West Seattle, Washington
24 Wednesday
(Photo courtesy Symetra)
If you’re going to the Seahawks–Cowboys game at CenturyLink Field this afternoon – listen up for your chance to applaud a local teacher. Chief Sealth International High School family/consumer sciences teacher DeAira Handugan is scheduled to be there for an on-field presentation of her “Heroes in the Classroom” award. Two former students nominated her; one is quoted as saying, “It is impossible to be in her presence and not look at her as a role model.” The award is presented by the Seahawks and Symetra, who present it to 16 teachers around the region each year; besides the recognition at today’s game, it also brings Handugan a $1,000 donation for classroom supplies.
California SW is at least partly blocked between Oregon and Alaska in The Junction right now because of that multiple-car crash. At least one person is hurt, though the injuries aren’t likely major – a private ambulance is at the scene. Not sure how long it’ll take to clear, but if you’re headed that way, you’ll want to detour onto 42nd or 44th.
WSB’s Katie Meyer is at the scene and says the white car in the photo above this line was reported to be U-turning when the black car (top photo) collided with it.
9:34 PM: A full “fire in building” response is headed to The Kenney (WSB sponsor) at 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW right now. The initial report is that a chair is on fire in a room there.
9:40 PM: Firefighters have since amended that to “food on the stove.” No injuries reported. Not even enough smoke to require extra ventilation, according to scanner discussion. But we’re headed over to doublecheck.
9:54 PM: Our crew’s just back from checking at the scene to verify that everyone’s OK – they are, and the remaining fire crews have packed up and left.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes tonight:
FAUNTLEROY SEARCH: Many were wondering about the police presence in Fauntleroy, near Lincoln Park and the ferry dock, since late afternoon. Officers told us they were looking for a “felony warrant suspect” who had been seen in the area, near the bus stop by the dock. No new incident/crime, apparently, but this was someone they were looking for. We don’t know whether they’ve found that suspect yet, and we don’t have details of the warrant.
PACKAGE THEFT: Fumiko in Arbor Heights (near 35th/100th) says she’s been hit by package thieves for the third and final time, and she’s just not going to get home deliveries any more. Her iPhone 6, delivered by UPS at 3:55 pm, was gone when she got home Thursday night and: “This is the third time an UPS or USPS delivered package went missing from my property (front porch and side door).”
(Photo tweeted by Patrick Gerding, looking this way from Vashon ferry)
6:28 PM: We’re not seeing it in the forecast, but that is most definitely thunder rolling through – and lightning. No short-term alerts, either. Rainbows earlier, though!
7:02 PM: Seems to have quieted down. “Low level instability,” explains MetPatrick, via Twitter. Meantime, thanks for more photos from the sky sights before sunset – dark clouds behind the gleaming skyline, in this photo from Melody in Admiral:
The second rainbow seemed to emerge from the base of the main rainbow, in an unusual “V” configuration, as you can see in this photo from Russ:
7:11 PM: The National Weather Service, whose forecasts hadn’t mentioned thunderstorms, just tweeted: “Line of heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms from Sea-Tac to east of Enumclaw will move SE and weaken in the next hour.”
7:37 PM: The photo above is from Lise in High Point. In comments, Emily offers an explanation.
7:54 PM: One more rainbow view:
Don Brubeck caught that angle from Alki. Looking ahead in the forecast – Monday looks very rainy – get those storm drains cleared of leaves before the weekend’s out!
The showers that moved through earlier didn’t stop some of the hard-working volunteers on the West Seattle High School campus for a morning of special attention from volunteers with Washington Green Schools. WSHS was chosen as a location for volunteer help on a statewide day of service, with visitors “including highly skilled gardeners and carpenters” and donated materials including chips and lumber, according to the announcement we received. Along with WSHS volunteers, the WGS visitors worked on planting areas around the campus. Our photo is from the sign fronting California SW, a site that will be part of the Steps at Stevens project.
Thanks for the tips about traffic trouble on the eastbound bridge – a spinout is blocking the ramp to northbound 99.
The car is 20 years old – the car seat inside, brand-new – in this West Seattle Crime Watch reader report from Tunisia:
Hi, I just wanted to let you know that last night my husband’s car was stolen. It’s a teal 94 Acura Integra hatchback with visible body damage. There’s dents in the back bumper and a debt on the hood. To make matters worse, our daughter’s brand new car seat was in there. We live on 40th Ave inbetween Oregon and Alaska. The same street where the Honda Fit was messed with :(
If you think you’ve seen it, call 911, as the SPD @getyourcarback stolen-car Twitter feed always advises.
While covering the “walkshed” tour in The Junction/Triangle this morning (story to come), we stopped by the Masonic Center to peek at preps for the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s first-ever Oktoberfest, one of the events in our preview for today/tonight. Above, Rotarians Len Burton-Hardin of Howden-Kennedy and Dotty Hughes of Washington Federal were working inside; the crew decorating outside included Gary Potter of Potter Construction (WSB sponsor):
The German food and beer, oompah music, etc. are all set to start around 6 tonight. Proceeds benefit the Rotary’s community work including the annual – not too far off! Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree and the school-supplies-collecting Pencil Me In For Kids. Ticket info for tonight’s event is here.
If you’re making plans for special events coming up later this month – you might be interested in one or both of these two “Parents’ Night Out” events:
OCTOBER 24: The West Seattle High School junior class ASB is offering this 5:30-10 pm as a fundraiser:
This event is for kids ages 3 (potty trained) to 11. Cost is $25 per child or $20 with 2 or more cans of food that will be donated to the West Seattle Food Bank. This includes pizza, snacks, crafts, games and movie! Many of the sitters are CPR trained. Reserve your spot today! Call Gabby at 206 935-6517 or email wshspno@hotmail.com
NOVEMBER 1: At Straight Blast Gym (WSB sponsor) in North Delridge, they’re offering both an evening option, 6-9 pm, or overnight (as late as 10 am the next day). Contact and registration information is in our calendar listing.
(Dogwood berries, photographed by WSB’s Katie Meyer)
Welcome to the weekend! If you’re not already all booked up, consider some of the highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DAKOTA PLACE PARK CLEANUP: 9 am-noon, bring your labeled tools and lend a hand during the fall volunteer party at Dakota Place Park – details in our calendar listing. (California/Dakota)
WSHS GREEN SCHOOLS DAY OF SERVICE: 9:30 am-12:30 pm, dozens of volunteers from Washington Green Schools will be hard at work on the southeast side of the West Seattle High School campus as part of their statewide day of service. Students and community members are invited to come help! Details in our calendar listing. (3000 block Walnut)
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION ‘WALKSHED’ TOUR & TALK: 10 am, meet at Junction Plaza Park for a “community conversation” on foot about The Junction’s past, present, and future, with Seattle Planning Commission members who also happen to be your West Seattle neighbors. More info in this report from last weekend. (42nd/Alaska)
DUWAMISH INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S DAY: 10 am-5 pm, free event at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse in West Seattle:
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day with Chief Seattle’s Duwamish Tribe at the Duwamish Longhouse. Sing, dance & drum 1-3 pm with Duwamish heritage group “Singing Feet”- winner of a 2012 Seattle Mayor’s Arts Award. Chief Seattle’s Speech film at 11am. Princess Angeline film at 11:30 am. Exhibits/Art Gallery 10-5.
Here’s the Facebook event page. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
ANNIVERSARY: As noted here earlier this week, Second Gear Sports in Morgan Junction is celebrating its first anniversary today, starting at 10 am. (6529 California SW)
PLANT SALE: 11 am-3 pm, celebrate fall planting season by shopping the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center. North side of campus. (6000 16th SW)
‘PUMPKIN JUNCTION’ BEGINS: The Beer Junction‘s festival of pumpkin beers starts today – details on TBJ’s website. (4511 California SW)
ROCK GARDEN CEREMONY: As previewed here Friday, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum‘s Coenosium Rock Garden will be celebrated today in a ceremony for its new status as an American Conifer Society Reference Garden. All are welcome at the event, ceremony at 1, refreshments and tour 2-3:30 pm, on the north side of the SSC campus on Puget Ridge. (6000 16th SW)
OKTOBERFEST: The Rotary Club of West Seattle presents its first-ever Oktoberfest tonight, 6-9 pm at the Masonic Center in The Junction. 21+. Fundraiser for projects such as the annual Children’s Holiday Shopping Spree. Details in our calendar listing. (40th/Edmunds)
‘THE LINESTRIDER CODEX‘: 6-9 pm at Twilight in The Junction, reception for Siolo Thompson‘s tarot-themed collection. (Alaska/California)
WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: 7 pm (doors open at 6:30), “The Power of Forgiveness” is this month’s movie. Free (donations accepted); discussion follows the film. Neighborhood House’s High Point Center. (6400 Sylvan Way)
MORE SATURDAY NIGHTLIFE: See the listings on our calendar!
In tonight’s home game, West Seattle High School was held to one touchdown by visiting Cleveland (after the pre-kickoff handshakes, top photo), victorious in the 50-6 final. West Seattle’s only touchdown came in the fourth quarter when #85, sophomore Andrew Burggraff, ran the ball in. Both defenses came out strong.
(WSHS #21, Jonathan Cheth)
But Cleveland held steadier, all game long. Note all the pink, for cancer awareness:
Next week, it’s WSHS vs. Chief Sealth IHS for the annual Huling Bowl.
That’ll be at 7 pm Friday, October 17th, at Southwest Athletic Complex.
In tonight’s road game, Chief Sealth International High School fell just one point short of what would have been its third victory of the season. At Northwest Athletic Complex, the Ingraham Rams topped the Seahawks, 28-27. Next Friday at 7 pm, it’s the annual Huling Bowl game between Sealth and West Seattle HS (whose results from tonight will be published here shortly) at Southwest Athletic Complex.
(WSB photo: SFD crews before they wrapped up & left scene)
First report: Seattle Fire is arriving at an apartment building in the 6700 block of Murray SW (map) to check out a possible fire. More to come.
Update: Kitchen fire – “food on stove” – and already tapped.
10:12 PM: We’ve confirmed at the scene, that’s all it was.
(WSB photo from last Sunday’s WS Farmers’ Market, by Katie Meyer)
The Seattle-King County Public Health Board has just postponed its planned discussion of proposed permit-fee increases, to take comments for at least two more months. We heard about the controversy over some of the fee increases, thanks to a reader who pointed us to protests from regional farmers-market vendors like organic-meat producer Skagit River Ranch, which called the proposed increases “outrageous” in an open letter posted via Facebook. Businesses quoted anonymously in a county roundup of “stakeholder” feedback had comments including, “It is discouraging for vendors to get higher permit fees for selling healthier food – unhealthy food should pay more.” The county says it hasn’t reviewed fees/rates since 2008 but needs to raise rates to cover costs. Other types of businesses with proposed public-health fee increases include animal shelters and some other pet-related businesses. Whatever your thoughts about the fee changes – which are less dramatic in some categories – the county says it’s taken them off the agenda for next week’s board meeting and will take comments until mid-December (this page explains how to have a say).
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli, taken after suspect was in custody)
Right about this time yesterday, an intense police search including Seattle Police SWAT and the Guardian One helicopter was under way after gunfire was reported over the west side of Fairmount Ravine (WSB coverage here). Five schools sheltered in place as a precaution. Finally, police reported an arrest. After checking nearby homes and cars, they determined no one had been shot. Today, in hopes of finding out more about what happened and why, we obtained the official report – with addresses/names redacted – from SPD, and have just transcribed the bulk of the narrative:
Two days after our first report that the next Highway 99/Alaskan Way Viaduct inspection closures are happening next weekend, WSDOT has new details today. Here’s the schedule:
First, a section of 99 on the NORTH end of downtown will be closed all next weekend:
·10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 through 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20: SR 99 will be closed between the Battery Street Tunnel and Valley Street for utility and paving work.
Then, it’s the previously announced closure between the West Seattle Bridge and the BSTunnel, daytime only, both days next weekend:
·6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19: The SR 99 closure will be extended south to Spokane Street to allow WSDOT bridge inspectors to conduct their semiannual inspection of the viaduct. Preliminary inspection results will be released once they are available.
Two other notes:
*8 am-noon Saturday morning (October 18th) the closure will stretch to North 39th St. for a fundraising walk.
*And while all this is happening on Highway 99 – the 520 Bridge will be closed too (11 pm Friday night, Oct. 17th, until 5 am Monday, Oct. 20), which means I-5 and I-90 will be extra busy.
As always, traffic updates are a priority here, given the peninsula’s transportation challenges, so we’ll have extra weekend coverage during the closures.
Went out this morning to check on the three largest demolition sites working in West Seattle:
ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: At the Arbor Heights site, the buildings are now all gone. Teardown work here started the Friday before Labor Day, but didn’t really rev up for another week. Seattle Public Schools says work will stop down for much of the winter before the second phase, construction, begins. A decision is also pending on whether the new $42 million school will be built to 500 or 650 capacity. During the two-year construction period, AHES is sharing the Boren Building with K-5 STEM.
Now to the district’s other big WS project:
ON GENESEE HILL: The future home of the Schmitz Park Elementary program is now five weeks into the demolition phase. As shown in our photo, just a bit of the main building of the former Genesee Hill Elementary is still standing, toward the east side of the site. This school will be built for 650 students.
And on the private-development front:
‘THE WHITTAKER’ SITE UPDATE: Back on Wednesday, we reported on the start of abatement and demolition work at the site of West Seattle’s biggest current project, The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW). The work has focused so far on the middle section of the site, between 40th (above) and Fauntleroy – yesterday, that included the wooden building that was the original home of West Seattle Produce (which has long since moved across the street):
A project spokesperson tells us the major demolition work is likely still more than a week away. The site also holds a former auto dealership, former used-car lot, former gas station, and former funeral home. The mural on the side of the dealership is to be digitally re-created on a wall of the new development, which will have almost 400 apartments over street-level retail, plus almost 600 off-street parking spaces.
A new distinction for the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Arboretum will be celebrated tomorrow, and you’re invited. SSC shared the photo above and this announcement:
On Saturday, October 11, the Coenosium Rock Garden feature at South Seattle College’s Arboretum will be inaugurated as an American Conifer Society (ACS) Reference Garden, with a dedication ceremony running from 1-3:30 p.m.
The celebration starts with welcome messages from Seattle Colleges Chancellor Dr. Jill Wakefield and Van Bobbitt, lead faculty member of South’s Landscape Horticulture program. To follow, special recognition will be given to individuals who helped make the Coenosium Rock Garden possible. The feature is known as one of the largest dwarf conifer collections in the United States. The inauguration will wrap up with remarks from David Olszyk, president of the ACS Western Region, followed by refreshments and tours of the Coenosium Rock Garden.
South’s 5-acre arboretum, established by the South Seattle College Foundation in 1978, functions as a living laboratory and outdoor classroom for the college’s Landscape Horticulture students. Professional horticulturists, hobby gardeners and other college programs are often found exploring the free garden sanctuary as well.
(Thursday’s sunset; photo by Don Brubeck)
A semi-quiet day/night on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SIDE MOPS …. as in, Mothers of Preschoolers. 9:30 am monthly meeting at West Side Presbyterian. New arrival? Want to know more? Contact info is in our calendar listing. (3601 California SW)
ROLLER SKATING! 6:30-8:30 pm at Alki Community Center, $3 per skater. (5817 SW Stevens)
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School is home tonight vs. Roosevelt, 7 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex (2601 SW Thistle); Chief Sealth International High School is on the road, 7 pm vs. Ingraham at Northwest Athletic Complex.
WINE TASTING: Vin du Lac Winery is coming from Lake Chelan to meet you at The Cask (WSB sponsor) tonight, 6-8 pm – event details in our calendar listing. (2350 California SW)
MUSIC AND MORE NIGHTLIFE: See individual listings on our calendar!
Fall is fundraiser season, especially for local schools – if you haven’t sent info about yours yet, please do (editor@westseattleblog.com)! This morning, we have a reminder about Chief Sealth International High School‘s 6th annual Passport to Excellence Dinner and Auction. It’s a combined benefit presented by Sealth’s PTSA and Athletics, as well as by Denny-Sealth Performing Arts. The auction is just three weeks away – 5:30 pm Saturday, November 1st at Brockey Center on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Early-bird tickets, at the lowest rate, are available through Monday – buy online here. Organizers are happily accepting donated auction items – “goods, services, and experiences- all unique and practical are welcome”; those too can be offered online by going here (through October 22nd). And businesses interested in being an event sponsor can e-mail sahamilton@Q.com to get details.
(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! Foggy again, and that’s helping keep things slow (also delaying Fauntleroy-Southworth-Vashon ferries up to 25 minutes). Note that Seattle Public Schools have no classes today.
35TH SW REPAVING: SDOT will continue repaving 35th SW between Cambridge and Roxbury (map) today.
WEEKEND ALERTS: Here’s the citywide alert list for this weekend.
(added) MORE DETAILS OF NEXT WEEKEND’S HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURES: Here.
From three stops on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk map, all in The Junction:
West Seattle High School artist Audrey Martin was showing work in a tent. A ShelterBox tent, to be specific, set up in Junction Plaza Park for Art Walk night, as a pop-up location for the work of Audrey and other student artists, presented by the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s Rotaract group. Also in The Junction, an early Halloween:
Artist Todd D. Martin has “Haunted” work on the walls at Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) – which was decorated spookily for the night, including lights and sound effects. Luminarias too! From there, we headed to Wallflower Custom Framing (also a WSB sponsor), which is hosting work by Patri O’Connor this month:
It’s always a party at Wallflower on Art Walk night – proprietor Courtney Sievertson (right) had another special guest – Heidi Herr from Admiral Bird:
Heidi brought beverages and soup. While the treats offered at many Art Walk venues are generally just for WSAW night itself, most shows are up for the entire month, so if you missed them tonight, stop by sometime soon! The list and map are on the WSAW website. (And set a reminder for the November Art Walk – great time to find unique holiday gifts – Thursday, November 13th.)
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