West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
The photo is courtesy of Chief Sealth International High School teacher Noah Zeichner, who says students are at school this evening working hard to prepare for the 3rd annual Washington Global Issues Network conference that Sealth will be hosting the next two days, drawing students from other schools all over the state. Program highlights are on the conference website – keynoters include West Seattle climate-change activist Aji Piper and Seattle activist, now also mayoral candidate, Nikkita Oliver. Sealth also hosted the first WAGIN conference two years ago.
3 items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STREET ROBBERY FOLLOWUP: The Southwest Precinct tells us they are pursuing “leads” in Wednesday’s street robbery on the south end of The Junction. We obtained the report today; it says police found the victim on the northeast corner of 45th and Edmunds, a revolver on the ground next to her. She told them she was walking westbound on Edmunds, looking at her phone, then noticed the robber walking southbound on 45th toward her. Without a word, he grabbed her purse, a large brown Louis Vuitton handbag, and began tugging on it. She tried to keep hold of it; they struggled, “spinning in circles together,” the police-report narrative says. During that scuffle, the gun “fell off the suspect and to the ground.” Two water bottles fell out of the purse. Eventually, the robber pulled the victim to the ground, by pulling the purse, and started dragging her, at which time she said she yelled, “Get the f— off me.” The strap broke, and he got away with the purse, headed westbound on Edmunds. She picked up the gun, noticed it was loaded, and put it back down, so she could call 911. Police also talked with a witness who said he saw the robber and victim scuffling, and tried to chase the robber, but lost him in the southbound alley between 45th and 46th. Police meantime took evidence including the broken purse strap and the gun, described as a Smith and Wesson .38 special. The records check on it was “clear,” according to the police report. The robber description, which changed in broadcasts during yesterday’s search, is in the written report as “mixed-race male, 30s, scrawny build, black hat, black zip-up hoodie, black pants, large bluetooth in one ear, black beard/mustache.”
STOLEN BICYCLES: From Julie:
Our three bikes were stolen from our apartment building secure garage yesterday (03/22/17) between 5:30 am and 11 am. Police report: #1700010282. They were locked together with a bike lock behind my car, so they were taken as a grouping. Two of them were purchased in Fall 2013 and we would really like them back. The 3rd one was gifted to us and I don’t recall much information about it other than its a blue mountain/road bike. All three is very good condition and well maintained. Any information, please call the police and reference the report number.
Men’s Specialized AWOL 2013
Color: Satin Black/BronzeWomen’s Specialized bike
Color: Black with gold writing3rd bike:
Cannot remember the name:
Blue
VEHICLE BREAK-INS: From E: “I live on Belvedere and Manning and have had both my van and car broken into in the last 2 weeks. Both were right on my driveway on Belvedere. We saw a small silver car circling the block earlier in the evening with a man driving it. It’s happening after 11 p.m. at night.”
For your planning purposes – we just heard about this, announced on the Seattle Public Library home page:
All locations of The Seattle Public Library and the book drops at Central Library will be closed Wednesday, March 29 for a staff in-service day. Regular operating hours will resume Thursday, March 30.
If you need to go to a library that day, the King County Library System‘s White Center branch isn’t far – 1409 SW 107th.
(WSDOT photo of ‘disassembly pit’ that accompanied today’s progress-report tweet)
The Highway 99 tunneling team has now moved from twice-weekly progress reports to daily progress reports. Not that the tunneling machine is on an “any day now” basis yet, but here’s what WSDOT reports this afternoon:
Seattle Tunnel Partners is making final preparations for the SR 99 tunneling machine’s arrival at the disassembly pit near Seattle Center. Because mining rates will continue to vary as crews approach the pit, we can’t predict when Bertha’s breakthrough will occur. We will continue to provide regular progress updates along the way.
We recognize that there is great interest surrounding this stage of the project, and we are working on ways to share this historic moment with the public. We will be activating a new time-lapse camera as well as streaming video of the disassembly pit prior to breakthrough. These cameras will offer the best view of Bertha’s arrival in the pit. We will also continue to share photos and provide frequent updates via social media, including daily progress updates. For safety reasons, the public will not be allowed in the construction zone during the breakthrough.
Look for more updates soon about the breakthrough sequence, the process for disassembling Bertha and the work that remains before the tunnel opens in 2019.
As of today, WSDOT tweeted, “Today Bertha has 320 feet to go – less than the Mariners 326′ right-field foul line in Safeco Field.” They’ve said that they won’t be setting up an in-person breakthrough-watching event because the pit is in the middle of a construction zone.
(West Seattle Grand Parade 2016 – photo by Don Brubeck)
They’ve been among the judges’ favorites for years in the West Seattle Grand Parade, but this year you don’t have to wait until July to see the Joyas Mestizas Mexican folk-dance troupe in West Seattle – if you haven’t already seen the listing in the WSB Event Calendar, their spring recital and benefit is happening at Hiawatha Community Center this Saturday night (doors at 5, show at 6). It’s been more than 25 years since a group of parents founded Joyas Mestizas, and community support keeps it going … here’s a way to show yours. Tickets are $10 including refreshments, recital, and auction – at the door, or online in advance.
(Wednesday sunset from Cormorant Cove Park, photographed by Mike Jensen)
What’s ahead for the rest of your Thursday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TINKERLAB DROP-IN: Work on a fun STEM-based craft at High Point Library after school, 4-5:30 pm. Free. (35th SW/SW Raymond)
WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE WORK PARTY: 5:30 to dusk tonight is the first of two work parties to help West Seattle Little League recover from damage done by vandals last weekend, as the teams look ahead to the start of play. Here’s the update from WSLL:
Work parties will be Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th from 5:30 to dusk.
Work to be done:
• rebuilding pitching mound on south field – 1 volunteer needed
• filling trenches in infields (rain runoff has created trenches in both infields)
• sweeping loose material from outfield lips back into the skins
• top dressing edges of infield skins along edges of infield grasses
• resurfacing pitching mound areas in front of rubbers
• pressure washing north field bleachers and dugouts
• cleaning bulk material from hillside on north field parking area
• edging / weeding parking lot
• filling potholes on gravel road
• cleaning out bollard holes for easy locking of bollards
• painting of wooden bleachers
• hang new hooks in storage shed (hooks to be used for hanging of tools/ organization
• removing grass from under south field bleachers / spread rock under bleachers to match North Field bleachers
• installing fence cap on south field 1st base line close to scoreboard
• cleanup of bulk area
• weed eating fence lines – bring a weed eater if possible
• check scoreboard / microphone/ make sure all tech is working properly
• cleaning tools and machines
• cleaning doors / walls in bathrooms
• prep for painting of doors (and painting doors if possible)
• addressing graffiti in men’s room that is still visible
• general cleaning and prep of shack for opening day!Please consider bringing work gloves and tools to help!
This is happening at Bar-S Playfields. (6425 SW Admiral Way)
WEST SEATTLE MONTESSORI OPEN HOUSE: 6 pm to 7:30 pm, you’re invited to an open house at West Seattle Montessori & Academy (WSB sponsor):
West Seattle Montessori School & Academy Open House gives parents and prospective families a chance to meet our staff, teachers and tour the facilities. You’ll be able to view samples of student work and pick up application materials. Our teachers and staff are available during and after the Open House to answer questions.
(11215 15th SW)
NICK LICATA @ WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: 6 pm at West Seattle Golf Course, WS Democratic Women are hosting former City Councilmember Nick Licata, who’ll talk about his book. Check to see if there’s still room. (4600 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION COALITION: 6:30 pm at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center. Tonight’s WSTC agenda includes open board positions and an SDOT guest to talk about Delridge RapidRide H Line. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
SERA CAHOONE: Live, free, all-ages in-store performance at Easy Street Records in The Junction, 7 pm. (California/Alaska)
MORE NIGHTLIFE … check it out on our complete calendar!
Metro has questions for you, in an online survey launched as they start a planning process in hopes of making “paying fares to ride the bus faster, easier, and simpler for everyone.” Here’s the announcement, which includes a link to the survey:
Metro and the six other regional transit agencies that represent the ORCA (One Regional Card for All) smart-card system have committed to looking at simplifying fares across all agencies as they prepare for improvements and modernization of the ORCA system. As part of that process, Metro is considering options that would allow for speedier boarding, improve safety for drivers, help increase ridership and further reduce barriers for vulnerable populations.
This month, Metro invites the public to provide direction on fare change options and longer-term work on fare-related issues by participating in an online questionnaire. In April, the public will have additional opportunities to provide feedback on fare change options via a second online survey and open houses.
The public can find the survey as well as sign up to receive updates via Metro’s fare review website.
Metro encourages all transit riders to participate, including youth, older adults, students, ORCA Lift riders, riders with disabilities, as well as schools, employers and community-based organizations. Metro also is contracting with community organizations to hear from harder-to-reach populations so their input is considered as Metro assesses options and develops programs to address affordability and access to transit. Feedback during the outreach process will be used to draft proposals. A final proposal will be submitted to the King County Council for consideration in June.
Metro also is convening an advisory group to consider various fare options and advise on additional work Metro needs to do to make transit and ORCA more accessible to people. The group, which will meet three times through May [next meeting April 4th], comprises employers, social service organizations, advocacy groups and others, and serves in an advisory role to provide input on fare options and longer-term programs. Meetings are open to the public for observation. Details are available on the project website.
We went through the survey to see if it included specific options under consideration. In the version we saw, it did not – you are asked an open-ended question at one point about what you think would make fare-paying simpler, and you’re also asked to set priorities for what you would want a changed fare-paying system to accomplish. The survey’s deadline is April 7th.
(Admiral Theater’s historic lobby mural, photographed during celebration by Leda Costa)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
It was a night 28 years in the making.
From the time the Admiral Theater was shuttered in 1989 – then saved – its future as a moviehouse was never fully guaranteed, until now, with its transformation to a first-run fourplex, celebrated last night. The gala included a ribboncutting with a “ribbon” made of film (across the center of the photo), presided over by Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals (below left), whose involvement dates back to leading the campaign to save it:
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)
Eals proclaimed that everyone there last night was “standing in history.” The ribboncutting was the kickoff to a night in which four movies, from The Admiral’s “Four Eras,” were screened – as detailed here, from silent movies celebrating the building’s early history as The Portola, through a brand-new (and very popular) film.
This happened six months after the restoration work at the circa-1942 moviehouse started in earnest, more than a quarter century after it was designated a city landmark as part of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society campaign to save it. The company that owned it in the late ’80s abruptly decided to close it in 1989, and said the following year that it might not ever be a moviehouse again.
That was proven wrong after local entrepreneur Marc Gartin bought it in 1992. (He owns it to this day.) He was thanked last night by Sol Baron from Faraway Entertainment, which runs the moviehouse business and collaborated on the renovation plan, which was officially announced two years ago:
(WSB photo, February 2015)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:18 AM: Good morning. No incidents so far reported in, or on the outbound routes from, West Seattle.
DELRIDGE RAPIDRIDE DECISIONMAKING: Two ways to hear about and comment on proposed options for converting Metro Route 120 to Delridge RapidRide H Line – SDOT reps will be out at bus stops along Delridge 4:30-6:30 pm today, and then at 6:30 pm, a project spokesperson is on the agenda at the West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
7:35 AM: From the scanner, “piece of wood in the roadway” on the eastbound bridge. Didn’t catch where, but police are being sent to handle it.
7:41 AM: Metro just sent a text alert that what was supposed to be the 7:10 am Route 37 to downtown was running half an hour late. And here’s the tweet:
Transit Alert – The last Route 37 to downtown Seattle due to leave SW Oregon St & 35 Av SW at 7:10 AM will operate about :30 late.
— King County Metro (@kcmetrobus) March 23, 2017
8:09 AM: If you drive surface Alaskan Way, we’re hearing scanner discussion of a “two-mile” backup of semitrucks.
8:26 AM: Police report over the air that the trucks “are starting to move.”
Three more things to report from the Crime Watch files before the night’s out:
GUNFIRE FOLLOWUP: We did finally get the police report on the North Delridge gunfire from early Tuesday. It says the reports started coming in via 911 about 2:38 am Tuesday, centered on the 4800 block of Delridge Way SW [map]. Many heard it; no one saw it. “After an extensive area search, multiple shell casings and property damage were located in the alley behind (a redacted address in that block). Two separate calibers of spent shell casings were located – nine 9mm shell casings (and) three .45 caliber shell casings … intermixed along the alley stretched approximately 20 yards.” Four rounds hit a Honda Accord in the alley, while another hit a Land Rover, and yet another was found embedded in a garage door, while one more hit a downspout and went through a fence. The report makes one more note: “Gang-affiliated graffiti” was found on one garage door, though the resident there said it had been there for about three months. If you have any information about the case, the incident number is 2017-99086.
DUMPED BICYCLE: Does this bike look familiar?
M sent the photo, saying: “Sometime in the last 24 hours, a kids’ bike was stashed underneath a large juniper bush in my yard near Westwood. I’m sure whoever owns it would like it back.” (UPDATE, THURSDAY NIGHT: The owner’s dad saw this, and now has the bike back!)
PACKAGE THEFT: Michael e-mailed to report: “Sad to say, we had a package stolen off our porch today (Wednesday). We live near 21st and Cambridge. Just wanted to spread the word.”
Thanks to everyone who shares Crime Watch reports! Once you’ve reported it to police – 911 if it’s happening now or just happened – consider letting us know so your neighbors all around the peninsula will be aware of what happened – 206-293-6302 text or voice, editor@westseattleblog.com – thank you.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“Regardless of religion, race, nationality, we must band together to support each other, share with each other, understand each other.”
Those words from Imam Benjamin Shabazz embodied the message of today’s second annual Equity Day at West Seattle High School.
He was part of a panel addressing Equity and Religion, one of 17 topics explored during sessions this morning, followed by an all-school assembly, as Equity Day spanned what was a two-hours-early-dismissal day around the district. The other topics:
Musical Equity
Immigration Equity
Equity for Native Americans
Racial Privileges
Compassionate Combat
Microaggressions
Physical Activities and Individuals with Disabilities
Mental Health Equity
Love + Relationship Equity
Environmental Equity
LGBTQ Equity 101
LGBTQ Equity 102
Justice, Gender Equity, and Healthy Relationships
Unions and Equity
Women of Color: STI Inequity
Sexual Health Equity for LGBTQ People
WSHS educator Jennifer Hall organized the day, assisted by the Diversity Club – for which she serves as adviser – bringing speakers from around the region, including high-profile leaders such as Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen and Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant. Read More
Thanks to Stephanie for the photo and tip about a crash in the 1900 block of Harbor Avenue SW. While sideways or upside-down crashes are often dispatched as “rescue” calls, this one was not, according to the 911 log, which shows SFD has already closed out the call, with no medic unit sent, so apparently no serious injuries.
The ceremony is over but the “Four Screens, Four Eras” movies are showing one more time each this evening, and you still have time to get to the Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) to enjoy one of them if you’re not there already. We’ll have photos and video from the festivities later, but above – that’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society executive director Clay Eals with one of the theater’s historic mural appliques, subject of an upcoming restoration campaign – if you go to one of the special screenings tonight, you’ll hear about that too.
Next showtimes tonight, from the full preview on the SWSHS website:
ERA ONE, the Portola Theater’s opening in 1919: A slate of classic silent films: Charlie Chaplin’s war parody “Shoulder Arms” (1918), plus three shorts, Harold Lloyd’s “The Marathon” (1919) and Buster Keaton’s “One Week” (1920) and “Cops” (1922). “Shoulder Arms” played the Portola Theater in August 1927. Second showtime 8:40 pm
ERA TWO, the Admiral Theater’s opening on Jan. 22, 1942: The Humphrey Bogart detective story “The Maltese Falcon” (1941), which played the Admiral Theater six weeks after it opened in 1942. Second showtime 8:50 pm
ERA THREE, the Admiral’s twinning in spring 1973: The nostalgic comedy “American Graffiti” (1973), which played the Admiral Theater in August 1974. Second showtime 9 pm
ERA FOUR, the renovation of the Admiral to four screens in fall 2016: The new Disney fantasy “Beauty and the Beast” (2017), which is slated to open at the Admiral on the previous Friday, March 17. Second showtime 9:10 pm
More to come in report #2!
(Added: WSB photo, police west of robbery scene)
5:30 PM: If you’re seeing/hearing the sizable police response on the south side of The Junction right now, police are looking for a man after a reported street robbery. Per police radio, the man stole a woman’s purse in the alley between 45th and 46th at Edmunds, and dropped a gun as he ran away with it, southbound. With the caveat that description information can change from what’s first reported, so far we’ve heard the robber described as a black man in his 30s, black jacket or hoodie, black pants. The purse is described as large and brown. If you have any information about the robber, call 911.
5:54 PM UPDATE: Added/changed description: White/mixed-race man, thin build.
6:39 PM UPDATE: No arrest reported yet. The search has included a K-9 team.
Electing a board for the year ahead is part of what happens at the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s annual meeting. So the board gathered for our photo last night (the list is at our story’s end). The event had a triple-digit turnout, in part because of its other identity – the annual Food Fest, with samples from local providers. Ahead, photos from the night: Read More
One day after a woman was robbed in her home northwest of The Junction, police have made a sketch based on the description she gave:
He is described as a white man in his 30s, 5’10”, medium build, short sandy brown hair, clean-shaven, wearing a tan “windbreaker” jacket and jeans. If you have any idea who he is, call detectives at 206-684-5535.
From the “in case you wondered too” file – that wasn’t a fire call on 26th SW at the west end of SW Alaska in North Delridge, just Seattle Fire Department crews training. In fire situations, “ventilation” through the roof is often required, and as with most things, practice really helps, and doomed houses are excellent training grounds. We went over for a look, but they were gone, so we weren’t able to get additional details, but the neighbor who texted the photo says they were told other crews will be by in the days ahead.
It’s prime feedback time for the plan to convert Metro Route 120 into the Delridge RapidRide H Line – and in case you haven’t already seen it in the calendar, tomorrow night is your next chance to hear and talk about it. City and county reps are due at the West Seattle Transportation Coalition‘s March meeting, 6:30 pm Thursday at Neighborhood House‘s High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW). Lots of questions, concerns, and ideas – as last week’s Delridge Neighborhood District Council discussion showed; though the conversion isn’t scheduled until 2020, key decisions are being made soon. (Here’s more backstory, including the options under consideration.)
(Screengrab from SDOT traffic camera, showing some SFD units)
11:02 AM: Land and water crews have been on a “water rescue response” from the south end of Harbor Island this past hour. According to Seattle Police, a “possible theft suspect fell or jumped” into the Duwamish River. They say the person is now in custody and being taken to Harborview Medical Center for evaluation. We don’t yet know what preceded this but we’ll add anything more we find out.
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
11:49 AM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli spoke with police at the scene. He reports that they told him: An owner at the nearby marina encountered a suspected burglar and called police. At first, the suspect was cooperative, police were told, but then the suspect asked the owner for a cigarette (presumably as a distraction) and then pepper-sprayed the owner. When the police arrived, the suspect jumped into the water and hid under one of the floating structures and refused to come out. SFD was called out and they had to cut a hole in one of the floating docks to gain access to the suspect, about 30 years old and taken to the hospital with possible hypothermia.
1:03 PM: The SPD Blotter update on this adds two details: the suspect allegedly was trying to break into a boathouse, and had a kayak, which police seized.
Last month we told you about West Seattle Helpline finding a new home for its Clothesline, “an all-ages free clothing store for low-income individuals and families.” This Saturday, you can check it out in person during the grand-opening celebration, noon-3 pm, 4401 42nd SW. Bring a clothing donation to help stock the new store, and enjoy free barbecue while you’re there, courtesy of QFC and the West Seattle Christian Church board. Last year the Clothesline helped more than 1,000 people of all ages by providing more than $130,000 worth of clothing.
P.S. Opening the new Clothesline HQ comes with a cost, and Helpline is still working to raise the money for it, hoping to cover the cost by the end of this month – you can help via this Crowdrise page.
Here’s what’s ahead for your Wednesday, starting with what’s literally the night’s marquee event:
ADMIRAL THEATER CELEBRATION: Tonight’s the night for “The Ship Sails Again,” the celebration of the city-landmark Admiral Theater‘s renovation into, and rebirth as, a first-run fourplex. From the Southwest Seattle Historical Society, here’s a video invitation from County Council Chair Joe McDermott:
It all starts around 5; the first big moment will be the ribboncutting – filmcutting, in this case – around 5:30 pm in the lobby, and then four movies from four eras – full details on the SWSHS website. (2343 California SW)
Also today/tonight:
FREE ENRICHMENT CLASSES: All welcome at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center for 10 am-11 am enrichment classes for babies through 5-year-olds, every Wednesday – details in our calendar listing. (6400 Sylvan Way SW)
ENTREPRENEUR MEETUP: Running your own business? Starting one? Come network at West Seattle’s first and only coworking center, Office Junction (WSB sponsor), noon-1:15 pm. (6040 California SW)
DELRIDGE RAPIDRIDE CONVERSATION: SDOT’s week of outreach on the street to talk about the future conversion of Route 120 to the RapidRide H Line continues with a 5-6 pm visit to 21st/Dawson. (Backstory here, with link to the “online open house” where you can answer key questions.)
HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: 7 pm at Highland Park Improvement Club, HP’s community council meets – full agenda details here. (12th SW/SW Holden)
POETRY AND STORYTELLING: Monthly event at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
MADISON MIDDLE SCHOOL PTA: 7 pm – agenda highlights here. (45th SW/SW Spokane)
NIGHTLIFE: Lots of it tonight! See our complete calendar for listings including live music, open mic, trivia, and karaoke.
(Update: WSB photo, substituted for originally published reader photo – thank you!)
7:28 AM: As first mentioned in our traffic report, Seattle Fire has sent a “full response” to an apartment building at 2331 42nd SW. Units arriving are NOT finding a fire, so far.
7:30 AM: Via scanner, firefighters report this was a “dryer fire” and it’s out. They’re dismissing most of the responding units.
7:42 AM: “Small dryer fire” confirmed by our crew after arrival, just as more firefighters were leaving. This was in the apartment building over the Admiral District Bartell Drugs. No injuries reported.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:20 AM: Good morning! No incidents in/from West Seattle so far. Remember that Seattle Public Schools get out two hours early today.
7:22 AM: Seattle Fire “full response” headed for the 2300 block of 42nd SW in The Admiral District. First unit arriving isn’t seeing anything – we’ll break this into a separate story if they do find a fire.
7:30 AM: As updated separately here, this turned out to be a dryer fire, according to firefighters, and it’s out, so most of the units will be leaving.
7:50 AM: One downtown note – the Seattle Center vicinity is busier than usual because of the annual Starbucks shareholders meeting @ McCaw Hall, with ~2,700 expected. Doors open shortly, meeting’s at 10. This is part of the SDOT citywide alert list for this week.
8:03 AM: Reminder that SDOT‘s week of RapidRide H Line outreach in Delridge continues with a scheduled visit to 21st/Dawson 5-6 pm today.
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