 PM: Gang unit detectives are here, though that doesn’t always mean gang activity is suspected – and some of them already have left. Lt. Von Levandowski from the Southwest Precinct has just provided more information: The victim is a man, shot while standing on the sidewalk, with shots fired by somebody in a vehicle. They now think three people were in that vehicle, which they describe as a maroon SUV (not necessarily a Bronco). Investigators have been combing the block for shell casings, trying to determine exactly which direction the shot was fired from.
6:26 PM: Nothing new. SPD media-response Det. Mark Jamieson is expected to brief media at the scene shortly.
7:06 PM: Det. Jamieson was diverted elsewhere before arriving, but via Twitter, reports that the victim and suspect did know each other, that the victim’s injury is not life-threatening, and that “gang detectives are investigating.”
8:23 PM: New information from police via SPD Blotter:
On July 16th, at about 5:10 PM, Southwest Precinct officers responded to the 9700 Block of 33 Avenue Southwest on a report of a shooting. An adult male who had apparently befriended the suspects the night before, met the suspects, described as two black men and a white female, outside of a residence where he was planning on purchasing some items from one of the suspects. As the victim reached for his wallet, one of the suspects pulled out a gun. There was a struggle over the weapon, and the victim was shot once in the buttocks. The suspects fled in a maroon Ford Bronco. Police and Seattle Fire responded to the scene and SFD transported the victim to Harborview Medical Center. The injury is not considered life-threatening.
Gang detectives also responded and are following up on potential leads. This remains an active and ongoing investigation.
(Photos by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
One more last-day-of-elementary-school West Seattle story: Arbor Heights Elementary celebrated a new artwork this morning, just before its end-of-year assembly – a mural for its playcourt. AH teacher Mark Ahlness tells WSB, “It is the culmination of months of work by all students, under the direction of artist-in-residence Jihyun Andersen.” He has a Flickr gallery up. The artist was there when WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen stopped by:
Jihyun is also an Arbor Heights mom, with a son finishing his kindergarten year. She thought the playcourt looked rather stark, so the mural idea was born, and has been under way since May. It depicts the Fauntleroy Creek ecosystem when salmon are released – a Salmon in the Classroom activity in which AH participates.
Ellen reports that the 5th graders did a lot of the free-hand drawing and the kindergarteners used bug stamps to populate the creek. The 1st-4th graders worked on the plants and birds.
Jihyun told Ellen she plans to add a few trees, then seal the mural with varnish to protect it.
A new principal has been announced for Arbor Heights Elementary School, less than one month after current principal Dr. Carol Coram announced she’s moving to an assistant-principal job at Denny International Middle School. From the letter going home with AH students today, from West Seattle’s executive director of schools Aurora Lora:
I am excited today to announce the appointment of Christy Collins as your new principal, effective July 1. Ms. Collins comes to Seattle Public Schools from the Lake Washington School District and brings more than 29 years of experience leading faculty and students. She is an instructional leader and has made a lifetime commitment to quality education. She is well-known for her work in building partnerships with the community and I know she will be a great fit for the Arbor Heights families, students and staff.
Ms. Collins served as principal of (McAuliffe) Elementary in Sammamish from 1999-2006 and was principal of Rockwell Elementary in Redmond from 1993-1999. Most recently, she served as Special Education Coordinator for the Lake Washington School District for the past four years. In this role, she guided and directed all aspects of administration of special education programs for the district.
She started her career as an elementary special education and general education teacher, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in K-8 education from Western Washington University and a Master of Education in Education Administration and Principal Certification from Western Washington University.
Ms. Collins was selected after a hiring process that included input from staff and families in the Arbor Heights community. The selection team committee was impressed with her curriculum expertise, special education background, and experience with Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop. Please join me in welcoming Christy to Arbor Heights and Seattle Public Schools!
According to the AH PTSA website, Collins will be at the school tomorrow morning to meet parents. Also changing principals for next school year is Lafayette Elementary, as reported here yesterday.
Longtime WSB’er Margaret Lanphier is getting a shoutout on the SPD Blotter website today – for helping reunite a stolen car with its owner. Spotting an unfamiliar car on her Arbor Heights block, she checked SPD’s @getyourcarback Twitter account – which sends out the plates of cars reported stolen – and found it had been tweeted. Turned out the car had been stolen from Capitol Hill. Read the full story here – including advice for people whose stolen cars are recovered, stemming from what was found inside this one.
Yes, there’s a carnival in town today. It’s a fundraiser on the sun-splashed playground at Arbor Heights Elementary, 3-6 pm, and the bouncy “rides” are all set up and ready to go, according to the photo we just received from AH teacher Mark Ahlness. From the carnival announcement on the AH PTSA site: “… lots of fun bouncy rides and slides, games, prizes, face painting, dunk tank, cotton candy, good food and a huge amount of fun. Wristbands are $15 and include unlimited rides and 5 game coupons. You can also purchase single 50-cent tickets for rides (takes 2-4 tickets each) and games (1 ticket each). Cash, Check, Visa or Mastercard accepted.” Arbor Heights is at 3701 SW 104th (map).
ORIGINAL 1:59 AM REPORT: Police and medics are at the scene of a stabbing in the vicinity of 37th and 99th (map). According to scanner traffic, the victim is a 25-year-old stabbed in the abdomen and face with a “kitchen knife.” He’s being rushed to Harborview Medical Center.
2:17 AM UPDATE: At the scene, police tell us they are questioning a suspect. Adding a photo. No information on the circumstances yet, but we’ll be checking back.
1:08 PM UPDATE: Details on the circumstances, just obtained from Lt. Ron Smith of the Southwest Precinct: He says the incident started with an “ex-boyfriend forcing his way into the residence.” That man, he says, attacked his ex-girlfriend and another woman – until “another male in the residence … stabbed the (domestic-violence) suspect in an effort to stop the assault.”
Arbor Heights Elementary‘s principal Dr. Carol Coram is leaving to become assistant principal at Denny International Middle School, as reported here Thursday afternoon, after her letter to the school community was circulated. Thursday night, her departure was discussed at the Arbor Heights PTSA meeting, along with what happens next; Katie Meyer was there for WSB:
She reports that Dr. Coram received a bouquet after PTSA president John Christensen read a statement thanking her for “10-plus incredible years as our principal.” (He tells WSB there will be a more-official farewell/thank-you event toward the end of the school year.) Later in the meeting, the Seattle Public Schools official who manages West Seattle schools, Aurora Lora, talked to the PTSA about the “open hiring process” for new principals. She says the pool of candidate includes some “already in the district, some outside the district who’ve been principals in other districts and are hoping to move to Seattle.” Lora said they hope to make the hire before this school year ends, and laid out a timetable including a “paper screening” of applications next Monday, resulting in a list of five or six people to come to AH to meet the Interview Team. They’ll be called May 24th and invited for interviews the following week with a team including four parents and four staff members. That will winnow the field to three finalists, who will meet with interim Superintendent Dr. Susan Enfield as well as Lora.
Arbor Heights Elementary‘s principal Dr. Carol Coram is leaving her job at the end of the school year, according to a letter she has sent to members of the school community. Dr. Coram cites health reasons as deciding to take a different job, that of assistant principal at Denny International Middle School. No word on her replacement at AH. Read on for full text of her message (thanks to those who tipped us on this):Read More
Police confirm three incidents in Arbor Heights this afternoon might be related. According to Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith, two homes were broken into – “both had evidence of forced entry”; nobody was home at either one. Then there was a prowling/attempted burglary report, with somebody at home and calling 911. Lt. Smith says the caller saw two “juvenile males looking into the house”; they were seen fleeing southbound from the 10200 block of 37th SW. Jeff, who says he reported them, sent the following note as we were writing this story:
It was about 12:20, Monday afternoon, I had just pulled up in front of my house
when I heard banging coming from down the street. I looked over, and saw two black males late teens/early twenties trying to kick in a front door at 37th and 102nd. I immediately got their attention with some colorful language, then they ran south on 37th avenue towards Arbor Heights Elementary. I got back in my truck, drove to 37th and 104th and spotted the two punks before they disappeared behind cars and into someone’s yard. I called the police during pursuit, I am hopeful these guys get caught.
We had heard a scanner report that the police search resulted in “sheltering in place” at Arbor Heights Elementary; nothing actually happened at the school, but as noted above, the suspects had been reported seen in the area.
Andy wonders if anyone else has seen the car that appeared to be casing his house in Arbor Heights – read on:Read More
From the WSB inbox – Robert wonders if anyone has seen a briefcase taken when someone broke into his car:
As I walked to my driveway to go to work Tuesday morning (05/02), I saw broken glass near my car. Sure enough, someone had smashed my driver’s side rear door window during the night. The only thing missing was my briefcase. It is an old, doctor’s style black case that opens from the top. It isn’t worth much, but has sentimental value. There was nothing of real value inside, other than some personal papers and some books on education. I imagine the thief was disappointed and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was dumped nearby. If anyone runs across it, I would greatly appreciate being notified. You can email me at neoreadteach@yahoo.com. Thanks. The theft took place near 37th and SW 98th ST in Arbor Heights.
(No “you shouldn’t have left it in there” comments, please, “blaming the victim” is against WSB rules.) Police do advise that absolutely nothing be left in vehicles, even if you think it’s nothing a thief could possibly have any interest in – here’s more information about car-prowl prevention.
One of the most sidewalk-less areas of West Seattle is in line for a few blocks of potential change. Lisa spotted survey workers on 35th south of Roxbury yesterday, found out their work had something to do with a paved walkway, and asked what we knew about it. We checked with SDOT‘s Marybeth Turner, who confirms:
Survey work is underway for the design of a walkway at this location, to be constructed next year. How long the walkway will be has not yet determined–it will depend on the cost. At this point they are looking at the west side of 35th Ave SW from SW 97th to SW 100th. More will be known as the design work progresses. This is a “Walk Bike Ride” project.
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