West Seattle, Washington
03 Friday
Since we reported the death of well-known West Seattleite J.B. Webster earlier this week, more than two dozen people have paid tribute to him in comments following our story (see them here). And tonight there’s something new to report: Ian Lurie sends word of a fund set up to help Mr. Webster’s wife Christi and children Tyler, Logan and Eli – he’s created this webpage for it, with information on how to get a check to First Mutual Bank north of The Junction and a link for donating online. Mr. Webster’s memorial is at 11 am next Tuesday, 4/28, at Alki UCC Church (here’s a map).
(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)
We’re at the King County Courthouse, where 18-year-old West Seattle repeat offender Skyelar Hailey has been sentenced in the plea agreement he reached following his arrest in an Admiral neighborhood last November (the search that day started with a burglary, but an evidence problem resulted in the plea bargain). We had long planned to cover this anyway but the case ratcheted up a notch after what happened earlier this week – he had three warrants out for his arrest, 
related to theft and domestic-violence-protection-order cases, and was caught by police Wednesday night, one night after he allegedly bolted when they tried to pull him over. In court this afternoon, deputy prosecuting attorney Gary Ernsdorff said Hailey admitted to possessing the bag of marijuana found with him during his arrest that night. As for the sentencing – the prosecution asked for 30 extra days of jail time; the defense pointed out he hasn’t formally been charged with anything related to what happened this week, and also said he’s living with his girlfriend and her parents in West Seattle, pursuing a GED and looking for a job. In the end, King County Superior Court Judge Jim Rogers sentenced Hailey to time already served (he spent 16 days in jail after the November arrest, one day in the domestic-violence case in February, and has been in for two days so far since Wednesday’s arrest), plus an extra 240 hours of community service, and two years’ probation. As for how much longer he stays in jail now, depends on what happens with the warrants for which he was arrested; we are checking with the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for the status on those. (4:40 pm update: PAO spokesperson Dan Donohoe says Hailey would go to each court with jurisdiction in the warrant cases – Juvenile and Municipal – to “resolve” them; no charges filed as of yet in anything related to the Wednesday night arrest.) WSB photojournalist Christopher Boffoli joined me in covering today’s hearing, and took the photographs included in this story. — Tracy Record, WSB editor
This just in. Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) owner Lora Lewis offered courtyard space to Skillet Street Food in the wake of the sudden parking-lot cancellation that otherwise might have kept them from opening this Sunday – and “it’s a go” per a quick message we just got. Details to follow. (By the way, the reason for the lot cancellation remains a mystery; Skillet’s proprietor Josh Henderson said he got the word from Diamond Parking, but we got a call back from the Diamond manager who runs the lots in this area and he didn’t know anything about it.)
ADDED 3:15 PM: Since everyone responded so fast – including Lora! – we wanted you to see the message he sent on Twitter; by WSB, he really means YOU!
New west Seattle location this sunday… In the courtyard of hotwire coffee… Thanks lora!! And the WSB..
Direct link to that tweet here. Still working to confirm that the hours will be the same as the original West Seattle plan (which were 11 am-2 pm); here’s the menu they’ll be serving.
4:30 PM: The hours will indeed be 11 am-2 pm. Hotwire’s courtyard is just north of the coffee shop, which in turn is just north of the post office, east side of California just south of Genesee. Same place outdoor movies are shown in the summer!
We were first to tell you about the plans for City Council President Richard Conlin and City Councilmember Tim Burgess to send the county a letter, asking for an extension of time before the county ends the city’s contract to handle misdemeanor inmates; the looming end of that contract is why the city’s been looking to build a new jail, with a site in West Seattle (Highland Park Way SW/West Marginal Way) among those under consideration. Today, the letter’s been delivered, according to this announcement we just received from Councilmember Burgess:
The Seattle City Council delivered a letter today to King County Executive Ron Sims and King County Council Chair Dow Constantine requesting a “ten-year (or longer) extension of the current agreement” that provides jail beds for misdemeanor prisoners arrested by Seattle police officers.
The letter from the Seattle City Council is attached, along with King County Ordinance 16200 (which states that “it is the intent of the council that the county should continue to be the primary regional provider of secure detention”) and the King County Executive’s signing letter for Ordinance 16200.
Read the letter here. It’s a three-page letter, followed by the six-page ordinance.
ADDED 4:13 PM: Statement from Mayor Nickels (we have also requested one from County Council Chair Constantine and are told it’s in the works):
“I appreciate the support of the City Council in urging King County Executive Ron Sims and the King County Council to continue to provide regional detention and community corrections programs. The city of Seattle has long advocated for a long-term extension of the current agreement with King County to house our misdemeanants. However, King County has maintained that it doesn’t have long-term jail capacity and a new facility must be built. For months, we have been engaged in a process with cities in northeast King County to find another option. If King County determines that it now has the capacity for a long-term contract, we would welcome a new agreement.”
ADDED 5:09 PM: And Constantine’s statement is in:
“I appreciate this letter from the Seattle City Council. I think we all acknowledge that incarceration rates have been trending downward in King County and that the rush to build a large misdemeanant jail—or two—now seems premature. We need to explore every alternative before we spend millions of dollars of taxpayer money. The numbers indicate that a new jail may not soon be needed, particularly if we increase the capacity and use of less expensive alternative programs, drug and mental health treatment, and housing.
“In King County, our average daily jail population is far below projections in part because of our diligent work in creating and promoting alternatives to incarceration. If we are going to spend more money in this area, it should go to programs that divert people from a life of crime.
“The right thing to do now is for the county to work not just with the city of Seattle, but with all regional stakeholders to revisit our projections and develop a plan that meets our shared long-term jail needs. The important thing is to begin this dialogue immediately.”
We’ve spent the past three-plus hours in the city Hearing Examiner‘s hearing room on the 40th floor of the Municipal Tower downtown, listening to arguments in the appeal of the city’s decision granting two “departures” for the Denny Middle School/Chief Sealth High School co-located campus project. (Those “departures” allow the project to exceed height requirements – for the “galleria” roof peak shown in the rendering above — and to not meet parking requirements, and were finalized by the city after going through a community/district advisory committee.) The appeal was argued by West Seattle-based district watchdog Chris Jackins, who brought two retired educators as witnesses; they focused largely on arguments against the co-location in general, rather than focusing on the parking/height issues that were officially challenged. Defending the decision, the city Department of Planning and Development and also private land-use lawyer Richard Hill on behalf of Seattle Public Schools. Jackins’ contentions include “The project will have adverse impacts on views and shading, removal of trees and vegetation, and parking and traffic,” and “The DPD decision … did not properly balance the ‘project’s relationship to educational needs’ ‘with the level of impacts on the surrounding area’.” Deputy hearing examiner Anne Watanabe heard the case and will now take it under advisement; she says she will issue her written decision within 14 days.
If you routinely drive California SW uphill south of Morgan Junction, you’re probably more than aware of the bumpy spot that’s been rattling drivers for a while around the crest of the hill, at California/Webster (map). Construction crews are now fixing it – that means slow going in the short run but good news in the longer run. Broadcaster New York Vinnie – who lives in the area – put together this video report:
Vinnie and your editor here worked together at Channel 13 back in the (not-so-long-ago) day; he’s got various projects going right now, and you can find him online at newyorkvinnie.com.
Thanks to Charley Biggs for that Alki view as the sun started to peek through the morning fog. Before we get to the West Seattle Weekend Lineup a bit later, wanted to spotlight a couple West Seattle events happening today/tonight: The second weekend of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church‘s rummage sale is under way now – till 3 pm today, and again 9-3 tomorrow (speaking of rummage sales – tomorrow’s the West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day signup deadline!). Later: Tonight is the night that four Junction fashion hot spots are joining forces with local personal-care providers for “a night of beauty and fashion” — Carmilia’s, Clementine, Edie’s and Sweetie, 7-10 pm, with deals, drinks, treats and “mini-spa treatments.” More happenings are on the WSB Events calendar.
Next month, Forest Lawn Cemetery in High Point (whose HQ is shown in Google Street View above) will be the scene of West Seattle’s annual Memorial Day service (2 pm 5/25). But a few weeks before that event, another ceremony will bring community members and dignitaries to Forest Lawn – to commemorate the start of a process that will create a new memorial in honor of fallen police officers (the Seattle Police Department‘s list, dating back to the 1800s, can be seen here). Here’s the announcement from Dave Salove, general manager of Forest Lawn Cemetery:
On Friday May 1, 2009, at 12 Noon, we, along with leaders and officers of the Seattle Police as well as the community at large, will dedicate a site in Forest Lawn Cemetery where a memorial to these fallen officers will be placed. The Seattle Police Memorial will be designed and built over the next year for unveiling and dedication at the 2010 ceremony during National Police Week 2010. We are working to include active police and community leaders and residents to be involved in the creation and dedication of this memorial.
There is a Police Officer Memorial at Olympia for the state and another at the Police Academy in Burien representing various departments. There is, however, no specific memorial honoring Seattle Police officers in our city that recognizes the sacrifice of those officers who have died in the line of duty.
As the announcement notes, the memorial is not yet designed; Salove says “the design will be determined based on the number of names and final design selections that are made as a committee is formally formed. Our intention was to get this ball rolling, dedicate a site for placement, and work over the next year to promote, create and build the memorial which I envision to be very substantial. I will be working with various people in the community and looking for input from the community about this memorial.” He says Forest Lawn is donating the space for the memorial, adding, “We hope to fundraise over the next year to pay for the memorial itself … We will be forming a committee to administrate the memorial as well as the fund that will be created to care for it over time, repair etc.” (If the fundraising campaign falls short, Salove says, FL will step in to help with that as well.)
According to the Police Department’s online list, the most recent SPD death in the line of duty in West Seattle was that of Officer Dorian Halvorson, shot and killed in September 1976 during his 8th year of SPD service, while responding to a call in the 9200 block of 17th SW. SPD’s downtown HQ has an indoor Memorial Wall paying tribute to Officer Halvorson and the department’s other fallen officers.
Cocktails, anyone? Play that video and you’ll see, and hear, Matt Johnson making the St. Basil during tonight’s sneak-preview invite-only party at Morgan Junction’s new Feedback Lounge (between almost-done Zeeks Pizza and one-year-anniversary-celebrating Beveridge Place Pub). As we mentioned this morning, its website is now fully launched, and the drink menu is just part of what you will find there. It springs forth, of course, from the bar:
There’s food too (here’s the menu, from the website). And the people. Like proprietor Jeff Gilbert:
You can meet him, look inside the Whammy Bar — where you’ll find those guitars — and more, starting 6 pm Saturday. The sign went up today, too, so there’s no chance you’ll get lost:
Thanks to those who’ve e-mailed about a police search under way on the east side of Gatewood – west of 35th, centering around SW Kenyon. There is a report of possible shots fired but there is no report of a shooting victim at this point. A K-9 unit is involved in the search and has followed tracks to a building on 35th SW. 10:49 PM UPDATE: Commenter says the shots were heard at 34th/Kenyon (map). Still no indication on 911 log of any actual shooting victim. Sounds like the search trail is stalling.
By Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A variety of West Seattle-related issues came up — on and off the agenda — during tonight’s Parks Board meeting downtown, including new hope for construction of the Delridge Skatepark, plus other items from the golf-course plan vote to the stadium situation to Hiawatha bids and even a warning that swimmers will want to hear:
Just last night we checked with Josh Henderson of Skillet Street Food to make sure they were still on for their West Seattle debut this Sunday, and at the time it looked like all systems were go. Then tonight, he sent this note:
We just got word from Diamond Parking that the lot that we were supposed to be in on sunday in the Key Bank parking lot, is not a possibility any more.
So…at this point we are looking for a spot…and will put the word out..
If you have a suggestion, there’s contact info on the Skillet website.
A milestone tonight in Junction development: The 5th time turned out to be the charm for the Conner Homes two-building megaproject, which is now done with Design Review, one year and twelfth days after the first DR meeting on the project. The rendering above shows “scheme D” from the latest round of proposals for the till-now-undecided final element of the project – the shape/look of its western building, at California/Alaska. That shape, with a few changes large and small, will form the framework of the recommendations made tonight by Southwest Design Review Board members as they concluded their fifth — and now, it can be said, final — meeting on the project, which ended moments ago. About 50 people filled the room at one point – breaking several times into applause during the public-comment period, especially for West Seattle resident Rene Commons‘ impassioned presentation (second one she has made to the board) requesting architectural details that would at least give a nod to the area’s history.
Board members did make one stipulation that’s a major change from any of the four options shown: They want the retail facade along the southwest street-front of the project to be two stories instead of one story, in no small part to “mask” the higher stories from those passing by on the street. And they’re calling for some sort of strong element at the California/Alaska corner – maybe a vertical sign or some other “supergraphic” element, as board member Vlad Oustimovitch put it – to give the project some of the “quirky” West Seattle flavor to which Commons had alluded during her presentation.
Have just received a couple of notes – including this from Nathan:
I was just out in my front yard and saw at least three cop
cars circling the area. Two officers stopped to ask if I had seen a
white male, blond hair with a two-tone jacket come by. They indicated
that there was a break-in a couple blocks north on 39th (somewhere
near 39th and Graham or Morgan) and they are conducting a search.
Also word of police presence near 35th/Morgan. Checking to see if we can find out more.
7:44 PM UPDATE: From Ashley, in comments:
We’re in the 36th and Morgan area (map). Our neighbor’s place was broken into, hence the police presence. She was home…and the punks walked right in through the garage in the back. Everyone be careful! It’s amazing that this stuff is now taking place in broad daylight…walking right in the door. Bad enough we have our cars broke into on a normal basis!
Longtime West Seattleite J.B. Webster has died, friends tell WSB. He was known for many things — as a Seafair Commodore (they have a brief tribute graphic on their website right now and you can see him in Commodore jacket here), as a Keller Williams realtor, as an alumnus of West Seattle High School, where he played football. He also was involved with the West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival. The memorial for Mr. Webster is next Tuesday (4/28) at Alki UCC, 11 am (61st and Hinds; map). We’re expecting to receive his obituary later today and will add it here when it’s available.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: The short obituary, e-mailed to WSB:
JB Webster, longtime West Seattle Real Estate Agent, passed away on April 22, 2009. Also known as “Call JB First,” will be greatly missed by his family, wife Christi & their children Tyler, Logan and older son Eli along with his many friends. JB’s service will be held on Tuesday April 28th, 2009 @ 11 am. Location: Alki Congregational United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds
St. Seattle, WA 98116. There will be a light reception following the service.
ADDED SUNDAY: If you haven’t already seen it, this followup includes a link to a fund for JB Webster’s family. Also, friends have asked us to add these photos of Mr. Webster and family – here he is with wife Christi:
And from left, with his kids – Tyler, Logan, Eli & JB:
Quick update on this Saturday’s big Junction sale (first reported here a week ago) — a dozen coupons are now available for you to print, from the West Seattle Junction Association website; find the coupons here.
Another reminder about a big event tonight — King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg is scheduled to speak at tonight’s meeting of the South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition (6 pm, St. James Place, 9421 18th SW; map). If you’ve got tough questions about the criminal-justice system and how crime suspects are handled after their arrests, he’s the elected official with the answers — although some of the decisions about sentences and criminal law ultimately are up to state legislators and the Governor. Here’s our report on his recent speech to the Rotary Club of West Seattle (and here’s our followup with the wild West Seattle car “chase” video he showed the Rotarians).
FEEDBACK LOUNGE SITE LAUNCH: Feedback Lounge (the long-awaited Morgan Junction hotspot opening 6 pm Saturday night, as announced last Saturday) now has its full website up and running at feedbacklounge.net – including the drink menu, food menu and Tune-O-Matic Library.
SNOOTY WALK SITE RELAUNCH: The 3rd annual Snooty Walk and Pet Rodeo organized by West Seattle High School students (also happening Saturday, 2 pm) launched its new site overnight at snootywalk.com.
SKILLET STREET FOOD: We reconfirmed with Skillet proprietor Josh Henderson that the silver Airstream trailer famous for its on-the-street cuisine is on target to make its West Seattle debut (first reported here 3 weeks ago), and will be in the Key Bank lot next to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market 11 am-2 pm Sunday. Here’s the online component: Henderson confirms this is the menu they’ll offer this Sunday.
On Tuesday, we showed you all four of the “schemes” now proposed for the western building in this two-building project (see them in this WSB story) in the heart of The Junction. Tonight, 6:30 pm, West Seattle Christian Church, members of the Southwest Design Review Board will look at them and decide whether the project will get the green light to move on to the next stage of the permit process. One person you can expect to see there is Rene Commons, who, at the third meeting, brought architecture examples she hoped the project team would take a cue from:
Commons has been working to be sure everyone knows about tonight’s meeting – she even made and distributed this poster:
(The city’s own signage is generally a bright green “NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING” flyer.) She explains, “I think West Seattle deserves more on this corner of our historic Junction. Our community recognizes that the building planned for this corner of the 4-way in the Junction is our quirky Times Square and a building of this size and magnitude should be designed better compliment the character of the small business quirky atmosphere of the Junction. I can embrace large structure like this if it is well-designed at street level and in context or improved context of the existing historical buildings in the junction. The Design Review Board really needs community support to guide the developer to get it right.” To see the full “packet” for tonight’s meeting – which, as we reported after meeting #4, was called expressly to deal with the “massing” and look of the western building — go here. If you’re going to tonight’s meeting, which like all Design Review sessions includes public-comment time, parking for WSCC is off Genesee, just east of the main church building at the 42nd/Genesee corner – look for the signs.
In that photo are Brittany Dawson, Tyson Kimball and Sumeet Chadha – who with Maggie Oliver form a quartet of West Seattle High School students headed next week to Anaheim, where they’re competing in the Internationals put on by the marketing-student association DECA, with students from all 50 states and various other countries. They’re hoping you’ll cheer them on – and they’re hoping for a little more: They need one last fundraising push to cover the costs of competing and traveling. Here’s a letter from Sumeet:
West Seattle High School is heading to DECA Internationals! This year, four West Seattle students will have the opportunity to compete with students from around the world in the field of business marketing, advertising, and financing! Sumeet Chadha and Tyson Kimball have placed 5th in the State of Washington for “Advertising Campaign.”
DECA gives students hands-on experiences in the fields of marketing, business and entrepreneurship, DECA enhances the classroom experience by providing conferences and competitions that mold high school students into character-driven leaders. Washington DECA currently has over 10,400 members in 144 chapters around the state. DECA is the only student organization operating in 50 states, attracting students for life long careers in marketing, management, and merchandising.
This year, Sumeet Chadha, Tyson Kimball, Brittany Dawson, and Maggie Oliver together will participate in competitions, seminars, and meet with field professionals for summer internships. “This once in a lifetime opportunity will help these students not only mold their resumes, but also provide them lifelong networking opportunities,” aays Michelle Sloan, advisor for DECA at West Seattle.
West Seattle High School started this year with an enormous budget deficit, the Marketing Department being no exception. With the cost per student at about $700 to attend Internationals, estimated total costs are around $2,800. Students have currently raised about half of the costs with fundraising events around West Seattle. We are now looking for the support of local businesses and individuals.
We understand that this is a tough time for many businesses and individuals. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. This is the first time in 10 years that any students in the district have gone to internationals. We also understand that this is short notice however, donations is our last resort for money.
We have attached a donation slip for your convenience. You are always welcome to email or call us with questions or comments. We look forward to working with you. We cannot wait to represent our community at Internationals!
Sincerely,
Sumeet Chadha
(Marketing Student at West Seattle)
To print out the form Sumeet mentioned, just go here.
Where does the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency‘s plan to buy the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse stand now, and where is it going? That’s the gist of what was discussed during last night’s joint meeting of FCSA and Fauntleroy Community Association leaders. The meeting was facilitated by John Howell of the Cedar River Group, which has been working with FCSA on the building acquisition over the past year. The most recent development reported here has been a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools seeking to stop the schoolhouse-site sale, and that was a big part of last night’s discussion – read on for more:Read More
ORIGINAL 10:57 PM REPORT: Just got a trustable tip that Skyelar Hailey, the 18-year-old repeat offender who fled police trying to arrest him on warrants last night, resulting in an air/ground/K-9 search, has just been taken into custody in the Admiral area. Will update when officially confirmed, though that might not be till he shows up on the jail register. The photo at left, by the way, is the official mug shot from Hailey’s last jail booking in February, according to the source who sent it to us tonight (our requests to get it through official channels had all been denied). Here’s our archived coverage, newest to oldest.
2:10 AM UPDATE: Confirmation just appeared on the King County Jail Register — Hailey was booked into the jail half an hour ago.
THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: Bail information is updated on Hailey’s jail listing — “bail denied” for the two theft-related warrants, $5,000 bail for the warrant related to the protection-order violation.
High Point Neighborhood Association president Andrew Mead shares a reminder for West Seattle families — you can find out about your options for local summer activities, jobs, and programs at a special event this Saturday: the Summer Youth Activities Fair, 10 am-1 pm at High Point Community Center. Here’s the official flyer (also printable for friends who might miss online announcements). Parents are welcome as well as kids and teens.
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