West Seattle, Washington
02 Saturday
Development updates from today’s edition of the city’s twice-weekly Land Use Information Bulletin:
4437-4439 41ST SW: Back in December, we mentioned the latest scaled-down plan for this Junction site once proposed for a 40-unit apartment building. According to today’s notices, the 7-unit plan remains; you can comment on the land-use-permit applications through August 10th. The notices are here and here.
These next projects, also announced via today’s Land Use Information Bulletin, are going through the no-meeting versions of Design Review – so your comment period starts now:
4 TOWNHOUSES AT 3032 CHARLESTOWN SW: Here’s the official notice of “administrative design review” for this proposal. It explains how you can comment, through August 10th.
5 TOWNHOUSES, 1 SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE AT 3710 21ST SW: Here’s the official notice of “streamlined design review” for this proposal. It also explains how you can comment, through August 10th.
5 TOWNHOUSES, 1 SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE AT 3722 21ST SW: This too is proposed for “streamlined design review”; here’s the official notice, which also has information on how to comment, through August 10th.
Also in today’s bulletin, two matters of land-use policy that you might want to take a closer look at, because they’re expected to lead to zoning changes; comment periods are now open:
POTENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO ‘MANDATORY HOUSING AFFORDABILITY’ PROPOSAL, RESIDENTIAL VERSION: Read about them here, and if you have something to say, August 15th is the deadline.
WHAT SHOULD ‘MANDATORY HOUSING AFFORDABILITY’ MULTI-FAMILY/COMMERCIAL REVIEW INCLUDE? Before the city’s environmental review of this part of the plan gets going, the city is asking what it should include. Here’s how to have a say.
Thanks to Mark Wangerin for the osprey view from Duwamish Head; might well have been the same one that flew over us while we were photographing the canoe departures earlier this morning. On now to the rest of today/tonight!
ZIPPY’S FUNDRAISER FOR CONCORD INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL: Dine at Zippy’s Giant Burgers in White Center between now and 10 pm, and part of the proceeds will go to the Concord International PTA. (9614 14th SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: We can verify it’s a beautiful day at the beach. While you’re there, visit the home of West Seattle’s history, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum, noon-4 pm. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
LUNCH AT THE LIBRARY: Youth 18 and under can get a free lunch, no questions asked, at Delridge Library, 12:30-1:30 pm, continuing Tuesdays-Wednesdays-Thursdays all summer. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
DELRIDGE GROCERY FARM STAND: 4-7 pm next to the Delridge P-Patch. (Delridge Way/Puget Boulevard)
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA, WEEK 2: Free concert on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center with The Banner Days, 6:30 pm. It’s the second of six Thursday-night shows presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association (with co-sponsors including WSB). Bring your own chair/blanket. (Walnut/Lander)
PUNDAMONIUM! Pun slam at The Skylark – sign in at 7, puns start at 8, details in our listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MORE FOR TODAY/TONIGHT/TOMORROW/BEYOND … on our complete calendar.
(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
8:28 AM: If you want to watch the tribal canoes’ departure for the next stop on the Paddle to Nisqually journey, get down to Alki fast. The first canoe has just departed, after its skipper called out thanks to the Muckleshoots for hosting them here while they travel to the Nisqually Nation. They’re headed to Tacoma, so you should be able to see them off Beach Drive and points south, too.
8:48 AM: The pace of the departures is picking up.
Still heading out from Alki, with some canoes yet to be carried to the waterline. #paddletonisqually pic.twitter.com/ZXs3MmmmVN
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 28, 2016
9:35 AM: Most of the canoes have headed out, and the flotilla of motorized spectator/support boats is departing too. More photos after we get back to HQ.
10:48 AM: Thanks to Harley Broe for this view from Beach Drive:
1:55 PM: And David Hutchinson shares these views from Alki Point:
Yes, that’s a real buoy in the background of the photo immediately above. The usually-annual canoe journey, as explained on the Paddle to Nisqually site’s “about” page (where you’ll also find the history), is for “… bringing together natives and non-natives with a common goal of providing a drug and alcohol free event and offering pullers a personal journey towards healing and recovery of culture, traditional knowledge and spirituality. … Canoe Journey gatherings are rich in meaning and cultural significance. Canoe families travel great distances as their ancestors did and participating in the journey requires physical and spiritual discipline. At each stop, canoe families follow certain protocols, they ask for permission to come ashore, often in their native languages. At night in longhouses there is gifting, honoring and the sharing of traditional prayers, drumming, songs and dances. Meals, including evening dinners of traditional foods, are provided by the host nations.”
This year’s journey will end in southernmost Puget Sound on Saturday, where tens of thousands of people are expected to welcome the canoe families as they land. One week of ceremonies and celebrations will follow.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
7:15 AM: Good morning! Nothing out of the ordinary on West Seattle and vicinity routes so far.
STOLEN CAR & NEARBY PROWL: Lonnie just reported this in a comment – we confirmed it via @getyourcarback (which does not include car-theft locations, so we don’t know which ones are West Seattle cases unless you tell us): “Sometime after midnight Sunday night and by early Monday morning, my friend Todd had his black locked VW Passat (Lic. #ARG9180)stolen from in front of his residence at the s/w corner of 46th and Juneau St. and his neighbor had their car broken into also during the same time.”
STOLEN MAIL: Cary reports this happened in Arbor Heights last night:
We’re on 44th Ave SW just south of 100th and at 8:20ish (pm) a black (large) SUV pulled up and took a piece of outgoing mail from our mailbox (bill to PSE). The police have been called but please be on the lookout for this car – it might be a 4Runner/Pathfinder. The kid who got out to take the piece of mail was young (18-20s), caucasian or hispanic, and wearing a dark shirt. The car also left behind a diaper in the middle of the street!
COMMUNITY CRIME PREVENTION: Reminder that Night Out is next Tuesday, and it’s not too late to register your neighborhood party with SPD.
9:20 PM: Thanks for the tips, and thanks to BW for the photo- a crash has left a car atop the jersey barrier on the West Seattle Bridge near the Luna Park curve.
9:25 PM: No word on injuries so far, but scanner reports indicate multiple parts of the jersey barrier have been pushed into the westbound lanes.
9:40 PM: SDOT says this is blocking the eastbound bridge completely near its westbound end – right now the live video on the “West Seattle Bridge @ Delridge view” (find link from lower right of that page) is verifying that. One westbound lane is getting by (this is west of the Admiral exit, so you can get off there and avoid it entirely). Looks like a tow truck has arrived.
10:36 PM: The eastbound side has reopened at the crash scene on the curve over Avalon. Looks like one lane each way.
Thanks for sharing the views of the Seattle Fire Department fireboat Leschi putting on a spray show off Alki Beach during tonight’s sunset. The photo above is from Morgan Herzog (who you probably know from The Beer Junction); below, Irene Stewart texted us this video:
We don’t know exactly what brought out the fireboat but it must have been a grand sight with the Paddle to Nisqually canoes lining the beach nearby. Meantime – we will also likely get a fireboat show next Tuesday afternoon (August 2nd) when the Seafair fleet parades past West Seattle shores.
(WSB photo: Little car, big hit, at last year’s West Seattle Car Show)
This year’s West Seattle summer fun has a long way to go, so we’re reminding you here and there about what’s yet to come. We are exactly one month away now from the West Seattle Car Show, which is moving up this year into August, and happening on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. It’s on Saturday, August 27th, 10 am-4 pm, on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus for the second year, and signups are happening right now. Whatever kind of motorized vehicle you have, there’s probably a trophy for it:
Alt fuel/EV
Motorcycle
Ladies/Female owned
Junior (under 21)
Best “un-restored”/survivor (any class)
Judge’s choice – best stock
Judge’s choice – best modified
People’s choice / Michael Hoffman award
Sponsor’s choice
SSC choice – for best student car (judged by SCC staff)
1954 and under domestic
1955 – 1959 domestic
1960 – 1964 domestic
1965 – 1969 domestic
1970 – 1974 domestic
1975 – 1989 domestic
1990 – current domestic
Truck
European
Asian
Go here to sign up. There’s room for more vendors and sponsors, too. The show is presented again this year by West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (both WSB sponsors) and they have a LOT planned, not just vehicle-viewing – see last week’s preview for details.
After a ceremonial groundbreaking this afternoon, site-clearing work is expected to start next week at 4515 41st SW, future site of Quail Park Memory Care Residences, whose owners say it will be West Seattle’s first standalone center for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.
It’s been almost four years since we first reported that this type of facility was being considered for the site. It’s had other proposals, including a 7-story apartment building and a park-and-ride facility with apartments, but this is the one that finally went through, passing Design Review about a year ago.
Living Care Lifestyles says that when Quail Park “opens in fall 2017, it will be the only free-standing community dedicated to the care of dementia and Alzheimer’s residents in an area encompassing 35 square miles.” It will have 48 rooms, with up to 66 residents, and a staff of about 60. The announcement also notes that “Staff at Quail Park will be the first team in the state trained in cultural competency when it comes to caring for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender seniors. Training will be through Northwest LGBT Senior Care Providers Network and SAGE National Resource Center. The community is being constructed and will operate with sustainability at the forefront. The facility will be Gold LEED Certified, and benefit-eligible employees will receive ORCA Access cards to help lessen the transportation impact on the (area).” LGC Pence is the general contractor; John Lape Architecture designed the 4-story complex. West Seattle Chamber of Commerce leaders participated in this afternoon’s ceremony.
(UPDATED 7:33 PM with Thursday’s departure time)
Many on the sand already, ~20 queued at the Alki waterline to come ashore #paddletonisqually pic.twitter.com/jDsKVLr3rm
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) July 27, 2016
1:08 PM: That’s the scene at Alki Beach as we write this a few minutes past 1 pm, with canoes continuing to arrive at the Muckleshoot Tribe-hosted stop along the route of the Paddle to Nisqually. As previewed here Monday, up to 100 canoe families are expected from tribes all over the region – they left the Suquamish Tribe-hosted stop on the west side of the Sound this morning, and will be here overnight until heading out tomorrow. Dozens are here already, some already hoisted up and carried onto the sand, some in queue on the waterline.
1:25 PM: The line of canoes continues to stretch further westward. Hundreds of people are on the beach, some from canoes that have already been brought ashore, some from support crews, plus spectators. This is the first time the canoes have come to Alki during the annual journey since 2012.
4:51 PM: More photos added.
We’re heading back to the beach for a late-in-the-day view as well as the latest on tomorrow’s departure plan.
7:33 PM: With the visitors all celebrating with the Muckleshoots tonight, we checked with security watching over the canoes at Alki, regarding tomorrow’s departure time. He said 8 am. They head to Point Defiance in Tacoma tomorrow, the map shows.
11:47 AM: Just in from Seattle Police via Twitter:
Officers searching for suspect pictured, after he robbed a bank in the 4000 block SW Alaska St. Call 911 if seen. pic.twitter.com/o3Y8v4CxaZ
— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) July 27, 2016
The search is under way now; we’re on our way to find out more.
12:01 PM: SPD had said only “4000 block of SW Alaska,” where there are two banks; our crew has just confirmed it was the Bank of America branch, which has a note on the door saying it’s temporarily closed. No police visible in the area – bank-robber searches often fan out fast – so we haven’t yet obtained additional details.
1:11 PM: SPD has since tweeted that the suspect shown in the photo is in custody.
Today we’re welcoming Junction Flats Apartments, newly opened in the West Seattle Junction, as a new WSB sponsor. New local sponsors get the chance to let you know what they’re about:
Junction Flats is at 4433 42nd SW, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Its features include large windows, in-unit washers and dryers, a 24-hour fitness room, rooftop deck (photo above), and barbecue area. And Junction Flats is pet-friendly, 
with a dog run and pet-wash station. Read more about the Junction Flats amenities here.
Another major attribute: Junction Flats Apartments is within walking distances of a multitude of services, from stores to restaurants to schools, but since it’s “just on the edge” on the north side of The Junction, it’s a quiet setting. Its logo is based on the historic Junction photo at right – the meeting of the tracks (click the photo to see how the two images are linked).
Junction Flats is owned by longtime West Seattleites; Paul Cesmat and Steve Butler (photo above) are West Seattle High School graduates who have been business partners for more than 30 years.
Find out more about Junction Flats Apartments at JunctionFlatsSeattle.com, or call 206-420-8222.
We thank Junction Flats Apartments for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(For “Woodpecker Wednesday,” photographer Mark Wangerin shares this view of a Northern Flicker)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, coverage archives, inbox – highlights for the day/night ahead:
CANOES ARRIVE: As previewed here on Monday, this year’s regional canoe journey, the Paddle to Nisqually, will bring up to 100 tribal canoe families to Alki Beach starting around noon; the Muckleshoot Tribe is hosting them here and they’ll head back out Thursday morning, headed south. This is the first Alki stop on the journey since 2012. (59th SW/Alki SW)
OFFICE JUNCTION MEETUP: West Seattle’s only coworking center hosts weekly free meetups for local at-home workers, entrepreneurs, business owners, coworkers … drop by at noon, bring your lunch if you want, get inspired and refreshed. (6040 California SW)
QUAIL PARK GROUNDBREAKING: A ceremonial groundbreaking for the new memory-care center in The Junction, a $22 million project expected to open next year, is scheduled at 2 pm today. (4515 41st SW)
HIGH POINT MARKET GARDEN FARM STAND: 4-7 pm, the weekly farm stand selling fresh produce next to the mini-farm where local residents grow and harvest it. (32nd SW/SW Juneau)
IRISH SET DANCING: Lesson at 6:30, dancing 7-9 pm at Kenyon Hall with the Puget Sound branch of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann – details in our calendar listing. (7904 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE, WITH CRIME/SAFETY ‘FOCUS GROUP”: 7 pm meeting at Highland Park Improvement Club. It starts with SPD researcher Jennifer Burbridge‘s “micro-community policing plan focus group,” which she’s been conducting in neighborhoods around West Seattle; another big topic, “developing our own Neighborhood Design Guidelines for Highland Park.” See the full agenda on the HPAC website. (12th SW/SW Holden)
OPEN MICROPHONE: 8:30 pm, 21+, free weekly open-microphone event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MORE OPTIONS … on our complete calendar, for today/tonight/beyond.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:30 AM: Good morning! As we start the day, one look ahead to the weekend:
SATURDAY BUS ALERT: The Seafair Torchlight Parade downtown will bring bus reroutes on Saturday night (July 30th), including Route 21 and RapidRide C Line. Go here for the full reroute list.
8:28 AM: Still no traffic incidents of note in or from West Seattle.
(FIRST PUBLISHED 1:53 AM, UPDATED 12:10 PM)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“When you have two beautiful mixed race babies and you find this on your front porch. I am just thankful they can’t read yet.”
That’s how Stephanie Endres began her message to social-media friends late Tuesday night, after returning to her Pigeon Point home and discovering a racist, threatening hate note on her porch.
You can see it here – too much profanity for us to publish it as is, but here’s a redacted transcription:
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS BULLS–T. U NEED TO GET YOUR N—— LOVING A– OUT OF HERE, AND ALL THESE BLACK LIVES MATTER BULLS–T. YOU F—— AROUND AND TEARING UP OUR RACE HAVING ALL THESE N—– BABIES. F—— N—— LOVER!!!! U AND ALL THESE N—— NEED TO LEAVE THIS COUNTRY THAT’S OURS! ONE DAY YOUR KIDS WILL GET WHAT THEY DESERVE BEING ON THIS LAND. F—— N—– LOVERS!!!!!!!!!! WHITE LIVES MATTER F—— N—– LOVERS!!! GO TRUMP!!!
We don’t publish crime victims’ names without their permission; Endres granted hers, as well as permission to republish what she posted on Facebook. Multiple people contacted us after reading it, including her friend Brandy, who wrote, “She is a pillar in our community advocating to prevent homelessness. She has two beautiful bi-racial children and is now afraid for their safety. Please spread the word and inform our community.”
Stephanie’s advocacy, in fact, was featured here on WSB last fall, when she raised money to collect and distribute backpacks for kids in need. She is founder of Stephanie’s Lifeline/HOPE (Homeless Outreach Prevention and Education).
Last night, she concluded her post about the note: “This hate has got to stop. The coward who left this couldn’t even do it while we were home. Truly makes me uncomfortable to know people like this are in my neighborhood/community.”
When we reached her to follow up on others’ messages about her post, she told us, “We found the note around 930 pm and I have notified the police and filed a report. It will be treated as a hate crime and they will be investigating it.”
We will follow up on that later today.
ADDED 12:10 PM: SPD has just summarized this on SPD Blotter, including the answer to the question we’ve had out to them since this morning: “Police collected the letter and evidence and are now investigating the letter as a case of malicious harassment, Washington’s hate crime statute.”
Thanks for the tips! Signage has just gone up for two more food-and-beverage establishments on the way to Junction 47 – a restaurant called Vine & Spoon on the southwest side of the complex, in the 4700 block of California, and a bar called Alchemy on the southeast side of the complex, in the 4700 block of 42nd SW.
As mentioned here a while back, we’d been told the spaces were all leased, but that the proprietors of these spaces weren’t ready to uncloak yet. We’ve reached the spokesperson for both, Lesa Linster, who shared this information with WSB:
Vine & Spoon will be a full-service restaurant and bar serving upscale American cuisine in the heart of West Seattle.
(updated) Led by Executive Chef Christopher Jensen along with celebrated chefs Larkin Young and Bryan Ogden, Vine and Spoon is anchored by a belief in real food grown and harvested by the community. All dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients that are organic and non GMO. In addition, all meat is grass fed and wild caught by farmers and local suppliers. The restaurant boasts a private dining area, an open kitchen, an 18-seat bar, and a large garden patio area for outdoor dining. The menu includes a full variety of small bites, large sharable plates, and a dessert menu to satisfy every sweet tooth. The bar offers craft cocktails and an extensive selection of local wine and craft beer. Open daily from 11 a.m.- 12 a.m. with brunch service on weekends. Happy hour will be daily from 4-7 p.m.
Alchemy will be a chemistry-themed cocktail bar featuring molecular mixology techniques and a unique science and potions design aesthetic. Our bartenders will be mixing up colorful craft cocktail reactions in test tubes and flasks using beakers, cylinders, and other scientific devices. The theme will carry over into our drink presentations which will be interactive and fun. The menu will be created by our executive chefs and award-winning master mixologists with a great happy hour featuring delicious small bites. The cocktail bar will be open Sunday – Thursday from 3 pm – 11 pm, and Friday – Saturday from 3 pm – 12 am.
Both are under the same ownership, Linster confirms, as well as a third establishment mentioned on the same website, “The Sweetest Sin” (no details on that yet). She adds that Alchemy’s menu will also be developed by Chef Jensen. Full announcements on all this are due soon – but this is what we have for starters.
Forecast says the next four days will be warm – maybe even hot – and (mostly) sunny. Here are four outdoor events, all free, perfect for enjoying the warm nights that will follow:
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA ON THURSDAY: Second of this year’s six free concerts presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – 6:30 pm Thursday, The Banner Days (video above) perform on the east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW, but this is on the Walnut side).
P.S. Got kid(s)? Come early – the wading pool should be open until 6:30 pm.
BAND JAM ON FRIDAY – We previewed this yesterday – at least seven marching bands performing on the field at Southwest Athletic Complex starting at 6:30 pm Friday. (2801 SW Thistle)
OUTDOOR MOVIE AT PARK WEST CARE CENTER ON SATURDAY: Park West Care Center (WSB sponsor) is opening its big patio in North Admiral to a family-friendly community movie night this Saturday, “Never-Ending Story,” 8:30 pm. Bring your own chair/blanket. (1703 California SW)
OUTDOOR MOVIE AT HOTWIRE COURTYARD ON SATURDAY: And West Seattle Outdoor Movies continues this year’s series on Saturday night too – “School of Rock” is this week’s movie; the band Those Guys is the pre-show entertainment. Movie at dusk (9 pm-ish) but stake out a spot in the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard early. Bring $ for nonprofit-supporting concessions and raffles if you can! (4410 California SW)
Wondering what that Seattle Public Utilities crew in your neighborhood is up to? Might be this. SPU tells WSB that its crews will be around West Seattle for the next few months, doing “routine sewer cleanings and inspections”:
Seattle Public Utilities is cleaning and inspecting sewer pipes throughout your neighborhood. This work helps reduce sewer overflows and identify locations that need repairs or additional maintenance. Homes and businesses will continue to receive normal sewer services.
Crews will use water from fire hydrants to clean the pipes. Using fire hydrants can cause discolored water. Residents experiencing discolored water should run the water for two minutes before drinking.
SCHEDULE
Crews will be in one location for no more than 2 hours. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ANTICIPATED IMPACTS
Homes and businesses will continue to receive normal sewer services. However, you can expect:
ď‚· Temporary lane closures
ď‚· Temporary parking restrictions
ď‚· Temporary street closures
ď‚· Utility trucks and noise
ď‚· Discolored water (Safe to drink)
This is *not* part of the ongoing pipe-flushing work, which also can lead to temporary discoloration – that’s for water lines, not sewer lines. And there can be other causes of discolored water, so if it does happen at your residence, let SPU know – 206-386-1800.
(Photo from Night Out 2015, shared by Michael in Westwood)
Show and celebrate your block/building/etc. next Tuesday! August 2nd is Night Out – the annual night to spend with your neighbors, fighting crime and strengthening your community. Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon sends this reminder:
We are one week away from National Night Out Against Crime. Many of you have registered your events with us; we very much appreciate that, and the invitations you have extended to us to stop by your events.
If you haven’t yet registered your event, it’s not too late. Our registration link is active until 5pm, Monday, August 1st. This event is always fun and a great way to reconnect with neighbors and meet new ones.
Use (this) link to register your event; registration will allow you to block off your (non-arterial) street.
Printable invitations and street closure signs can be found (here).
We hope to see you at your Night Out Event!
And we hope to see you too – as we do every year, we’re inviting you to let us know about your Night Out party, if you wouldn’t mind us potentially stopping by for a photo to include in our as-it-happens coverage – send the location and time to editor@westseattleblog.com – we also welcome your photos during Night Out, too, via any of our channels.
In West Seattle Crime Watch … two unusual things that happened after car prowls:
CHANGE OF HEART: From Nicholas:
On Saturday night at 45th and Brandon someone went through my car and they stole my parking pass for work, some miscellaneous lottery tickets that were not winners, and unfortunately my work iPhone and charger which I had accidentally left in the console. (Monday) morning the strangest thing happened my work iPhone was sitting on my trunk of my car they apparently decided to return the phone but kept the OtterBox case. Thanks for getting my work phone back to me. I hope you find peace and happiness in whatever it is you’re looking for in this life.
POST-PROWL CASING? From Matt in Arbor Heights:
Strange situation occurred (Sunday) night. Someone knocked on our door around 7 pm and asked to speak with my wife, saying that they went to school together on the east-coast. He then wanted me to go get her and I told him absolutely not. He then asked to see a picture of her. After he left, I finally put two and two together. My wife’s purse was stolen about 3 weeks ago in the parking lot at Lincoln Park along with her ID, credit cards, etc. Someone broke into the car (smashed the window) while my wife was at the beach with our kids.
The police say they are likely casing our house and that similar incidents have occurred recently in West Seattle when property or identification has been stolen. Please be advised.
(Male House Finch, photographed by Mark Wangerin)
Quiet day/night on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. But there’s always something going on, and we start with a reminder:
ONE WEEK UNTIL ELECTION DAY: Vote! The voting ends and vote-counting begins one week from tonight (Augst 2nd) While it’s technically the “primary,” so your vote will shrink the field in various races, it’s also the final decision for two Seattle measures – the Housing Levy and the “elevated downtown waterfront park” initiative. Lots of info here. And if you want to vote without buying postage, the new permanent ballot dropbox is in place along SW Raymond east of 35th SW, by High Point Library.
DROP-IN CHESS: Kids and teens are invited to play chess @ High Point Library, 4:30-5:30 pm. (35th SW/SW Raymond)
(added) SPOKE & FOOD: The annual Spoke & Food bicycle-to-dinner benefit is tonight – and Coastline in West Seattle is participating. 5-9 pm, participants around the region are donating 20 percent of their proceeds; this year, the beneficiary is the Hunger Intervention Project. The first 20 bike riders at each Spoke & Food location get backpacks! (4444 California SW)
‘GRACIOUS SPACE’ WORKSHOP: Come to Highland Park Improvement Club 6-9 pm and “explore how we can collaborate to bring all our neighbors together to build a stronger community.” (12th SW/SW Holden)
FAMILY STORY TIME: At Delridge Library, 7 pm, for families with kids 1-5 years old. Stories, songs, and rhymes! (5423 Delridge Way SW)
LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our complete calendar. And let us know if you have something happening in West Seattle to add – see the guidelines atop the calendar page. Thank you!
Story, photos, and video by Tracy Record and Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers
Though cleanups preceding Monday night’s Find It, Fix It Community Walk in Westwood/Roxhill left less of the area’s rawest problems to be “found,” it wasn’t all pre-sanitized.
The top photo is from a peek into an overgrown lot just off Trenton, northeast of Westwood Village, passed by the 120=plus walkers between official stops; the previous stop had been nearby, at a spot where a resident took the microphone and talked about a “recycling” bin that seemed to be a dumping magnet.
Another unofficial stop was a home on 24th with signs meant to catch the procession’s eyes – asking for speed bumps and police reform.
The department heads in whose purview those lay – SDOT’s Scott Kubly and SPD Chief Kathleen O’Toole – both stopped for a look, though not a chat, so far as we saw.
A few minutes earlier, we talked to the people in the yard, who said that regarding the speed bumps, their street is a popular cut-through, and somebody who zoomed through recently not only almost took out young siblings, but actually, they say, flipped off the kids before continuing on their way.
Also unplanned: A question about long-promised improvements that hadn’t materialized along Barton, after an SDOT employee promised some community-requested improvements are on the way to the crossing by the RapidRide stop and Longfellow Creek,
But let’s get back to how it all started. Community members and city staffers gathered in and around Longfellow Creek P-Patch, east of Chief Sealth International High School, awaiting Mayor Ed Murray:
Once he arrived, it was showtime: Read More
While we’re working on our full report about tonight’s Find It, Fix It Community Walk in the Westwood/Roxhill area (short 1st report here): We took advantage of the presence of multiple city department heads at that event to get information about a few unrelated issues elsewhere in West Seattle. 
First followup: The Camp Second Chance encampment’s move to the Myers Way Parcels, after almost a week on private land across the street. We had sent an inquiry to the media liaisons at the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (which manages city-owned land like this) earlier in the day, asking if the camp was authorized and if not, whether it would be allowed to stay. They didn’t reply, so when we saw FAS director Fred Podesta at tonight’s event, we asked him directly. He told us he had stopped to check out the camp personally while on his way to the Find It, Fix It Walk. He confirmed that the camp does not have permission to be on city land, so it will eventually be given notice and then swept if it doesn’t move of its own accord. What the timeline for that would be, Podesta doesn’t yet know – “it’s not the only unauthorized encampment (on city land),” he noted. But he said the city will do what it can to help campers find services and to help the camp find another site.
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