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VIDEO/PHOTO: Recognize these West Seattle package thieves?
December 30, 2015 2:36 pm
|      44 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two more West Seattle Crime Watch package-theft reports just in, and both include visuals of the thieves:

GENESEE HILL THIEF: The photo and report are from Angela:

Around noon today, we drove around to retrieve a package from our neighbor’s house – they were out of town and had asked us to keep an eye out because they’d been informed the package was to arrive while they were gone. When we drove around to grab the package, we witnessed a tall white male, walking down the street with a similar package, and once we confirmed the package was no longer on their front porch, we drove up next to the individual and asked him where he was going with the package. He turned right back around and said he’d put it back. We got out of the car, took the package from him and he continued to walk toward SW Genesee – then headed west up Genesee Hill. We pulled around and confronted him, told him to leave the area, and took a picture of him. It’s likely that he’s still roaming the streets – he said he felt stupid and apologized, and would not attempt to do this again. We searched the area about 15 minutes later and couldn’t find him.

Description
White Male
Roughly 6′ 2″ tall
Wearing a paperboy-style hat – gray
Black flannel-material jacket
(Average) build
Blue water bottle in hand
Either blue or green eyes, not brown
Scruffy in look – probably early- to mid-30’s in age

If you know who this is, the police report to reference is 15-450056.

LINCOLN PARK THIEF: Near Lincoln Park, a Tuesday theft was caught on video shared by the victim:

That video starts with a blue car heading right to left; forward the video to 1:28, where you’ll see someone walking into the video from the left, going down stairs, running back up with packages, and hopping into that same car, which takes off. The package’s owner explains:

On Tuesday, December 29th, in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, this video shows at around 2:25 pm a Blue CRV slowly drove past our house, looked at recently delivered packages and then dropped off a thief (out of view) who stole the packages from our porch and then jumped back in the Blue CRV. Be on the look out for this guy and the car around West Seattle! A police report has been filed and any information you may have, or if you see the car and/or the man in the video, please contact Officer Jenkins, referencing incident 15-449867.

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First don’t-miss West Seattle community meeting of 2016: What’s next for HALA, and what you should know
December 30, 2015 12:58 pm
|    Comments Off on First don’t-miss West Seattle community meeting of 2016: What’s next for HALA, and what you should know
 |   Development | Neighborhoods | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

It was one of the biggest Seattle-city-government stories of 2015 and it’s going to be even bigger in 2016: How will the Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda – aka HALA – affect you, your neighbors, your future neighbors? What do you need to know? How can you be part of the discussions and decision-making? The Morgan Community Association is hosting a briefing geared for all interested West Seattleites, right after an abbreviated version of their group’s quarterly meeting on January 20th, and they’ve sent early word so you can get it on your calendar:

Our first meeting of 2016 starts off with a bang! We will have a short regular MoCA meeting from 6:00 to 6:45 pm to do normal business and officer elections. At 7:00 pm we will transition to a West Seattle-wide presentation on two topics which will affect all neighborhoods; the implementation of the HALA “Grand Bargain” and upcoming code changes governing Mother-in-Law apartments and back yard cottages. All West Seattle community people are invited to attend and learn more about these and how to stay informed and get engaged. It is expected that the Mother-in-Law/Backyard Cottages code changes will go before City Council in late February, so now is the time to learn more.

Here’s the agenda for the HALA briefing/discussion:

Special West Seattle-wide Meeting: “HALA” – What’s It All About ??

7:00-8:00 pm
HALA: An Overview, The Grand Bargain, Focused Outreach and Next Steps
Jesseca Brand, City of Seattle Planning

8:00-9:00 pm
Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADU’s or Backyard Cottages) and Attached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs or Mother-in-law Apartments)
Nick Welch, City of Seattle Planning

The meeting will be in the lower level meeting rooms at The Kenney (WSB sponsor), 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW.

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EARTHQUAKE AFTERMATH: Two maps you need to see
December 30, 2015 10:30 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Preparedness | West Seattle news

Even if you didn’t feel it, the Vancouver Island earthquake late last night is another wakeup call reiterating the message that we all need to be ready, because someday we’re going to shake in a big way. So here are two maps you need to see. First, from West Seattle Be Prepared:

KNOW YOUR NEAREST WEST SEATTLE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION HUB: Especially if you’re new to WS, this might be news to you. Preparedness volunteers in our area have been regional leaders in this unique aspect of preparedness – organizing “hubs” where you can go in case of catastrophe, to get information and seek help if the regular communication channels are down/damaged/unreliable. Click a spot on the map to get information on the location where volunteers plan to set up a hub if and when disaster strikes. If you don’t see one relatively close to you, that’s only because no one has come forward to lead the way in your area – here’s how you can help! And take some time to browse the WSBP website, which is an excellent resource packed with a variety of preparedness-related info.

Now, the second map you should see. You might have already taken a look, as this new city map was circulating in the days just BEFORE the quake:

SEATTLE NATURAL HAZARD EXPLORER: The city-produced map takes you through a variety of types of “natural hazards,” including earthquake risk, as explained in Seattle Times science reporter Sandi Doughton‘s story earlier this week. You can see the map (really, it’s more than a map) fullscreen by going here; in the condensed version above, you can use the arrows at the bottom to scroll through types of hazards. In each category, click the “i” at top right to open up a text box with information at the bottom of the map, including a tab that explains the map’s legend for that section. Among other things, the earthquake-risk view shows where the Seattle Fault travels through our peninsula.

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Options for your final West Seattle Wednesday of 2015
December 30, 2015 9:13 am
|    Comments Off on Options for your final West Seattle Wednesday of 2015
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

If you can do it, our top recommendation for your to-do list today is to enjoy our spectacular West Seattle scenery. Thanks to Chris Frankovich for the photo of the Olympic Mountains’ best-known peaks, The Brothers, fully visible and snow-covered on this sunny morning. Now here’s what else you might consider for your list, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TECH HELP: West Seattle (Admiral) Library offers free one-on-one help with tech tools and services they have available, noon-3:45 pm today. Unlike most library events, you have to make an appointment in advance – our calendar listing explains how. (2306 42nd SW)

(added) BASKETBALL LIVE STREAM: If you can’t get to Mountlake Terrace High School to cheer on the undefeated West Seattle High School boys’ varsity basketball team vs. MTHS, you can watch the live stream at 3 pm – go here. (WSHS beat Marysville-Pilchuck in the MTHS Holiday Tournament on Tuesday, 60-43.)

WEST SEATTLE GET FIT: At 6:30 pm, it’s one more informational session for the free program at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) taking you “from couch to half-marathon” in the new year. Our preview has the details. (2743 California SW)

EXPRESS YOURSELF: Open-microphone night at The Skylark, one more time before it’s 2016 already. 8:30 pm (after 7:30 pm signups) – more info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PLAN YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY: West Seattle options – from parties to parading to plunging, with workouts and walks (and more!) inbetween – are atop our West Seattle Holiday Guide. Still time to add anything we’re missing – editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: New Year’s Eve-Eve Wednesday watch
December 30, 2015 6:21 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Another between-holidays, no-school commute, but we’re on watch just in case. It’s been below freezing overnight, so be aware of potential iciness.

TRANSIT REMINDER: Metro continues on a “reduced weekday” schedule through tomorrow, and then will be on a Sunday schedule for Friday (New Year’s Day). Also on Friday, no Water Taxi.

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VIDEO: 2 boats burn, 2 others damaged, at marina in West Seattle
December 29, 2015 8:43 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(UPDATED NOON WEDNESDAY – scroll down)

(Photo courtesy Jim)
8:43 PM: A big Seattle Fire response is on the way to the 1300 block of SW Spokane [map], where a boat is reported to be on fire at an address that crossreferences to Jim Clark Marina. More to come.

8:57 PM: Avoid the area – SFD has even asked for the railroad track to be closed by BNSF.

(This photo and those below are by WSB’s Christopher Boffoli, added 10:28 pm)
They’ve had to lay hundreds of feet of hose to get to the burning boat(s), according to scanner traffic.

9:04 PM: The fire is reported to be under control. No word of any injuries. Our archives show it’s been five years since the last major fire at this marina.

9:18 PM: Media crews at the scene, including ours, are being kept behind a safety line; via the scanner, we’re hearing fire crews dealing with dock-safety issues too, and also a “small” flareup on the boat, which, a marina tenant told our photographer, is a 32-footer. We’re told Seattle Fire’s public-information officer is on the way.

9:36 PM: Two vessels are reported (monitored via scanner) to be “a complete loss.”

9:44 PM: The loss of two boats has just been confirmed at the scene by SFD, in a media briefing. (video added, with SFD spokesperson Corey Orvold)

(WSB video by Patrick Sand)
A third boat was damaged. Investigators are on the way to find out how the fire started; the Coast Guard and EPA also are en route to check on whether there’s been a fuel spill or any other environmental effects.

The dock will remain closed tonight, so other boat owners thinking of coming down to check on their boats won’t be able to reach them.

10:21 PM: SFD has just tweeted that the two boats that burned have sunk and that two others were damaged.

ADDED EARLY WEDNESDAY: More views of the fire and how it was fought, on the Duwamish and on the shore. The two photos below are by Aaron Bocchetti, the video by Michelle Edwards.

No announcement yet of how it started.

WEDNESDAY NOON UPDATE: SFD’s Orvold tells us there’s still no word on the cause: “The fire investigators are working with the marina’s owner to bring the boats to the surface so they can further their investigation. This process could take a while.” We were at the marina around 10:30 am and noticed a USCG helicopter circling to inspect the scene from above.

Some damage to the boathouse is visible. See this comment below for more information on one of the damaged boats.

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West Seattle weather: ‘Air stagnation advisory’ ahead
December 29, 2015 8:16 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle weather: ‘Air stagnation advisory’ ahead
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

No rain expected this New Year’s Eve, but the weather isn’t good news if you have respiratory challenges – the National Weather Service has issued an air-stagnation advisory for Seattle and vicinity, in effect 10 pm Wednesday through 10 am Monday. This means, as the advisory notes, that “due to limited movement of an air mass across the advisory area, pollution will increase to dangerous levels.” No burn ban so far, but that could change (you can check here or on the WSB West Seattle Weather page). It’ll be colder than usual, too – highs in the 30s, lows in the 20s.

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West Seattle Crime Watch followup: Video shows gunfire at busy intersection, as investigation continues
December 29, 2015 4:13 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

“I can’t stand that this is happening in my neighborhood. We have kids walking around. Screw these guys.” So wrote Colton Lloyd in the WSB comment that informed us he had uploaded that surveillance video to YouTube, showing the December 15th gunfire outside Seamart at 16th and Holden in Highland Park. We reported on the incident that day, while police were searching; they found shell casings outside the store, and found a possible suspect vehicle in White Center, but we had few other details until now. After seeing the surveillance video that Colton, an employee, posted, we followed up with SPD and obtained the official report, which has more details, including what officers found at the scene besides casings:

Read More

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West Seattle development: 1118 Alki, 5448 Delridge plan changes
December 29, 2015 3:08 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle development: 1118 Alki, 5448 Delridge plan changes
 |   Development | West Seattle news

Our routine check of city files show two sites where plans are apparently changing – one on Alki, one in Delridge:

(King County Assessor’s Office photos)
MORE UNITS FOR 1118 ALKI: When a potential development plan emerged in September at 1118 Alki Avenue SW, it was proposed for five units. Now a new early-stage plan proposes to replace the single-family houses at 1118 and 1122 (95 and 73 years old, respectively) with a six-story, 11-unit building with 17 off-street parking spaces behind the building (which is described on a document as both “apartment” and “condominium”). No formal application yet but we’ll watch the files. Real-estate records show 1118 Alki, listed at $1.9 million, is in the process of being sold “pending feasibility.”

POTENTIAL LIVE-WORKS AT 5448 DELRIDGE: More than a year ago, we noted a plan for this site between Cottage Grove Commons and Martin’s Way – proposing a one-story office building with a “pre-fab metal frame.” Now, a document filed this month seeks “paid coaching” with the city regarding “setbacks, unit count, design review for live-work project.” In the meantime, city files also show the city’s been investigating work at the site allegedly beyond the scope of current permits.

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TOMORROW: West Seattle Get Fit info night to jump-start your 2016
December 29, 2015 1:58 pm
|    Comments Off on TOMORROW: West Seattle Get Fit info night to jump-start your 2016
 |   Health | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

On New Year’s Eve-Eve, you can jump-start your 2016 fitness plans with West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). WSR co-proprietor Lori McConnell says they’ve scheduled another info night for their free West Seattle Get Fit couch-to-half-marathon program, tomorrow (Wednesday, December 30th) at 6:30 pm:

We will train participants to complete a half marathon in June (there are several to choose from). Participants will start with one mile on Saturday, January 2nd, at 8 am at West Seattle Runner. This is a program for beginners! It is free. Participants can run as a group on Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings and will get a plan to follow. We will also provide several free clinics along the way to increase knowledge for runners. We do have walkers do the program as well, so walkers and runners are welcome.

WSR is at 2743 California SW.

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NEW IN THE NEW YEAR: Field Trip Society coming to West Seattle
December 29, 2015 11:13 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Looking to learn more in 2016? The Field Trip Society sends word it’s headed this way for the first time. From “field tripper in chief” Cambria Cox:

We offer classes and adventures for curious grownups … a great way to kick off the new year is to learn about fermenting and probiotics at our workshop on January 10th at the Puget Ridge Co-housing Kitchen from 2:00 – 4:00. Hadar Iron from In Ferment will be teaching the class. You can learn more about us and see our winter schedule at fieldtripsociety.com.

P.S. More places you can find classes/workshops in West Seattle:
–WS Community Centers (WSB sponsor)
–Continuing Education at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor)
–Seattle Farm School

(Other suggestions?)

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What’s up for the rest of your West Seattle Tuesday
December 29, 2015 9:18 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Red-breasted merganser, photographed by Matt Olson)

While getting ready for the changing of the calendar – see the New Year’s Eve/Day listings in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – there’s plenty to keep you busy today/tonight too. From our regular year-round calendar:

GIVE A LIFE-SAVING GIFT: As previewed here on Monday, today’s the day you can donate blood and help local college student Dennise Lopez, who’s co-hosting the drive, earn scholarship money. 10-noon and 1-4 pm at Holy Family. (20th SW & SW Roxbury)

MORNING MOVIE: “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” will be shown at Southwest Library, 11:30 am. Snacks provided! (35th SW & SW Henderson)

‘LET IT GO … LET IT GO …’: Sing along with “Frozen” when the movie’s shown at West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 3 pm. (2306 42nd SW)

DROP-IN CHESS: 4:30 pm at High Point Library, kids/teens of all skill levels welcome.

Q & A 4 FUN: Trivia at Parliament Tavern, 8 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Between-holidays Tuesday alerts
December 29, 2015 7:33 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Between-holidays Tuesday alerts
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! No incidents reported in our area so far this morning.

TRANSIT REMINDER: Metro continues on a “reduced weekday” schedule through Thursday, and then will be on a Sunday schedule for Friday (New Year’s Day).

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SCAM ALERT: ‘Jury duty’ phone fraud still out there
December 28, 2015 9:12 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Thanks to the West Seattleite who just shared this story. They can be very convincing, or intimidating – as learned by the person whose story we published last May – but some may not be aware of this:

I thought that the residents of West Seattle might like to know that there are phone scammers (identity thieves) a’ trolling.

Around 3:30 this afternoon I received a call from someone who claimed that he was a lieutenant with the Seattle police department. He alleged that there was a warrant for my arrest, because (are you ready?) I had failed to show up for jury duty on 15 December after having been mailed a summons on December 2, 2015.

This miscreant tried to get me to give him my credit card number to pay the $800 “fine” which he informed me would be refunded to me when I appeared in court tomorrow at 3:00 PM.

Additionally, he informed me that if I failed to pay today, I would be arrested on the warrant when I appeared AND I would have to spend the New Year’s holiday in jail!

I said that I’d be sure to bring my toothbrush when I appeared tomorrow.

I was, by this time, screaming and profane. “Lt. Fred Burns” then informed me that I was failing to follow a direct order by an officer and that I could be arrested for that and because I was being so uncooperative he was going to send a squad car and the deputies would be executing the warrant immediately.

I said, “Please go for it! I’m going to go get dressed properly for my impending incarceration!” I then hung up on him!

The King County Sheriff’s Office issued a warning back in September, too.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Dumping, recorded; car prowl; tools stolen here turn up online – and then in Burien
December 28, 2015 4:36 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:

RECOGNIZE THOSE BENCHES? If you do – you might be able to solve a case of illegal dumping that happened around 10:30 pm Saturday night in Westwood, on 24th SW near Thistle. Dumping is a problem in more than a few spots around West Seattle, but this time a surveillance camera caught it happening:

The camera’s owner says, “I’ve reported a lot of dumping and graffiti in the neighborhood but first time we recorded dumping live. … It’s about the 4th time dumping has occurred in that exact spot on our lot in the last 9 years.” If you have any information that might help track down the dumpers – the video’s been provided to police, too – contact them and refer to case #15-447815.

Also from the WSB inbox:

CAR PROWL: From Jeremiah in Gatewood, at 39th SW and SW Orchard:

Our Honda Element which we leave virtually empty and unlocked was gone through last night. The glove box was left open and papers were everywhere. Nothing of value is ever left in the car. It looks like several other cars on the block were hit.

STOLEN ITEMS RECOVERED: One night earlier, Collin‘s cargo trailer was broken into in the 5400 block of 48th SW, and tools were stolen. Hours later, they got some of them back, and he says this is how it happened: His wife Amber mentioned the theft on Facebook, and got a message that tools resembling theirs were spotted on OfferUp – someone in Burien was trying to sell them. Collin and Amber went to a Burien Police station and in the meantime managed to arrange to meet the sellers to see if they could identify their tools before officers moved in – Collin says they wanted to meet up in a public place but the sellers invited them to their house instead. With police following, they headed over. Almost instantly, he was shown his own pressure washer – which even had his surname written on the bottom. He relayed a message to his wife outside to have police move in, and they did. He’s not sure whether they made arrests or are compiling evidence for a wider investigation, “but all in all we recovered more than probably 99.9% of the people ever burglarized.”

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Another West Seattle Christmas tree recycling option: Rainbow Girls’ dropoff event next Saturday
December 28, 2015 2:45 pm
|    Comments Off on Another West Seattle Christmas tree recycling option: Rainbow Girls’ dropoff event next Saturday
 |   Environment | Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last year’s Rainbow Girls tree-cycling event)

The West Seattle Rainbow Girls just announced they’ll have a by-donation tree-recycling dropoff again this year, on the day after New Year’s: Next, Saturday, January 2, 9 am-2 pm, in the parking lot outside the Alki Masonic Hall, 4736 40th Ave SW. Cash donations accepted. No need to cut your tree into sections – as is requested for city tree-cycling – but no tinsel or flocking, please.

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West Seattle coyote sightings: Out for a midday stroll
December 28, 2015 1:46 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Yes, coyotes do emerge in the daytime. The photo is courtesy of Michael, who says, “Just saw this guy at 12:30 at 35th and Hinds!! End of 35th arterial.” [map] We also had a text about this time Saturday, mentioning one seen “running down at Admiral at 53rd.” Though they’re believed to do most hunting at night, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife’s “Living With Coyotes” one-sheet advises they do go out in daylight if they’re hungry. Remember, authorities advise that the best way to encourage them to keep their distance is to do your best to “haze” them if you see them – yell, wave your arms, throw rocks.

Archived WSB coyote reports are here, newest to oldest.

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TOMORROW: Give the gift of life – and education! – at local student-organized blood drive
December 28, 2015 11:55 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news

Another chance to clear the decks for the new year by wrapping up the old one with a gift – a potentially life-saving blood donation, at a time of the year when it matters more than ever. Local student Dennise Lopez is co-hosting it at Holy Family tomorrow. Here’s her announcement, if you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

What a wonderful gift – please help save lives by donating blood. During the holiday season, your donation is more important than ever. When schools, Boeing, and Microsoft are closed for the holidays and donors are just plain busy, the Blood Center sees a 15 percent decrease in donations, yet they need to collect even more blood (1,000 units a day) to maintain supplies through the holidays. The Bloodworks Northwest (formerly Puget Sound Blood Center) bloodmobile will be at Holy Family Parish, 9622 20th Ave. SW, on Tuesday, December 29th, from 10:00 am to noon, and 1:00 until 4:00 pm. Walk-ins are always welcome, but reservations are preferred. Anyone who is in good health, is at least 18 years old (persons 16 or 17 years old may donate with a Blood Program consent form signed by a legal guardian), and weighs at least 110 pounds may donate blood every 56 days. To help ensure success of the blood drive, please make a reservation by contacting Dennise Lopez at 206-414-8402 or by email at lopez.dennise15@gmail.com.

P.S. You’re giving another gift by participating – Bloodworks offers college-scholarship money to students who organize successful drives. Dennise is a Chief Sealth International High School graduate currently attending UW Bothell.

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Another Olympic Class state ferry about to be built at Vigor on Harbor Island; feedback sought on 3 name options
December 28, 2015 11:11 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(WSDOT photo showing propeller for M/V Samish during its construction at Vigor in 2014)
Another state ferry is about to be built at Vigor Industrial on Harbor Island – the fourth 144-car Olympic Class ferry. Washington State Ferries says it’s just signed the “Notice to Proceed” for the next ferry, which has a $122 million budget and is expected to launch in mid-2018. Just as construction begins in January, the state Transportation Commission will be discussing what to name the ferry. You’re invited to comment on the three options – Cowlitz, Sammamish, Suquamish – and the commission’s announcement explains how. Meantime, WSF’s announcement says the first two Olympic Class ferries – Tokitae and Samish – were delivered on time and under budget, and that the third, Chimacum, “is on schedule, under budget, and will be assigned to the Seattle/Bremerton route in early 2017.”

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Next year is almost here! Celebrating New Year’s Eve/Day in West Seattle
December 28, 2015 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on Next year is almost here! Celebrating New Year’s Eve/Day in West Seattle
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(Last year’s Space Needle fireworks, photographed from West Seattle by David Hutchinson)
This year’s edition of the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, launched in mid-November and updated all season long, has its grand finale coming up at week’s end – New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. You’ll already find listings from the Highland Park Improvement Club “Not So Silent Night Parade” to the Admiral Bird‘s kid-friendly dance party to the just-confirmed Polar Bear Swim on Alki, but we’re also putting out one last call for anything you want to add, like bar parties/live music, NYD coffee-shop hours, etc. Just e-mail the info ASAP to editor@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Last Monday of the year
December 28, 2015 5:40 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Last Monday of the year
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! It’s Monday, December 28, 2015, and we have transit reminders to start the day:

METRO ON ‘REDUCED WEEKDAY’ SCHEDULE: Monday-Thursday of this week will be “reduced weekday,” while Friday (New Year’s Day) will be on the Sunday schedule.

STATE FERRIES NOW ON WINTER SCHEDULE: The change kicked in on Sunday. See the new schedule here (and the mobile view is here).

SPEAKING OF BOATS: In case you missed it, we reported last week on how the Water Taxi is gearing up to help with the expected Viaduct shutdown when tunneling begins beneath it. Hint: Remember October 2011?

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Remembering baseball star, broadcaster, Alki resident, generous giver Dave Henderson
December 27, 2015 5:58 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(2008 photo of Dave Henderson @ West Seattle Little League Jamboree, courtesy Cami MacNamara)

Fans, friends, family, and neighbors are mourning Dave Henderson, who has died at just 57 years old. The photo above is courtesy of Cami MacNamara, one of the WSB’ers who reminded us that Mr. Henderson lived in the Alki area. His baseball career was multifaceted, spent with five Major League Baseball teams including the Mariners, for whom he worked as a broadcaster for almost a decade – 1997 through 2006 – after his career as a player concluded. He was well-known for his ever-present smile and for his generous gifts of time, expertise, and more, particularly for youth – Cami’s photo is from one of the occasions when Mr. Henderson collaborated with the West Seattle Little League – he threw out the first WSLL Jamboree pitch in 2008. He’s also in archived coverage of events including a benefit tournament at West Seattle Golf Course. Mr. Henderson’s peak career moments included what the MLB.com report on his passing describes as a “series-changing home run” in the 1986 American League Championship Series, when he belted a ninth-inning home run that saved the Boston Red Sox from elimination – they went on to beat the Angels and win the league championship. Mr. Henderson, nicknamed “Hendu,” went to the World Series with the Oakland A’s in 1988, 1989, and 1990, and to the MLB All-Star Game in 1991. According to The Seattle Times, Mr. Henderson died early today at Harborview Medical Center; he was taken there after suffering a heart attack at his West Seattle home. He is reported to have had a kidney transplant a month ago. No word yet on memorial-service plans; many are sharing condolences, including the M’s:

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West Seattle holiday scene: Proposing a new Junction tree tradition
December 27, 2015 4:42 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

If you’ve walked past the West Seattle Junction Christmas tree in the past few days, maybe you noticed that single shiny ornament. It was placed there by Wesley and Jacqui, who shared the photos, saying they hope to inspire others to do the same next year and beyond:

We just wanted to share our new tradition of adding our personal ornament to the Junction Plaza tree. We look forward to adding our ornament as soon as the tree is lit next year and hope other West Seattleites can add their ornaments as well.

The West Seattle Junction Association arranges for the lights on the tree and the smaller trees in the park, as part of Hometown Holidays, which WSB co-sponsored again this year. We’ll make a note to get the ornament idea into next year’s holiday coverage; the tree is usually lit on the first Saturday night in December (here’s our coverage from this year)!

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