West Seattle, Washington
05 Sunday
(Recent fall-colors aerial of Duwamish Head/North Admiral, by Long Bach Nguyen, shared via WSB Flickr group)
BIRTHDAY PARTY WORK PARTY: As previewed here last weekend, today is the annual Nature Consortium work party in honor of County Executive Dow Constantine‘s birthday. You can join them at College Street Ravine between 10 am and 2 pm.
SPECIAL STORY TIME: Barnes and Noble at Westwood Village reports “a special storytime between 1-3 pm today, with Rite Aid’s Health and Wellness Ambassadors doing the storytelling! There will also be a craft, making hand turkeys for Thanksgiving!”
ROAD TO COLLEGE – WITH FREE DINNER: Got a high-school student in the house? Free dinner and information about college access and related topics, 5 pm tonight at High Point Neighborhood Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
FALL HARVEST AUCTION FOR WSHS: The annual West Seattle High School fundraising auction is tonight at 5:30 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).
FREE WINE TASTING: The weekly Thursday tasting at West Seattle Cellars (WSB sponsor; 6026 California SW), 5:30-8 pm, will feature Spanish wines this time.
SHOP LATE THURSDAY – INCLUDING COOKBOOK AUTHORS AT CLICK! The Junction’s Shop Late Thursdays are back for the 2012 holiday season, 6-9 pm, and one big event is happening tonight at Click! Design That Fits (WSB sponsor; 4540 California SW) – cookbook authors Kim O’Donnel (“The Meat Lover’s Meatless Celebrations”), Jeanne Sauvage (“Gluten-Free Baking for the Holidays”), and Cynthia Nims (“Salty Snacks”). Full details here.
TEST DRIVE THE MIDDLE SCHOOL AT WESTSIDE SCHOOL: Big event tonight for prospective middle-schoolers and their families:
Westside School is hosting a really exciting, interactive event this evening starting at 6:00 pm. Prospective students for grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 will have an opportunity to “test drive” the Middle School at Westside. They are invited to come and learn about Westside’s Middle School program, through a variety of fun, hands-on activities. Talk with our fantastic Middle School teachers, and meet our administrators. Learn more about it HERE.
(Westside is a WSB sponsor; 7740 34th SW.)
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL CENTER! Come check out the advisory council of the Southwest Teen Life Center and Pool – 7 pm tonight on the lower level of the center, 2801 SW Thistle. These are the community volunteers who help support activities there (among other things), as explained in the official notice.
WEST SEATTLE WOMEN IN CHARGE: The group for local business owners meets tonight at Lezlie Jane‘s Hilltop Studio at 7 pm. The theme is Marketing Ideas for the New Year. Address: 10643 19th Ave SW – phone: 206-383-7283
SOUTH PARK BRIDGE MEETING: As first reported on partner site The South Park News, the bridge work is running longer than planned and it won’t be done before early 2014. Tonight, you can find out more during a county-organized community meeting at the South Park Neighborhood Center, 8201 10th Avenue South, 7 pm.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S ANNUAL MEETING: 7 pm, Alki UCC (6112 SW Hinds). Here’s the agenda:
1) Nominations and election of ACC Board and Officers
2) Review of Tentative 2013 Budget
3) Results of November 13th FAA Greener Skies Meeting with Beacon Hill Community
4) Progress on ACC’s 501 (c) (3) Application
5) ACC Goals for 2013
Tonight’s nightlife highlights (music, comedy, pub quiz) and more – plus what’s ahead tomorrow and beyond – on the calendar!
Just in from West Seattle Crime Prevention Council president Richard Miller – next week’s monthly WSCPC meeting will focus on transit – safety, in particular:
Our November meeting will focus on how the recent Metro Transit route changes and the creation of a Transit Center in the Westwood neighborhood have impacted West Seattle. Our guests will include Dale Cummings, Senior Transit Planner (Metro); Mike Bergman, Service Planning Manager (Sound Transit); and Christine Alar, Transit Planning and Policy (SDOT).
The meeting is at 7 pm Tuesday, November 20th, in the meeting room at the Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster), everyone welcome, with your chance to not only ask questions of the guests but also to bring up community concerns to the Seattle Police leadership in attendance.
A three-school concert at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium last night – Sealth, Denny International Middle School, and the University of Washington – began with some reflection from Denny’s principal on what’s been a difficult week so far, because of the loss of 13-year-old Denny student Lucie Hernandez, killed along with 16-year-old former Denny student Mario Luis Martinez Herrera in a Sunday night crash. In our video, you’ll hear principal Jeff Clark‘s remarks, followed by Denny/Sealth maestro Marcus Pimpleton‘s introduction to the concert, and then the first number by Denny musicians. (The second number, “Over the Rainbow,” was dedicated to Lucie.) Before the concert, a reception in the Sealth commons included a collection for the families of the crash victims.
One more note from the Denny/Sealth Music Pathway – next week, both schools’ marching bands will be in the Macy’s Holiday Parade downtown (9 am Friday, November 23rd), as will the West Seattle High School Marching Band (noted here last week).
(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:42 AM: One week till Thanksgiving. Another rainless morning for your commute; nothing to report in or near West Seattle as we start out.
7:03 AM: Fog is advancing from the west, so unless it suddenly stops, at least part of the peninsula is likely to be socked in soon.
8:16 AM: The fog has stopped short of “socked in,” at least so far – and right now, the bridge cam is positively basking in sunshine. Meantime, a reminder: If you’re interested in firsthand information on the status of the new South Park Bridge, there’s a meeting tonight at 7 pm in SP – details here.
9:08 AM: Pioneer Square/International District alert, especially if you drive in via 4th – there’s a semi/bus crash at 4th and Jackson that is said to be causing “traffic delays.” No injuries reported so far.
9:21 AM NOTE: The West Seattle Crime Prevention Council just announced that transit is its focus at next week’s monthly meeting – if you have safety issues regarding transit and the recent changes, be there. Details here.
Big booksigning tonight for West Seattle first-time novelist Michael G. Hickey – he had already sold a box of books by the time we stopped by the Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) to check in. Full house, too, wishing him well as he promotes “Counterclockwise” – fans on hand included Mike’s standup-comic wife Mona Concepcion (below left) and his boss Gary Oertli (below right):
You probably recognize Oertli as president of South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor), where Hickey is on the faculty. Wondering what “Counterclockwise” is about? Hickey’s description: “It’s 1980, Tucson, Arizona, and a grocery store clerk becomes friends with a world-famous rock singer. Their friendship inspires each to face their respective pasts and the demons that seem to be sabotaging their respective futures.” It’s 34 years in the making – with its roots in a series of short stories of ihs from back in 1978!
This weekend marks the end for Shipwreck Tavern in The Admiral District. After getting a tip tonight from Guy (thanks!), we went there to confirm the reported shutdown, and co-owner Scott told WSB it’s true. The Shipwreck also made the announcement via Facebook:
This is Scott and Chris here, telling all yall, this is the end. The ship is wrecked. We will be closing the doors this Sunday the 18th. We want to thank everyone for all their support and especially to all the wonderful musicians who have graced this bar. Also everything is for sale so come in and have one last beer with to celebrate a new beginning and buy some nautical s–t, and grab your stein if you have one. We love you all and thanks again.
It’s been three years since Shipwreck Tavern opened, meant to be a nautical-themed haven for drinks and tunes.
A memorial is planned at Forest Lawn next Tuesday (November 20th) for Frank Lunetti, who died this past Monday. Here’s the remembrance shared by his family:
A birth, a death, eternal life with God. Frank R. Lunetti passed away from pancreatic cancer on November 12, 2012 to be with our Lord. He was born July 1st, 1939 to Roy and Elizabeth Lunetti in Tacoma, Washington.
Frank met the love of his life and partner Bob Schultz in 1964. The relationship of 36 years ended when Bob died in 2000. Together he and Bob had business ventures that spanned manufacturing statuary, dog grooming, a laundromat, and a bookkeeping service.
Frank spent 17 years with ITT Continental Baking Company. Frank continued his career as a private bookkeeper until his retirement.
Frank enjoyed traveling, especially to Mazatlan, Egypt, and China. He also was an avid gardener. Frank is survived by his sister-in-law Doris Lunetti and three nieces, Marie Eubanks, Ede Readel and Sandy Owens. Frank’s extended family included many friends and business associates.
It is Frank’s wish that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to “Pancreatic Cancer Early Detection Research Fund,” c/o Dean Jerry Baldasty, UW Graduate School, Box 353770, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. 98195-3770.
Funeral services and internment will be held at Forest Lawn Cemetery in West Seattle on Tuesday, November 20 at 11:00 a.m.
(WSB publishes obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
Bail is set at $45,000, according to the King County Jail register, for the 28-year-old man arrested in West Seattle last night for allegedly assaulting a Seattle Police officer and sergeant and the civilian who tried to help them, when a traffic stop turned into a tussle. The suspect is a Kent resident who is now in jail for the 10th time this year; he waived the right to be present in court for his bail hearing this afternoon. As we noted in an update earlier today, most of the jail stays relate to a burglary case in which he was charged one year ago today – accused of stealing from college dorm rooms elsewhere in Seattle and pawning stolen property – allegedly for money to support a heroin habit. He is under investigation for two counts of third-degree assault, one count of fourth-degree assault, and one drug charge; prosecutors have until Friday to decide on charges. We asked SPD how the officer and sergeant are doing; Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen tells us tonight that they are “sore, but OK.” More details on the incident are included in the documents from this afternoon’s bail hearing – read on:Read More
Also in from SDOT late today:
SDOT paving crews will restore a gas line on SW Brace Point Drive at California Avenue SW on Friday, November 16, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and, if needed, they will continue work on Monday, November 19. One shared lane of traffic will remain open with flaggers assisting drivers taking turns traveling through the area. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
SDOT crews will return to SW Brace Point on November 26, 28, and 30 to work again from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weather permitting, to complete paving the street as part of SDOT’s annual paving program. There will be one lane of traffic each way during construction with periodic delays. Sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
As first reported in our coverage of the North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting this past Monday – and information we found online afterward – the contract for next year’s big Delridge repaving/road-rebuilding project has been awarded. And now that the city knows the price, it also knows how far the paving will stretch – SDOT had said that depending on the bids, it would be able to add more of Delridge, and possibly even some of 16th. As noted in our earlier story, the contractor is Gary Merlino Construction, and the winning bid includes the “first additive” – which means Delridge will be repaved from Orchard all the way to Roxbury, but 16th will not be included. Read on for the official city announcement:Read More
ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:20 PM: Police and fire are rushing right now to 32nd and Raymond in High Point. The scanner says an 8-year-old on a bicycle was hit by a car; he is reported to be conscious. More when we get there.
3:29 PM UPDATE: Co-publisher Patrick Sand is there and says he can see that the child is conscious and sitting up. Looks like he will be taken to the hospital to be checked out. They are trying to find his parent. The driver is visibly distraught and talking with police.
3:42 PM UPDATE: According to radio traffic, the child may have a broken bone. The medic unit is taking him to the hospital right now.
Today’s scheduled King County Superior Court arraignment was postponed for 34-year-old Ryan Cox, charged with malicious harassment (hate crime) for hitting a man with a baseball bat in an attack allegedly based on his perception of the victim’s sexual orientation. (Here’s our original October 29th report on his arrest following the incident.) Cox instead will now undergo a mental-health evaluation, to see if he is competent to stand trial. At least three previous cases involving Cox have been dismissed because he was found not competent, and he wasn’t considered a likely subject to be “restored” to competency (via forced drug treatment). King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe says Cox’s arraignment has been rescheduled for December 5th, and a competency hearing will be part of the proceedings.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This is a big week for Firefly Café and Creperie proprietor Charell Estby:
Construction is done for her soon-to-open restaurant on the northeast corner of California/Genesee on the north edge of THe Junction.
She’s awaiting plumbing and electrical inspections.
And as soon as those are passed, she can get ready for the final hurdle: The health inspection.
Otherwise, Firefly is ready to take flight. The menu’s even up (top photo) – sweet, savory, build-your-own, and a sizable portion of vegan/gluten-free offerings – but it’s more than crepes:
A followup today from Jeanne Turner, who along with husband Mark shared first word of the Pigeon Point sinkhole last weekend:
SDOT arrived at 19th SW and Charleston on Pigeon Point this morning with a crew and equipment to fix a sinkhole that opened up Sunday afternoon. Dan Doyle of SDOT (a fellow West Seattleite) said the hole appears to be 18 inches to 2 feet deep. Today they will knock out the concrete and fill the hole with rock and gravel to stabilize the area. This will be covered with asphalt for a temporary fix until they can pour concrete. Because the area is relatively large, affecting four concrete slabs, SDOT will probably wait until spring to make the permanent fix.
Thanks for the update and photo!
(May 2012 photo courtesy Hal Tangen)
Today, an answer to a question we’re asked increasingly often: When is the new South Transfer Station between West Seattle and South Park going to officially open?
The question is understandable, given that it’s now been almost half a year since the dedication ceremony for the $50 million state-of-the-art facility. Though there was a sizable media turnout for the ceremony, little coverage resulted, because starting literally minutes after the event on May 30th, the city was gripped by a crime rampage with ongoing reports filling newscasts, newspapers, and web pages (including ours): The murders of five people at Café Racer and a parking lot, a story that stretched from North Seattle to Downtown Seattle, then to West Seattle, where the killer committed suicide.
But ultimately, that had nothing to do with what has happened at the station, and not happened, in the months since. And even the official webpage for the project projected a summer opening – as in, weeks after the event. Since we’ve been getting questions about it, we just talked with Seattle Public Utilities for the latest update.
The short explanation, according to SPU spokesperson Andy Ryan: “We’re still working through the punch list.” Seems like a long time for a punch list, we suggested. Ryan elaborates, “A lot of little things just aren’t working perfectly, like the scales” – the automated chip readers that will be used with trucks are still not working reliably, and another issue is the sprinklers in the transfer station’s tunnel. “We’re behind schedule,” Ryan acknowledges, “but it’s more important that we get it right before we move into the next phase.”
That phase is scheduled to include a “shakedown” in January, when the city starts letting trucks in “to see how they do – there’ll be problems; we’ll fix them.” Then in early February, Ryan says, “we’ll let regular customers in, for limited hours” – that too will be more of a shakedown.
So when do they think it’ll be fully open for business? Ryan won’t get more specific than “first quarter” – sometime by the end of March, which will be 10 months after the dedication.
After a gray day, a sunbreak at sunset last night – and a double rainbow photographed by Annika Bowden. Looking ahead to tonight, highlights from the WSB West Seattle Events Calendar:
BEER-TASTING EVENT: Sam Smith tasting event at The Cask (2350 California SW), 6-9 pm – more info here.
DELRIDGE GREENWAY OPEN HOUSE: What’s the best way to create a route that’s safe for biking and walking in North Delridge – an alternative to braving Delridge Way itself? Come to Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) tonight to talk about what you’d like to see, and find out what’s in the city’s plan so far. (More info on the city website, here.)
AUTHOR MIKE HICKEY READS @ FEEDBACK LOUNGE: 7 pm at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor; 6451 California SW), meet West Seattle author Mike Hickey, as he signs and sells his novel “Counterclockwise.” (Mike’s also a South Seattle Community College [WSB sponsor] faculty member and has served as Seattle Poet Populist, among other distinctions.)
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS CELEBRATE: Election debriefing and Legislature preview are on the 34th DDs’ agenda, 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).
DENNY/SEALTH/UW BANDS SHARE A STAGE: 7 pm tonight at the Chief Sealth International High School auditorium, a joint concert by the bands from CSIHS, Denny International Middle School, and the University of Washington Symphonic Band – free! The concert is preceded by a reception in the Sealth commons.
THANKSGIVING-COOKING CLASS: Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor) head chef Jeremy McLachlan leads his popular class tonight and tomorrow night, 7 pm – but call to see if there’s any room left; the number and more info, in our listing.
Music and more on our calendar!
(Live view from the only WS Bridge camera currently in operation; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:37 AM: Watching Twitter, TV, and other streams, we’re not seeing anything of note in our area so far. No rain, either.
8:32 AM: SDOT reports via Twitter that the Battery Street Tunnel is closed southbound. (Fixing a Jersey-barrier problem, according to a passerby’s Twitter report to our friends at KING 5.)
8:42 AM: Reopened.
NOTE: The road work that was supposed to start today in Westwood, related to Metro improvements, is now postponed till after Thanksgiving. Here’s the county announcement we published last night.
4:32 PM UPDATE: If you use the RapidRide station at Morgan Junction (California/Fauntleroy) and have noticed the “refer to schedule” sign – Metro says it’s been working on fixing it (see the comment section on this story), and just updated one local rider via e-mail that “the sign should be fixed shortly” – it was a “wireless communication problem.”
Before the holidays take centerstage, fundraising-auction season holds the spotlight:
(Photos courtesy Trileigh Tucker)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ SUCCESS: If you haven’t yet been to a WSCO benefit – keep in mind that they are full of music, given the talent and creativity in the organization. The woodwind quintet above was just one of multiple performing acts last Saturday night at Highland Park Improvement Club – from left, Margaret Shields-Belisle, Kristin Delaney, Carole Smith, Dean Odenthal, Brenda Sullivan. The dinner, Trileigh reports, was “amazing”:
Though WSCO doesn’t have the official tally yet, orchestra manager Mariane Hermanson reports they expect to net the highest total ever – and that will help them continue to offer participation in the youth orchestras to any students who want to play.
THURSDAY NIGHT – WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL: The Fall Harvest Auction for WSHS is tomorrow at 5:30 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy. The ticket deadline has passed but you can still help out by contributing a dessert and/or volunteering to help with setup 11 am-3 pm tomorrow. See the Westside Weekly online newsletter for details.
FRIDAY NIGHT – ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: Last-minute tickets are still available if you’d like to go to Arbor Heights’ dinner/auction, according to auction chair Lucy Weber. It’s also at The Hall at Fauntleroy, with doors open at 5:30 pm Friday, bidding starting at 6.. More details are on the auction’s Facebook page here, and on this event page. Tickets are $55 and you can contact Lucy at lucyweb2@yahoo.com to get yours.
ORIGINAL TUESDAY NIGHT REPORT: While tonight’s early-evening breaking news kept us from getting to Beacon Hill for the air-traffic-concerns meeting, our partners at The Seattle Times had a reporter there: Alexa Vaughn reports that about 100 people attended. Her story does not mention any West Seattle-specific concerns, but summarizes that South Seattle residents were upset about the meeting being a chance only to vent, rather than to hear possible solutions. For potential next steps, you can watch the Facebook page of Quieter Skies Task Force, a citizens’ group active on this issue.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Beacon Hill Blog has a meeting summary too.
An update late today from the county, regarding what’s next for bus-related road and sidewalk work in the Westwood Village area. Instead of starting today, the next phase of the project is pushed back till after Thanksgiving:
King County Metro Transit is adjusting the schedule for the next round of construction in West Seattle, starting bus zone and sidewalk improvements Nov. 26 and focusing work on the south side of Southwest Barton Street.
The project builds improvements that will help pedestrians and bus riders for Route 120 – one of Metro’s top 10 busiest routes. Three to four weeks of construction are expected on the south side of the intersection of Southwest Barton Street and 26th Avenue Southwest just south of Westwood Village. Work on pedestrian improvements on the north side of the intersection is scheduled to begin after Jan. 1.
The updated construction timeline works around the contractor’s schedule, as well as traffic expected during the upcoming holiday season. Once work begins, a flagger and uniformed police officer will ensure traffic flows reliably around the work zone.
Crews plan to build a “bus bulb” – sidewalk extensions that allow buses to serve passengers without pulling out of traffic – on the southeast corner of the intersection.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 5:54 PM: A helicopter’s been seen over south West Seattle, and we believe it’s linked to a stabbing reported at 13th/100th in White Center. According to King County Sheriff’s Office via Twitter, the suspect is the victim’s son. Headed that way.
6:24 PM UPDATE: The 69-year-old victim has died, and her 42-year-old son is in custody, KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says. We’re continuing to cover this on our partner site White Center Now (where our coverage includes video of Sgt. West explaining what they know so far).
5:14 PM: Thanks to everyone who has messaged us about the big police response – we saw several of the lights/siren cars heading north ourselves. We’re at the scene of an incident involving a car at 42nd and Charlestown (we’ve counted eight SPD cars so far). Someone is believed to be hurt – there’s just been a Seattle Fire Department car to come help. Still sorting out details, and will add as we find out more.
5:20 PM UPDATE: We’ve learned this started as a “help the officer” call – and it appears medics are checking out an officer. This is all unfolding just east of the old Charlestown Café. (added) Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen confirms an officer was assaulted by a suspect after a traffic stop. He says the suspect is under arrest.
6:04 PM UPDATE: New information from Capt. Paulsen – two officers were hurt; he says, “the suspect was under arrest and tried to drive off as the officer was trying to bring him out of the car. The suspect was also in possession of suspected controlled substances.” The injured officers, he says, are at Harborview Medical Center.
8:47 PM UPDATE: More details from SPD Blotter – including word that a citizen who tried to help got hurt. Read on for the narrative:
Thanks to Aimee Pellegrini from La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) for the tip that led us to this story: Something is finally moving forward in the 
former Garlic Jim’s spot in The Junction (4520 California SW; file photo at right), vacant more than a year. Briefly, it was slated to be a Round Table – we reported in March on a liquor-license filing, which usually means plans are fairly far down the road – but that went nowhere, and the space remained posted as “for lease.” Then today, Aimee mentioned the windows were papered over, and we started sleuthing. The trail finally led to Pizzeria Credo. WSB researcher/editorial assistant Katie Meyer talked this afternoon with proprietor Jacques Nawar, who says his new establishment will serve wood-fired pizza, some other entrees, and appetizers. He says he is extensively remodeling the space, expanding the dining area and adding a full bar in the back. He told Katie he wants to make it a “beautiful” place for West Seattle. If all goes well, he hopes to have Pizzeria Credo open by February.
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