West Seattle, Washington
02 Saturday
Suicide is an epidemic – five times as common as homicide in our county – but fears and taboos keep us from talking openly about it, which may actually be keeping us from preventing it. Here’s a chance to make a difference – by learning life-saving information about dealing with suicide and depression among children and teenagers. It’s a free seminar/workshop that the Chief Sealth International High School PTSA will present 6-8 pm next Tuesday, January 29, at the conference room of High Point Library (35th/Raymond), in partnership with the branch’s teen librarian Ken Gollersrud. Two guest speakers are planned – read about them and what they’ll focus on, by going to the Sealth PTSA website.
(Photo courtesy Tammy Wooley, added 9:18 pm)
Several people called/texted/e-mailed to say they saw Seattle Police out on horseback on SW Barton within the past hour or so. So far, no photo – and when we went out looking for them, we couldn’t find them – but just in case you didn’t know, it’s not unusual to see them out and about, since the SPD horse force is based here in West Seattle, at Westcrest Park. We’ve reported sightings in the past, most often at Westwood Village (like this and this and this), where they’re taken for acclimation – they often show up at the summertime Picnic at the Precinct, too. As reported here two years ago, their funding was slated to be cut until the Seattle Police Foundation stepped in to help. P.S. If you saw them today and took a photo – we would love to share it – thanks!
(WSB photo taken this morning, looking southeast at the slide zone)
Five months after the city announced a settlement in the legal fight over the Beach Drive slide zone, there’s finally a sign that slope-stabilization work will start soon. As reported here in August of last year, mediation led to an agreement for “insurance monies and private funds” to pay for retaining walls and a drainage system to stabilize the slope below the 6000 block of Atlas (map), site of repeated slides, including this one in 2010:
Homeowners below the slope had sued the city and Atlas homeowner Peter Saladino, who, for agreeing to build the walls and drainage, would be spared “the majority of fines” the city could have levied (they had sued him too). Browsing the city Department of Planning and Development site last night, we discovered permits had been issued for at least some of the work, so we followed up today with DPD spokesperson Bryan Stevens, who explains:
Permit #6239617 includes 6067 Atlas, 6053 Atlas, and 6049 Atlas. This permit covers the construction of two retaining walls (one upper, one lower along Beach Drive), installation of subsurface drainage and revegetation of the hillside across the three properties.
Work can begin on the lower wall, as we have conditionally granted their request to work in this area during the wet season. The upper wall is in a more sensitive location and will have to wait until after April 1st, when conditions are typically dryer.
This work is of interest not just to those who live in the area, but also to those who use that much-rutted stretch of Beach Drive – once the slope work is done, the road can be fixed. (After last year’s agreement was announced, the city repaved a nearby section of Beach Drive that wasn’t directly beneath the unstable slope.) The whole mess even came before the City Council Transportation Committee two years ago this month. We don’t know yet exactly when the first phase of work will start, but we’ll update whenever we find out.
Another development in the movement of some Seattle Public Schools‘ teachers expressing opposition to, or even declining to administer, the testing known as MAP: The district just announced that it will “host a media briefing with Superintendent José Banda and other district officials regarding the district’s Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing” at district HQ tomorrow afternoon. The announcement says he will be joined by three district officials – interim teaching/learning assistant superintendent Michael Tolley, research/evaluation manager Eric Anderson, and Teacher Incentive Fund project director Clover Codd (a former Alki Elementary principal, by the way). No word yet whether an announcement will be made or whether it’ll be a reiteration of what the superintendent has already said. This all started when Garfield High School teachers announced they would not give the tests; since then, other expressions of opposition have included letters sent by the teachers at Sanislo (WSB report here) and Schmitz Park (WSB report here) elementaries here in West Seattle.
A 30-year-old man is now in jail for investigation of burglary, thanks to what Seattle Police describe as “an alert neighbor” who called 911 this morning after seeing a stranger “lurking” before vanishing into a yard. From the report on SPD Blotter:
This morning just shortly after 9:00 am, a woman saw an unknown male roaming around in her neighbor’s yard in the 3700 block of SW Donovan St, she then heard the sound of glass breaking. The woman immediately called 911 and gave an excellent description and direction of travel as the suspect was leaving her neighbor’s yard.
Officers were close by and quickly responded. They located the suspect in the immediate vicinity. The suspect was identified and detained for an outstanding warrant. He was subsequently identified by the caller as the subject in her friend’s yard. Officers determined that the suspect attempted to gain entry by breaking the window on the north side door.
P.S. We don’t know whether this neighborhood has a Block Watch but whether you do or don’t, if you’re interested in banding together to prevent/fight crime, here’s one more reminder that the West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network meets at 6:30 tonight, Southwest Precinct (Webster west of Delridge).
10:55 AM: Crews are on the scene of a house-fire call in the 200 block of SW Roxbury – the east end of the street. They’ve already reported it as “tapped” and are dismissing some of the crews; more to come.
11:11 AM: Firefighters on the scene say what fire there was, was in the back of the house. No injuries reported; the investigation into its cause is under way.
11:25 AM: SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore has just been to the scene and provided new information: The fire started in a backyard kennel-type structure that was housing 4 dogs (all described as Chihuahuas). They’re all OK. But the flames did extend to the deck and the back wall of the house – the interior was not involved, so the house remains habitable. Investigators are still trying to find out what sparked the fire.
(This photo and next one courtesy of SFD)
4:36 PM: Adding photos shared by SFD’s Moore showing where the fire started (and spread), at the back of the home, where the wire kennel area was.
Still awaiting final word on the fire’s cause.
10:44 PM UPDATE: And that information’s now in – a heater in the “dog house” caused an accidental electrical fire, SFD says, with flames spreading to the wooden deck and siding before the fire was extinguished. Damage is estimated at $20,000.
Every so often, a thief makes off with a boat on a trailer. The one reported in South Park over the weekend is not your everyday stolen boat on a trailer. We just called Seattle Police to follow up on an over-the-air “be on the lookout” heard on Monday, and here’s what Det. Mark Jamieson told us: The “fast-attack prototype” boat was on a three-axle, 40-foot boat trailer with a red and white 1987 Freightliner cab, taken from a fenced area on the east side of a commercial building in the 1400 block of South Henderson (map). The report says it had been parked there since March of last year and was believed to have been stolen Sunday night; the gate lock had been cut. Asked if there were any other identifying features we could mention about the stolen boat, Det. Jamieson says the trailer was reported to say “Maaco” on the side, and the trailer “might have a white, yellow, orange, and blue cargo box on the back.” As with all stolen vehicles, if you think you’ve seen this, call 911.
Just like the third-eyelid-sporting crow photographed at Jack Block Park by David Hutchinson, the busy schedule in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar has a totally no-nonsense look for today/tonight. Some of what’s on the schedule:
NOTES FROM THE JOB SEARCH: Yes, this networking group is still meeting – if you are new to the job-search world and looking for support, check it out, 11 am at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor; 5612 California SW).
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE LUNCH MEETING: Jazz writer Paul de Barros is this week’s guest speaker. Interested in checking out the West Seattle Rotary? You’re welcome to attend – noon at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor).
BASKETBALL – WSHS BOYS VISIT SEALTH: Junior varsity at 5:45, varsity at 7:30, as Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) hosts West Seattle High School for two basketball games tonight (the girls play there tomorrow).
BLOCKWATCH CAPTAINS’ NETWORK: You don’t have to be a Block Watch captain to come to this neighborhood-to-neighborhood crime-prevention-support (and more) meeting. On the agenda tonight, they’ll get a re-introduction from recently returned Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Joe Kessler, and they’ll talk about home-security cameras. 6:30 pm at the precinct (Delridge/Webster).
SUSTAINABLE WEST SEATTLE’S ANNUAL MEETING: New board members, a 2012 recap, and a new community grant opportunity are part of what’s on the agenda at 7 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) – all welcome, members or not! Full details on the SWS website.
DESIGN CONCEPTS FOR NEW SCHOOL: See how the potential designs for the new Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill are evolving, presented by the architects and district at 7 pm at the current SP Elementary (5000 SW Spokane).
PESTICIDES AND FOOD: Public Health Café discussion tonight at Chaco Canyon Organic Café (38th and Alaska), 7 pm – details in our calendar listing.
SOCIAL CHANGE RE: MENTAL HEALTH … is the topic of a community discussion at 7 pm @ Hope Lutheran Church (42nd/Oregon). Details in our preview.
NIGHTLIFE … Live music at Löcol and OutWest, trivia at Feedback Lounge, karaoke at Skylark, singer/songwriter showcase at Shadowland – all listed on the calendar with full details.
(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
5:59 AM: If the forecast comes true, it’ll be soggy instead of foggy by tomorrow morning’s commute. But for now, one more round of murk, with a dense-fog advisory in effect till noon. Plus, a traffic-alert for tonight: Southbound 99 is closed again from Battery St. Tunnel to West Seattle Bridge, 10 pm-5 am, for SODO overpass work.
8:10 AM: Last week, you’ll recall, Metro went public with results of its online and in-person surveys of West Seattle riders, and crowded buses comprised the top complaint. Christian just sent an inside-RapidRide photo from about half an hour ago:
“There were more people standing then sitting,” Christian noted.
9:03 AM: If you take the 1st Avenue Bridge northbound from southeast West Seattle (or points further south), heads up from WSDOT via Twitter:
Heads up, crews are closing the right lane of NB SR 99 on the 1st Ave Bridge starting. …now, until about noon.
— WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) January 22, 2013
1:34 PM UPDATE: WSDOT says the work’s not over yet – the bridge had to open for marine traffic, among other complications. They’re now hoping to be done by mid-afternoon.
First – no arrest so far in this afternoon’s armed robbery. We do have 3 Crime Watch reader reports. First – Melissa asks that you be on the lookout for this stolen car:
My boyfriend’s car was stolen today in Westwood between 2 pm and 7:15 pm. It’s a blue 1991 Toyota Camry with the plate 695-ZHJ. There’s noticeable damage to both the front and back bumper. It’s scratched up and pretty much black on the corners. Nothing valuable inside, just hoping to locate it.
Call 911 if you see it, as advised by SPD via @getyourcarback.
The other two are car prowls. From Amie:
Car was rummaged through. Nothing valuable taken because nothing valuable was in the car, but papers were strew on the seat from the glove box. Seaview neighborhood.
And from Conor:
We live on 47th SW between Charlestown and Spokane and had our car window smashed (early Monday) at 2 am. Cameras show a man and a women team working each side of the street. They wiped the fog off nearly every car on the block looking for stuff.
Cameras are in fact on the agenda for our area’s next crime-fighting meeting: West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meets Tuesday night, 6:30 pm, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), all welcome, even if you’re not a BW captain or even (yet) in a BW.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Chief Sealth International High School 1275, West Seattle High School 968.
It’s no sports score; there’s much more at stake with that tally, the 2012-2013 enrollment stats for our area’s two major public high schools.
That’s why it was on the WSHS PTSA‘s agenda for this month’s meeting, with two high-ranking district reps on hand – the Southwest Region Executive Director of Schools, Carmela Dellino, and the elected School Board director for West Seattle/South Park, Marty McLaren.
Neither was in her current position when district staffers and board members crafted and approved the Student Assignment Plan blamed for the current state of enrollment inequity – something the then-board was warned would happen – and did.
4:17 PM: Police are searching right now for someone reported to have held up a business in the strip mall on the northeast corner of 35th and Roxbury. The robber is described in scanner traffic as black, male, about 25 years old, red bandana over his face, 6 feet tall, slender, black beanie, dark puffy jacket. He was reported to be armed with a 9-mm handgun. He was last seen headed northbound on 35th. The address given for the robbery is the smoke shop at 9650 35th; we have a crew en route.
4:52 PM: Adding a photo. Not much additional information at the scene – police confirmed Discount Smoke and Beverage is the store that was robbed; they got conflicting reports about which way the robber was seen running, so they’re searching in all directions. They were also still working to find out what the robber got away with. No injuries reported.
It would have taken an impossibly high tide to carry that crab pot to where it was found during this afternoon’s West Seattle Spokespeople-organized cleanup under the bridge. That’s the most unusual item they’d found when we stopped by midway through the cleanup.
It was a multi-generational cleanup – Theresa and her daughter were among those out along the bike path, photographed near the West Marginal Place access point:
Tools for the cleanup were provided by the West Seattle Tool Library.
(Seattle Derby Brats in action; photo by Frank Blau)
So almost everybody’s talking basketball today. But roller derby is making news too – not just because the Rat City Rollergirls‘ season is under way, but because of this big event coming to Southgate Roller Rink on Saturday. Manya shares the news on behalf of the Seattle Derby Brats:
On January 26th, at 5 pm, the Portland Rosebuds and the Seattle Derby Brats Galaxy Girls will bout at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. They are two of the best junior roller-derby teams in the country, and they are also ranked #1 and #3 in the world.
The Seattle Derby Brats were started by a Rat City Rollergirl at Pathfinder School in West Seattle. The ‘brats’ now number 103 girls, ages 8 to 18, drawn from all areas of the Northwest.
The Galaxy Girls evolved as the competitive travel team that bouts other teams in the state and country. If you would like to read more on this sport, there’s a video at seattlederbybrats.com, the second part shows some of the girls in an actual bout.
If you enjoy great action and athleticism, come join us at Southgate Skate Center on Saturday night!
Southgate is at 9646 17th SW, less than a block south of Roxbury.
Just in from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: The burn ban in King County is OVER (here’s the proof) – so no more restrictions TFN. The fog isn’t expected to be around too much longer – the newest forecast projects rain as soon as tomorrow night.
(Global Cities Education Network visitors in the Sealth library)
On this MLK Day holiday meant for contemplation of understanding, collaboration, and diversity, among other things, we have an update on one way that’s happening across borders, right here in West Seattle. Denny International Middle School principal Jeff Clark shares news of a delegation that visited Denny and adjacent Chief Sealth International High School last week as part of the Global Cities Education Network‘s meeting.
Clark explains, “The first GCEN meeting took place in Hong Kong on May 10-12, 2012, and included participating cities: Chicago, Denver, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Seattle, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Toronto. Participants identified several common, high-priority problems of practice and agreed to initially focus on two: the need to develop and sustain a high-quality teaching force, and the need to improve educational outcomes for low performing and linguistically and culturally diverse students.” He adds, ““We were very pleased to have the chance to welcome educators from around the globe to see the powerful things happening with our scholars at Denny International. The opportunity to network and discuss global educational issues is important and was insightful.” The visit report includes an observation from Sealth principal Chris Kinsey: “Chief Sealth International High School continues to open its doors to the world. Collaborating with international educators to create new opportunities for our students is a core element of who we are as an International School.” Here’s Sealth teacher Noah Zeichner, involved in many of their internationally focused initiatives (such as World Water Week), with a colleague from Hong Kong:
The visiting educators also checked out John Stanford International School while in Seattle.
The big citywide story today is the deal to bring NBA basketball back to Seattle – and elected officials from West Seattle are hailing the deal. From King County Executive Dow Constantine:
The return of our hometown team is now within reach. I was a high school kid in the spring of 1979 when I joined 300,000 fellow fans on the streets of downtown Seattle to celebrate our Supersonics winning the NBA Championship. Those were great days for our community.
Thanks to Chris Hansen and his investment partners Steve Ballmer, Peter and Erik Nordstrom, and the strength of regional partnerships and our collective can-do spirit, we can now look forward to celebrating the day we can say, ‘Welcome home, Sonics!’
ADDED 10:23 AM: From another West Seattle-residing elected official, County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who chairs the council’s Budget and Fiscal Management Committee:
I’m thrilled Mr. Hansen and his partners acquired a team. We are closer than ever to having the Sonics play in Seattle again.
Yet, this is just one step in many left before the new arena will be built. As we agreed last year, an economic impact analysis and a full environmental review must be completed before the arena deal is finalized. The County, City and Mr. Hansen will continue to work together until the opening tip-off.
More to come.
(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
We know this isn’t a day off for everyone, so here’s the transit and traffic tracker, with a few notes:
METRO: Reduced-weekday service
WATER TAXI: No service
SOUND TRANSIT: Regular service
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES: Regular service
Tonight’s traffic alert: Southbound 99 is closed from Battery St. Tunnel to West Seattle Bridge for four nights again this week, 10 pm-5 am, tonight, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday nights.
(Seal Sitters photos by David Hutchinson)
From Robin Lindsey @ Seal Sitters:
Every year, Seal Sitters’ hotline (206-905-7325) receives hundreds of calls. Most are local, but many others come from surrounding areas of Puget Sound. As part of NOAA’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network, Seal Sitters responds to all reports of marine mammals on the beaches of West Seattle – both live and dead. Usually, the calls concern vulnerable harbor seal pups resting and warming up on shore. However, with a 50% mortality rate their first year, Seal Sitters deals with many dead pups annually.
Saturday afternoon, we responded to our first mortality of 2013. The hotline received a report of a “sick” pup at Lowman Beach Park, being watched over by a young girl until volunteers could arrive. Responders discovered that the pup was in fact dead. As is the norm in these cases, the location was noted, photo ID taken, a brief visual examination was made, and the length was recorded (35 ½ inches).
Because the dead pup was in such good condition and a prime candidate for necropsy, a call was made to WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations. The pup was bagged and removed from the beach. Transport will be made to the WDFW lab in Lakewood, in hopes that the cause of death can be determined. Thanks to Schmitz Park Elementary student Lunabella who called the hotline.
Seal Sitters recently received an award from Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods matching fund program to implement our project for 2013, “Year of the Seal.” To receive and expend these funds, our volunteers are required to put in an equivalent number of matching hours of work on the educational project, culminating with the installation at Alki Beach of a bronze sculpture depicting a harbor seal mom and pup. The most numerous marine mammals in Puget Sound, harbor seals are the most likely to be encountered on our beaches, as they spend about half of their lives on shore. Harbor seals do not migrate. Seals born in our area stay year-round their entire lives. For this reason, they are considered to be an “indicator species” of the health of our waters. Throughout the year, Seal Sitters will be placing an emphasis on educational outreach to inform local school children and the public about important issues regarding our fragile marine ecosystem.
In the coming months, public meetings co-sponsored by Seattle Parks & Recreation, will be held to present our Year of the Seal sculpture concept and site location and will welcome your input. Stay tuned for further details. Read more about the project on the Seal Sitters website.
If you are interested in getting a look at some of our local pinnipeds, you might visit Jack Block Park. Quite a number of harbor seals have been hauling out there since mid-December.
(That’s where the top photo was taken.)
In honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.‘s birthday, today is the MLK Day of Service – but tomorrow (Tuesday) you have multiple opportunities to carry on that spirit of service, by participating in community meetings. Here’s one more from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar that we’re making sure you see ahead of time:
Sustainable West Seattle‘s annual membership meeting is Tuesday, January 22nd from 7 – 9 pm at the West Seattle Senior Center.
You’ll hear about SWS programs for 2013 and ways that you can get involved as a volunteer. We’ll be introducing our new and returning board members plus appreciating our outgoing board colleagues.
You will also learn about the kick-off of our 2013 SWS Green Project Incubator Grant with $1000 generously donated from the CoHo Team of Windermere Agents. SWS will offer this grant to a West Seattle resident who applies with an idea to foster sustainability in our neighborhood. Come to the meeting for more details.
Monday is a federal holiday to commemorate the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – here’s what’s closed/changed (and what’s not):
SCHOOLS: Closed.
TRANSIT: Metro is on a reduced-weekday schedule; Sound Transit buses are on a regular schedule. The Water Taxi will NOT run. Washington State Ferries are on their regular weekday schedule.
GOVERNMENT OFFICES/FACILITIES: Mostly closed – including all Seattle Public Library locations.
TRASH/RECYCLING/YARD WASTE PICKUP: Normal service, and transfer stations are open.
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: Holiday – no delivery, etc.
BANKS: Holiday.
PARKING HOLIDAY: Yes, for spaces with the City of Seattle’s pay stations/meters.
MLK DAY OF SERVICE: We’ve highlighted two events – the Nature Consortium work party and the West Seattle Spokespeople under-the-bridge cleanup. Anyone in need of volunteers tomorrow? Let us know with a comment or e-mail and we’d be glad to add the mention.
OFFICIAL CELEBRATION: Not in West Seattle but not far – rally, march, workshops; details here.
If everything goes according to plan, a major new bicycling event in this area will include West Seattle on its route. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is planning its first-ever fundraising bicycle ride, 
called Obliteride, coming up in August. Obliteride organizers e-mailed WSB to let us know about some points of West Seattle interest, including the route possibility – too soon to say for certain because they are still working on permits. One of the main point people for the ride is a West Seattleite – Mark Grantor, senior events manager; his background and interest in the cause are detailed in a story on the Obliteride site. They’re planning four routes – 25, 50, 100 miles on August 10th, 180 miles with an overnight stop in Tacoma, August 10-11. There’s an entry fee plus a fundraising commitment. Details and registration links are here. If you’re not ready to ride but would like to help, they’re also enlisting an army of volunteers.
If you noticed the police and fire response under the bridge, west of the marina: They’re investigating the discovery of a body. Police at the scene told us they’re looking into whether it’s linked to a vehicle found and towed off the bridge early this morning – possibly a case of suicide. After getting a reader report about this investigation with a mention about a car abandoned on the bridge, we went over to ask if it had anything to do with the Walking on Logs vehicle, but police said the vehicle in question was found on the high rise.
(As we note whenever reporting confirmed or possible suicides, they are an epidemic, five times the homicide rate, and shouldn’t be ignored. There **is** help available: Crisis Clinic has online resources and a 24-hour hotline, 206-461-3222.)
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