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CONGRATULATIONS! Player of the Year award for West Seattle HS star Nate Pryor
February 26, 2017 11:16 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports


(WSB photo: Nate Pryor in 31-point game vs. Nathan Hale on February 16th)

One day after the West Seattle High School boys’ basketball team won big in regionals, on the way to their Thursday night game at state, their top player has won a statewide award: The Washington Interscholastic Basketball Coaches Association has named WSHS #1 Nate Pryor the 3A Player of the Year. Pryor, who’s signed to play college ball for Seattle University, also was chosen for the Metro All-League first team.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Car prowl; vandalism; arrest followup
February 26, 2017 8:56 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Here’s the latest news in West Seattle Crime Watch:

CAR PROWL: From Brittany in Seaview:

Our car was broken into last night, around 3:30 am we think (the car alarm woke myself and some neighbors but no one saw anything when we looked outside) we’re on 45th Ave between Graham and Raymond. Broken back window on our vehicle and a stolen chop saw. It was a quick smash and go from the looks of it. The cops let us know that this has been happening pretty frequently so I thought I would help spread the word to keep an eye out if anyone seems suspicious to call it in!

SIGN VANDALISM, AGAIN: Mark Ahlness from the Seattle Nature Alliance says this sign (shown below, pre-vandalism) has been the target of vandals for the second time in three months:

“The ‘Forest Floor’ educational sign near the north parking lot has been defaced, with the words ‘Please keep pets on leash’ deeply scratched. The sign was pulled up and left on the ground in November, but this is permanent damage,” he reports. SNA paid for the sign, which was installed a year ad a half ago with the help of Seattle Parks and Friends of Lincoln Park. FLP forest steward Sharon Baker wrote about the vandalism, with photos, here.

REPEAT-OFFENDER FOLLOWUP: Last weekend, we reported on four repeat offenders, including convicted burglar Jessica Detrick, who was wanted on a warrant for not complying with reporting requirements after three months in treatment as part of the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA). We then noted that police had arrested and booked her last Sunday in connection with the warrant. King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe tells WSB a hearing was held Friday, and Superior Court Judge Susan Craighead ordered Detrick back to residential treatment. She’ll remain in jail until a bed opens at the treatment facility; she’s still on the register there tonight.

Thanks to everyone sharing information for Crime Watch, so your neighbors all around the peninsula will know. If something (sizable police response, etc.) is happening RIGHT NOW, best way to let us know – once you’ve called 911! – is via text or voice, 206-293-6302.

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FOLLOWUP: What’s ahead as Metropolitan Market Admiral remodel resumes
February 26, 2017 7:40 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news


(WSB photo: Store director Paul Marth, CEO Todd Korman, COO Ron Megahan at left in background with attendees)

As the Admiral Metropolitan Market (41st/42nd/Admiral Way; WSB sponsor) gets ready to resume and complete its remodeling project, we published its open letter to the community last weekend, with an invitation to a gathering at the store. We covered that event on Thursday night; here are the toplines:

CEO Todd Korman told the 20+ who gathered that the made-to-order salads and pasta will be brought back – they’ve received a lot of comments about that. They’ve also heard from customers about the bread section; it was moved to address pre-remodel concerns, but the current location has drawn concerns too, so they’re looking into it.

In April, they’ll overhaul the meat and fish area, where the cases are more than 20 years old. Larger new ones will enable a larger selection. Air-flow concerns will be addressed – the west-side doors have been getting activated by people standing in the relocated coffee area’s line, and that’ll be fixed. The floral area on the east side of the store, also set for work in April, will be enclosed. And there’s still work to come in the upstairs housewares area, to enable more seating for people who want to linger with coffee and/or food.

The work is expected to be complete by June. If you have specific questions in the meantime, you’re encouraged to talk with the staff at the store, or call 206-937-0551.

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Seen off West Seattle: USS Nimitz, headed back to Bremerton
February 26, 2017 6:24 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to those who texted photos, including that one! That was the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68), seen from Alki late this afternoon, headed back to Bremerton. It’s been gone for almost a month (we showed it outbound on January 31st) for training and inspection, according to the Kitsap Sun.

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FOLLOWUP: Falafel Salam confirms it’s moving into Yummy Teriyaki space in West Seattle Junction
February 26, 2017 1:12 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants


(WSB photo)

If you look forward to Falafel Salam‘s weekly visits to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, you will be thrilled to hear they’re opening a full-time restaurant in The Junction. Falafel Salam’s chef/owner Shimi Kahn has confirmed what emerged in the comment section after we reported Friday on the impending closure of Yummy Teriyaki (4746 California SW). We had noted in the Friday story that YT told us a “Mediterranean/Greek” restaurant would be taking the space; we couldn’t find anything in permit/license files, but commenter Forgotmyname said, “The new joint going in is the Falafel Salam folks who have a truck at the farmers’ market.” We e-mailed Falafel Salam to seek confirmation, and this morning, Kahn replied:

Yes, it is true. We will be moving into the Yummy Teriyaki space and starting renovation shortly.

The menu will include all the same awesome sandwiches and rice bowls we’ve been dishing out at the W.S Sunday Market as well as a few amazing additions such as Shakshuka (Brunch?!), Lamb Poutine and new Middle Eastern spreads, all ready to grab and go. All the food will be made in the same from-scratch using organic and local ingredients manner that we’ve done over the years.

Falafel Salam not only visits West Seattle weekly, its roots are here, as we were reminded while checking our archives – four years ago, we published Kahn’s call for suggestions of West Seattle spots to bring the then-new truck. FS has been a WS Farmers’ Market fixture since the market moved into the street two years ago.

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WEDNESDAY: 1 soccer match with 2 West Seattleite-linked goals
February 26, 2017 11:08 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

“Awesome Avery” Berg, the West Seattle 11-year-old fighting a rare type of brain tumor, is now six months post-diagnosis and one month post-surgery. Her mom Kristie Berg is continuing to publish updates online. And she e-mailed us the other day with not only an update on Avery, but also because she wants to make sure you know about an upcoming soccer match with part of the proceeds going to pediatric brain-tumor research in Avery’s honor: It’s on Wednesday at Memorial Stadium downtown, a “testimonial match” honoring newly retired Seattle Sounders FC veteran Zach Scott, who lives in West Seattle.


(Zach Scott @ his final regular-season game last October – Sounders FC photo by Jane Gershovich)

If you’re not familiar with the “testimonial match” concept, the original announcement from Sounders FC – co-hosting the match with Emerald City Supporters – includes this:

… Testimonials are a long-standing tradition in soccer culture, particularly in the United Kingdom and South America. These special matches are held to honor a particular player for his or her service to the club.

The Zach Scott Testimonial Match is taking place at Memorial Stadium (401 5th Avenue N.), the home of the Seattle Sounders in 1974-1975 and 1997-2002. With teams coached by fellow Sounders FC originals Osvaldo Alonso and Brad Evans, the match is set to feature teammates and friends across all 15 years of Scott’s career in Seattle, including Kasey Keller, Roger Levesque and Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, among others. …

(Here’s who else is set to play.) Scott was known during his career for giving tirelessly to local causes, as noted in our September story about his retirement announcement. Proceeds from tickets to the 7 pm match will benefit the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the RAVE Foundation, and a college fund for Scott’s three children. Scott published a post online this week about why he chose the PBTF, explaining that he and his family are longtime friends of the Berg family:

… The Berg family, ever faithful, decided to pour all their time and resources into not only the care of their daughter, but in bringing awareness to the incredible lack of funding and resources given to pediatric brain tumor research. The community rallied around the Berg family and with the help of The Run of Hope, raised over $150,000 in a few short weeks in an attempt to do so. All of that money was given directly to Seattle Children’s Hospital for research and clinical trials for pediatric brain tumors.

However, that is not enough. Pediatric Cancer currently receives only 4% of the national budget spent on cancer research and development. On March 1, I will lace up my boots one last time with several of my friends in an attempt to further these efforts. Seattle has always shown me and my family such love. I urge you to do something amazing and continue to support families that face these devastating realities. It could be any of us. As Avery would say, “You are the difference makers.” A portion of proceeds from ticket sales as well as all the in-match auction proceeds will go to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Research Fund run by Seattle Children’s Hospital.

You can get your tickets to the match by going here. Meantime, in addition to her ongoing online updates (the most recent one is here), Avery’s mom tells WSB, “Avery is still fighting and has three more months of awful chemo, but she is doing very well considering. She had a downright miraculous surgery in January where they were able to remove 100% of her tumor. It’s a long, awful road, but we are doing our best and will continue to fight to support pediatric cancer research and advancement.”

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7 options for your West Seattle Sunday
February 26, 2017 7:02 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(No, it’s not a river otter that Bruce Easter photographed near Alki Point. Check out the tail!)

Last Sunday in February, and here’s what’s happening:

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Produce, beverages, cheese, meat, more, direct from the growers/makers. 10 am-2 pm in the street. (California SW between SW Oregon and SW Alaska)

10 AM UPDATE – POSTPONED BY WEATHER – FRUIT-TREE-PRUNING BASICS: 11 am-1 pm, you’re invited to the Community Orchard of West Seattle for a talk and mini-demo. From our calendar listing, “If you have your own hand pruners, please bring them. If not, we will have some to lend out. We suggest you bring water, gloves, and dress for weather. Hot beverages and light snacks will be provided.” Free. The orchard is on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MICROPHONE/BENEFIT: As previewed here, the monthly Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) all-ages open-microphone event next door at The Skylark is a benefit this month for Social Justice Fund NW. Sign up at 3 pm, get onstage at 4 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘BECKY’S NEW CAR’: A change-of-life comedy by Steven Dietz, presented by West Seattle’s own Twelfth Night Productions, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 3 pm matinee. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

OSCAR PARTY: 5th annual Academy Awards-viewing party at OutWest Bar, 4-9 pm. 21+. (5401 California SW)

CHORO TOCANDO: Live Brazilian music @ C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. (5612 California SW)

GEORGE HARRISON BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION: Joe Ross of Green Pajamas performs a night of songs by George Harrison, who would have turned 74 this weekend. 8-11 pm at Parliament Tavern. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

THAT’S JUST PART OF THE LINEUP … see everything that’s on the calendar for today, and beyond, by going here.

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New year-round West Seattle drug dropbox
February 26, 2017 12:57 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Safety | West Seattle news

You don’t have to wait for Drug Takeback Day any more. King County wants to be sure you know about a new year-round dropoff box for unwanted, unneeded, and/or expired prescription drugs, which are a risk to health and safety if you keep them around. The QFC pharmacy in The Junction (4550 42nd SW) has one as part of the newly announced King County Secure Medicine Return program (more background here). Dropoffs are free, no questions asked; the program is paid for by drug companies. Questions? Here’s a detailed list of what you can and can’t drop off.

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WEST SEATTLE SNOW? Maybe – late tonight/early Sunday
February 25, 2017 9:13 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SNOW? Maybe – late tonight/early Sunday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

ORIGINAL REPORT, 9:13 PM: The National Weather Service‘s mid-evening “forecast discussion” is out and they’re sticking with a Winter Weather Advisory alert for 10 pm tonight through 10 am Sunday. Especially on the higher hills, snow showers could bring an inch-plus – or not, since the NWS also says, “it`s a tricky forecast with borderline conditions.” If we do see some, it will be short-lived, per the NWS: “We`ll also see temps rising into the lower to mid 40s. So any snow that does fall should not stick around for too long.”

10:06 AM SUNDAY: The alert has expired and, in today’s midmorning Forecast Discussion, the NWS says, “The snow level turned out to be More like 600-800 feet around central Puget Sound, so most of the metro area did not get snow. An inch or two fell above that level, and also lower down in northern areas and near Hood Canal.” (The highest elevation in Seattle – which happens to be near 35th/Myrtle in West Seattle – is just past 500 feet.)

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FOLLOWUP: Community answers call for donations to welcome refugee families; one more chance to help
February 25, 2017 6:48 pm
|    Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Community answers call for donations to welcome refugee families; one more chance to help
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

A big thanks tonight from organizers of the Hope Lutheran Human Care Ministry donation drive to create “welcome baskets” for refugee families. This morning was the first of two Saturday mornings that they are collecting requested items, and they were heartened by the response.

We published the wish list back on Wednesday:

New or Like-New Items Only

Kitchen Kit: Pots & pans, cutlery, plates, bowls, drinking glasses, cups, tea kettles
Household Kit: Warm blankets, dish towels, hot pads
Hygiene Kit: Feminine products, toothpaste, soap, razors

We asked today if, after the first of the two dropoff dates, there is anything in particular that is needed the most – Hope HCM’s Elissa Sommer, who shared the photos shown above, says, “New sheets and new blankets of any size.” Your next chance to drop off donations is next Saturday (March 4th), 9 am-noon, at the Hope Lutheran entrance (4456 42nd SW). The baskets are being put together in collaboration with the Lutheran Community Services Northwest refugee-settlement program.

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle HS boys win regionals game vs. Timberline; first state game Thursday
February 25, 2017 3:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Video from first quarter, #1 Nate Pryor bringing the ball upcourt, #23 Anthony Giomi eventually scoring a 3-pointer)

FIRST REPORT, 3:30 PM: The last of this afternoon’s three regional-playoffs basketball games involving local teams has just ended in Bellevue, with the West Seattle High School boys defeating Timberline HS in the 3A Regionals, 60-38. The Wildcat boys were already set for state competition and now we know their first state game will be next Thursday night (March 2nd), 7:15 pm in Tacoma, opponent TBD (see the brackets here). Today’s photos and details after we get back to HQ.

ADDED 9:58 PM: Timberline opened the game with a 2-0 lead.

#1 Nate Pryor answered with the first WSHS basket, on his way to a 21-point afternoon.

Timberline scored again, but 4-2 was the last lead they had. Read More

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BASKETBALL: Seattle Lutheran boys lose regionals game, still on the way to state
February 25, 2017 3:18 pm
|    Comments Off on BASKETBALL: Seattle Lutheran boys lose regionals game, still on the way to state
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Thanks to Mike Jensen for updates (including the tweeted photo above) from Chehalis, where the Seattle Lutheran High School boys were ahead at halftime against Napavine in 2B Regionals basketball, 31-28, but had a tough second half and just ended up with a 67-48 loss. The Saints are still on the way to state after their sterling season, and will play at 9 am Wednesday (March 1st) at Spokane, against the winner of tonight’s game between Kalama and St. George’s (see the brackets here).

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BASKETBALL: West Seattle High School girls to state with victory over Edmonds-Woodway in regionals
February 25, 2017 1:25 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Video: How the game ended)

1:25 PM: We’re at Bellevue College, where the West Seattle High School girls have just beaten Edmonds-Woodway 63-41 in a must-win regionals game. This means they’re off to the state tournament next – their first game will be against Lincoln HS at 9 am Wednesday in the Tacoma Dome (here’s the bracket). In this afternoon’s game, the Wildcats led all the way; we’ll add photos and details later.

ADDED 7:45 PM: This is the second time in three years that the WSHS girls have made it to the state tournament, first time under head coach Darnell Taylor.

In this afternoon’s game, the Wildcats never trailed. #11 Jasmine Gayles was their top scorer today with 17 points; she drove in for the first basket of the game at just over one minute in, 2-0 WSHS over Edmonds-Woodway, who for most of the game played far less aggressively than West Seattle. Read More

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GET ONSTAGE / GET INVOLVED: Mode Music Studios partners with Social Justice Fund NW for Sunday all-ages open mic
February 25, 2017 11:41 am
|    Comments Off on GET ONSTAGE / GET INVOLVED: Mode Music Studios partners with Social Justice Fund NW for Sunday all-ages open mic
 |   Delridge | How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

It’s a good time for a good cause – whether you plan to perform, or to watch. Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) is raising money for Social Justice Fund NW at its monthly open-microphone event tomorrow (Sunday, February 26) next door at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW). Here’s the announcement:

GET ON STAGE / GET INVOLVED!

This month, we’re starting our Get on Stage / Get Involved series of all ages Open Mics. We encourage all of our students to participate in our monthly Open Mics next door at the Skylark, especially if they’ve been working on a song (or three) and want to show it off in front of a supportive audience. If they’re voice students, their teachers can definitely accompany them on stage.

Sign up at 3:00, grab some food and drink, learn about this month’s Get Involved partner, then get on stage starting at 4:00.

This month, Mode Music Studios is partnering with Social Justice Fund NW, a foundation working at the frontlines of social change. They leverage resources to foster significant, long-term social justice solutions throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. We’ll have a representative from SJF who can answer questions, give you information, and accept donations.

Find out more about Social Justice Fund NW by going here.

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What’s up for your West Seattle Saturday
February 25, 2017 7:20 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous


(Friday clouds, seen from West Seattle – photo by Monica Zaborac)

Some dramatic weather these past few days, and maybe a bit more, according to the first of these two alerts:

WEATHER ALERT: This Special Weather Statement warns of possible snow showers tonight into tomorrow. We’ll keep watch on the forecast through the day and update with any changes.

TRAFFIC ALERT: This morning, the two right lanes of NB 99 on the 1st Avenue South Bridge are scheduled for closure while crews make repairs, now through about 11:30 am. Could last longer if crews have to stop down for a marine-traffic bridge opening. (Check this camera.)

And now – highlights of what’s happening today/tonight!

DROP OFF SUPPLIES FOR WELCOME BASKETS FOR REFUGEES: As previewed here, a donation drive in West Seattle welcomes certain items to make welcome baskets for refugees. You can drop them off (the list is in the linked preview) 9 am-noon today at Hope Lutheran Church in The Junction, main entrance. (4456 42nd SW)

CLASSES FOR CAREGIVERS: 9:30 am-noon at Alki UCC, today’s topics are “Self Care for the Caregiver” and “Family Dynamics & Communication.” Full details in our calendar listing. (6115 SW Hinds)

NATURE WALK: Join West Seattle naturalist Stewart Wechsler for “Natural Community Service and Admiration Stroll” to lend Mother Nature a hand or two or more. 10 am in Fauntleroy Park. Full details on his website. (SW Barton entrance, between 40th SW and 41st SW)

CLEAT EXCHANGE – ADVANCE TURN-IN: Got one or more youth-baseball/softball players participating in this year’s Second Gear Sports (WSB sponsor) cleat exchange? The advance drop-offs continue through Tuesday, as explained and previewed here. (6529 California SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: All three local teams in the playoffs have games today – the West Seattle High School girls play Edmonds-Woodway HS in regionals at noon at Bellevue College (3000 Landenholm Circle SE). Afterward, same location, the West Seattle HS boys play a regionals game against Timberline HS, 2 pm. Also at 2, the Seattle Lutheran High School boys play Napavine HS in a regionals game at WF West HS (in Chehalis).

CHILDBIRTH CLASS: 1-4 pm at Neighborhood House’s High Point Center, a free class taught by a local facilitator trained and certified by the International Childbirth Education Association: “Come learn about comfortable movement during pregnancy and labor, the birthing process, coping with pain, newborn care, breastfeeding, and postpartum care.” (6400 Sylvan Way SW)

HIGH POINT PLAY AREA: Drop in to talk about the plan for renovating the play area by the High Point Community Center, which is where the open house is happening, 1-3 pm – details in our calendar listing. (6920 34th SW)

WEST SEATTLE PRIDE AAU BASKETBALL TRYOUTS: 4 pm for boys 4th-6th grade, 5:30 pm for boys 7th-8th grade, tryouts at Seattle Lutheran High School – details here. (4100 SW Genesee)

‘BECKY’S NEW CAR’: 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the second Twelfth Night Productions performance of this comedy – details in our calendar listing. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

MALLET HEAD: At Kenyon Hall at 7:30 pm, virtuoso percussionist and West Seattle native Tom Collier performs the second concert of the new Mallet Head Series, joined by Dan Dean on bass and Tom Korn on drums. (7904 35th SW)

PARLIAMENTALITY HOUSE BAND: All-star funk, 9 pm-midnight at Parliament Tavern. No cover. 21+. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

Looking ahead to tomorrow – any West Seattle venues having an Oscar-watching party? We’re making a last-minute list – editor@westseattleblog.com or text 206-293-6302 – thanks!

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VIDEO: 3rd fire in 5 years at ‘derelict’ South Delridge house
February 25, 2017 1:40 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news


(WSB photo added 1:59 am)

1:40 AM: A big response is arriving at a house fire reported in the 9000 block of 16th SW [map]. The first crew on scene reports flames, according to a report radioed to dispatchers. More to come.

1:46 AM: Firefighters are working “defensively” on this – fighting it from the outside.

1:54 AM: They’re calling for two more engines. We’re waiting for our crew to verify the address on the SFD log, which also had a fire call in May 2015; there’s a redevelopment proposal for the site.

2:03 AM: We’ve verified the address. And our files also have a 2012 fire call at the same house, which is shown on Google Maps, in a photo dated a few months ago, as mostly boarded up. There’s also a history of complaints about the property’s condition.

2:22 AM: SFD’s investigator is on the way to start the work of determining how the fire started. Our crew says firefighters still aren’t sure if anyone was inside the house, which is officially listed in property records as a triplex (with a foreclosure last year), when this started.

2:50 AM: Firefighters confirm they used what’s known as their “derelict building” procedures with this. Also, residents were evacuated on both sides of the house, because of the risk the fire might spread, but that risk is now past and some are being allowed back in.

3:17 AM: We’ve added more photos, and video. Some of the SFD units have been dismissed but others will be on scene for some time.

11:20 AM: No information yet on how the fire started; SFD spokesperson Alice Kim did confirm that the building was “unoccupied at the time of our arrival.” We did go over for a daylight look at what remains of the house and have added the photo above.

ADDED MONDAY: SFD says today that its investigators were unable to figure out what started the fire, because the structure was unsafe to enter.

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@ West Seattle Transportation Coalition: Fauntleroy Boulevard Q&A; One Center City
February 24, 2017 9:09 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

2016_nov_fauntleroy60_planview

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Now that the Fauntleroy Boulevard project is funded and approaching construction, it’s getting even-closer public scrutiny, and that brought a briefing and Q&A at last night’s meeting of the West Seattle Transportation Coalition, which has talked about it many times before.

Close to 30 people were there, including an SDOT delegation led by Fauntleroy Boulevard project manager Norene Pen and project communication lead Rachel McCaffrey, who launched the briefing with background:

The project area is .4 miles long, and the concept dates back to 1999 discussions. Part of the project involves the Bicycle Master Plan‘s designation in 2014 of Fauntleroy Way for a protected bike lane. Outreach to adjacent property owners, and discussions, started in 2014-2015. Early ’15 is when the project was “put on hold” for lack of funding; then it was added to the Move Seattle levy, approved by voters in November 2015. She said they’re aware that the partial design that’s just been “re-initiated” is two years old and they are assessing current conditions to be sure it still works, as they then finalize design and move toward starting construction “late 2017 or early 2018.”

The project’s 3 main goals: Read More

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FOLLOWUP: Pipe repairs start Sunday at stuck-truck sinkhole
February 24, 2017 7:19 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | Westwood


(WSB photo from Monday afternoon)

Another followup on the 24th SW/SW Kenyon sinkhole that got a Waste Management truck stuck for a while back on Monday afternoon: More about the cause, and the repairs, from Seattle Public Utilities spokesperson Rachel Ramey:

SPU located a damaged 15-inch drainage pipe under the street that was clogged with debris and tree roots. Crew members cleaned the downstream pipe to remove debris. Repair crews will be onsite Sunday 7:30 am to 8 pm and Monday 7:30-5 pm for repairs. SPU expects to complete pipe repairs and a temporary patch on the roadway by mid-week, next week. SDOT permanent street repair will follow.

We had already reported Tuesday that a stormwater pipe was to blame, but this adds information about the size and scope of that problem.

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CANCELED: No Southwest District Council meeting next Wednesday
February 24, 2017 5:22 pm
|    Comments Off on CANCELED: No Southwest District Council meeting next Wednesday
 |   Southwest District Council | West Seattle news

Just announced: The Southwest District Council executive committee has canceled next Wednesday’s monthly SWDC meeting so that interested members and would-be attendees can go to two other meetings set for that night, both already previewed here: The Fauntleroy Way Neighborhood and Business Association, talking about the Fauntleroy Boulevard project, and the Westwood-Highland Park HALA-rezoning-response meeting. That means the next SWDC meeting is April 5th.

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WEST SEATTLE RESTAURANTS: Yummy Teriyaki closing in The Junction
February 24, 2017 3:33 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Thanks to Anne for the tip via that photo: Yummy Teriyaki in The Junction (4746 California SW) is closing at month’s end. She sent us a photo of the notes on its door, including a longer one that says in part, “After operating our small business for more than a decade, we have decided to pursue a different business path” and says they’re “grateful” to have been part of the West Seattle community “and are blessed to have been serving many local customers throughout the years … Thank you for your support and consideration! And we will miss you.”

We went over to verify and clarify. Though their signage says March 1st, that’s the first day of their closure – February 28th is the final day of their operations (next Tuesday), they told us. And while another restaurant is reported to be moving in – they say they’ve heard “Mediterranean/Greek” – it’s different ownership/management. Caveat, we haven’t been able to verify that yet – no permits or license applications online, but we’re continuing to research. And in case you’re wondering, the building with Yummy Teriyaki, Q Cleaners, and West Seattle Smoke (county assessor’s photo above) has different ownership from the buildings to its north and south.

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UPDATE: Child hit by driver in Highland Park
February 24, 2017 1:45 pm
|      29 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | WS breaking news

1:45 PM: Just one block south of the problematic Highland Park Way/Holden intersection, an emergency response is on the way right now to HP Way/Portland [map]. The initial report is that a driver hit a child. We don’t know yet whether those involved were crossing HP Way or Portland, but we have a crew on the way to find out more.

2:04 PM: Police tell our crew that the child apparently “ran into the street” midblock between Portland and Holden, and the driver couldn’t stop in time to avoid hitting the boy, whose age is believed to be in the 10-12 vicinity. No serious injury – he is being taken to Children’s Hospital by private ambulance to be checked out.

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SPRING ROAD WORK: SW Roxbury sidewalks, road-panel replacement
February 24, 2017 1:13 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

IMG_2171
(WSB photo from March 2016, looking east from west of 30th SW; future-sidewalk zone is at right, eastward from 76 station)

In our report on last week’s Roxhill Elementary PTSA tour of EC Hughes Elementary, we mentioned that principal Tarra Patrick told the group that the school would be affected by upcoming work to install sidewalks on the other side of Roxbury. And we promised details. We’ve reported these plans before, but not a specific timeline or other details; thanks to Brent Champaco of King County Road Services, here’s what we’ve found out:

The project is going out to bid next month and work is expected to start in May. Along with building the new sidewalks along the south side of SW Roxbury between 28th SW and 30th SW, “approximately 10 concrete roadway panels” will be replaced adjacent to the sidewalks, according to Champaco, and since that will require shifting traffic on Roxbury, the Roxhill school-bus zone on the north side of the street will have to be moved. The county started talking with Roxhill and the school district last year, discussing two options; the district, Champaco says, prefers to have the bus zone relocated to 30th SW in front of the school. So that will mean signage changes to restrict parent pickup/dropoff in that area, as well as pedestrian signage changes.

The project is expected to take up to two months, but Champaco says traffic won’t be shifted on Roxbury for the entire duration: “Once the concrete panel work is completed, traffic can use existing lanes. The contractor will be permitted to close a lane and shift traffic between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Between 6:00 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. and between 4:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., all lanes must be open.” There’s enough width to keep 2-way traffic moving, he says.

Since the sidewalk and road-panel work is adjacent to businesses, we asked how they’ll be affected/accessible:

During the design phase, King County Road Services and Property Services staff worked closely with the owner of the 76 gas station; the landowners of the parcels housing the Roxbury Auto Parts store, Mocha Mojo coffee stand, and Eric’s Import & Domestic Auto Services; and the owner Roxbury Auto Parts store to resolve parking impacts and secure easements and right-of-way.

Parking on the auto parts store property, including the “coffee shack” will be modified to provide a one-way loop for the “coffee shack” and a one-way loop for the auto parts store. The parking lot revisions were reviewed and approved by King County’s Department of Permitting and Environmental Services. The number of parking spaces following the project completion will equal or exceed existing parking spaces.

The 76 gas station will have one 30-foot wide driveway and one 35-foot wide driveways to SW Roxbury Street (thereby consolidating access to two points of ingress/egress). The auto parts store will have a 25-foot wide driveway entering the loop in front of the store and a 28-foot wide exit driveway. A 32-foot wide driveway will provide entrance/exit to the “coffee stand” and parking at the back of the auto parts store. Finally, a 30-foot wide driveway will provide access to the auto repair shop.

Access to each of these businesses will be provided continuously throughout construction. No other businesses (such as the casino, Shell gas station or Safeway) are expected to be impacted by the work.

This is all part of the Roxbury Corridor Project; our most recent update was almost a year ago. While researching this, we also checked in with SDOT’s Jim Curtin, who added, “SDOT is also surveying Roxbury for our upcoming paving project. The project is still a few years out but we are looking for ways to expedite the project.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire; stolen car; package theft
February 24, 2017 11:02 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three incidents in West Seattle Crime Watch:

EARLY-MORNING GUNFIRE: Two people e-mailed this morning to ask about this, and we’ve just followed up with SPD. Not only were neighbors in and near the 9200 block of 21st SW [map] awakened by gunfire around 1:40 am, police were in the area and heard it too. Officers headed that way – neighbors saw them searching with flashlights – and found “several shell casings in the street,” according to Det. Mark Jamieson. Witnesses told police that a car was seen leaving the area right after the gunfire, “possibly a black sedan,” and that it hit a parked car. Aside from that, police didn’t find any property damage (bullet holes, etc.) or gunshot victims, and they didn’t find any suspects either. Gang Unit detectives were called to check out the scene.

CAR STOLEN IN SEAVIEW: Amber is hoping someone will find her 1998 Honda Civic, plate 064ZGC:

It was taken last night from 49th SW & SW Graham [map]. One distinctive feature: “a small ‘Apple Honda’ sticker on the rear left bumper.” Call 911 if you see it.

PACKAGE THIEF NORTH OF THE JUNCTION: Katy sent this video of a package theft from her doorstep:

It happened at 8 pm February 9th, just north of The Junction. She adds, “This is the second package we have had stolen in the last 3 months, the first since we installed a camera. Our next-door neighbors had a package stolen two weeks prior to this incident.”

Thanks to everyone sharing information for Crime Watch, so your neighbors all around the peninsula will know. If something (sizable police response, etc.) is happening RIGHT NOW, best way to let us know – once you’ve called 911! – is via text or voice, 206-293-6302.

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