Southwest Design Review Board doubleheader, report #1: 4505 42nd SW told to come back for 2nd round of ‘early guidance’

(Option 1 – with elements the board said it preferred over the project team’s preferred Option 3)
In the first of two Southwest Design Review Board sessions tonight, board members called for a second round of Early Design Guidance for 4505 42nd SW, a site that’s steps away from where the board convened (upper floor of the Senior Center of West Seattle).

This phase of design review is about a building’s “massing” – its size and shape – so that’s what was addressed by most of the “design packet” is here. For the mixed-use building, it’s “the very beginning” of the process, as city planner Beth Hartwick explained to attendees – a single-digit turnout, unlike many recent SWDRB meetings, even counting project team members including site owner Leon Capelouto.

With the guidance offered tonight, its height and number of units are in play – at least seven stories and at least 50 units, though how much more, depends on how the next round goes.

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The WSBeat: Stolen-car stop; dog owner threatened; more

By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog

This edition of The WSBeat contains summaries written from reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers – generally cases that (usually) have not already appeared here in breaking-news coverage or West Seattle Crime Watch reports, but that might at least answer the question “what WERE all those police doing on my block?” Or on the bridge, or the beach, or …

*Around 5 p.m. on the 28th, a plainclothes officer radioed that he had run across and was keeping an eye on a car that had been reported as stolen. Three people climbed into the vehicle (parked in the 4100 block of SW Lander) and officers followed it eastbound on Admiral Way, hitting their lights when it pulled near a cafe parking lot under Spokane St. The 20-year-old driver and a 19-year-old female passenger were both West Seattle residents. He had no license and she was already under supervision by the Department of Corrections. Both were booked into King County Jail for investigation of auto theft. He faces additional charges for violating a protection order to stay away from the woman; she faces additional charges for violating probation. The third passenger, a Ballard resident, was released from the precinct.

*On the 24th, in the 4000 block of Beach Drive, a man let his dog out of his apartment. The dog ran up to and started barking at a man who was walking up from the beach. That man yelled, “Get your dog away from me.” The owner called the dog, which responded and stood behind him. The suspect approached and said, “Keep him away from me or I will kill you and the dog.” The yelling continued, and the suspect pushed the victim several times in the chest and dared him to call the police. The suspect was described as a white man, 50-64 years old, about 5’10” with medium build, short brown curly hair. He wore glasses and remains at large.

Four more summaries ahead:Read More

Update: Former West Seattleite Amanda Knox ‘frightened and saddened’ by new verdict

1:22 PM: Though an appeals court overturned the original “guilty” verdict against former West Seattle resident Amanda Knox in 2011, the latest court to take up the case has just changed that back to “guilty.” Knox, now 26, was not required to return to Italy for the trial, though her co-defendant and former boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito did appear in court, as did relatives of murder victim Meredith Kercher. Now the question is whether and when Italian authorities will seek to have Knox extradited to serve a 28-year prison term. “They’ll have to catch me and pull me back kicking and screaming into a prison that I don’t deserve to be in,” she was quoted as telling British newspaper The Guardian in a pre-verdict interview (see video on their site).

2:25 PM: Knox has released a statement that is published in full on another British news site, The Telegraph. In part, she said: “I am frightened and saddened by this unjust verdict. Having been found innocent before, I expected better from the Italian justice system. … My family and I have suffered greatly from this wrongful persecution. This has gotten out of hand.” The Telegraph also reports: “Shortly after the verdict, Knox left her mother’s home with her head covered in a blanket and was driven away in a Lincoln Town Car.”

PHOTOS/VIDEO: Giant 12th Man flag at West Seattle Corporate Center

(Video by Craig Baerwaldt, added 4:07 pm)
West Seattle’s most famous flagpole now flies the blue 12th Man logo – in a big way:

(Photos by Christopher Boffoli and Patrick Sand for WSB)
Hundreds of people came to West Seattle Corporate Center, to see it go up:

Ex-Seahawks Jack “The Throwin’ Samoan” Thompson and Robbie Tobeck raised it, with assistance from Paul McNicholas (below center), chief engineer for Development Services of America, which manages the building:

DSA is one of the West Seattle Corporate Center companies, along with the organizers of today’s mega-flag rally, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and Bartell Drugs. Yes, a Broncos fan tried to crash the party:

The hoopla also included what you might call a mini-bronco, but Dreamland Ponies had it decked out in Seahawks mode:

The 12th dogs were on hand too:

Some fans brought their own flags:

Oh by the way – about the scale of the “official” 1,500-square-foot flag (made by Flags A’Flying in Tacoma) – this gives you a bit better idea:

With the game three long days away, it was a moment to savor and remember:

A few more photos on the way – check back!

West Seattle development: New proposal for ex-Mastro property at 3257 Harbor Avenue SW

(King County Assessor’s Office photo)
12:02 PM: A new West Seattle project just turned up on the city’s Design Review calendar – for 3257 Harbor Avenue SW (map), on a site previously owned by notorious real-estate-magnate-turned-fugitive Michael Mastro. Though the property once was proposed for a development to be called Aqua Bella – here’s the flyer we linked from this WSB story in 2009, at which time it was listed for $6.4 million, suggesting a development with 80 units, 3,600 square feet of retail, 107 parking spaces, its current ownership has designed something a bit smaller. After foreclosure, it was bought by CRE Harbor Avenue LLC for $1.2 million, and that’s who is advancing the new proposal – described on the city website as six stories, 44 residential units, 2 live-work units, and 44 parking spaces, on a 10,575-sf lot. This project’s debut before the Southwest Design Review Board is scheduled for 8 pm March 6th, right after the first review for 1606 California SW.

3:03 PM: As pointed out in comments, this appears to involve half the original site. Checking further into the DPD’s online files, it appears a similar-sized project with a separate land-use-application number is proposed for the other half of the site, at 3303 Harbor Avenue SW. We’re checking with the city to see whether or not that means this is really one 2-building project. (Update: It is.)

West Seattle Thursday: ’12th Man’ mega-flag raising; Design Review x 2; SPD chief search; Orca Talk; school open houses…

No, they’re not Seahawks – but they’re related! Awesome photo of Alki-area eagles fluffed up as they dry out from one of this week’s rainshowers, courtesy of Gary Jones. And speaking of the Super Bowl – here’s the new WSB page with all things West Seattle (let us know if you have something to add!). Now, on to today’s calendar highlights:

**Editor’s note, 11:11 am – if you’re seeing/hearing helicopters, it’s for the flag event**

(Photo courtesy Scott Vlotho – added 11:32 – more photos in a separate story later!)
WORLD’S BIGGEST 12TH MAN FLAG: Today’s the day! As we first told you on Monday, a 12th Man flag the size of a house is going up at West Seattle Corporate Center at 11 this morning, as organized by two of the local businesses headquartered there, Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and Bartell Drugs. It’ll be a party – be there! (Delridge/Andover)

HOLY FAMILY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 1:30-3:30 pm, you’re invited to tour the school. (20th/Roxbury)

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE IN A NEW SEATTLE POLICE CHIEF? 6 pm tonight at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, it’s the next stop in the community-discussion tour regarding Mayor Murray’s search for a new Seattle Police chief, as previewed here. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

DESIGN REVIEW BOARD DOUBLEHEADER: The Southwest Design Review Board looks at two projects tonight, both in the Early Design Guidance stage – at 6:30 pm, the first review of the seven-story, 50-apartment, 16-parking-space project at 4505 42nd SW (design packet here); at 8 pm, it’s the first review of the 30-unit townhouse/live-work-unit proposal for the former Charlestown Café site at 3824 California SW (design packet here). Both reviews include time for public comment, and both are at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (California/Oregon)

SEATTLE LUTHERAN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-8 pm, prospective families are invited to visit Seattle Lutheran High School – see the campus, meet the staff! (40th/Genesee)

K-5 STEM AT BOREN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30-7:30 tonight, come tour the school! Details in our calendar listing. (5950 Delridge Way SW)

ORCA TALK: Tonight’s the night The Whale Trail celebrates Springer, the orca rescued from Puget Sound and reunited with her family in Canada. Here’s our previewcheck to see if tickets are still available – update, it’s sold out! C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7 pm. (5612 California SW)

FREE PARENTING SEMINAR: Courtesy of South Seattle Community College Cooperative Preschools – 7-9 pm tonight at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, “Children Learn What They Live”:

As a parent, you have values that you are passing on to your child in the decisions you make every day. So, what are these values? Are they honesty, kindness, generosity, self-worth, respect, patience, tolerance? In this class we will talk about the ways you can identify and clarify your values as well as discuss how to inspire values through your parenting. Kylene Ushimaru has been teaching preschool and working as a parent educator for 28 years. Her wisdom, experience and honest approach to parenting will leave you feeling more confident and empowered as a parent.

Free but please pre-register by sending e-mail to kyleneushimaru@gmail.com (9131 California SW, room 4)

LOTS more on our calendar … browse it here.

Update: Why Seattle Police, Coast Guard were searching off Alki

(First 2 photos by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
8:02 AM: Several people have messaged us wondering about at least one Seattle Police boat searching off Alki. Just talked with SPD media-relations Det. Mark Jamieson, who says someone called in early this morning after spotting a “fixed light” off Alki that the caller thought MIGHT be a boat in distress. So police have been out looking, but haven’t found any evidence so far of anyone in or having been in trouble.

8:22 AM UPDATE: Per scanner discussion, the Harbor Patrol boat spotted some kind of “object” in about 10 feet of water, and it’s been “marked.”

9:04 AM UPDATE: Added photos. The Coast Guard was out helping search, too.

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Super Bowl-countdown Thursday edition

6:34 AM: Good morning – we start again this morning with two views of the bridge.

For more cameras, including Viaduct views, see the WSB Traffic page.

If you drive North Delridge in the late morning, things might be a little wild at Delridge/Andover around 11 am, because of the Seahawks-spirit flag-raising (here’s our original report from Monday).

Look-ahead notes: Tomorrow (Friday, January 31st) there are no classes for Seattle Public Schools; it’s the “day between semesters.” Friday night, the low bridge will close to surface traffic for a dredging operation; that’s noted here, along with an advisory about the Alaskan Way Viaduct for Sunday morning.

7:49 AM: From comments – avoid California right now between Edmunds and Alaska, construction-site concrete pour. We’ll check on this shortly.

8:25 AM: The online petition for 35th SW safety improvements is approaching 500 signatures. We’ll have an update on this (and a few other local road-safety notes) later today.

8:32 AM: Low bridge is closed to vehicles/pedestrians so marine traffic can go through, per SDOT Twitter.

West Seattle Crime Watch: Is this stolen car on your block?

Police say stolen cars are often abandoned relatively close to where they were taken – so there’s a chance this car could be somewhere in West Seattle. Mike e-mailed tonight to get the word out about the theft:

Our locked vehicle was taken from near the intersection of 41st Ave SW and SW Hinds at some point between late Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. There wasn’t really anything in the car, and the vehicle isn’t worth that much, but we’re hoping folks might keep an eye out for it, since my commute to work is a little complicated without it. A police report has been filed.

Basic details: It’s a white, two-door 1994 Honda Civic. It has a black bra on the front and a missing vertical strip along the driver’s side window.

As police say when they tweet stolen-car reports like this, if you see it, call 911.

Update: Westbound West Seattle Bridge reopening after chase/crash that left 1 officer hurt; 2 suspects arrested

(THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: Adding info from Tukwila PD re: injured officer, more)

(Crash scene on westbound bridge curve, photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
6:59 PM: Thanks for all the tips about a big police/fire response on the westbound bridge near the Admiral exit – it’s on the 911 log as a crash -working to find out more.

(Part of the search scene off the bridge near Admiral/Manning, photo by Patrick Sand)
7:03 PM: This was a pursuit involving a pickup truck, we’ve learned, and the suspect reportedly went down the bridge, which is why police are searching beneath it, near where Avalon meets the bridge. We’re told the crash scene appears to involve a police vehicle.

7:10 PM: Comments have more information about what was seen unfolding and confirm the police vehicle involvement. There also is at least one helicopter in the area.

7:20 PM: Access is blocked off for some of the neighborhoods beneath the bridge – Bradford, Manning.

7:33 PM: From our crew covering this – the truck involved in the crash was stolen and had rammed a Tukwila Police vehicle. As commenters are saying (read below), the truck was seen dodging between vehicles on the westbound bridge, with officers in pursuit, before the crash.

(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
7:41 PM: The bridge is closed westbound before Admiral because of this – you will have to get off via Delridge.

7:50 PM: With the SPD Traffic Collision Investigation Squad investigating this, chances are the bridge will be closed westbound for a few hours, so if you are headed this way any time before late evening, plan an alternate route.

7:55 PM: An update from Seattle Police via Twitter:

8:01 PM: As noted by commenters, it’s believed the white truck that was being chased hit at least two other vehicles. No word of major injuries so far. Also an update from commenters: The closure is now after the Admiral/Harbor exit- you can get off there now.

8:19 PM UPDATE: Just talked to SPD’s Det. Mark Jamieson. He says a Tukwila Police officer was hurt, apparently in the foot chase that followed the crash. SPD is handling the crash investigation, but the rest of the case involves King County Sheriffs/Tukwila PD – Jamieson did not know where the pursuit began. No details yet on the person who is in custody.

(WSB video from back seat while going eastbound past investigation/crash scene)
9 PM UPDATE: Adding more photos. We just headed eastbound on the bridge for a passing glimpse at how it’s going, and the bridge remains closed just west of the Admiral exit, with investigators working at the scene. The previous search scene below the bridge is clear and open again, by the way, in case you weren’t sure. Also, though some comment discussion wondered about a suspect jumping off the bridge, no, Det. Jamieson said, their understanding was what we had reported – the suspect fled down the ramp.

10:28 PM UPDATE: Police have announced via radio communications that the bridge is reopening. Meantime, our partners at The Seattle Times report that this began in the Southcenter Mall area; Tukwila Police began pursuing the stolen vehicle northbound on I-5 and continued westbound onto the West Seattle Bridge.

8:37 AM THURSDAY: We’re checking with Tukwila PD for any additional details. For starters – spokesperson Mike Murphy tells us the officer who was hurt “is fine” and already out of the hospital. Otherwise, this news release excerpt from overnight is all TPD has so far:

Tukwila Officers responded to the Westfield Mall/Southcenter area to reports of a stolen vehicle. Officers located the stolen vehicle, and attempted to make a high-risk stop. The vehicle failed to stop for the officers and started northbound on Interstate 5.

Officers continued to follow and attempt to stop the stolen truck as it traveled on Interstate 5 towards Seattle. The fleeing vehicle then continued onto the West Seattle Bridge. The truck then lost control and crashed on the bridge. As the police vehicles were arriving, the stolen truck drove at one of the police vehicles, and rammed it. The suspects in the stolen truck then fled on foot after ramming the police vehicle, and all were quickly apprehended. All suspects are in custody.

9:31 AM: And a little more info about the two people arrested – a 26-year-old woman from Federal Way was driving and faces charges, Murphy says, including felony eluding and possession of suspected methamphetamine. The passenger, also facing charges, is a 23-year-old man from Seattle.

West Seattle traffic alert: ‘Low bridge’ closing for 4 hours Friday night; Viaduct slowdowns Sunday morning

4:35 PM: Just announced by SDOT:

The Spokane Street Bridge to West Seattle will be closed to motor vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians on Friday night, Jan. 31, from 8 p.m. to midnight. The closure will allow a contractor working for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the channel where silt has accumulated. Drivers are advised to use the high-level West Seattle Bridge during this time.

The contractor will begin dredging tomorrow (Thursday) night, but will not need to close the bridge to motor vehicles until Friday night to finish the work. The channel will remain open for marine traffic.

ADDED 5 PM: Thanks to David and Bob for tipping us to this alert also just announced: “SPD will conduct rolling slowdowns on the SR 99 Alaskan Way Viaduct for filming operations. The rolling slowdowns will take place between the West Seattle Bridge and the Western Ave Exit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2014.”

ADDED THURSDAY: From an SDOT rep in response to the question of whether there will be any type of transportation to get people on foot/bikes around during the closure – since they can’t use the high-level bridge as an alternative – short answer: No. But the contractor might be able to take less time than the four-hour window. We’ll monitor the situation as best we’re able to on Friday night so we can publish an update when the bridge is back to regular operations.

Well Medical Arts: New WSB sponsor for Inner Health, Outer Beauty

This afternoon we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Well Medical Arts. As is our tradition, we offer new local sponsors the chance to tell you about what they do:

Make 2014 the year for you! Come visit us at Well Medical Arts and learn how to treat yourself every day of the year. Learn about our vitamin-deficiency testing or our fabulous new Laser resurfacing for your face. No matter your concern, Dominique Well, ARNP, addresses your issue with total quality treatment and a great value for your money. For new patients, we have a special offer of 5 free units of Botox if you purchase 20! Do schedule your free consultation soon and see exactly what happens within the healing walls of Well Medical Arts, a unique boutique of Inner Health, Outer Beauty.

Well Medical Arts has four special events coming up: Tomorrow (Thursday, January 30th), introducing our special CLEANSE Series, 6 pm-8 pm; Thursday, February 6th, HCG Diet Clinic, 6 pm-8 pm; February 14th and 28th, come learn about the new semi-permanent filler Aretfill (by appointment only). Call now to reserve your spot! 206-935-6789.

Well Medical Arts is at 9025 35th SW, and online at wellmedicalarts.com.

We thank Well Medical Arts 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.

Vehicle tips on SW Roxbury, driver unhurt

We’ve had some bouts of hard rain this afternoon – don’t know if that figured into this, but a vehicle wound up on its side in a crash at 4th 5th Place SW/Roxbury this past hour. Thanks to Sherrie for sending the photo (Brian sent one too). Seattle Fire spokesperson Kyle Moore tells us no injuries were reported – the 19-year-old driver was unhurt.

The $1,000 cat toy: West Seattleite crowdfunding for Cat Fishin’

No, it won’t COST $1,000 … that sum is the crowdfunding target for Westwood resident Dan Tracy‘s campaign to raise money for Seattle production of the “Cat Fishin‘ Toy,” demonstrated in his official Kickstarter pitch video above – featuring jumping cats, of course.

Tracy explains, “It’s similar to feather-on-a-stick dangler toys but way more durable because it’s made with rip stop nylon.” He moved to West Seattle two years ago from Maui, saying this is a more hospitable place for inventors: “I had lived there for 13 years and needed a better location to start up fun projects. Hawaii is great for vacation but it can be difficult for business because the cost of living is so high.” Why $1,000 to produce something this simple-looking? we asked. Tracy’s reply: “$1000 gets us started so we can buy material and start production but we’re hoping to raise more. We’ve already started networking with local pet shops and they’re excited to try Cat Fishin’ Toys.”

Reminder: Special meeting tonight for 3210 California SW comments

January 29, 2014 1:50 pm
|    Comments Off on Reminder: Special meeting tonight for 3210 California SW comments
 |   Development | West Seattle news

The calendar for today was a little skimpy, so we didn’t publish a preview roundup, but we do want to remind you that there is one major meeting on the list for tonight: The requested-via-petition meeting for the city to take general comments on 3210 California SW, the block-long mixed-use building proposed for the east side of the upzoned block in South Admiral. Here’s our most recent report, including a link to the newest design proposal, which is the focus of a separate meeting February 6th. Tonight’s meeting is at 6:30 pm, upstairs at the Senior Center of West Seattle (enter off SW Oregon just east of California).

More SPD changes: New SW Precinct commander, Capt. Steve Wilske

11:15 AM: More changes for Seattle Police leadership. Newly promoted Capt. Pierre Davis has been leading the Southwest Precinct since former commander Joe Kessler‘s recent promotion to Assistant Chief, but he had warned it might just be interim, and an announcement just out from SPD indicates that’s the case: Capt. Davis’s permanent role has been announced as East Precinct commander, while the new Southwest Precinct commander is Capt. Steve Wilske. So far, research indicates Capt. Wilske’s past roles have included leadership of various SPD units including SWAT, Homicide, and Robbery/Fugitive/Gang. More information as we get it.

ADDED 4:57 PM: Capt. Wilske currently leads the department’s Force Investigations Unit. He’s been with SPD more than 20 years.

Talk to your State House reps: ‘Telephone town hall’

January 29, 2014 10:32 am
|    Comments Off on Talk to your State House reps: ‘Telephone town hall’
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Once again this year, your State House Representatives Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle) and Joe Fitzgibbon (D-Burien) are hosting a “Telephone Town Hall.” According to the announcement, it’s set for 6-7 pm Wednesday, February 5th (one week from tonight):

34th Legislative District residents should receive a call from their legislators at about 6:00 PM on the February 5. To participate, simply pick up the phone and follow the prompts. Reps. Cody and Fitzgibbon will deliver short opening thoughts and then will open up for questions. If you have a question for the lawmakers, simply press *3.

If for some reason you don’t receive a call, you can call 877-229-8493 and enter 18646 to participate.

P.S. We asked a followup question about where the phone list comes from, since so many people don’t have conventional “land lines” any more. Reply: The list is provided by the Secretary of State’s Office – the phone number you listed when you registered to vote.

West Seattle development: Leon Capelouto’s second Junction project starts Design Review tomorrow

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“It’s going to be a good thing.”

That’s how longtime West Seattle entrepreneur Leon Capelouto sees his second Junction development project, 4505 42nd SW, which makes its Design Review debut tomorrow night.

We first wrote about it almost four months ago. The site holds an old house, hidden behind hedges and fencing, on the southwest corner of 42nd and Oregon, across the street from the almost-complete Oregon 42, across the alley from the Senior Center of West Seattle (where the Southwest Design Review Board will meet to consider the project at 6:30 pm Thursday).

The site also happens to be adjacent to one of the West Seattle Junction Association‘s free parking lots, which Capelouto has supported for decades as a longtime Junction retailer and stockholder in Trusteed Properties, the lots’ ownership.

4505 42nd is proposed for fewer parking spaces than units – as is allowed in the area because “frequent transit” is nearby – but Capelouto says everyone who needs a parking space will get one, because he has parking to spare in his first Junction development, just down the block. This project – proposed for 7 stories, 50 units, and 16 offstreet spaces – is less than a block north of 2009-opened Capco Plaza, built with more than 360 spaces for the 160+-unit Altamira Apartments and the building’s retail tenants, more than zoning required when it was built (and far more than would be called for today).

Before we get into more about the 4505 42nd SW proposal – whose design packet can be seen here – a little more about its developer.

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High-school basketball: West Seattle HS boys host Chief Sealth

January 29, 2014 9:18 am
|    Comments Off on High-school basketball: West Seattle HS boys host Chief Sealth
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(West Seattle’s #10 Spenser Elder, Sealth’s #12 LJ Burns and #40 Evan Moe)
In the last scheduled game of the year between the boys-basketball teams from our area’s two biggest high schools, the home team won last night – West Seattle 69, Chief Sealth 56. The Wildcats’ #22 DeAndre Love led all scoring with 31 points:

More photos ahead:

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TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: Watching Wednesday

Hoping for a less-congested commute than Tuesday, we begin with three “live” views (refresh this page for the latest) – the bridge, above and below:

And the northbound Alaskan Way Viaduct, from the elevated section’s south end:

Find more cameras, and other info, on the WSB Traffic page.

TRANSPORTATION NEWS: A few links to share in case you hadn’t seen these stories yet –

*Online petition launched for long-sought 35th SW safety measures
*Block Watch Captains’ Network briefing on neighborhood traffic calming
*February 4th hearing on ballot measure to raise Metro/roads money

Neighborhood traffic-safety talk launches West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network for Year 5

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Deb Greer and Karen Berge, founders of the West Seattle Block Watch Captains’ Network, launched its first meeting of 2014 by announcing proudly that WSBWCN is starting its fifth year.

They have always noted that you don’t have to be a captain, or even a Block Watch member, to attend, and in fact, about a third of the ~15 attendees said they were not – though some were getting ready to organize one. Others, meantime, identified themselves as longtime captains.

Also on hand for the meeting in the Southwest Precinct‘s meeting room: The precinct’s current top two leaders, new commander Captain Pierre Davis and Operations Lt. Ron Smith.

Capt. Davis told the group that Block Watches are the first step to “helping us catch the bad guys” and that the setup here in West Seattle is “second to none,” a “true partnership.” Lt. Smith echoed the appreciation and reiterated, “If you see something suspicious, report it.”

Centerpiece of the meeting was an appearance by Stephen Padua of SDOT, talking about the city’s Neighborhood Traffic Operations program – making clear he’s taking about neighborhood streets, not arterials. (Volume defines which streets are arterials and which are not – there’s a different process for arterials.)

Read More

West Seattle Cup: What’s needed now to make it happen

January 28, 2014 9:49 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Cup: What’s needed now to make it happen
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

New information about the West Seattle Cup soccer tournament that’s being planned for June 14-15, as reported here last week, described by organizer Terry Kegel as follows:

The West Seattle Cup aims to engage and build community by creating opportunities to play, teach, learn, and connect across generational and cultural differences. The free event will bring together teams of 448 elementary-age children and their parents representing different countries to participate in a World Cup-style tournament that celebrates soccer, culture, and community.

We’ve learned that for the West Seattle Cup to happen, more local businesses and organizations must sign up as sponsors by the end of this week. Choose one of two levels, $500/$100, and make a commitment online. Volunteers are urged to sign up ASAP too – here’s where you can do that (check out the wide variety of things you can help with, starting now!).

West Seattle schools: Holy Rosary’s community-appreciation day

Thanks to Jon Barker at Holy Rosary School for the photos and report:

Catholic schools around the country are celebrating Catholic Schools Week this week and today Holy Rosary’s focus was on community appreciation. The school collected canned food, coats, socks, hats, gloves, diapers, and general clothing to donate to places of need. Here are a few pictures of students bringing the items into the church …

The 4th graders were also delivering Thank You certificates to local businesses; a tradition we started about 20 years ago!