West Seattle, Washington
04 Thursday
ORIGINAL REPORT, 3:36 PM: Two developments this afternoon in the case of Jean and Byron Barton, whose Morgan Junction home was foreclosed on, then auctioned off. Three weeks after King County Sheriff’s Office deputies carried out an order to evict them – followed hours later by the Bartons re-occupying the house – the property’s new owners had a court hearing today. Triangle Property Development sought an order to require the city to enforce trespassing law and get the Bartons out of the house; you’ll recall that Mayor Murray had told Seattle Police to “stand by” while legal matters played out. King County Superior Court Judge Mariane Spearman listed to arguments but did not rule immediately. This motion, by the way, did not involve the Bartons’ separate case alleging that the foreclosure was illegal. We had a crew at the hearing, as well as in the hallway outside the courtroom, where Jean Barton joined the SAFE advocacy group in a pre-hearing news conference (added: video of her brief comments):
We will add more details from both parts of the event later.
Meantime, Mayor Ed Murray‘s office forwarded a letter from the city Office of Housing, detailing its efforts to offer the Bartons help with housing, mentioning they have not taken advantage of that help so far. The letter also, toward the end, mentions that city staff visiting the Bartons’ home “observed alarming conditions inside the residence that required them to submit mandatory reports to Adult Protective Services.” Here’s the letter as a PDF – or read it, embedded, below:
They did not elaborate on the “alarming conditions.”
ADDED: In case you’re interested in the legal documents – here’s the Triangle petition:
And the city’s reply:
10 PM NOTE: Still more to add; check back in the early morning.
EARLY AM ADD: After the jump (if you are reading from the main page), co-publisher Patrick Sand‘s notes from the hearing:
(Photo taken before last Saturday’s WSOM, shared by Hotwire’s Lora Swift)
Before Friday is too far gone – we wanted to make note of a few Saturday highlights – starting with the next edition of West Seattle Outdoor Movies. Tomorrow night (August 9th) on the courtyard screen next to Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (4410 California SW; WSB sponsor), it’s the original “Blues Brothers” movie from 1980. Preshow music by Those Guys with Wrecking Yard. Bring your own chair/blanket. Free as always, but come with a few bucks if you can for nonprofit-benefiting raffles and concessions – tomorrow night’s featured beneficiary is the West Seattle Helpline. Gates open at 6:30, movie at dusk – 9-ish, but don’t try to arrive at the last minute, since the courtyard fills up fast.
Back on July 25th, we published the 17 questions City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen had sent to new SDOT director Scott Kubly, looking ahead to his confirmation hearing before the Transportation Committee, which Rasmussen chairs. That hearing is part of the committee’s agenda for next Tuesday (August 12th, 9:30 am, City Hall). From the agenda, here’s the full document with Kubly’s answers inline.
You’ll notice he also promises the requested analysis of June’s “4 miles, 5 hours” Highway 99 shutdown (most recent followup here) by September 30th.
Also on the agenda for that same meeting: Another discussion of Sound Transit‘s Long Range Plan Update. The comment period on its draft environmental-impact statement is now closed, but this is still another opportunity for questions/answers about whether the update will include a proposal for light rail serving West Seattle. Here’s the slide deck that will be shown during the Tuesday meeting – note that it also discusses the potential Ballard service, as well as “South King County,” which includes West Seattle. ST’s presenter will be Rachel Smith, whose recent West Seattle Chamber of Commerce appearance was covered here.
Today, we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor: West Seattle Window and Door, owned by Joseph Miller (right), a West Seattle resident. Joseph grew up in Seattle belonging to a family with a passion for remodeling, music and the arts. Joe’s father, Jerry Miller, lead guitar player for the legendary San Francisco rock band Moby Grape, shared his love for music and film with little Joe. This led to Joseph’s love for music; he later started his own band, Open Blue.
While finishing his degree at the University of Washington, Joseph wanted to carry on the tradition of making the neighborhoods in Seattle 
energy efficient and beautiful. With this passion he decided to start West Seattle Window & Door. He is delighted to have his mom, Michan Rhodes, on board showcasing almost 30 years’ experience in replacement window/remodel consulting & design. She has been on the Northwest window & door scene for the past 28 years and has built a stunning design oriented portfolio to show for it.
Michan Rhodes began rolling little Joe and his younger brother and sisters around the neighborhood in a red Radio Flyer wagon looking at gardens and houses, visiting with neighbors, and sharing her ideas on how to beautify and restore their homes while embracing the original charm. Giving them the facelift needed for their homes, while adding energy efficiency and value, is and has always been her mission.
West Seattle Window & Door is committed to providing Homeowners, Contractors, Builders, Architects, and Designers with a high level of expertise and technical knowledge on an array of custom quality product lines at competitive prices. We will listen to your needs, discuss and interpret your distinctive style and space, and help you come up with a personally tailored design plan.
West Seattle Window & Door is a full-service company that meets with each customer one-on-one while taking direct responsibility for each project. This process has led to a steady stream of referrals. We believe you can maximize your investment without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship. Embrace what you already have without compromising your vision.
(Above: Before & after)
We offer Leaded Glass, Wood, Vinyl, Aluminum, Fiberglass, Wood Clad, Sound Reduction, Enlarged Openings, Bay Windows, Entry Doors, French Doors, and New Construction Window Packages at competitive prices. Free design consultations! All job estimates are free! We have a showroom located on Beach Drive (by appointment only). We are looking forward to moving our showroom up to one of the Junctions just as soon as the right spot presents itself. We are that West Seattle Business that supports the neighborhood & community.
West Seattle Window and Door is licensed, bonded and insured in compliance with all Washington state laws. Find WSWD online at westseattlewindows.com.
We thank West Seattle Window and Door 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.
Those icons represent auto thefts in West Seattle in the past week – it’s our screengrab from a custom view of the SPD Police Reports map (you can follow that link and click individual icons on the “live” map there if you want specific locations/times). In addition to the 14 thefts on the map, we know of at least one more just today, because of this note from James:
My brother in law had his black 1999 Honda Civic, plate AND3427, stolen from the 9000 block of 34th Ave. If anyone sees it or reports an abandoned vehicle we would greatly appreciate if you would let us know.
Though the theft’s not on the map yet, it IS on the SPD @GetYourCarBack Twitter feed, which advises calling 911 if you spot a known stolen car. This area tends to average one a day, so this past week’s thefts are about twice the usual rate.
One more reader report today, from Shannon:
Just wanted to inform our neighbors that my car has been ransacked 3 times in the last month..I do leave my doors unlocked and nothing inside as we have had windows broken before. Everything was gone thru but nothing taken each time. CD’s, Stereo, change all left each time … 8100 block of 15th and Elmgrove.
(Photo courtesy Twelfth Night Productions)
Opening night for “Hello, Dolly!” is one of our featured highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – see details below, along with some of what else is going on, but be sure to follow that link to the calendar for the full list! We start in the early afternoon …
USS CONSTELLATION’S LAST VOYAGE: Foss estimates it will start towing the scrapyard-bound aircraft carrier USS Constellation out of Bremerton around 1 pm today. We’ll be watching for it to become visible from West Seattle; look for an update here and on our social-media channels (click linked Facebook/Twitter icons under “WSB Everywhere” atop the sidebar). Likely to be closer to the Bainbridge/Kitsap side, so you might want to bring binoculars. UPDATE: As of noon-ish, the Navy says departure is now expected around 3 pm – clearing Rich Passage 5-ish.
WEIRD SCIENCE: Hands-on at Southwest Branch Library, 2-3 pm. (35th/Henderson)
DELRIDGE GROCERY’S FRIDAY FARMSTAND: Delridge Grocery‘s fourth weekly farmstand is happening 4:30-7:30 pm today (here’s our coverage of the launch last month) – fresh fruit and vegetables for sale. (5435 Delridge Way SW)
SCOOTER RALLY: The Westenders start their annual Tour di Mari rally with a barbecue at Jack Block Park at 5:30 pm – details of the weekendlong rally are here. (2130 Harbor SW)
OUTDOOR CONCERT AT THE MOUNT: Second of four Friday night concerts at Providence Mount St. Vincent, outdoors and free, with dinner/drinks available for purchase starting at 5:30 pm, show at 6. Tonight, it’s Alma y Azucar on the east side of The Mount’s campus. (4831 35th SW)
OPENING NIGHT FOR ‘HELLO, DOLLY!’ – INCLUDING DIAPER DRIVE: Twelfth Night Productions presents “Hello, Dolly!” starting tonight at West Seattle High School Theater, 7:30 pm. In addition: “We are having a diaper/clothing drive for WestSide Baby and attendees who contribute to that drive receive $3 off the price of an adult ticket. A portion of our proceeds will also benefit WestSide Baby.” (3000 California SW)
DELRIDGE DAY EVE – FREE OUTDOOR MOVIE: 9 pm in Delridge Community Center Park, night before the Delridge Day festival, it’s a free outdoor showing of “The Lego Movie” – here’s the trailer:
More details in our preview. (Delridge/Genesee)
FIRE RELIEF FUNDRAISER: 9 pm at the Celtic Swell, help CS employee Ron Ackerson‘s family recover from the fire that destroyed their home three weeks ago – details in our calendar listing. (Alki Ave. SW just east of 61st)
MORE NIGHTLIFE! Find individual venue/event listings for tonight (and beyond) by going directly to our calendar!
Less than four weeks until the new school year, and kindhearted West Seattleites are working to make sure that no kid goes without the school supplies s/he needs for success. Among those collecting donations: West Seattle Girl Scout Troop 45077, working with Pencil Me In For Kids, taking donations earmarked for scholars at Highland Park Elementary. We received word of their drive, and the photo, from troop leader Kari:
All of the girls have boxes at their homes and are collecting from friends, family, and neighbors. They also have a donation box at Mind Unwind, located at 2206 California Ave SW. Their goal is to be able to donate 34 backpacks filled with school supplies to Highland Park Elementary and are collecting donations until August 17th. So, they don’t have much time to meet their goal and could use everyone’s help.
(Kari’s original note also included a request for publication from Sophia, who is a troop member as is Kari’s daughter Morgan.) The fine print on the sign toward the right side of the photo says they’re looking in particular for:
*Rulers
*Notebooks
*Children’s books
*Paper
*Pencils
*Pens
*Backpacks
*Highlighters
*Erasers
*Glue/glue sticks
*Binders
(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Happy Friday! No issues on the main routes through/from West Seattle so far this morning. Other notes:
WEEKEND PREVIEW – Here’s the city roundup of what’s happening where, through Sunday, with potential traffic effects.
TRANSPORTATION NEWS: Thursday pm, we had a lot of it –
*RapidRide route change? SDOT confirmed what a tipster told us, that it’s studying the feasibility of moving the outbound SW Alaska RapidRide stop east of California, so the C Line could use California instead of Edmunds/44th/Alaska.
*Road work: Next week, SDOT crews are scheduled to pave part of Roxbury and improve traction on the Charlestown/Genesee hills.
Maybe you saw it on the SPD Blotter – a bizarre rampage of sorts on Wednesday that started in West Seattle and moved into other parts of the city before the suspect was arrested. We followed up today in search of specifics which were missing in that overall summary but were contained in the partial report we obtained. The 37-year-old suspect, shown in public databases with a West Seattle address, was reported to have started by showing up outside Providence Mount St. Vincent, ranting and yelling first about the facility and then, “about North Korea,” in a manner described by one witness as “almost mad or crazy.”
Transportation seems to be the theme tonight. One more round of road work announced by SDOT for next week – this is another try at the traction improvements that didn’t quite work out the first time around on two of West Seattle’s steepest hills, back in May (with a different method). Tonight’s announcement:
The Seattle Department of Transportation will conduct shot blasting to make traction improvements at two locations in West Seattle and one in Magnolia next week. Shot blasting will propel a high-speed stream of abrasive material at the street surface to roughen it and create a better grip for vehicles. Dates are subject to change. Flaggers will be on site at road closures to provide local access and guidance. This work will be completed in a single weekday at each location and will take place between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. The following describes the scheduled roadway closures:
Aug. 12: SW Charlestown Street between 49th Avenue SW and California Avenue SW (local access only)
· Work zone is SW Charlestown Street between 47th Avenue SW and 45th Avenue SW· Eastbound traffic detoured via 49th Avenue SW, SW Admiral Way, and California Avenue SW
· Westbound traffic detoured via California Avenue SW, SW Admiral Way, and 49th Avenue SW
Aug. 13: SW Genesee Street between SW Avalon Way and Delridge Way SW (local access only)
· Work zone is SW Genesee Street between SW Avalon Way and 30th Avenue SW· Eastbound traffic detoured via SW Avalon Way, SW Yancy Street, 28th Avenue SW, SW Andover Street, and Delridge Way SW
· Westbound traffic detoured via Delridge Way SW, SW Andover Street, 28th Avenue SW, SW Yancy Street, and SW Avalon Way
During this past week’s two meetings on the SW Roxbury Safety Project (WSB 7/31 coverage is here, 8/4 coverage here), SDOT’s Jim Curtin mentioned that paving was imminent for the stretch between 25th and 27th SW. And indeed, the announcement has just arrived:
Paving crews from the Seattle Department of Transportation will work on Southwest Roxbury Street on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 12 and 13 of next week. They will pave the stretch of Roxbury between 25th Avenue Southwest and 27th Avenue Southwest, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. One travel lane in each direction will remain open. A Police Officer will be stationed at each intersection to assist traffic. All sidewalks and crosswalks will remain open.
5:33 PM: Thanks to the person who texted about a crash on northbound 35th SW at Henderson (by the library), blocking at least one lane. We’re off to check it out – update to come.
5:47 PM: Confirmed at the scene that one lane northbound is blocked, all others open. No injuries. One of the vehicles involved is on the other side of the fire truck in our photo, above; the scene will be clear when that vehicle is towed.
Should the outbound RapidRide C Line run on California in the heart of The Junction instead of jogging onto Edmunds, 44th, and Alaska? Checking out a reader tip that this was under consideration, we asked Metro – which in turn pointed us to SDOT, whose Marybeth Turner confirms it:
We have been looking for projects to improve the speed and reliability for the RapidRide C Line. One of the projects that was identified is to move the stop on California and Alaska to the east so the RapidRide bus can use California Avenue. This would save about a minute of travel time.
We are currently conducting a feasibility analysis to see if there is enough room and the what costs are involved. No decision has been made on whether this project will go forward. … We plan to reach out to the community to discuss the options this fall.
Back in 2008, when RapidRide’s West Seattle route was still under development, there was some talk of having it turn onto Alaska from California, but concerns voiced at the time included how it would affect the walk-all-ways intersection.
(July 18th WSB photo: Jean and Byron Barton, center, in the house’s basement, with police and supporters)
Tomorrow afternoon, a King County Superior Court judge will preside over a hearing related to Triangle Property Development‘s attempt to take physical possession of the Morgan Junction house where Byron and Jean Barton are still living, three weeks after deputies evicted them. We know this because the advocacy group that has been campaigning to keep the Bartons in the house has sent word of a protest outside the courtroom before the hearing. Triangle’s court filing – reported here on July 29th – is the latest development in the case; the Bartons also have legal action pending, contending that the house was illegally foreclosed on before being auctioned off last April, which is when Triangle bought it. The Bartons re-entered the house near 41st and Holly shortly after deputies removed them on July 18th, including carrying Byron Barton, who uses a wheelchair; that means Seattle Police could arrest them for trespassing, but a week and a half ago, Mayor Murray told them on July 21st to “stand by” while the case went through the courts.
(US Navy photo: USS Constellation in Elliott Bay during Seafair, 1996)
New information today about the last voyage of the USS Constellation, the aircraft carrier that’s about to be towed away from Bremerton after a decade, and that will pass West Seattle shortly after the start of its 18,000-mile tow to a Texas shipbreaking yard. Foss Maritime – whose ocean tug Corbin Foss is scheduled to tow the “Connie” – just let us know about a special website it’s set up to chronicle the journey; see it here. The trip is now set to start early tomorrow afternoon (Friday, August 8th), according to Foss, which says harbor tugs will bring it from Bremerton, and rendezvous with the Corbin Foss off Blake Island. You’ll be able to see it from West Seattle (primarily Beach Drive/Alki) once it’s out of Rich Passage and northward-bound into Puget Sound. The Constellation is one of the last few non-nuclear carriers to be scrapped; it’s been mothballed at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard since it was decommissioned in 2003. It (and the Corbin Foss) will stop at Long Beach, California – last U.S. port – around the 16th.
(Click image to see full-size site plan/design by Johnson Southerland as PDF)
The new playground for Pigeon Point is getting ever closer to reality. Pathfinder K-8 Playground outreach co-chairs Holli Margell and Toni Wells are sharing the following update that includes a chance for you to help out at an upcoming “paint party”:
The Pathfinder Playground Revamp was awarded the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods Matching Fund large grant! Thanks to the City of Seattle’s Department of Neighborhoods for helping us really get the ball rolling with our new design. Our playground is now 40% funded, and our fundraising team has kicked into gear to help us get the rest of the way there.
August Paint Party:
August 21st, the playground is getting a little facelift in preparation for our new design. With a Capital One $4,000 grant for the school, we are having a work party to do projects all over the school–and the playground is one of them. That means we can get started painting the braided stream and adding new features like a labyrinth and accurate US map. The foursquares, hopscotch, and old marking will be refreshed too.
Are you ready to help us on August 21st? We need 6-8 folks ready to help lead the volunteers for the day, help organize supplies the day before, and a few creatives to help us make stencils to add some critter prints to the playground. Interested? E-mail pathfinderplayground2014@gmail.com – thank you!
New design (above):
The school district is still working on the feasibility of the fence changes, but we expect that to be part of phase one. If fundraising needs are met, and the bids come in as expected, the equipment and surfacing of the blue areas will also be included in Phase 1, which could start Summer 2015.
The playground is on the north side of the Pathfinder campus at 1901 SW Genesee (map).
(Photo taken at Alki Beach: ©2014 Eric Shalit)
A special stop for bicycle commuters is among the highlights for tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DIY BIKES – UNDER THE BRIDGE: Per the following announcement:
Bicycle commuters coming home from work tonight may find a surprise under the West Seattle Bridge. The West Seattle Tool Library’s Fixers Collective and DIY Bikes will be doing their monthly workshop under the West Seattle Bridge” “It’s been a long summer so far and many of our daily bicycle commuters have not found the time to work on their bicycles or take them into a local shop. We are coming to the riders to make ourselves more available.” The West Seattle Tool Library and DIY Bikes are projects of Sustainable West Seattle.
HEALTH AND HARVEST: 5-7 pm tonight and every Thursday, you’re welcome at the Community Orchard of West Seattle for a lesson in urban gardening, teamed with a mini-work party. Northeast side of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. (6000 16th SW)
BENEFIT FOR EASTERN WASHINGTON FIRE VICTIMS: Proceeds tonight at Matador-West Seattle (and five other restaurants elsewhere in the city) go to a fire benefit organized by Band of Brothers Northwest – details in our preview. (4546 California SW)
WATCH THE GAME AT THE CASK: Tonight’s pre-season Seahawks game is onscreen at The Cask (WSB sponsor) in The Admiral District, 6 pm. (2350 California SW)
SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA: Tonight, it’s The Guessing Game, 6:30 pm on the east lawn at Hiawatha (along Walnut), free – BYO chair/blanket, picnic, etc. Presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association – here’s our preview with a peek at the band. (2700 California SW)
MORE MUSIC … see individual West Seattle venues’ listings for tonight on our calendar!
No meetings scheduled this month for the Southwest Design Review Board – if there’s no project ready to review, they don’t meet – but one is now on the city docket for next month: 6:30 pm Thursday, September 4th, has just been penciled in as the second “Early Design Guidance” session for the proposed eye-care clinic at 7520 35th SW. The first one last month (WSB coverage here) raised so many questions about configuration of the site and the clinic building – which will be entirely medical/commercial, no residential component – that the project team was sent back to the drawing board.
(WS bridge and Highway 99 views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
Good morning! Today’s traffic (etc.) watch is on.
It’s a wild place we live in … three reader reports to share:
WHALE WATCHING: Heard about the humpbacks in the area this past week or so? Colleen saw one and shared the photo:
A little late since this was Saturday night…..While boating with friends from West Seattle to Bainbridge Saturday evening around 5:15, we spotted a whale … We were so excited, our pictures are not that good. … It was awesome and unbelievable to be so close (our friends turned off their Bayliner’s engine as we watched the whale).
COYOTE REPORT: From Paul in North Admiral:
Just thought I’d pass on news of a coyote sighting in front of my house (Monday) morning on 42nd Ave between Seattle and Atlantic Streets in North Admiral. 4:30 am, I was leaving to go fishing, and a neighbor was walking his dog. We all must have come upon the coyote at the same time, and it took off running. Healthy looking adult. I’ve seen one here before, but it’s been several years.
RACCOONS: From Sean in Gatewood:
Spotted this mom and four youngsters at 8:30 (Monday) morning in my backyard. Very cute, but I’d prefer they dig holes elsewhere.
The state has advice on dealing with raccoons and coyotes – the former, here; the latter, here. (And lots of other species too – see the sidebar on either of those pages for the links.)
That’s The Guessing Game, third up in this year’s Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, with co-sponsors including WSB. You’ll see and hear The Guessing Game live at 6:30 pm tomorrow (Thursday, August 7th). Find out a bit more about the band – which released its first album “Holy Crow” in May – via this online interview with leader Jeff Rouse. Then pack up your chairs/blanket/picnic dinner/etc. and make plans to be on the east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center for a free night of music.
(County archives photo of the building now known as Charlestown Court)
We’re at the Municipal Tower downtown, where the city Landmarks Preservation Board voted this afternoon to reject landmark status for Charlestown Court. The building is proposed for demolition to make way for an 8-unit townhouse project.
This was the second time the Tudor-style 1920s-era brick fourplex at 3811 California SW had been nominated; the last time, in a process that played out 2007-2008, the board said “no,” but development proposals then stalled until the current one, and the city said too much time had elapsed for them simply to refer to that previous vote, so the process needed to start again.
Before today’s presentation about the building, Paul Cesmat said he has owned it since 2007 and declared it has structural issues – “the brick’s not structurally sound, the chimney has issues, this has been pointed out to us … and we have insurability issues … I feel that this building does not meet historical criteria … and it’s not structurally worth saving.” It is wood-framed without concrete backing the brick, he explained in response to a question later.
The presentation focused on changes made to the building, including its windows, contending the changes made over the years affected the fourplex’s “physical integrity.” The photo you see at the top of the story was shown, with the comment “It’s a shame that’s not there any more.” (The nomination document from the June meeting, including photos and history, can be seen as a PDF here.)
In pre-vote discussion, board members said basically that while you could consider it “handsome” or “charming,” it just didn’t “rise” to landmark status.
That camera view shows the eastbound bridge is partly blocked – looks like the right lane and the bus lane – near the peak of the high-rise because of a car fire. (See other camera views on the WSB Traffic page.)
5:51 PM: It appears this might clear soon – camera shows a tow truck on scene.
5:55 PM: And – all lanes open again.
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