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Followup: What the city will pay for Dakota Place Park expansion
February 28, 2014 3:44 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(King County Assessor’s Office photo of 4041-4045 California SW)
One week ago, we reported that the city was moving forward on buying a 5,750-square-foot site north of Dakota Place Park so the park, dominated by its remodeled, landmarked ex-substation building, can be expanded. One key piece of information was missing at the time, however: How much the city will pay. That information is available today, along with other details of the city’s plan for the site, now that the legislation is officially in the council’s online files. From its “fiscal note” document:

… The City presented several offers to the previous owner; however, there was never any agreement on price. A developer acquired the property, subdivided it into two parcels, each now owned by a different limited liability company controlled by the same managing member. Both limited liability companies are willing to sell to the City. The two parcels will be acquired under separate purchase and sale agreements and conveyed under separate deeds. It is anticipated that after the acquisitions close, the City will manage the site until park design/construction funding becomes available by demolishing the three residential cottages and two small outbuildings on one parcel and managing the lease in the commercial building on the other parcel until it is time to develop the park, depending on the terms of the lease and the condition of the building. …

The current budget for this project is $795,087. The costs of negotiations with previous owner were $20,087. The current purchase price is $477,000 for one parcel and $238,000 for the other for a total purchase price of $715,000. The additional budget of $60,000 is for appraisals,administrative time, title insurance and closing costs, environmental testing, survey, and demolition of the residential structures and outbuildings. The acquisitions are scheduled to close at the end of March 2014 with demolition of the structures happening at the end of 2014. …

We checked on the site’s history; its longtime owner sold it for $550,000 last October, according to county records. The subdivision mentioned in the city “fiscal note” above was not actually a step taken by a developer, but a confirmation they sought from the city that the site could be considered two separate lots, since there is currently a commercial building fronting California and three homes behind it. The city issued a confirmation letter last December.

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West Seattle restaurants: Matador to close March 9-14 for remodeling
February 28, 2014 2:57 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

If you’re a fan of Matador in The Junction, mark your calendar: They just announced plans to close for remodeling starting Sunday, March 9th, until a scheduled reopening at 4 pm Friday, March 14th. The announcement says, “The interior will be redone with reclaimed barn wood accents and new metalwork will be added to the decor. There will be more seating added, including several new booths and an expansion of the fire-pit area, and a completely new floor. Owner Zak Melang will be hand-crafting all new tables, and a new bar top.” Matador will mark its 9th anniversary in West Seattle this summer.

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Alki Beach sidewalk/path alert: Pump-station-work closure Tuesday
February 28, 2014 2:19 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Beach sidewalk/path alert: Pump-station-work closure Tuesday
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

If you run, walk, rollerblade, skateboard, ride, etc., along Alki Beach during the day, you might have to change your plans next Tuesday, according to this alert just out of the WSB inbox:

On Tuesday, March 4, a King County crew will perform maintenance to the 53rd Avenue Pump Station, a below-ground facility near the corner of Alki Avenue Southwest and 53rd Avenue Southwest, on the west side of the street next to the sidewalk and waterside walking path.

Work will take place between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m., and will involve opening a hatch to replace the pump station’s carbon filter. The crew will need up to three vehicles for this work, and while the replacement work is under way, there could be some increase in noise and odors.

We have the city’s approval to close off the work area, including closing the sidewalk and walking path, but we’ll try to maintain access for walkers, joggers and bicyclist as much as possible. It’s possible that the work will require us to detour foot and bicycle traffic to the other side of the street.

This is the pump station that was expanded over a 2+-year period between 2008 and 2010.

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Remembering Ware Lantz, 1917-2014: Story of ‘a life well-lived’
February 28, 2014 1:16 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned in April for Richard Ware Lantz of Fauntleroy, gone after what his family describes as “a full life,” and you’ll likely agree after reading the remembrance they’re sharing:

Ware Lantz, 97, died at home in his sleep on February 16, 2014, following a short illness. He lived up to his teenage nickname “Gadget,” for he was forever inventing, dissecting, conducting studies, diagramming, exploring new technologies, going wherever his curiosity took him. He was a consummate storyteller, and loved to read.

Ware was born in 1917, in Kearney, Nebraska. His earliest years were on a dry wheat farm in eastern Colorado. At the beginning of the Dust Bowl, his family moved to Hoquiam, Washington, where he grew up working in his father’s auto service/repair business. He put himself through college during the Depression, and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington in 1940.

Early in the Second World War, he went to work at the Seattle Pacific Shipyard. He was immediately smitten with his new draftsman (appropriate term at the time), Ruth Immel, and they married eight months later.

They moved to Boston when Ware took a position at the Radiation Lab at MIT, working on development of radar defense systems. After the war, they relocated to California for work with North American Aviation, and in 1949 they moved to Seattle, where he worked for Boeing. While at Boeing, Ware was a supervisor on the Bomarc and Minuteman missile systems. After 30 years, he retired and began a second career, building architectural models, and picture framing.

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Will you support a Metropolitan Park District to raise extra tax $ for city parks, instead of a levy?
February 28, 2014 10:53 am
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Tacoma has one, and now it looks like Seattle voters will be asked if they want a Metropolitan Park District too. The citizens’ advisory committee that’s been working on the next parks-funding measure to send to Seattle voters is recommending creating a district with its own authority to raise money via new taxes, instead of sending voters another multi-year levy (the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy was the last one). The committee’s vote last night was 11-1. Our partners at The Seattle Times have meeting details here; you can read the rationale behind the recommendation in this document from the meeting, starting with Item 7. If this proposal had been in effect this year, it would have cost the owner of a $400,000 home about $168, according to the document.

WHAT’S NEXT: The City Council will be asked next month to approve the district, and then it would be up to voters, likely in August, to give final approval. If a district is created, councilmembers would double as the district’s board.

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‘Country Sky,’ city beach: Alki scenery in Brent Amaker’s new video
February 28, 2014 10:10 am
|    Comments Off on ‘Country Sky,’ city beach: Alki scenery in Brent Amaker’s new video
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The song’s been out a while but the video is brand new from West Seattle entrepreneur and nationally touring country musician Brent Amaker (and his band The Rodeo). He shared it with WSB because it’s built around Alki scenery; it’s described as a “karaoke video come to life,” which explains the onscreen lyrics. (Note that it might be a tiny bit NSFW, with some saucy dancers in the back half of the video.) P.S. Amaker’s also promoting his 50th Birthday Gala, coming up in April.

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West Seattle Friday: Cookies, gardening, dancing, bingo, yoga…
February 28, 2014 9:22 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Gary Jones for another close-up look at eagles on Alki Point – just as we get ready to fly into the weekend! Ahead, just part of what you’ll find on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Starting today, you’ll see Girl Scouts around West Seattle (and other parts of the metro area) starting their annual fundraising cookie sale. No new flavors this year – just six tried-and-true types, Thin Mints, Samoas, Tagalongs, Do-Si-Dos, Trefoils, Savannah Smiles. You can find cookie-selling venues by using this online locator. Sales continue through March 16th.

OPEN HOUSE: IT Headquarters/PC Mobile Help recently moved and is having an all-day open house, until 6 pm, at its new location; details in our listing. Free computer recycling, among other things. (5631 California SW, Suite B)

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Drop by for some or all of the monthly meeting, 10 am-2 pm at Daystar Retirement Village – details in our calendar listing. (2615 SW Barton)

BIG BAND DINNER DANCE: If you don’t have your tickets to tonight’s West Seattle High School Big Band Dinner Dance, featuring WSHS student musicians as well as the West Seattle Big Band, you can buy them at the door. Here’s a video invitation shared by parent volunteers:

For $17, you get dinner 6-7 and big band music/dancing 7-9 pm (plus dance instruction, dessert, beverages, and a chance at door prizes). A special $8 music/dancing-only tickets for students is available. It’s happening at WSHS, and benefiting WSHS band, orchestra, jazz-band members raising money for this spring’s performance and competition trips. (3000 California SW)

MARDI GRAS RAINBOW BINGO: Fat Tuesday is days away, and you can start the revelry tonight at the Mardi Gras edition of Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center of West Seattle (WSB sponsor). Call fast to see if reservations remain. Food at 6, entertainment at 6:30, bingo at 7. (California/Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE, FAUNTLEROY Y ZUMBATHONS: 6:30 tonight, the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) raise money for its annual campaign with an “all-star lineup” of Zumba instructors leading a Disco Party. It’s at the WS branch; details here. (4515 36th SW)

RESTORATIVE YOGA: 6:30 pm with Milo Minnis at SoundYoga (WSB sponsor) – details here. (5639 California SW)

RONNY COX AND FRIENDS: He performed to a capacity crowd at Kenyon Hall last year, so he’s back, tonight (and tomorrow), 7:30 pm – details here. (7904 35th SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates; weekend 99 closures
February 28, 2014 6:57 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(More cams, and other info, on the WSB Traffic Cameras page)
Good morning! One note for the Friday morning commute – a crash investigation on 4th Avenue S. at Bennett in Georgetown (map); our friends at KING 5 say the closure is between Dawson and Lucile. Otherwise, one major weekend reminder:

HIGHWAY 99/ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT WEEKEND CLOSURES: Saturday and Sunday, 6 am-6 pm both days, the twice-yearly inspection will close Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct between the West Seattle Bridge and Battery Street Tunnel. But if you drive 99 north of there, you need to know that both directions will be closed from the tunnel north to Valley Street from 10 pm tonight to 6 am Sunday for more work – and then from 6 am to 11 am Sunday, the closure will stretch further north for a 5K run. WSDOT explains it all here. For Metro reroutes resulting from the closure – go here.

9:06 AM: From the scanner – stalled/broken-down vehicle blocking the bus lane and part of another lane on northbound 99 at Lander.

10:26 AM: And now from the scanner, a stalled vehicle blocking at least one lane on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge near/at the Delridge onramp. Also, Debora mentions a stall on the northbound Viaduct’s right lane in the stadiums, causing a backup; not sure if that’s the same one we mentioned at 9:06 am, but you are now forewarned, if you’re heading that way any time soon.

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Duwamish Tribe tries again to get its cultural artifacts back
February 27, 2014 10:24 pm
|      37 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(Empty artifact case post-removal; 2013 photo courtesy Duwamish Longhouse)
The Duwamish Tribe says it’s still trying to get its artifacts back. Last August, news emerged that the Port of Seattle was deciding the fate of artifacts found on historic tribal land that it now controls. Today, according to this news release sent by the tribe tonight, they received official confirmation their artifacts will be given to a tribe that unlike the Duwamish has federal recognition (something the Duwamish have long fought for). The news release is followed by the text of the letter to which it refers.

The Duwamish Tribe would like its cultural artifacts back. Last July, the Burke Museum was paid by the Port of Seattle to confiscate $800 worth of Duwamish cultural artifacts on display at the Duwamish Longhouse & Center. The artifacts were from the Duwamish #1 Archeological Site, an old Duwamish camp and village site across the street from the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center.

The tribe received a call from the Burke Museum today that the artifacts will be given to the Muckleshoot Tribe in Auburn.

Unknown to the Duwamish Tribe, 2 years ago the Port of Seattle declared that it wanted to surplus its archeological artifacts including those from the Duwamish Archeological Site #1 bordered by the Duwamish River and W Marginal Way SW.

How did the Port come to own the archeological artifacts? In the early 60’s, the Port declared eminent domain, and bought out the interests of area residents to make way for the building of Terminal 107. Because of environmental issues, the terminal was never built. The area was also the site of the last original shoreline of the Duwamish River. As the land was being cleared, the Duwamish #1 Archeological Site was discovered and dug in the 1970’s. The archeological site is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been set aside as a public park. The Port retains ownership of the site.

The Duwamish Tribe has sent a letter to the Port proposing to buy back its culture artifacts for display at the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center.

“It would seem that best public good & cultural value would be to continue to display the artifacts from this site at the Seattle location where they were found.“

Ahead, the text of the letter mentioned above, included in tonight’s e-mail to us from the tribe, carrying today’s date:

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Video: TV showcase for West Seattle’s ‘dueling’ Little Free Libraries
February 27, 2014 9:03 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

One month ago, we published the saga of two Little Free Libraries turning up almost simultaneously on Rutan Place SW. Tonight, West Seattleite Jim Dever told their tale on Evening Magazine – it’s the first story on the show, embedded above if you missed it on TV. Thanks to Kerry, who e-mailed to mention it, pronouncing the story “pretty cute.”

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West Seattle weather: Another alert for possible snow chance
February 27, 2014 6:25 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Last one didn’t pan out – the one before that did – so hey, who knows what’ll happen this time! The National Weather Service has another Special Weather Statement in effect; see the entire alert here. The scenario is similar to last weekend, when the North Sound got a big blast of snow (and we didn’t), but there’s also a chance the cold air and moisture could push this far south. Stay tuned.

SIDE NOTE: Only one more week until we “spring forward” into Daylight Saving Time – Saturday night/Sunday morning, March 8-9.

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Steps at Stevens: Designing a safe path to the west side of ‘Westside’
February 27, 2014 3:56 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

West Seattle High School is also fondly known as “Westside,” but it’s not easy to get safely to the west side of Westside on foot. A new project called Steps at Stevens will fix that – thanks to a city matching-fund grant. Here’s the official overview:

The Steps at Stevens project proposes a safe non-vehicular route from 3000 California Avenue SW, at SW Stevens Street, to West Seattle High School. Stairs, an accessible pathway, and a walkway to the school building’s primary entrance will promote everyday safe transit. Landscape and wayfinding will further enhance West Seattle High School’s primary entrance and strengthen community connections.

The first major step toward Steps at Stevens is happening right now – the West Seattle High School PTSA, one of the project sponsors, has issued a Request for Qualifications, seeking those interested in design/consultant work for the project, made possible by the $20,000 matching-fund grant. The deadline to get in on this is March 24th,and you can read all about it here.

ADDED 9:51 PM: If you’re interested in even more information, project organizers forwarded text of a story that is in a recent edition of the WSHS student news publication but is not otherwise available online. It’s republished with its writer’s permission.

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Kid stuff to spare? WS Coop Preschools’ big sale ahead
February 27, 2014 2:30 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

No-longer-needed kid stuff around the house? West Seattle Co-Op Preschools are taking signups right now for a Kids’ Consignment Sale to help raise money scholarships for families in need. From the announcement:

We invite anyone to consign at our sale. As a consignor, you can set your own prices, and you will make 65% of the asking price, while the host will make 35%. You will be paid for your sold items when you pick up your unsold items at end of the sale on March 29th.

The Kids’ Consignment Sale will be a great event for everyone involved:

· Helping families earn extra cash selling gently used baby and kids’ gear, clothes and toys
· Offering low-cost, quality baby and kids’ items for sale
· Enabling West Seattle Co-Op Preschools to provide scholarships for families in need
· Bringing our community together!

For more information, visit our website: www.westseattlepreschool.org</blockquote>
You can sign up now – and the earlier the better, so there’s time to tag and price items – but the sale itself is on Saturday, March 29th, from 9 am-1 pm at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska). Sneak peeks are planned at facebook.com/WSCPkidsale and they’re on Twitter at @WestSeaKidsSale. (Dropoff for tagged items will be 5-7 pm March 28th at the sale site.)

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What’s cooking? New classes at Delridge Community Center
February 27, 2014 12:28 pm
|    Comments Off on What’s cooking? New classes at Delridge Community Center
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Past students @ DCC cooking class)
Want to expand your repertoire in the kitchen? Delridge Community Center is highlighting two upcoming classes: Make your own hummus and pita bread, this Saturday (March 1st) 11 am-1:30 pm, $25/person, info/registration here – and on March 18th, learn how “to make some staples of a Indian food such as dahl soup, samosas, cauliflower with potatoes, and chicken in a sweet red pepper sauce,” 5:30-8 pm class, $27/person, info/registration here. (Or sign up by calling 206-684-7423.)

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Followup: New details about Áegis Living’s West Seattle plans
February 27, 2014 10:57 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo of future site)
New details just in from Áegis Living about its plan for the former Life Care Center site at 47th/Admiral. We first reported the purchase last November; we also talked that month with Áegis Living CEO Dwayne Clark; and in December, we reported the land deal had closed for $3,650,000. Today, a formal announcement from Áegis, including a projected completion date and specific number of units:

Áegis Living, a national leader in assisted living and memory care communities, is pleased to announce the recent purchase of a property in West Seattle.

The West Seattle location is the latest addition for the company, which has implemented a growth plan to serve the increasing need for senior housing throughout the West Coast. Set to open in 2017, the new community will offer assisted living and memory care for seniors.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Another Civic stolen; another Lincoln Park car prowl
February 27, 2014 10:12 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes this morning. From Dave:

Sometime last night between 10 pm and 6 am, our car was stolen. It was parked directly in front of our apartment complex near the intersection of 61st and Beach Drive. We had just purchased the car about a month ago. It is a silver 1996 Honda Civic hatchback. There are stickers on the back in the shape of the states NJ and CA and also a blue W sticker on the back window. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.

We also have a report of a car break-in in the south lot at Lincoln Park – a window shattered, items taken from the trunk, including a Toshiba laptop computer in a maroon slipcover and a bag with cards, phone, etc. The victim got the bag back – it turned up “stuffed in my mailbox with a police officer’s business card attached” – but the laptop remains out there somewhere. Let police know if you find one.

SIDE NOTE: Car prowls were described as Lincoln Park’s most-common crime problem when the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council sponsored a safety walk at the park last year.

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West Seattle Thursday: Blue Angels jet visits; Whale Trail talks salmon; parenting seminars; more
February 27, 2014 8:50 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Walk-ons boarding M/V Klahowya @ Fauntleroy ferry terminal

(Walk-ons boarding M/V Klahowya – photo by LB Bryce, via the WSB Flickr group)
Just some of what’s up today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ARBOR HEIGHTS TOUR: Any family interested in attending Arbor Heights Elementary is welcome to tour the school 9 am-10 am today. (37th & 104th)

WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: Today’s meeting looks at Initiative 1329 and more – details in our listing. 11:30 am, West Seattle Golf Course. You would have had to RSVP for lunch (watch our calendar and the WSDW website for advance notice of future meetings), but you’re still welcome to sit in. (4470 35th SW)

BLUE ANGEL VISITING: Yes, the Blue Angels really are returning to Seafair this year. Latest proof: The #7 jet visits Seattle today for Seafair’s winter meetings. It’s scheduled to arrive at Boeing Field between 1 and 1:30 pm. This year’s air show, Seafair reminds us, is scheduled for August 1st-3rd.

RETURN OF THE WIENERMOBILE: 2-5 pm, the iconic Oscar Mayer Wienermobile is back at Roxbury Safeway, where it was last seen back in December. Photo op!!!! (28th/Roxbury)

THE FRATELLIS, RESCHEDULED: 6 pm at Easy Street Records, The Fratellis perform the show that was rescheduled from last November. Free, all ages; details here. (California/Alaska)

THE WHALE TRAIL: Saving salmon is key to saving the orcas. Find out how salmon are doing, at tonight’s talk presented by The Whale Trail, C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. (5612 California SW)

PARENTING SEMINAR #1 – PARENTING WITH PAUSE, LETTING GO: Free parenting seminar presented by Renée Metty at The Cove School, 6:30 pm. Free child care if you RSVP – use this form, ASAP. (3430 California SW)

PARENTING SEMINAR #2 – GOODBYE, DIAPERS! Free parenting seminar for parents of kids who are making, or about to make, the big transition. Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor), 7 pm – details in our listing. (3940 41st SW)

DELRIDGE GROCERY BENEFIT AT SKYLARK: Every Thursday, Skylark Café and Club has a benefit for a local nonprofit, and from here on out, the fourth Thursday will benefit the Delridge Grocery cooperative – details here. 7-11 pm, with music starting at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Thursday updates; weekend 99 closure(s) reminder
February 27, 2014 6:39 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(More cams, and other info, on the WSB Traffic Cameras page)
Good morning! The day again begins without major trouble, so far. So here are today’s transportation notes/reminders:

HIGHWAY 99/ALASKAN WAY VIADUCT WEEKEND CLOSURES: Saturday and Sunday, 6 am-6 pm both days, Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct north of the West Seattle Bridge will close for its twice-yearly inspection. From Friday night until Sunday noontime, other stretches of 99 from the Battery Street Tunnel north will close for other reasons – all explained by WSDOT here.

ROXBURY SAFETY-MEETING REPORT: Couldn’t be there last night? We were. See the story for your next chances to say what you’d like to see on Roxbury.

WATER-TAXI FARE REMINDER: In case you missed it – Water Taxi fares go up as of March 1st (but since that’s a Saturday, and the WT routes don’t run weekends this time of year, technically the increase kicks in on Monday, March 3rd).

7:16 AM: Andrew reports in comments, “Just now, stalled VW Vanagon east bound bridge at bottom of hill adjacent to Nucor.”

8:08 AM: Crash reported on NB 99 near Seneca. Your editor here is on a RR bus waiting to get onto 99 and indeed we are all but stopped. But moving in fits and spurts.

8:28 AM: By the time our bus got off 99 at Seneca, looked like flashing lights beyond – we had continued moving with few delays.

9:04 AM: If you are leaving late, note that a crash is reported on I-5 northbound at Denny – so that might cause some trouble here in the late going.

FOOTNOTE: Continuing our “temporary commuter” exploration, we took RapidRide in, and took the Water Taxi home. First time on the Spirit of Kingston, we realized. It is FAST – listed as a 10-minute crossing but really seemed like about five minutes sailing, five minutes docking and undocking. Compared to the $16 we’ve been paying (tax included) for an earlybird all-day parking spot near the courthouse, $2.50 bus fare in and $4 boat fare out combined for a bargain. Lots of room for more people on the boat; we were dropped off by the 35th/Avalon bus stop and had to stand, but we’re blessed with good health and didn’t mind, especially facing a full day of courtroom-bench-sitting.

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Morgan Junction murder trial: Victim’s friend tells his story, gets grilled
February 27, 2014 6:25 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“Quit talkin’ to me – talk to Jesus.”

That’s what Jonathan “Jamie” Vause testified he told his dying friend Travis Hood as he drove frantically away from where Hood had just been shot, toward what he thought was a hospital a mile and a half away.

Vause was the only witness to testify Wednesday at the trial of the man who shot Hood, Lovett Chambers, and he will be back on the stand today.

The fact that Chambers fired the fatal shots is not disputed – but the reason for the shooting is, as is Vause’s behavior preceding it. As laid out in opening statements last Wednesday, the prosecution contends he was a shocked witness who has no idea why Chambers, who had been drinking at the same Morgan Junction bar as he and Hood moments earlier, opened fire, while the defense contends Vause and Hood, both white, taunted Chambers, who is black, with racist insults and provoked a confrontation that led him to act in self-defense.

Yesterday, after prosecutor Margaret Nave led Vause through the story of his longtime friendship with Hood and the night he was killed – January 21, 2012 – defense lawyer Ben Goldsmith began the most intense cross-examination of the trial, first asking Vause: “You are a fugitive felon from North Carolina, is that correct?”

But first:

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SAT for free! Grant money gets 270 at Sealth to take The Test
February 26, 2014 10:30 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

It’s a fixture of getting ready for college – taking the test known as the SAT. It usually entails paying a fee and spending several hours somewhere outside the school day – but today, a special event at Chief Sealth International High School made the test possible for about a fifth of the entire student body:

Thanks to grant funds, about 270 Sealth students (mostly juniors) were able to take the SAT test today at no cost! The grant provided registration fees ($50/student), an online SAT-prep course ($70/student), and a healthy snack to students who registered. A unified effort between Lori Douglas, Academic Dean, and Cheryl Sullivan, Assistant Principal, ensured as many students who were eligible got registered for this excellent opportunity! Students had (and continue to maintain) the ability to send scores to any college(s) they chose, or they could just use the results as a “barometer.”

Thanks to assistant principal Sullivan for the report and photo; she says the grant money originated with the Race to the Top program.

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Making SW Roxbury safer: Discussion #2, and more to come
February 26, 2014 7:34 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

If you didn’t make it to the second meeting tonight about the project to make SW Roxbury safer between 35th SW and its east end at 4th/Olson, you’re not out of chances yet, but time is finite.

As with the first meeting earlier this month in White Center, this meeting was led by SDOT’s Jim Curtin and Brian Dougherty, though it was an interactive discussion much more than a “sit down and listen” meeting. Curtin did have a new, brief slide deck – that’s him at left, below, on the Roxhill Elementary stage with Chris Stripinis from the Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Neighborhood Council, who had explained backstory about WWRHAH and other groups asking the city to “do something about Roxbury Street.”

Thanks to Joe Szilagyi from WWRHAH, among tonight’s attendees, for that photo. Meantime, here’s the SDOT slide deck, shared by Curtin:

If you can’t see the Scribd document above, click here for the PDF version. After the presentation, with key points including the fact that Roxbury – classified as “a principal arterial” – has “a very high rate” of collisions, 223 in the last three years, including 11 pedestrians and two bicyclists being hit. Traffic volumes rise from 13,000 vehicles daily on the west end to 25,000 daily on the east end, “a pretty busy road.” The collision hot spots are all along the stretch.

The most collision-plagued intersection is at that busy east end, Olson/4th/Roxbury, and one suggestion was for a roundabout there – that would take money and time, Curtin said, not ruling it out, but for starters they’re considering reducing the spinout factor there by roughing up the pavement.

Other suggestions written on sticky notes and left along the multi-table rendering of Roxbury included working on the turn lanes at the intersection by Safeway, so people are clearer on which way vehicles are turning. All the suggestions are being collected, along with those to come at upcoming events such as these (from the slide deck):

WHAT’S NEXT: Early projects will include pavement repair near Roxbury Safeway – that will be fixed “very soon,” Curtin promised. Photo-enforcement cameras, as already announced, will be installed in Roxhill and Holy Family school zones. This entire project is being made possible by photo-enforcement revenue, he added. Longer-term – recommendations for the corridor are expected to be out in July.

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Memorial service Saturday for Cecil O. Hansel, 1934-2014
February 26, 2014 6:51 pm
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 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Family and friends will gather this Saturday to share memories of Cecil O. Hansel, a half-century-plus West Seattle resident who died last week at 79. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Cecil O. Hansel
April 21, 1934 – February 20, 2014

Cecil Oscar Hansel was born in New England, North Dakota on April 21, 1934, to Pete and Mary Hansel. He was soon joined by brother, Larry and sister, Joanne and later by Royal and Suzanne. Cecil graduated from Larimore High School in 1953, where he was an all around athlete, playing football, baseball, basketball and track. He was also active in drama, on the Annual Staff and President of the Lettermen’s Club. This is where he met the love of his life, Janice Morstad, a cheerleader and two years his junior.

After high school, Cecil was offered a scholarship to play football, but decided instead to enlist in the Army and was sent to Korea for a year. After leaving the military, he attended NDSU. Cecil and Janice eloped and were married on January 21, 1956.

They moved to Spokane, Washington, where Cecil attended a trade school while working at Ideal Concrete Company. Cecil and Janice’s family grew with the birth of sons Jeff, Greg and daughter, Mary Jo.

In 1963, the family moved to Seattle, Washington, and settled in West Seattle. Cecil began working at the Corps of Engineers. The family continued growing with the additions of sons, Mark and David.

Cecil played American Legion Baseball and enjoyed coaching little league football, basketball and baseball. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacations to Spirit Lake, Deer Lake, and other places, eventually retiring to Lake Trask to enjoy the fishing. He retired after 30 years at the Corps of Engineers as Chief of Photogrammetry. He enjoyed watching his kids and grandkids play sports, spending time with family and friends, and fishing.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Janice and his parents. He is survived by his sons, Jeff, Greg (Denise), Mark, and David (Diana), his daughter, Mary Jo Dunlap (Brian), his brothers Larry (Leah), and Royal, his sisters Joanne Hanson and Suzanne Green (Greg), his grandchildren Christina (Jonathan), Tom, Drew and Drake, four great-grandchildren, and also nephews and nieces.

A funeral will be held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home on Saturday, March 1st, at 1:00 pm. It is located at 6701 30th Ave SW.

(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)

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West Seattle development: Design packets online for next week’s reviews of 3257/3303 Harbor, 1606 California projects
February 26, 2014 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development: Design packets online for next week’s reviews of 3257/3303 Harbor, 1606 California projects
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(One view of project team’s preferred ‘massing’ for Harbor Avenue project)
One week from tomorrow, the Southwest Design Review Board meets again, with two projects on the agenda – a two-building, ~100-unit, ~85-parking-space project at 3257/3303 Harbor Avenue SW (map; first reported here last month), and a 4-story, 16-apartment, 16+-parking-space building proposed for 1606 California SW (map; first reported here last October).

(One view of project team’s preferred ‘massing’ for California SW project)
Both “packets” full of renderings, massing options, and other early details are now viewable online, so you can preview one or both if you’re interested – the Harbor Avenue project packet from architects Public 47 is here, the California SW project packet from architect Roger Newell is here. Both are going before the board for the first time, so they are both in the Early Design Guidance stage, which is focused on massing – size and shape – rather than specifics of how the buildings will look. Harbor Avenue is first up at 6:30, California SW at 8 pm, when the board meets Thursday, March 6th, at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon).

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