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    SERIAL ROBBERIES: 24-year-old suspect charged

Restaurant anniversaries: Zippy’s Giant Burgers turns 6, Luciano’s Pizza marks 10th
May 1, 2014 5:37 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Two anniversaries to note:

ZIPPY’S GIANT BURGERS: Six years ago today, Blaine Cook (center, photographed today with Nikki and Lyssie) and Rahel Cook opened Zippy’s Giant Burgers in Highland Park. (Here’s our opening-day story.) Though they moved to bigger digs in White Center three years later, we consider them an honorary “Wesseattle” business for life.

LUCIANO’S PIZZA: In case you didn’t already see the note in the WSB Forums – the little pizza joint next to the historic Admiral Theater has been open a decade, and is giving away pizza slices today to celebrate. Go see George and staff any time until 10 pm tonight.

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Update: Why police were searching in Lincoln Park area
May 1, 2014 3:56 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

3:56 PM: A man who abandoned that vehicle near in the Fauntleroy ferry dock waiting lane and ran into Lincoln Park is still being sought. Now Guardian One has just made a pass over the area. Ferry-bound traffic is tied up, meantime, while police deal with the abandoned vehicle. More to come.

4:20 PM: Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams explains, “A parking enforcement officer on-viewed a person asleep or passed out in a stopped vehicle. Police officers were en route when the guy woke up and ran off. No known crime involved but officers tried to locate him to see what the issue was (medical? – probably not, but we needed to try to check with him).”

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Speedpro Imaging: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
May 1, 2014 3:15 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(8/14 note: To check whether a business is still a current WSB sponsor, please go here)

Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Speedpro Imaging. New local sponsors are invited to share information about their businesses, and here’s what Speedpro would like you to know:

Speedpro Imaging is a superior-quality large-format imaging studio that produces trade-show displays, vehicle wraps, retail branding, and promotional graphics. We collaborate with businesses, organizations, and events to create eye-catching, larger-than-life graphics that grab the attention of their customers.

Our capabilities include:
• Banners
• Wall murals
• A-frames
• Vehicle wraps
• Trade show displays
• Window graphics
• Retractable banner stands
• Posters
• Stickers
• Custom Signs

One of the things our clients tell us they love about working with us is how quickly we respond to their needs and get jobs completed. We do everything we can to make sure our clients are completely satisfied- due dates, budget, and project needs are all met. We give Speedpro Imaging clients the special attention they deserve and treat everyone like a long-term business partner.

Clients say they trust us and have confidence in our signs and displays because of our extensive knowledge and high-quality materials. We are locally owned, but we are also a part of a nationwide network of Speedpro studios. For example, if you have a trade show in Chicago, we can plan for the Chicago Speedpro to print, install, and deliver your display right to your event – saving you shipping costs and the stress of carrying your display on the plane! They say this makes us different from other printers in the area and gives them assurance they are receiving the highest-quality service and signage.

To receive exclusive content, special offers, and sign news, click here – The Color Hue: Sign Tips & Advice from Speedpro.

We are excited to be a part of the West Seattle Blog and the awesome West Seattle community. If you have any questions about signage or need a quote for an upcoming project, call or email us anytime! 206.257.4717 **** infoseattle@speedpro.com

We thank Speedpro Imaging for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; see our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.

P.S. Get Speedpro’s coupon on the WSB West Seattle Coupons page!

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West Seattle development from a different perspective: Walk on Saturday
May 1, 2014 1:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Development | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

This Saturday, a Feet First-presented “Jane’s Walk” presents a look at development in and around The Junction and The Triangle – on foot, with veteran walking ambassadors and WS residents Timothy Lowry and Bryan Fiedorczyk. FF explains the Jane’s Walk concept here: “The walks get people to explore their cities, connect with neighbors, and learn new information about their communities.” Over the course of up to 3 miles – heading out from the Charlestown water tower (map) at 10 am – you’ll hear and talk about the past, present and future. RSVP here!

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$15 minimum wage? Mayor Murray makes his plan public
May 1, 2014 12:07 pm
|      64 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Mayor Ed Murray has just gone public with his minimum-wage-increase proposal. The City Council will start its review on Monday; meantime, the full details are in this news release from the mayor’s office. The toplines:

Small businesses (businesses with fewer than 500 employees) will reach a $15 per hour minimum wage in seven years. Also established is a temporary compensation responsibility of $15 per hour to be met within the first five years, which can be achieved by combining employer-paid health care contributions, consumer-paid tips, and employer-paid wages.

Large businesses (businesses with 500 or more employees, either in Seattle or nationally) will reach $15 per hour in three years. The wages of employees who receive health care benefits will reach $15 per hour in four years.

The proposal will be heard by the council’s Select Committee on Minimum Wage & Income Inequality on Monday (May 5th) at 2:30 pm. It’s already drawn opposition from the group 15 Now, which (as reported here two weeks ago) proposes a city charter amendment phasing in $15 over three years, less than half the phase-in time of the mayor’s plan.

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West Seattle Hi-Yu: Community breakfast Saturday, float crowdfunding NOW
May 1, 2014 11:11 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Hi-Yu: Community breakfast Saturday, float crowdfunding NOW
 |   How to help | West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

Two things you can do to keep the West Seattle Hi-Yu tradition going strong: First, a crowdfunding campaign is under way to save the float – last community float in the entire city; as shown in WSB video above, the float is even featured in the Seafair Torchlight Parade every year. Does Ballard have a float? No. Capitol Hill? No. Wallingford? No. West Seattle? YES. But not without you! Here’s the donation page.

Second: This Saturday (May 3rd), start your day with a buffet at the Hi-Yu Community Breakfast, 8 am-11 am at the Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), $6 adults, $3 for kids under 12. If you’re there at 9:30 am, you’ll see the three Hi-Yu Senior Court candidates (including Hi-Yu’s first-ever male candidate!) present their judged talent performances.

P.S. This year’s Senior Court coronation isn’t far away, either – 2-5 pm Sunday, May 18th, at the Hi-Yu Spring Tea and Silent Auction. Ticket info’s on the Hi-Yu website.

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West Seattle Thursday: Design Review for 3211 California; Loyalty Day @ VFW; Style ’14; DIY Bikes; Day of Prayer; vigil; more…
May 1, 2014 9:58 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

May is Bike Month. Thanks to Don Brubeck for the above view from the path; scroll down, meantime, for a DIY Bikes event among tonight’s listings. Speaking of which, this first day of May is a hot one in calendar terms as well as impending high temperature in the 80s, with a variety of events on the way, including these:

LOYALTY DAY: Did you know the first day of May is not just May Day but also Loyalty Day? Find out more at noon today, when the VFW Auxiliary invites you to a ceremony at VFW Post 2713 in The Triangle. (3618 SW Alaska)

SPRING TASTE: West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) invites you to drop by and sample the tastes of spring, 4-7 pm. (California/Fauntleroy/Morgan)

DIY BIKES – THE TRUTH ABOUT WHEEL TRUING: From the announcement: “The truth is, you can do it once you have learned some of the tricks of the trade. This workshop is offered by DIY Bikes in cooperation with the West Seattle Tool Library, 5-8 pm. DIY will provide the tools and the knowhow. Bring your own wheels to work on or help others with their wheels.” The WSTL is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

CELEBRATE MAY DAY AT THE COMMUNITY ORCHARD OF WEST SEATTLE: From the announcement: “Get ready for a long and prosperous growing season. Start by building your soil. This week at COWS (Community Orchard of West Seattle) we will be showing the public how to build rich and lasting soil beds using the lasagna garden method. This May Day edition of our usual Thursday ‘Health and Harvest’ starts at 5 pm with the soil-building class between 5 and 6 pm. COWS is located at the north end of the South Seattle College campus.” (6000 16th SW)

ALKI ELEMENTARY PTA: 6:15 pm tonight in the school library. From the announcement:

-Meet Madison Middle School Principal, Dr. Robert Gary, and PTA President, Julie Howell, at a special presentation geared toward 5th grade families
-Insights from “Positive Discipline,” a parenting program led by Violet Borghesi
-Budget Committee will present the proposed 2014-2015 budget for review

(3010 59th SW)

‘STYLE ’14’ FASHION SHOW: West Seattleite-founded/-led Northwest Hope and Healing presents its annual fundraising fashion show “Style ’14,” tonight at Showbox SODO, with lots of West Seattle businesses and volunteers involved; tickets available at the door – 6:30 pm for VIP level, 7 pm general, more details in our most-recent preview. (1700 1st Ave. S.)

DESIGN REVIEW FOR 3211 CALIFORNIA: 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, it’s the last Southwest Design Review Board meeting scheduled for a while. Just one project this time, Early Design Guidance for the proposed 63-apartment, 4-live-work-unit, 63-parking-space building at 3211 California SW, as shown on this map from the design “packet”:.

See renderings (remember, this is the “massing” phase, so it’s all about size/shape) and details by previewing the full “packet” here. As always, there will be a public-comment period. (California/Oregon, upstairs)

VILLAGE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: The cooperative school for K-2 students invites prospective families to its open house 6:30-8:30 tonight on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus; details in our calendar listing. (6000 16th SW)

NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER: Community prayer gathering at 7 pm at Shorewood Foursquare Church; details in our calendar listing. (10300 28th SW)

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: Four months after the murder of Stephen Jeffries, Jr., in South Delridge, no arrest yet, so family and friends are gathering for a candlelight vigil in the neighborhood where it happened – community invited. 7:30 pm; details here. (Across from 9215 16th SW)

‘HAIR’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week under way for the new, yet classic, production at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor) curtain time 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)

Even with all that, you’ll still find MORE on the WSB calendar!

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Memorial this afternoon for Pearl Phillips, 1924-2014
May 1, 2014 9:04 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

A memorial service is planned this afternoon for Pearl Phillips, whose family shares this remembrance:

Pearl Virginia (Niebanck) Phillips, 89, of Seattle passed away April 16. Daughter of Lillian Spamer and Frederick Niebanck, Pearl was born August 2, 1924, in Woodbridge, New Jersey.

Pearl grew up in New York City, but at the age of 16, her family drove cross-country to California. The experience opened her eyes to the natural beauty of the country, and once home, she resolved to return someday. Five years later, Pearl fulfilled that dream and moved to California, living with relatives while she worked in a defense plant during WWII. There, she met her future husband, Don, at an officer’s dance. A native of Washington state, he romanced her with tales of the beautiful Pacific Northwest, promising to buy her a flannel shirt, blue jeans and hiking boots. Three months later, they were married and headed to Washington, where Pearl lived the rest of her life.

Pearl was a city girl, Don a woodsman. Together they explored the forests of the Olympic Peninsula, often off-trail, Don hopping rocks across streams or walking logs over ravines while Pearl rode his shoulders.

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT THURSDAY: Commute updates; May Day notes
May 1, 2014 7:12 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC/TRANSIT THURSDAY: Commute updates; May Day notes
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Heading into the heart of the morning commute, there’s the West Seattle Bridge above and, below, northbound 99 at the south end of the elevated Alaskan Way Viaduct:

You’ll find more cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page.

‘MAY DAY’ INFO: The pm commute could be affected by demonstrations – here’s an alert from the city; Metro is planning some pm reroutes, as explained here. We’ll be monitoring the situation for updates starting at mid-afternoon.

Other transportation-related notes:

FERRY FARES INCREASE: Washington State Ferries‘ fare increase takes effect today; here’s the preview we published last weekend.

COLMAN DOCK PROJECT INFO: If you ride the Water Taxi and are interested in information about the Colman Dock terminal project, look for WSDOT reps at Pier 50 3:30-6 pm today.

4:34 PM NOTE: May Day downtown is quiet so far. Still closing some roads as the march passes, but no trouble.

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Question for you: Should the West Seattle Car Show continue?
April 30, 2014 9:21 pm
|      115 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from last September’s West Seattle Car Show)
Though it was not by any means his only community project, the annual West Seattle Car Show was the creation, pride and joy of the late neighborhood advocate and entrepreneur Michael Hoffman, who died suddenly last month at age 47. Two West Seattle businesses are looking at whether to take it on – but first, they want to know your thoughts. If you can please take a moment to comment:

Swedish Automotive and West Seattle Autoworks would like to know from the community of West Seattle your thoughts on the annual West Seattle Car Show. Should the car show continue? Do you think that it brings and enhances a sense of community, and does it benefit our local businesses? Would it be missed if it did not continue? Your thoughts and feedback are very important to us – thanks!

The car show’s been held in The Junction in late summer each of the past six years; we’ve been a co-sponsor each year (and should note that both businesses mentioned above are WSB sponsors). Here’s our coverage from last year.

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West Seattle scene: Summer-ish spring sunset
April 30, 2014 9:01 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Summer-ish spring sunset
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(WSB photos – this one, by Tracy Record; next two, by Patrick Sand)
Four hours after the thermometer hit 80, sunset color and clouds filled the sky over the Olympics, seen from Duwamish Head. Might have another photo or two to add shortly.

ADDED: Ferry on the Bremerton run:

And a crow hanging out at Don Armeni:

Should be another beautiful, warm evening on Thursday!

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Police-activity updates: Guardian One over High Point; SPD on Alki
April 30, 2014 7:03 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | High Point | West Seattle news

7:03 PM: Just in case you see the law-enforcement helicopter overhead: The King County Sheriff’s Office has been over High Point for a bit assisting with a search – but the person that was being sought has been found. So, according to the scanner, the helicopter might be Alki-bound, where, in an unrelated incident, we’ve heard about a guns-drawn stop in the 1700 block and are trying to get details on that. Thanks for all the tips and texts – 206-293-6302 any time!

7:08 PM UPDATE: The High Point search that’s now over was for a missing child, Guardian One has tweeted. Still trying to get info on the Alki situation. Thanks to Mike and Steve for photos and to @ohwellmaybenot for tweeting this one:

ADDED 12:38 AM: We finally have been able to get a bit of information about the nature of the Alki response, thanks to Southwest Precinct Lt. Paul Leung. He didn’t have access to the full report, handled by an earlier watch – we will see if we can track that down later this morning – but it was a “gun call” (no shots fired that we know of).

While the officers did stop the vehicle that was reported to them, they did not find the gun that had been the subject of the original complaint.

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Construction starts tomorrow at Westside School’s new home
April 30, 2014 4:28 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(First two photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Before construction starts tomorrow at the new Arbor Heights location of Westside School (WSB sponsor), its students have joined in a unique groundbreaking ceremony.

They traveled to the site at 10400 34th SW – formerly Hillcrest Presbyterian Church – on Tuesday afternoon to tour and celebrate.

It was a field trip, and yet it was also “heading home,” the theme for the year ahead, according to Westside’s head of school Kate Mulligan, who notes it was also the inscription on commemorative T-shirts:

(Photo courtesy Westside School)
The theme honors the fact that the ~330 students and ~60 staff members of Westside will finally have a permanent home.

Read More

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In case you wondered too: Road crew at Delridge/Andover
April 30, 2014 3:40 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Several questions this morning about the crew cutting up pavement and blocking a northbound lane on Delridge Way at Andover. Though there is a project on the drawing boards for that area, this is NOT related – SDOT‘s Marybeth Turner checked around and found out that Seattle Public Utilities was doing emergency sewer-repair work. (We haven’t been able to get back there in recent hours so not sure if the crew’s still there.)

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What we’re enjoying about your West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day listings, as May 10th gets closer
April 30, 2014 2:48 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

garagesaledaysmalllog5.jpgToday we’re proofreading the 270+ listings that go with the sales signed up for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (only 10 days away, 9 am-3 pm on Saturday, May 10th, sales of all sizes all over WS!) – and we’re noting some creative ways people are using some of their 15 words, including:

“Miscellaneous accumulation from 50 years of too much shopping.”

“LONG-TIME JUNKERS PURGING!”

“BAGS OF MYSTERY!”

“Things we don’t even know what they are!”

“A handyman’s Disneyland!”

“3 Broke Girls With Nice Stuff!”

And a brand-new neighborhood nickname has emerged – “SOCLO (South of Cloverdale) Fauntleroy neighborhood alley sale.”

We’re still making our way through the listings, so there are likely gems yet to come. (Don’t get us wrong – simple, clear listings are great too!) The first map release is this Saturday (May 3rd) – too soon to say what time, but if there’s breaking news, it’ll appear first on the official WSCGSD site at westseattlegaragesale.com. We’ll be sending the “packets” to sellers tomorrow, which is also the deadline for getting canceled sales off the map – after that, the best we can promise is a notation on the relevant webpages. Questions about the 10th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (seventh one coordinated by us here at WSB)? garagesale@westseattleblog.com – thanks!

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New Genesee Hill school: Demolition not expected before summer
April 30, 2014 1:23 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Genesee Hill | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Rendering of new elementary at Genesee Hill site)
After several inquiries about the status/timeline for demolition at Genesee Hill Elementary – to be replaced by an all-new school – we checked with Seattle Public Schools. Tom Redman, who handles communications for SPS projects like this, says they’re not ready to set the date for demolition to begin yet, because they’re still finalizing permits:

The hazardous materials abatement and the archaeological survey have been completed. The building bid package was completed and advertised, followed by the pre-bid conference. The Master Use Permit (MUP) is being reviewed by the City of Seattle Department of Planning and Development. The contractor is scheduled to begin work this summer, pending appropriate permit approval by the city.

The bids are listed here (a bit lower than the estimate) – but the official winning bidder hasn’t been announced yet.

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Arbor Heights fire followup: Cause ‘undetermined,’ for now
April 30, 2014 11:40 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(Photos taken this morning by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
New information about last night’s house fire in the 10000 block of 39th SW in Arbor Heights (WSB as-it-happened coverage here): Its cause is currently listed as “undetermined,” but Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore tells WSB that could change: They haven’t been able to speak yet with the two residents, both in their 70s, who remain hospitalized, and it’s still not safe for investigators to go in and look for evidence of how it started.

You can see why, looking at our photos from a trip back to the scene this morning, with smoke still rising from the house:

As we reported last night, the house is considered to be a total loss; this morning, SFD estimates the damage at $350,000 for the house, $100,000 for the contents.

The fire was first reported around 7:40 pm; SFD says it was under control about half an hour after its crews started arriving.

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Followup: Motorcycle rider killed on Vashon Island was West Seattle entrepreneur Patrick Lajko
April 30, 2014 10:03 am
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

The motorcycle rider killed on Vashon Island last Saturday night – a crash noted here because of the investigators’ high-profile presence at the Fauntleroy ferry dock – was a West Seattle entrepreneur, 62-year-old Patrick Lajko. Thanks to Ian for pointing out the identification published by Vashon Beachcomber.com, which reports that Mr. Lajko founded and owned CDE Software. The Junction-based company is an industry leader for bowling software. A webpage that details the company’s many successes shows Mr. Lajko with his motorcycle. The King County Sheriff’s Office says he was on northbound Vashon Highway waiting to turn left when a Vashon Island woman driving a car hit him from behind.

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West Seattle Wednesday: Walk on the beach; plan a playground; cheer for high-school ballplayers…
April 30, 2014 9:31 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Eileen and Michael shared that view of a baby starfish seen during a round of low-ish tides earlier this month. With the weather getting even warmer, conditions will be perfect for beach-walking, if you can make the time. Lura pointed out that while they’re not mega-mega-low tides, the daily low tides during the next two days are fine for exploring: -1.5 feet just before 12:30 pm today, and -1.4 at 1 pm tomorrow. You can check tides on the WSB West Seattle Weather page any time, by the way. And from our calendar, more highlights:

BABY STORY TIME: 11:30 am, High Point Branch Library, intended for babies 4 months old to 12 months old. (35th/Raymond)

HOME OFFICE/CO-WORKING MEETUP: Noon-1:15 pm at West Seattle Office Junction (WSB sponsor), details here. (6040 California SW)

CHEER FOR ALL FOUR TEAMS! 4 pm at Southwest Athletic Complex in Westwood, Chief Sealth International High School varsity teams host West Seattle High School teams in softball and baseball games. (2801 SW Thistle)

PATHFINDER K-8 PLAYGROUND, FIRST COMMUNITY DESIGN MEETING: All interested community members are welcome/encouraged to come kick off the next phase of the playground-upgrade process, including kids, 5:30-7 pm at the school on Pigeon Point. Read more about the project here; we also previewed the meeting here. (1901 SW Genesee)

OPEN MICROPHONE NIGHT … at Skylark Café and Club in North Delridge, 9 pm, 21+, with some unique features you can read about here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MORE! on the calendar.

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You can help! K-5 STEM & Arbor Heights Elementary Garden Party at Boren this Saturday
April 30, 2014 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on You can help! K-5 STEM & Arbor Heights Elementary Garden Party at Boren this Saturday
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

More fun this Saturday: 9 am to noon, it’s a combined garden party at the Boren Building campus for the two schools that will share it for the next two years, K-5 STEM (now permanently housed there) and Arbor Heights Elementary (moving in while the new AHES is built). You don’t have to be a parent, student, or staffer to help out – they’ll welcome the entire community. Scroll through the flyer above for info (or see it here as a PDF), and just be there on Saturday morning, 5950 Delridge Way SW (map).

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Warm Wednesday
April 30, 2014 7:15 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Bright sunshine as we look at the West Seattle Bridge above and, below, northbound 99 at the south end of the elevated Alaskan Way Viaduct:

More cameras, and other info, are on the WSB Traffic page. None of this morning’s regional traffic problems are in our area, so far. But forgetting the sunglasses could be a problem.

8:16 AM UPDATE: From “Enough” in comments: “Heavy eastbound today. Backed up from 35th.”

8:29 AM UPDATE: This won’t make things any better – right-side crash on northbound 5 just past the bridge exit, tweets KING 5’s Tracy Taylor. (A few minutes later – now described as two lanes blocked northbound near Olive.)

9:10 AM: Not blocking traffic, but @scruffydiver just tweeted a fender-bender report from The Triangle involving a classic car:

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Video: House destroyed by fire in Arbor Heights; 2 people hurt
April 29, 2014 7:49 pm
|      53 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WED. AM UPDATE: Fire guts Arbor Heights home, 2 residents hurt, cause not yet known, scroll to see new photo)

(Photo courtesy Tim Eannarino)
FIRST REPORT, 7:49 PM: Fire crews have rushed to the 10000 block of 39th SW for a house-fire call. More as we get it.

(Photo by Tony Bradley)
7:54 PM: The callout keeps getting bigger. Smoke visible for a ways around.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand, substituted for earlier cameraphone pic)
Scanner traffic says the fire started in the basement and that there is a vehicle on fire at the site.

(Photo courtesy Christi Stapleton)
7:58 PM: Our crew just arrived on scene. Paramedics are treating one person. Black smoke continues pouring from the home. Flames are visible too.

(Added: WSB video, including the moment when fire broke through the roof)
It’s being described on the scanner as a “defensive” firefight.

(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
8:11 PM: The fire continues to intensify. Neighbors are tweeting – thanks to Colby for this photo:

8:20 PM: Two neighboring homes are at risk, according to SFD via Twitter, also confirming that two people are being treated by medics at the scene.

(Photo by Kevin McClintic)
The fire is “tapped,” our crew at the scene reports, which is one milestone toward getting it under control. The SFD public-info officer is there so we and other media will be able to get comprehensive info in addition to what we’re seeing and hearing firsthand.

(Photo courtesy Christi Stapleton)
8:29 PM UPDATE: We just talked with SFD spokesperson Kyle Moore, who says water pressure was NOT a problem, but Seattle Public Utilities did increase the pressure to help with the firefight (we heard that mentioned on the scanner, too). [Added – editor’s note: Those questions stem from a problem with hydrants in Arbor Heights that hampered the fight against a big house fire in 2011. There have since been major upgrades.) He says the two people are still being treated. No idea yet how this started. Moore also says two neighboring homes were evacuated because of danger the fire might spread, and everybody got out OK.

(This photo and next one by Tony Bradley)
8:47 PM: Continuing to add photos – thanks to everyone who has shared theirs – and will be adding ours too as the crew processes them back at base, including video of Moore’s briefing.

9 PM: Sounds like firefighters will be able to go inside. (added) Neighbor Christi says crews are trying to make sure it’s safe for neighbors to go back into their undamaged homes.

9:23 PM: Added – video of Moore’s briefing, including more details on the two people who were inside the house and were being treated for burns/smoke inhalation. We also added, higher up in the story, video showing the flames erupting through the roof following the dark smoke that could at one point be seen from some distance away.

9:50 PM: Earlier we had mentioned a vehicle – above, a photo by WSB contributing photojournalist Christopher Boffoli. We’re going back over to check on where things stand now. SFD’s Moore tweeted a few minutes ago that the man and woman who were hurt are in their 70s; both suffered smoke inhalation; both were taken to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition; the man also suffered burns. The house was ruled a total loss; the fire’s cause is still under investigation.

10:36 PM: Firefighters are still on scene; light smoke is still rising from the house. They tell us it’s not safe for the investigator to go in yet, so what caused the fire likely won’t be known any sooner than tomorrow. Since both residents of the house were taken to the hospital, there’s no Red Cross or other relief agency on scene.

1:10 AM: Another photo from neighbor Christi – Engine 30, on fire watch. With major fires like this, there’s usually an engine on scene (they rotate) for many hours afterward, just in case of a flareup.

10:12 AM WEDNESDAY: Still no word of the cause but firefighters remain at the scene; the house is still smoldering, and they have been continuing to work to ventilate it:

When there is word of the cause, we’ll publish a new story.

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In case you wondered too: See this year’s city wading-pool schedule
April 29, 2014 6:14 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo of Hiawatha wading pool)
None of the Seattle Parks-operated wading pools/sprayparks will be open in time for the early heat that’s about to hit, but in case it makes you wonder about this year’s schedule – we discovered it’s already out. See it here. Highland Park‘s spraypark will start its second season on May 24th; after that, Lincoln Park‘s wading pool will be the first to open, on June 21st, and again this year, it will be open 7 days a week. The Delridge Community Center wading pool will start its season June 23rd and will be open Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays; June 25th will be the first day for the EC Hughes (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays) and Hiawatha (Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays) wading pools. South Park will start up on June 23rd, open Mondays, Tuesdays, Sundays.

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