West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
Five weeks from today – on Saturday, May 14th – sellers and shoppers will have wrapped up the 12th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day. We’re in the first week of registration (which we usually keep open for about three weeks so people have plenty of time to hear about it and think about it), with 70 sales all over the peninsula signed up already. If this is all new to you – WSB coordinates and presents WSCGSD, one day with many sales of all sizes, including, again this year, multiseller sites at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse and C & P Coffee Company (both WSB sponsors; contact them directly to get on their lists for spaces). We make the maps – clickable online version and printable/downloadable PDF version – including each sellers’ listing (up to 20 words this year) of sale highlights, and they’re available a week before sale day so you can make your plan. If you’re planning to sell, sign up as soon as you’re ready by using this form!
The photo and info are from Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters – who deal with more than seals:
With the recent media buzz about the gray whale who wandered into the Ballard Locks, Seal Sitters thought it was a good opportunity to discuss the timely manner in which all whale (and other cetacean) sightings should be reported to the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
Unless a whale is deemed in danger (such as entangled or stranded), all reports including species and as precise a location as possible, should be emailed promptly to Orca Network – info@orcanetwork.org.
For whales that are indeed in trouble – or in an area where we would prefer they not be, such as in the Duwamish River or Ballard Locks, please immediately contact the NOAA West Coast MMSN hotline at 866-767-6114 with as precise a location as possible.
Seal Sitters requests that if a whale is sighted along the shoreline of West Seattle, please contact the Seal Sitters Hotline at 206-905-7325 (SEAL) and then email Orca Network. This will potentially enable our first responders to obtain an identification photograph of the whale. Databases are kept by researchers of all whales and identification helps monitor the health of the species.
I have provided a photograph to help for identification purposes showing the distinct profile of a surfacing gray whale, with its trademark mottled gray skin and “knuckles” along the ridge of the lower back. Humpbacks and other whales have a dorsal fin.
Read more on the Seal Sitters’ Blubberblog website.
P.S. And after making the official reports mentioned above, please consider letting us know, too, as whale sightings are news! 206-293-6302 text or voice, 24/7.
A memorial service is planned April 30th for Dr. Catherine Ann Orsi, whose many achievements included serving West Seattle as a naturopathic doctor. Here’s the remembrance family and friends are sharing:
Catherine Ann Orsi passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 14, 2016, after fighting a brave five-year battle with brain cancer.
Conceived in her father’s native homeland of Italy, but born in Corvallis, Oregon on March 9, 1958, she was the first child of Vincenzo and Margaret (Atwood) Orsi. She is survived by her mother, Margaret, her siblings; Lewis, (Kathy), Barbara, and Stephen, her nephew, Nick, her niece, Kate, and her ex-husband, Chelo Winfred Schal. Her beloved father, Vincenzo, preceded her in death in 1972, and her American grandparents Hulda and Harlow Atwood, and her Italian grandparents Luigi and Olimpia Orsi.
Catherine grew up in Albany and Corvallis, Oregon. While attending Oregon State University, she pursued her late father’s profession, and in 1983 received a degree in civil engineering. After graduation she married fellow engineer Phillip Wurst, but were divorced after a few years. Her engineering career started with the U.S. Forest Service in Ashland, Oregon. Later she accepted an engineering position for City Light, in Seattle, working on landfill-closure projects. She was one of the few women in that field at the time.
Through mutual friends, Catherine met and married Chelo Winfred Schal in 1995. They made several trips to Europe visiting his family in Germany, her family in Italy, and explored her maternal roots in Finland. Catherine and Chelo divorced in 2005, but remained lasting friends.
With a lifelong interest in scuba diving, Catherine was a volunteer diver at the Seattle Aquarium for over 18 years. Her other aquatic pursuits included sailing, kayaking, and swimming. She dreamed of becoming a mermaid.
During a period of illness, she became disenfranchised with Western Medicine and sought help through naturopathy. This journey led to her midlife career change. She enrolled at Bastyr University, where she received her Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine degree in 2003. She opened her own practice in her beloved West Seattle, serving many local clients. Catherine maintained her medical practice until being stricken with cancer in the spring of 2011. Many of her clients, business associates, and friends in West Seattle remember her passionate and thorough attention to detail in her practice through her participation in a local chapter of BNI (Business Network International).
Proud of her Italian-American heritage, she obtained dual citizenship, volunteering for many years with the Festa Italiana celebration. She remained active in the Italian-American Association, and was a devoted member of her church, Plymouth United Church of Christ Congregational in Seattle.
After developing cancer and despite significant obstacles, Catherine filled her intervening years with love, many joyful activities, and personal connections with family, friends, clients, including many here in West Seattle. Although she was unable to continue her Naturopathy practice, she forged on with her connection to, and advocacy for a life of healing through support groups, online communities, and friends until her death.
One of her favorite activities was dancing in her many colorful outfits. It was while walking to a dance class on December 22, 2015, when she fell from brain cancer. It is her joyful and passionate pursuit in the beauty of colorful dance, and aquatic life that is how we will remember her. Dancing and grooving at the least provocation.
Her memorial service is planned at 1 pm Saturday, April 30th, at Plymouth United Church of Christ, and is open to the public. In lieu of flowers, her family requests offerings be directed to her remembrance project. People can donate on PayPal using catherineremembranceproject@gmail.com, or mail checks to “Catherine Remembrance Project” care of Lew Orsi, 10617 NE 30th Ave, Vancouver, WA 98686
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
12:06 PM: Thanks for the tips about a police/fire response in High Point, in the 3000 block of SW Juneau. According to scanner traffic, a 2-year-old girl who was missing for a few minutes was found underwater in nearby High Point Pond; she is reported to have been revived via CPR. SFD medics are taking her to Harborview Medical Center.
12:52 PM: By the time we got to the scene, responders had cleared out to rush the toddler to the hospital, so there was no one for us to follow up with but we did just talk with police by phone – they confirm she lives nearby and her family had just reported her missing; right after she was found in the pond, an officer arrived and started CPR immediately, and she started breathing again.
1:29 PM: The incident is now on SPD Blotter and says Officer Tyler Keating is who revived the little girl.
MONDAY UPDATE: Harborview tells us the child was in very critical condition on arrival at their facility and was transferred to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Three West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
CAR BREAK-IN: The victim of a car prowl in the Admiral Safeway lot around 4 pm yesterday called from her home phone to report this – she couldn’t e-mail because she would usually do that on her phone, and it was among the items stolen, along with a burgundy-colored Coach purse, “the large satchel type,” with a large gold emblem. It was “partly covered” on the passenger seat, and the thief broke out the passenger-side window to get it.
WHEELS/TIRES TAKEN: Tahira says her sister was visiting overnight Thursday/Friday when they woke up to find her car on blocks, wheels and tires taken:
It happened in Gatewood, next to Trinity Church at 35th/Austin.
BURGLARY FOLLOWUP: If you didn’t see this in comments yesterday – the surveillance image of the burglar who broke into Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) early Thursday has led to an ID, according to Laura Schneider from Meeples. No word of an arrest or stolen-property recovery yet, but knowing who it is was the first step, and she thanks everyone for both tips and for the expression of support.
P.S. Next crime-prevention-focused community meeting is the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council on April 19th, 7 pm, at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster).
(Seacrest photo shared by alextutu1821 in the WSB Flickr group)
Good morning! Since it’s the start of spring break for Seattle Public Schools, with many families out of town, the calendar for this weekend is a little quieter than usual. Still some fun things to check out:
FIRST WEEKEND DAY FOR THE WATER TAXI: The West Seattle Water Taxi now runs Saturdays and Sundays too. See the schedule here and remember, free rides all day tomorrow. (1660 Harbor SW)
STREET SCRAMBLE: “Urban adventure,” with registration starting at 8:30 am in the Alki Bathhouse vicinity if you’re not already signed up. Details here. (60th SW/SW Alki)
MIOPOSTO LAUNCHES BRUNCH IN ADMIRAL: 10 am, it’s the first day of the new weekend brunch at Mioposto (WSB sponsor) in Admiral. (2139 California SW)
PLANT SALE: 11 am-3 pm, first of the season at the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) garden center on the north side of campus – info here. (6000 16th SW)
OPEN HOUSE: At West Seattle Nursery, 11 am-2 pm, it’s the Spring Open House, as gardening season gets going. (California SW/SW Brandon)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: This quiet spring-break Saturday might be the perfect time to visit the home of West Seattle’s history, open noon-4 pm today but closed tomorrow, you should note, just this weekend. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
BUY M’S TICKETS FROM WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYERS: 1-5 pm at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor). From Caryn Johnson:
West Seattle players will be at Morgan Junction Thriftway from 1-5 selling Mariners tickets to the June 28th game against the Pirates. This is a team fundraiser as well as gives them a chance to play at Safeco Field next spring in the High School Baseball Classic. Donations are welcome and all tickets purchased and donated back to the team will be given to the local community centers. Come out and help support the team.
They’ve been having a great season, as Caryn’s been reporting, though Friday’s game ended with a 10-3 loss to Garfield. (California/Morgan)
USED BIKE SALE, & BIKE RIDE: 1-6 pm, Alki’s Guy Olson has organized “Alki’s first used bicycle sale!! Bring at least a bicycle or bicycle parts to sell, and bring a bicycle to ride. I’ll be blocking off the parking area in front of El Chupacabra on Alki beach, for the biggest bicycle sale and swap Alki Beach has ever seen! If you don’t have a bike, this will be your chance to buy yourself something.” Then at 6 pm, Guy invites all riders to join the Alki Beach Creeps for their monthly ride. (2620 Alki SW)
CYGNE: Live music – original fingerstyle blues and folk – at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. No cover. (5612 California SW)
AFROCOP WITH BILL HORIST: Live music at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. No cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
THERE’S MORE … to see, on our complete calendar.
Still no date set for the ~2-week Alaskan Way Viaduct closure that’s planned when the Highway 99 tunneling machine goes beneath it. But WSDOT is continuing to make presentations about the preparations. Monday morning, the slide deck you see above will be part of a briefing given to the City Council. Nothing major or new in it, but it includes graphics showing bus rerouting plans as well as extra parking for West Seattle Water Taxi riders. In the slide deck, you’ll again see the promise that advance notice of the closure will be provided; this past Wednesday in West Seattle, WSDOT reps were at the Southwest District Council meeting to talk about closure preps, and they reiterated the intent for two weeks’ warning. If that holds true, it means we’re getting closer to having the closure in May. SWDC members expressed concern that the closure would slide into the summer months, pointing out how busy Harbor Avenue gets on summer nights even without potentially hundreds of commuters returning to their vehicles. Monday’s scheduled briefers are Todd Trepanier and Dave Sowers from WSDOT; SDOT director Scott Kubly; and Victor Obeso from King County Metro. The council briefing meeting starts at 9:30 am Monday, and this is on the agenda for 10:25 am; you can watch live via Seattle Channel, cable 21 or seattlechannel.org.
8:26 PM: A crowd is gathered right now for a candlelight vigil at the site of Thursday morning’s deadly crash, in memory of 21-year-old Devin Francis.
They are filling both uphill lanes of Highland Park Way, so please avoid the area for a while.
9:07 PM: The vigil was breaking up as of about quarter till. We will go back in a while to check.
(WSB photos)
Tomorrow will be “soft open” day for the new Fresh Flours Bakery and Café at 9410 Delridge Way SW, starting at 7 am.
We first told you back in January that Fresh Flours proprietors Etsuko and Keiji (above), who have three cafés elsewhere in the city, were thrilled to be opening their fourth in West Seattle, since this is where they live.
After Etsuko sent word today that they plan to soft-open tomorrow, we stopped by this afternoon, as they continued working hard to get everything ready to go.
Along with their baked goods – croissants and macarons are among their specialties, we’re told – they will be serving Stumptown Coffee, and giving some away during soft-opening day tomorrow.
As we noted in January, South Delridge will be the production bakery for all Fresh Flours locations. They’re also working on an outdoor seating area on the north side, where they demolished a small old house and will be putting up a new fence and foundation – Etsuko says they hope that will be done by summer.
6:05 PM: Thanks for the tips – westbound Genesee is closed just east of Avalon because a truck trailer’s load spilled.
6:28 PM: Just went by. Still blocked but traffic is getting by both ways, alternating, with SPD directing.
7 PM: Via Twitter, SDOT says it may take a few hours for this to be cleaned up so the westbound lane can reopen.
8:05 PM: Added that photo from Daniel, who says he saw it happen: “Truck driver attempted to go up the hill, failed, rocked the truck and the load of bricks came out.” He says police told him the driver was cited.
10:23 PM: Thanks for the updates – Genesee is open again both ways.
One week after we first reported that Seattle Public Utilities plans a huge flushing operation intended to lessen the recurring brown-water problems, SPU has settled on where and when it will begin. Word is going out in postal mail today, with a map, announcement, and FAQ. SPU plans to start the flushing the week of April 18th in this area:
That entire area will not be flushed on the same day – it’ll be different neighborhoods on different days (more like, nights) from April through June. Here’s the text of the letter that will accompany the map:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will begin flushing water mains in West Seattle starting the week of April 18, 2016. The map on the back of this page shows the area in purple that will be flushed first (from April through June). Eventually more water mains throughout West Seattle neighborhoods will be flushed, which will take several months to complete.
SPU is performing this major water-main flush to help maintain water quality and reduce the uptick in discolored water that some West Seattle customers have been experiencing since last summer. Flushing won’t eliminate discolored water, but it will help decrease it.
What do customers need to do? Residents and businesses do not need to take any action to prepare for this work. Customers will be able to use their water as usual. When crews are flushing nearby, customers may notice a slight reduction in their water pressure. They may also see temporary discolored water, which should clear quickly once crews are done flushing the water main. Running the cold water for a few minutes can also help clear the discoloration.
Why does discolored water occur? Discolored water can happen when crews operate a fire hydrant, when there is a water main break or leak, or when the water in the pipes is forced to travel in a different direction than normal. When one of these events happens, naturally occurring sediment in the water and rust in the pipes get stirred up, causing the water to look discolored.
Flushing the water mains will remove some of the sediment and rust that has been resting in the pipes. This will help reduce the level of discoloration and the time it takes for the water to clear when there’s a disturbance in the pipes.
Is the water safe? Yes. Every single day, SPU takes samples throughout the system of the drinking water that it provides to 1.4 million people. The water is tested for contaminants and is regulated by the Washington State Department of Health. Seattle’s water remains safe to drink.
Questions or concerns: If you have any questions or concerns about the flushing process or discolored water, please read through the “Frequently Asked Questions” sheet that is enclosed with this mailing. If you experience any problems with your water, contact SPU’s 24-hour emergency line at 206-386-1800.
We thank you for your patience and understanding while SPU strives to continue to provide some of our nation’s best drinking water.
Also being mailed with the map and letter, a two-page list of Frequently Asked Questions and answers – read them here. And in the meantime, if you get discolored water, wherever you are, whenever it happens, SPU wants to hear from you at that same number, above, the one we’ve been publishing in brown-water coverage since last fall.
Something new in The Junction this month: A “Day of Giving” on April 30th.
Participating shops and restaurants will give 10 percent of their proceeds to nonprofits of their choice that day. From the West Seattle Junction Association:
Giving back has always been a part of what it means to be West Seattle. Our deep neighborhood pride comes through in everything we do and exemplifies the spirit of “neighbors helping neighbors.”
In The Junction, our local businesses are proud to give back throughout the year to the many deserving causes in our neighborhood and beyond. Within The Junction business community, there is a profound sense that it’s the right thing to do and that by supporting our local nonprofits we can strengthen our neighborhood and thrive.
In the spirit of that commitment, The Junction businesses are teaming up with their favorite nonprofits for a fun day of shopping and eating to benefit many important causes. On April 30th, each participating business will be donating 10% of their sales to the nonprofit of their choice. Stop by your favorite Junction retailers and restaurants to lend your support and make a difference through your purchases. It’s an easy and fun way to show your community spirit and just how much you care!
You can see the early list of participants, and their chosen recipients, by going to this page on The Junction’s website.
(UPDATED 3:37 PM with city reply to our followup inquiry)
(WSB photo, November 2015)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One of the discussion threads woven through the West Seattle tree-cutting case these past two weeks has been the monetary value of a tree.
In another West Seattle case, it appears that value has been set at $11,000.
You might recall the reader video last November 15th showing a big red cedar cut on a Sunday morning on the future site of the 4532 42nd SW mixed-use development (immediately north of the Junction QFC).
If you’re not going out of town for spring break – take some time Tuesday and see what the Admiral Neighborhood Association is up to. New president Larry Wymer sends word of what’s on the agenda:
GROWTH IN SEATTLE, HALA, & THE GRAND BARGAIN
7:00 pm Tuesday, April 12, 2016Roger Valdez – Director of ‘Smart Growth Seattle’ – will discuss 21st century approaches for new and unique (and sometimes controversial) choices to help create a wide range of housing choices to address the varied needs of Seattle’s growing population, something of significant interest to us in the northern section of West Seattle as we witness significant changes along our major corridors. Roger will provide a perspective largely from the development community which is sure to provide for a lively Q&A.
Larry Wymer will provide an overview of the newly released Sound Transit 3 plan which will extend light rail into West Seattle, and what you can do to help influence the final design to reflect Admiral/West Seattle needs.
We will finalize our discussion, and establish the Association’s position, on the potential of lowering default speed limits within Seattle for non-arterial neighborhood streets to 20 mph, and 25 mph on selected arterials.
And finally, we will seek membership input as we work to refine our on-line presence & communications/ notifications protocols to best suit your needs.
The ANA meets at The Sanctuary at Admiral, at 2656 42nd Ave SW. Our monthly meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
If you missed it, here’s our coverage of the March ANA meeting.
Another warmer-than-normal spring day – and it’s Friday, with Seattle Public Schools‘ spring break starting as soon as the day’s final bell rings. So you know it’s going to be busy at the beach. As for everywhere else, here are highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: Until 4 pm, a mobile blood drive is under way at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction. Closed noon-1 pm for a break; otherwise, walkups welcome; more info here. (40th SW/SW Edmunds)
BUSINESS OPENING: Thanks to Kennedy for sharing the word that it’s day one for Bishops Barbershop in the east building of Junction 47. Go see Kyler Martz‘s mural! (42nd SW/SW Alaska)
WINE RELEASE AT VISCON CELLARS: Two new wines are being released at West Seattle winery Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) today and tomorrow, “a new Cabernet Sauvignon and new Cabernet Franc, both from 2012,” says proprietor Ben Viscon, who shares the photo:
The tasting room is open from 5-9 pm tonight, 2-7 pm Saturday. (5910 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE’S ROCKFORD PEACHES: You saw them here earlier this week – tonight it’s their only Bar-S game of the season, per Coach Sean. Go cheer the WSLL’s first all-girl coach-pitch team! Playing the Thunderbirds, 5 pm. (64th SW/SW Admiral Way)
GARY BENSON: Solo performer live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
LAST NIGHT FOR ‘THE ADDAMS FAMILY’: Haven’t seen the West Seattle High School musical comedy yet? Last chance!
7:30 pm at the WSHS Theater – more info here. (3000 California SW)
MORE LIVE MUSIC: Stoned Evergreen Travelers, Skull of Old Saul, Me Infecto at Parliament Tavern in Admiral, 9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
It’s “more than an obituary,” declared the subject line for the e-mail that began, “A neighborhood icon has recently passed away. He (and his huge, friendly dog) always walked the streets and so many people knew him — if not by name — and will miss his presence and be wondering what happened to him.” So this is in memory of North Admiral resident Jake Ellis Couch, gone at 83:
This sad news comes after a very long struggle with health problems that peaked on March 24 when Jake agreed to go to Virginia Mason Hospital. Tests showed massive damage to his heart and other organs from a silent heart attack some time ago. He was able to enjoy a few days visiting with family and friends while receiving excellent care from the hospital staff until his death on April 2.
Jake was from a proud fourth-generation West Seattle family. His great grandmother came north from California in 1902 in a covered wagon and settled on Gatewood Hill. He grew up in the North Admiral neighborhood and attended Lafayette, Madison, and West Seattle High, graduating in 1950 when he volunteered for service in the Korean War. Jake was a devoted family man who worked for Seattle City Light Underground, enjoyed skiing, the cabin he built near Crystal Mountain, the farm in Duvall, wood carving, and socializing with north Admiral neighbors while walking his dog.
We are so grateful to friends and family for concern and support. Your presence in our lives has given us the gift of joyful memories. No flowers please — remembrances can be made to your favorite charity.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@westseattleblog.com)
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
7 AM: Good morning – no incidents in/from West Seattle so far. What you need to know otherwise:
WATER TAXI NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK: The spring/summer schedule starts today (and remember the free-rides-all-day celebration on Sunday). The new schedule adds weekends and Friday/Saturday nights in time for the …
MARINERS’ HOME OPENER: Tonight at Safeco Field, 7:10 pm vs. the A’s.
SPRING BREAK NEXT WEEK: Seattle Public Schools are out next week (Vashon, too).
520 BRIDGE CLOSED THIS WEEKEND … so the I-90 bridge will be busier. (520 is being readied for a partial opening of the new bridge to vehicle traffic starting next week.)
8:14 AM UPDATE: Just getting word of trouble on northbound 99 at King Street – a crash is blocking the right lane.
8:57 AM UPDATE: SDOT says the crash has cleared, but the 3-mile backup will take a while to ease.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
It’s been a question spanning many years and many plans – what will be built at High Point’s last big vacant corner, 35th and Graham?
The two-building mixed-use project Upton Flats at 6058 35th SW might be the one destined to happen. It won final Southwest Design Review Board approval tonight.
Four of the five board members were present along with the project’s assigned city planner Tami Garrett: Chair Tod Bronk, Matt Zinski, Alexandra Moravec, and Don Caffrey, to take one more look, and offer one more round of feedback on, the project with two 4-story buildings, about 100 residential units, 10,000 square feet of commercial space, and 100+ offstreet-parking spaces, now planned below grade.
(Photo: Craig Hayslip, Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute)
The Whale Trail‘s Donna Sandstrom says Bruce Mate is “one of the world’s great whale researchers” – and is excited that he’s booked for the spring Orca Talk, 7 pm April 21st at The Hall @ Fauntleroy.
Join us for this rare Seattle appearance by renowned whale researcher Bruce Mate. Bruce will demonstrate how his teams use satellite-monitored radio tags to identify critical habitats and migration routes of endangered whales to protect them. His talk will focus on western and ENP gray whales, right whales, and contemporary issues for blue whales during the last few years of warm water as examples.
Bruce Mate is the Director and Endowed Chair of the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University, and founder of Oregon’s Whale Watching Spoken Here program.
Bruce’s talk is hosted by The Whale Trail, and co-sponsored by Seal Sitters and the American Cetacean Society, Puget Sound Chapter. Celebrate Earth Day by learning about whales!
Tickets are $10 ($5 for kids under 12) – available now at brownpapertickets.com.
(WSB photos. Above, artist Lezlie Jane, with former City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen)
It’s been years in the making – in this WSB story from five years ago, for example, you’ll find a mention of sculptural art planned at what is now Junction 47, as part of the “public benefits” required for the City Council to grant an alley vacation for the two-building megaproject. Tonight, community advocates and neighbors gathered to celebrate what was eventually created and installed – prolific local artist Lezlie Jane‘s 10 panels telling West Seattle stories, including that of our area’s First People:
With the panel honoring the Duwamish, we photographed Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen and Ken Workman. Tonight’s gathering included a walking tour and cake from Bakery Nouveau:
The Junction Neighborhood Organization and West Seattle Junction Association, both involved in advocacy throughout the planning of the development as well as its public benefits, co-hosted tonight’s gathering.
(From left, JuNO’s René Commons, WSJA’s Susan Melrose, JuNO’s Abdy Farid, past JuNO leader Erica Karlovits)
You can go see Jane’s artwork any time, on the southeast corner of California and Alaska – view and learn about each of the 39-inch-tall panels via this section of her website.
Seattle Public Utilities has a cleanup plan for Saturday that might affect traffic on Dumar Way:
SPU will perform routine ditch and culvert cleaning beginning on the 1700 block of Dumar Way SW [map] in West Seattle on Saturday, April 9 between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Maintenance crews will be progressively cleaning along Dumar Way SW, with a single lane closure shifting in conjunction with their workflow. Traffic will be impacted in the area. SPU has scheduled this work on a weekend to reduce traffic congestion. Expect traffic and bus delays.
4:34 PM: That video just released by Seattle Police, 14 hours after the early-morning Highland Park Way crash that killed two people – including the driver of the stolen vehicle an officer was pursuing – shows the two minutes leading up to and including the crash.
Also new, via SPD Blotter, police say the driver of that car, a Honda taken at gunpoint in Beacon Hill about three hours earlier, was a 16-year-old boy. The update says that while a handgun was found in that car, detectives “do not yet know what role the 16-year-old played in this morning’s carjacking,” which happened on Beacon Hill.
Along with the video we have embedded above, SPD’s update also includes an audio clip from radio communication going back to the officer who first spotted the stolen vehicle near the Southwest Precinct.
The King County Medical Examiner did not release the teenager’s identity today but did identify the 21-year-old man killed in the westbound car he hit, a 1996 Honda Acura Integra, as Devin Francis. A dog found in the Acura was seriously hurt and rushed to an emergency vet but also died.
The SPD Blotter update quotes Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole as saying, “The collision that took the lives of two people this morning is devastating to the families of the deceased and the officers involved. My thoughts and prayers are with them all. SPD is conducting a thorough investigation around the circumstances that led to this event.”
SPD’s pursuit policy is online here.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: Kathleen sent this photo overnight showing a roadside memorial:
ADDED 3:47 PM FRIDAY: The Medical Examiner has identified the 16-year-old who was killed as Kenneth Dion Williams, Jr.
Another business burglary overnight … this time at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor). Co-proprietor Laura Schneider shares the photo above from their surveillance camera, and a partial list of what the burglar stole:
This guy has been here before and knew exactly what he was doing so he may be identifiable by a reader. He’s small – a little over 5’ tall. He climbed around to the balcony and broke in the back.
Stolen:
Booster packs for Magic including OGW, BFZ, Origins, DTK, FRF, and KTK. Also YuGiOh! packs of Clash of Rebellions, Dimensions of Chaos, Breaker of Shadows and Dragons of Legend.
All of our FNM and Buy a Box promo cards, all of our red, green, black and white singles. He left the blue and the lands. A box of about 400 full art lands. Various other singles we are working to name, but here are a few:
A judge foil Dark Confidant
2 full art game day promo Languish
the WotC holiday promo Goblin Sleighride
foil Blightsteel Collasus
2 expedition Eye of Ugin
8 Eye of Ugin
4 Eldrazi Temple
4 GP Goblin Guidesvarious other cards we are working to identify
If you recognize the burglar and/or have any other information, please contact police. The incident number is 16000119105.
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