West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories

West Seattle Crime Watch: Bee Garden mosaic vandalized; suspected stolen car; break-in attempt
April 25, 2015 12:42 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(UPDATED SUNDAY NIGHT with confirmation car was stolen)

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today:

BEE GARDEN VANDALISM: When volunteers arrived for today’s work party at the West Seattle Bee Garden, they discovered that mosaic sign made by students at West Seattle Elementary had been vandalized overnight. Christine sent the photo and says someone threw a brick into the sign; it’s been reported to police, and, “We hope someone saw something or heard something.” They also are hoping someone will offer to help repair it. We’ll be following up on this; if you can help with repairs, westseattlebeegarden@gmail.com

STOLEN CAR? A resident who e-mailed recently about ongoing problems in the (updated) 8600 block of 25th SW has a new report today – a suspected stolen car left nearby this morning, after two stolen cars were recovered there recently.

“Police were called and agree it’s probably stolen but not reported yet. … Plate AQC4102, 4-door light blue older model Honda with a red disabled plaque hanging from mirror.” Also, the resident reports, a battery was stolen out of a neighbor’s van. (Sunday night update – we found SPD tweet from an hour after we published this, confirming this was a stolen car. Also added photo sent Sunday by resident who spotted it.)

BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From an Arbor Heights resident:

My home (located on 35th SW, near 100th) got broken into on Wed, 4/22. I came home from work to find the glass of the patio sliding door shuttered and the security alarm going off. I called 911 and the police officers came and searched the premises. Looked like nothing had been stolen. I am pretty certain that the sound of the alarm scared off the would be intruder and they fled without taking anything.

Getting the home security system installed turned out to be the best investment I have made to the house!

Not having a door overnight and then dealing with the subsequent repair work the next day to install a brand new set of sliding doors (it turned out, the doors were not standard size so lots of adjustments had to be made around the opening) in pouring rain was pretty annoying but my house was okay and so was I.

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HAPPENING NOW: Big turnout @ West Seattle Co-op Preschools’ big benefit sale
April 25, 2015 12:15 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

The place to go if you’re looking for kid stuff today – the West Seattle Co-op Preschools‘ benefit consignment sale, raising money for the schools’ scholarship fund. If you haven’t already been, you have until 1 pm, at the VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), to find clothes, toys, and more, big and small:

Find out more about the Co-op Preschools program, which serves kids from infancy through kindergarten, by going here.

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HAPPENING NOW: Healthy Kids Day @ West Seattle YMCA
April 25, 2015 12:01 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | Triangle | West Seattle news

The West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) is looking to its future, with the upcoming expansion, so it’s no surprise we found an “astronaut” there as Healthy Kids Day got going this morning. Even the dunk tank has gone high tech:

That’s Josh Sutton from the Y, who’s wearing a GoPro camera to capture the dunk-tank action this time around. Healthy Kids Day is on for another hour, until 1 pm, and along with a long list of free, fun activities, you can meet some local business folks like the West Seattle School of Rock (also a WSB sponsor):

The Y’s at 36th SW and SW Snoqualmie in The Triangle.

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West Seattle Saturday: So much to see and do, all day & night…
April 25, 2015 6:16 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Yuri Levchenko, shared via the WSB Flickr group)

So much happening today/tonight!

POST-EARTH DAY CLEANUP AT HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY: 9 am-noon, come help Highland Park Elementary School in honor of Earth Day. Meet on the blacktop behind the school; coffee and treats provided. (1012 SW Trenton)

HEALTHY KIDS’ DAY: 10 am-1 pm, the annual fun fest at the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) – see the list of activities here – all free. (36th/Snoqualmie)

WESTSIDE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 10 am-noon, come find out more about Westside School (WSB sponsor) *at its current campus* (but questions about its new one are welcome). More info on the school website. (7740 34th SW)

HELP OUT AT THE BEE GARDEN: Just three weeks until this year’s West Seattle Bee Festival. At the WS Bee Garden at High Point Commons Park today:

Lavender, Lilies, Currants and more! Come help us put them in the ground at the Bee Garden Work Party!! 10 am-2 pm. Snacks, drinks, tools, and gloves provided! Go Bees!

(31st/Graham)

ROCK AND GEM SHOW: First of two days for the annual show presented by the West Seattle Rock Club (WSB sponsor) – 10 am-5 pm at the Alki Masonic Center, free admission/parking, displays, activities, more! (40th/Edmunds)

KID-STUFF CONSIGNMENT SALE: 9 am-1 pm, big benefit sale for the West Seattle Co-op Preschools‘ scholarship fund – as previewed here on Friday, more than 4,529 items are up for grabs at the VFW Hall – admission is a $1 donation to the scholarship fund. (3601 SW Alaska)

FAMILY SCAVENGER HUNT/FOREST HIKE: 10 am-noon, presented by the Nature Consortium, at Pigeon Point Park – explained here. (1901 SW Genesee)

PEONY AND BAMBOO FESTIVAL: 10 am-4 pm today and tomorrow at the Seattle Chinese Garden – you’re advised to get there early! (6000 16th SW)

CAMBODIAN NEW YEAR STREET FESTIVAL: 10:30 am-5 pm in White Center – music, dance, other performances, games, contests, free fun. (SW 98th between 15th and 16th SW)

EARTH MONTH BAKE SALE: 11 am-3 pm today and tomorrow at Shanti Salon and Spa in North Admiral. (2138 California SW)

BUY MARINERS TICKETS, HELP WSHS BASEBALL: Noon until ?, West Seattle High School baseball players will be at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) selling tickets for the June 22nd Mariners-Royals game – it’s linked to their annual appearance in the High School Baseball Classic at Safeco Field, as explained here. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan/42nd)

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT AGING/DEMENTIA: 2-3:30 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – caring for an aging loved one? Get guidance on important topics, as explained in our calendar listing. Free. (2306 42nd SW)

‘CINDERELLA’: Seattle Lutheran High School presents the musical “Cinderella,” in the Menashe Family Gym, 7:30 pm – more info on the school website; tickets at the door. (41st/Genesee)

OWL HOOT: 7:30 pm at Camp Long Environmental Learning Center – but you need to pre-register, so do that ASAP! (5200 35th SW)

‘ANGRY HOUSEWIVES,’ NIGHT 3: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor); tickets available online – just a few as of early this am, so hurry! (4711 California SW)

‘PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE’: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin, an “Off-Broadway absurdist comedy,” 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are available online. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SIDE GLORY: 8 pm doors, 9 pm show at the Skylark – West Seattle’s queer variety show is back! 21+ only. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

FEEDBACK LOUNGE TURNS 6: Happy anniversary, Feedback Lounge! 9 pm, Unplugged Led Zeppelin tribute as part of the festivities. (6451 California SW)

EVEN MORE HAPPENING TODAY/TONIGHT … see for yourself on our calendar.

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Rescue response after car reportedly flips under bridge
April 25, 2015 2:12 am
|    Comments Off on Rescue response after car reportedly flips under bridge
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

2:12 AM: If you’ve heard all the sirens – a car is reported to have flipped under the bridge at Klickitat and Spokane, and that brought out a “heavy rescue” response, though it’s now reported that everyone got out of the car after all.

2:20 AM: One person is being taken to the hospital – by private ambulance, so the injuries are not life-threatening. The car is reported to be on a set of tracks, so they’re contacting BNSF to make sure no train traffic comes through the area while this is being handled.

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High-school baseball: West Seattle-Bainbridge Island rematch
April 25, 2015 1:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

Baseball rematch at Hiawatha on Friday afternoon for West Seattle High School and Bainbridge Island High School. Thanks to Caryn Johnson for the photos and report:
Friday afternoon was the rematch of the two teams that met on Wednesday, West Seattle vs Bainbridge Island,. Freshman Anthony Coats [top photo] started on the mound for WS. The Bainbridge Island bats came out firing and in the first inning had three hits including a three-run home run, but West Seattle would answer back in the bottom of the 1st with an RBI single by senior Jordan Sagmoen. After the first inning, Anthony would settle down and pitch another two innings, only giving up one more run.

In the bottom of the 5th inning, West Seattle would get two more runs off a deep home run hit by Morgan McCullough [photo above]. This would put the score at the end of the 5th inning at 4-3, Bainbridge up. But that would be as close as it would get. Bainbridge Island (ranked #9 in Washington State) would open it up and end up winning 16-3.

Next game is the matchup of the local schools, West Seattle vs Chief Sealth, Monday at 4:00 at Southwest Athletic Complex.

P.S. Around noon today (Saturday), you’ll find some of the WSHS players at West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) selling tickets for the June 22nd Mariners-Royals game – it’s related to their annual appearance in the High School Baseball Classic at Safeco Field, as explained here. If you want tickets but can’t make it to the store, e-mail wshsmarinerstickets@gmail.com and they’ll make it happen.

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Election 2015: Another departure from District 1 City Council race, David Ishii; eight candidates remain
April 25, 2015 12:04 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Taking a late-night look at the official city webpage listing who’s campaigning and who’s not … we see another candidate has left the District 1 City Council race: David Ishii. No public statement that we’ve seen, so we don’t know why. Ishii, a West Seattle resident, filed last fall for an intended District 1 run, then moved to an at-large race, then moved over to District 1 (West Seattle/South Park) in March, but didn’t participate in either of the two candidate forums held since then.

Three weeks remain for anyone interested in filing to be on the August primary ballot – May 15th is the deadline. With the departures of Ishii on Friday and Tom Koch on Thursday, the current slate of candidates:

CURRENT D-1 CANDIDATES: Pavel Goberman (declared 3/5/2015), , Lisa Herbold (declared 2/11/15), Shannon Braddock (declared 2/11/15), Brianna Thomas (declared 2/11/15), Phillip Tavel (declared 2/4/15), George Capestany (declared 11/11/14), Amanda Kay Helmick (declared 10/20/14), Chas Redmond (declared 12/20/13). Filing deadline is May 15th; primary election is August 4th. Along with voting on the D-1 position, West Seattle/South Park also will vote on the two “at-large” spots, Positions 8 and 9.

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2 weeks to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day: Registration closed, 320+ sales; here’s what happens now
April 24, 2015 10:17 pm
|    Comments Off on 2 weeks to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day: Registration closed, 320+ sales; here’s what happens now
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Saturday, May 9th, will be the 11th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day and the biggest one ever. By the time registration closed late last night, more than 320 sales had signed up! All sizes, from individual homes to organizations/schools/businesses and multi-seller sites (including WSB sponsors Hotwire Online Coffeehouse and C & P Coffee Company), to block sales around the peninsula. WSB has coordinated WSCGSD since its fourth year (2008); here’s our update on what happens now:

*We are finalizing the list so we can make the map, which debuts on May 2nd so shoppers have a week to plan ahead – the clickable and printable/downloadable versions will be featured here on WSB and on westseattlegaragesale.com.

*If you’re a seller, please check that you got both receipts, the confirmation from us AND the registration-fee receipt from PayPal (which would be via our LLC name, A Drink of Water and a Story Interactive). If you had problems paying, please e-mail us at garagesale@westseattleblog.com if you don’t hear from us first.

*We’ll be mailing (e- or postal- depending on what you marked on the registration form) info packets to sellers, including the “official participant” sign you are welcome to use with your signage.

*If you need to cancel your sale, please call us – 206-293-6302 – by May 1st so we can take you off the map. After that, last-minute cancellations can be taken off the online map, but not the printable/downloadable version.

*In sale updates over the next week-plus, we’ll have a poster file available for anybody who wants to put one up at their school, workplace, wherever – we promote WSCGSD regionally, and have heard of shoppers coming from hours away, but your help in spreading the word will be awesome. The easiest web address to share is westseattlegaragesale.com, though the map will be here too (and will have a special “tab” under the sunset header).

*If you’re a prospective shopper – watch for the map starting May 2nd, and whether you’re just going to walk around your neighborhood and see who’s selling what, or planning a wider expedition, get ready for a great day. Note that some sellers might start earlier or end later than the 9 am-3 pm window on May 9th – if they provided that information, it’ll be in their “ad” info accompanying the map.

One more note: In years past, we’ve published info from nonprofits making special arrangements for sellers to donate leftovers, and/or inviting people to shop for potential donations of certain items the nonprofit needs, so that WSCGSD can have great community ripple effects beyond the fun of buying/selling. Any org thinking about either of these, please e-mail garagesale@westseattleblog.com ASAP so we can discuss. Thanks!

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Curious about commuting by bicycle? Free workshop Monday
April 24, 2015 9:20 pm
|    Comments Off on Curious about commuting by bicycle? Free workshop Monday
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

One week from today, it’s May 1st, the start of Seattle Bike Month (which includes Bike To Work Day on May 15th). If you’re curious what it’s like to commute by bike from West Seattle – or to add it to your transportation options some other way – Monday night (April 27th) at Delridge Branch Library, it’s your chance to find out more. West Seattle Bike Connections is hosting a workshop, 6-7:30 pm. No charge, and no registration required – just show up, 5423 Delridge Way SW.

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UPDATE: Local Starbucks caught up in ‘technical difficulties’ affecting 8,000+ stores in U.S. & Canada
April 24, 2015 8:19 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS beverages

8:19 PM: The Morgan Junction Starbucks is usually open until 9 pm on Fridays, but not tonight – it’s closed early, and the sign cites “technical difficulties.” It’s one of more than 8,000 stores caught up in an apparent computer glitch of some sort that left their registers inoperable as of a couple hours ago. The company said the stores would close early if they weren’t already closed by the time this hit. No word yet on whether it’ll be fixed for tomorrow. (Thanks to the tipster who indirectly let us know about this by texting to ask why a TV crew was at the Fauntleroy/Avalon Starbucks drive-through. 206-293-6302, text or voice, any time!)

9:40 PM: Starbucks published an update on its website minutes ago saying the problem is “resolved” and they expect stores “to open normally” tomorrow.

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Sent your ballot in yet? Emergency-radio levy election Tuesday
April 24, 2015 7:40 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

In case you forgot about your ballot after it arrived a few weeks ago, now’s the time to vote on its lone measure: The levy to raise money to replace the area’s aged emergency-radio system. It’s a nine-year levy starting with 7 cents for every thousand dollars of property valuation. You can mail your ballot by Tuesday night as long as you use a stamp; if you want to turn it in for free, ballot drop-off vans will be at West Seattle Stadium and White Center’s Greenbridge Library, 10 am-5 pm tomorrow and Monday, 10 am-8 pm on Tuesday.

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Revised Transportation Levy goes to mayor Wednesday, per SDOT report that also outlines Admiral bike-lane status & more
April 24, 2015 3:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

A revised version of the Transportation Levy to Move Seattle will go to the mayor next Wednesday, according to the report prepared for SDOT director Scott Kubly‘s City Council Transportation Committee briefing a day earlier. The report adds, “Outreach metrics to date include 4,700 survey respondents and over 1,500 people talked to in person through meetings, briefings, and outreach at events like farmers markets.” And in fact, SDOT is scheduled to be at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market again this Sunday (10 am-2 pm, 44th/Alaska), if you have something to say. (Or take the survey ASAP!)

Kubly’s report also includes these notes of West Seattle relevance:

*35th Avenue SW Road Safety Corridor Project: “Final recommendations for 35th will be presented to the community in late May/early June”

*SW Roxbury Street Road Safety Corridor Project: “Staff hosted a lightly attended drop-in session on April 16 … Implementation scheduled to occur starting August 17”

*In a grid laying out upcoming paving work around the city, the only West Seattle spots on the list are two curb-ramp sites on Alki Avenue, scheduled for early May: 1500 and 1700 blocks.

The most detailed West Seattle-related section of the report:

SW Admiral Way (California Ave SW to 63rd Ave SW)
*SDOT staff attended the Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) /West Seattle Bike Connections meeting on April 14th

*Plan will accommodate existing maximum on-street parking occupancy

*The community briefing was very well attended and set record ANA attendance.

*Community feedback was mixed:

—-Most of the controversy was about the loss of half the on-street parking between 57th and 60th Ave SW and the number of vehicle run-off collisions with parked cars

—-Some people also expressed support for the project because it will provide a safer, calmer connection between Alki and the California Ave SW business district

*Next steps:

—-SDOT staff will repeat the parking occupancy study when the weather is nice to better capture Alki Beach spillover parking

—-SDOT staff will brief the SW District Council on May 6

—-SDOT staff will host a community open house on May 21

—-Installation planned for August 2015

You can see Kubly’s report in its entirety here (PDF). The presentation is scheduled toward the end of the City Council Transportation Committee meeting at 9:30 am next Tuesday (April 28) and will be live on Seattle Channel (online or on cable).

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Glow [natural aesthetics] Medispa: New business, new WSB sponsor
April 24, 2015 2:39 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We’re welcoming a brand-new West Seattle business as a new WSB sponsor today. Glow [natural aesthetics] Medispa invites you to its upcoming grand opening!

Glow [natural aesthetics] Medispa and Katherine Dee, MD, are proud to announce the grand opening of West Seattle’s first physician-run medical spa. We provide proven professional medical treatments, non-surgical procedures, and clinical skin-care products to optimize your natural glow. Dr. Dee works with each patient to design a personalized skin plan to enhance your natural beauty, preserve healthy skin and prevent premature aging.

Kate attended Yale for college and medical school, and training at UW and UCSF. She spent the past 16 years as a breast-cancer specialist, receiving Top Doc honors each year since 2011. Kate found her way to aesthetic medicine as a result of 2 intersecting passions: Science and beauty. In her 40s, she found her skin had finally caught up to her age. Active all her life and wanting to stay looking and feeling young, Kate began a dedicated education in aesthetic medicine. Armed with the skills and the knowledge, she decided to help others use the science for themselves. A board-certified physician, she is a member of the GSBA and the American Academy of Aesthetic Medicine. Kate and her family have been a part of the West Seattle community for 15 years; she has long desired to practice in the area and is thrilled to be working in and with her community.

What Glow [natural aesthetics] Medispa hears most from our patients is that they want to “age gracefully.” They don’t want to look like they’ve had anything done, but they don’t want to look old! Our clients look refreshed, rested and rejuvenated, as if they have just returned from a relaxing vacation. We can successfully treat fine lines and wrinkles, sagginess, sun damage and pigment problems, spider veins and cherry angiomas, and skin tags. We do this with a range of tools: the right skin-care regimen, botulinum toxin treatment, dermal fillers, microdermabrasion, peels, radiofrequency treatment, microneedling, and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) – this popular treatment has natural powerful growth factors that stimulate skin cells. Consultations are free!

Please join us for our big open house and to meet Kate (Dr. Dee) in person – there will be refreshments and opportunities to win raffle prizes! Saturday, May 2, 4-7 pm – 5400 California Ave SW.

We thank Glow [natural aesthetics] Medispa for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

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PHOTOS: See inside the new Westside School, as it gets closer to ‘Heading Home’ to new Arbor Heights campus
April 24, 2015 11:29 am
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Looking southward toward the new Westside School campus)

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog co-publishers

Two and a half years in the planning … seven weeks to “substantial completion” … one year after groundbreaking.

Westside School (WSB sponsor) moves into its new home in Arbor Heights this fall and is now showing off how it’s taken shape.

We toured the construction/renovation site this week with Westside’s head of school Kate Mulligan (above) and assistant head of school Don Cunningham, who has been the “owner’s rep” on the project. (They’re getting ready for an open house tomorrow at Westside’s current location – more on that later.)

First, some backstory: We first reported in November 2012 that Westside was planning to buy what was at the time Hillcrest Presbyterian Church, at 34th SW and SW 104th (map).

Westside, founded in 1981, has been leasing the former EC Hughes Elementary in Sunrise Heights from Seattle Public Schools since 2010, moving there from a former Highline Public Schools building just east of Arbor Heights. So in many ways, this is, as Westside has dubbed the journey of building and moving, “Heading Home” (a theme that figured into its groundbreaking celebration almost exactly a year ago).

The process of transforming the former church – via Sundberg Kennedy Ly-Au Young Architects and general contractor Kirtley-Cole Associates LLC – brought unique opportunities. This wasn’t a teardown project – it’s a remodel and expansion, as is particularly notable from the outside of the former sanctuary, with “pop-out” added space like this:

“We’re excited to repurpose an under-utilized old building,” Mulligan enthuses. “Because (of that), we get a lot of elements a pre-K-8 school doesn’t usually get.”

That includes a gym – already part of the site – and a performing-arts center, which is on what was the choir-loft level and is now a full third level.

The transformation begins outside, where the project includes new sidewalks lining 104th and 34th.

Traffic will enter on 104th and route through the site southbound onto 34th. Queueing will happen on campus, not on the street. The campus has parking as well as an agreement with the New Apostolic Church to the south for overflow use when needed.

34th, on the west side of the campus – where dropoff and pickup will happen – is the street onto which Westside’s grand entrance and lobby are fronting.

Mulligan points out that everyone will come through that entrance.

Read More

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TOMORROW: West Seattle Co-op Preschools’ kid-stuff sale
April 24, 2015 10:32 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

It’s the season for sales! Early reminder about a big one on Saturday in The Triangle:

Tomorrow the West Seattle Co-op Preschool system will be hosting a spring/summer kids’ consignment sale on April 25 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the West Seattle VFW Hall, 3601 SW Alaska St., to help fund scholarships for families in need.

This sale will be a great way for families to purchase gently used baby/kids gear, spring/summer clothing, toys and books for terrific prices. Currently, 4,529 items are registered for consignment for a total value of $19,732! It’s going to be a sale you won’t want to miss! All proceeds from the sale benefit the scholarship program, helping local needy families send their children to preschool.

More info on the official sale website, and sneak peeks on its Facebook page.

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West Seattle Friday: ‘Art For Food’; free lunch; fashion show; theater x 2; film festival; more…
April 24, 2015 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Barrow’s goldeneyes, photographed at Lowman Beach by Trileigh Tucker)

Great day and night ahead! Here are some reasons why:

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: 10 am-2 pm meeting at Daystar building #3, starting with registration (first program begins at 10:30), bring your lunch – details in our listing. (2615 SW Barton)

GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: If you can donate blood, consider stopping by PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) 10 am-4 pm today (except for the noon-1 break closure) – look for the bus in the parking lot. (California/Stevens)

FREE LUNCH: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, join Seaview United Methodist Church for the free soup-and-sandwich lunch offered every fourth Friday. (4620 SW Graham)

‘ART FOR FOOD’ FOR WC FOOD BANK: 6-8 pm, an art show at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center to benefit the White Center Food Bank, with wine and cheese, and live music by The Ellis Brothers. Tickets online, here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

FASHION SHOW @ WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 7-8:30 pm, styles from Oiselle – a Seattle-owned company! – are on the runway at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor). Discounts, bites, more.

REEL PADDLING FILM FESTIVAL: 7 pm, Mountain to Sound Outfitters presents the film festival’s West Seattle stop at Pershing Hall – details in our preview. (37th/Alaska)

‘BOBCAT BOB’: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)

CAMP FUNDRAISER WITH WEST SEATTLE BIG BAND: 7 pm at Shorewood Christian Church, the West Seattle Big Band is performing at a summer-camp fundraiser – the night starts with dance lessons at 6 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (10300 28th SW)

‘ANGRY HOUSEWIVES,’ NIGHT 2: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), your second chance to see the new production of this “feverishly rompy rock-musical.” (4711 California SW)

‘PICASSO AT THE LAPIN AGILE,’ WEEKEND 2: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Picasso at the Lapin Agile” by Steve Martin, an “Off-Broadway absurdist comedy (that) places Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904,” 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Tickets are available online. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

LOOK INTO THE FUTURE … via our calendar, with more for today/tonight and beyond.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Friday updates & road-work notes
April 24, 2015 6:12 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Four WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning and happy Friday! We start with project notes:

47TH/ADMIRAL SIGNAL: Concrete pouring could start on the south side of the intersection today, for new curbs and sidewalk, if the weather doesn’t interfere. The detailed update is here.

DELRIDGE/ORCHARD PROJECT UPDATE: In case you missed it – we published an update from Seattle Public Utilities, including added traffic effects at Myrtle next week.

And a transportation-news note:

LIGHT RAIL FOR WEST SEATTLE? After its Thursday board meeting, Sound Transit explained what’s next (“major public-involvement effort”) for its work toward the next ballot measure.

9:59 AM: If you’re headed toward 1st through SODO, you might try 4th instead, because of this:

4:33 PM NOTE: SPU has e-mailed to say the Delridge/Orchard/Myrtle work mentioned earlier has been moved up: “The lane restriction on SW Myrtle St. at 24th Ave. SW has been rescheduled to Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, April 29 (as opposed to 4/29 and 4/30, as previously announced).”

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search in Highland Park
April 24, 2015 2:14 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Crime Watch: Police search in Highland Park
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

2:14 AM: Police, including a K-9 team, are searching right now in the Highland Park Elementary vicinity (and beyond). We don’t know what preceded the search but they’re looking for someone who has an arrest warrant on record.

2:49 AM: Sounds like it started with circumstances including a car, a report of a fight, and two people fleeing, including the car’s owner.

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‘Affordable housing’ forum starts with West Seattle tales of unaffordable housing, and what (little) you can do about it
April 23, 2015 7:11 pm
|      63 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Rather than starting with numbers and trends, this afternoon’s affordable-housing forum at the Senior Center of West Seattle cut directly to the heart of the crisis, with two women telling their stories.

They were introduced by the center’s social worker Holly McNeill: “I’ve had an incredible increase in the number of people coming to me each week telling me they’re homeless, or their apartments are being torn down, or they’re being priced out by the landlord or manager in order to upgrade the apartments and turn them around at twice the amount they’re currently being rented at … it’s just happening to so many people.”

First, Nancy:

“I lived in a 9-unit mom-and-pop-type apartment complex.” She thought it would “be there forever.” They told her they were selling the building but “selling it to people just like us” – then, “the new owners who came in and bought the building raised the rents anywhere from 130 to 140 percent – “In a studio apartment, my rent went from $650 to $1500 a month” – the audience groans – “Each unit was going to be responsible for the common area utilities like electric and water,” which was another 93/month. They got two months’ notice. “My first reaction was to go into research mode – my kids always say, mom’s on a mission, get out of her way.” She worked to find out, “is this legal … what are our rights … to no avail, really.” She had had surgeries recently, ended up having to take early retirement. “I don’t really have wiggle room to go from $650 to $1590, that’s even more than I make per month.” So she started “an arduous process” to find someplace else to live – “day and night I was on the computer looking for a place to live.” She finally found somewhere, “not my ultimate, ‘isn’t this great,’ but I accomplished my goal. I had to be out on the 28th of February, or else pay $1590 on the first of March for rent. ”

They were going to make some changes, “lipstick on a pig,” she said, but not until the new rent kicked in. She found a two bedroom, one bath apartment with “some guy I don’t know” – she had “a pit in the bottom of my stomach … I took a leap of faith, and moved in, and I’ve been there two months and he decided this month not to pay his rent, and I just found that out two days ago, and I’m going to be homeless again …”

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Election 2015: Tom Koch leaves District 1 City Council race
April 23, 2015 4:49 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

And now, the District 1 City Council race is down to nine candidates, three weeks from the filing deadline – Tom Koch has just sent word he’s withdrawing:

My decision is based on a number of factors including some personal considerations.

However, I am pleased to be able to look back at the past two months and see some good things that have come from this undertaking. First, I was lucky enough to meet a number of terrific people both via community organizations as well as during my doorbelling. Second, the thrust of my campaign has been pretty clear and I’ve been gratified to see many of the other candidates echo the feeling that impact fees must be adopted in order to more fairly fund public infrastructure.

Impact fees were Koch’s big issue during the two months he’s been campaigning since his February 19th candidacy announcement. So here’s who remains:

CURRENT D-1 CANDIDATES: David Ishii (back as of 3/9/2015), Pavel Goberman (declared 3/5/2015), , Lisa Herbold (declared 2/11/15), Shannon Braddock (declared 2/11/15), Brianna Thomas (declared 2/11/15), Phillip Tavel (declared 2/4/15), George Capestany (declared 11/11/14), Amanda Kay Helmick (declared 10/20/14), Chas Redmond (declared 12/20/13). Filing deadline is May 15th; primary election is August 4th. Along with voting on the D-1 position, West Seattle/South Park also will vote on the two “at-large” spots, Positions 8 and 9.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Highland Park burglary suspect arrested after officer’s White Center pawn-shop hunch
April 23, 2015 4:07 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Also just in via SPD Blotter – a Highland Park burglary suspect caught by police in White Center while trying to sell what he allegedly stole. The story spanned multiple locations which we’ve just clarified with SPD’s Det. Drew Fowler, so we’re summarizing with added information, as well as quoting:

Police say the burglary happened in the 9400 block of 7th SW (map) around 7 pm last night – a resident saw a man go into his garage, steal an air compressor, and take it to a getaway car nearby. A plainclothes officer in the area went to Pawn Pros at 16th/102nd in White Center (map) and found a vehicle matching the description given to SPD. The officer checked the license plate and discovered it was a stolen car. A female passenger was inside, but the burglary suspect was nowhere in sight. Picking up the SPDB account:

Unbeknownst to officers at the time, the victim’s sister had the same suspicion and went to the same pawnshop. Inside the pawnshop the victim’s sister recognized the suspect and the air compressor. She took a cellphone picture of the man holding the air compressor, which prompted him to leave the store.

Officers saw the suspect exit the pawnshop still carrying the compressor which he loaded into the stolen car. Patrol officers attempted to stop the suspect, but he began driving recklessly, speeding through neighborhoods and stop signs alike.

This happened in White Center and Highland Park – finally, officers terminated the vehicle pursuit for safety concerns, and found the stolen car, empty, in the 11000 block of 18th SW in White Center. The burglary suspect and his female passenger were caught nearby. Police found drugs in his possession “as well as property taken in a recent car prowl,” they reported (that’s been returned to its owner). The 27-year-old suspect is jailed for “investigation of attempt to elude, auto theft, trafficking in stolen property, drug possession, and burglary.”

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Middle-school student groped in Admiral
April 23, 2015 2:35 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(MOST RECENT UPDATE 3:54 PM – scroll down)

2:35 PM: Another attack on a local student – this time in the Admiral area. From SPD Blotter:

Police are searching West Seattle for a man who groped a middle school student Thursday as she was on her way to school.

School officials called police around 11 AM after a student reported that a man had followed her off a bus near California Avenue and SW Stevens Street and grabbed her from behind.

The suspect is described as a black male, in his mid 20’s, with short dreadlocks, wearing a black sweatshirt and black jeans. He reportedly boarded a bus in the West Seattle Junction neighborhood after the incident. Seattle Police are working with King County Metro Police and school officials to identify the man and ensure the safety of students.

If you witnessed this incident or have any information about the suspect, please call 911.

This happened two days after an attack on a student at Westwood Village – here’s the report on that.

ADDED 2:51 PM: We’ve just obtained the letter sent home by the principal of Madison Middle School:

Dear Madison Middle School Families,

We want to share with you information right away regarding an incident that was reported this morning involving one of our scholars on her way to school.

At approximately 10:20am a female scholar was followed from the Metro bus stop at McDonalds and California west on Stevens by a man who approached her from behind and grabbed her.  He was described as an African man in his early 20’s or 30’s, thin build, with short curly hair. Our scholar turned and yelled at him, and he ran back toward PCC on California. She proceeded to school and immediately reported the incident to school staff. Madison administration notified the family and the Seattle Police Department, who are actively investigating.

The safety of our scholars is our top priority. We are continuing to coordinate with the SW Precinct Captain to discuss the safety and their increased policing efforts. We will continue to collaborate with the Seattle Police Department and Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security to help monitor the surrounding area.

You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety. Tips to discuss are:

 Walking in pairs or groups and being aware of their surroundings at all times.

 Leaving for school at times where there are high levels of pedestrian traffic.

 Immediately reporting anything suspicious to trusted adults (school staff and family members).

 Keep earbuds off and expensive phones or other items out of sight.

More tips and information can be found on the Seattle Police Department website:
seattle.gov/police/prevention/child/default.htm.

Sincerely,

Dr. Robert Gary, Principal
Madison Middle School

3:55 PM UPDATE: Just talked to SPD spokesperson Det. Drew Fowler. No arrest so far. He says police are aware that the descriptions in this incident and the Tuesday Westwood Village incident are similar, and the same detective is handling both cases – so again, if you have any information, please call 911.

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VIDEO: Youth leaders gather to organize for community safety
April 23, 2015 2:04 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

Community safety isn’t just about the police, or about Block Watches. It’s also about individual community members, of all ages. Youth leaders included. As part of the city’s Youth Violence Prevention Initiative, one of its partner agencies, West Seattle-based Southwest Youth and Family Services presented a gathering on Wednesday afternoon at High Point Community Center.

It involved ideas, and suggestions, and youth leaders – like 19-year-old Marquese Sykes, who told us in this short clip what the gathering was about:

What happened last night was just a start – committees were being set up, with participants invited to decide which ones they’d join, and what they wanted to do:

Before the night’s end, names were to be added to each of those committees – and then, the next round of work would begin.

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