West Seattle, Washington
23 Thursday
WSDOT says that even though the Blue Angels aren’t here for Seafair because of federal budgeting changes, the I-90 bridge still has to close daily this coming Friday through Sunday for the jets that are starring in the air show instead, the Patriots Jet Team. I-90 will be closed from I-5 in Seattle to Island Crest Way on Mercer Island, 1:15-2:40 pm each day, Friday 8/2, Saturday 8/3, and Sunday 8/4. Adjacent ramps will close too. Read the full announcement here.
(3650 55th SW is the original address of the site in question; map is from King County Parcel Viewer)
A new development, so to speak, in the Benchview neighborhood clash between developers who bought an old house and want to add two new ones to its site, and the neighbors who say one additional home – already under construction northeast of the existing house – is plenty. You’ll recall that they went to court to challenge the city’s approval of three reshaped parcels for the site. They argued their case on Friday, July 19th (WSB coverage here), and King County Superior Court Judge Mariane Spearman issued her ruling the following Wednesday, reported here Thursday – upholding the city’s decision/process on two technical points, but rejecting the boundaries of the “lot boundary adjustment.”
While the City Attorney’s Office told us last week they hadn’t decided whether to appeal the ruling, we just got word from Department of Planning and Development spokesperson Bryan Stevens that the site’s owners have filed a new plan:
I just wanted to let you and your readers know that the applicant of the Benchview lot boundary adjustment (LBA) has submitted a formal revision to their original permit. Since the Judge ruled that the parcel encompassing the existing house was too small, the applicant is now revising their LBA to increase the size of that parcel and maintain a total of three parcels. The proposed revision slightly reduces the parcel size of the house under construction, which enlarges the adjacent parcel with the existing house on the corner.
The parcel sizes are listed on this new city page for the project; we’re still seeking further documents showing the proposed boundaries and will add to this story as we find out more.
West Seattle resident, chef, and cooking instructor Erin Coopey is releasing her first cookbook, The Kitchen Pantry Cookbook, this Thursday (August 1st), and three launch events are scheduled here in her home community. The book focuses on making kitchen staples like mayonnaise and ketchup from scratch. After developing 
a grain allergy a few years ago, Coopey learned to make typically store-bought ingredients at home in order to avoid gluten and other fillers, leading to the inspiration for her book. From the official announcement:
The Kitchen Pantry Cookbook is 99 percent naturally gluten-free (one pita chip recipe), achieved simply by preparing everyday basics from scratch, and without commercial fillers. Recipes are easily tailored to avoid ingredients that diners are allergic to and each recipe features simple substitutions whenever possible, as well as the best way to store the finished product.
A gluten-free eater herself, Chef Erin is thrilled to share her recipes with a broad home chef audience and help people eat healthier by eliminating high-fructose corn syrup, extra salt, trans fats, modified food starch, and unpronounceable preservatives from their meals.
The book-release party is scheduled for PCC Natural Markets-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) 5-7 pm Wednesday, August 7th, followed by a book-signing event 11 am-1 pm Sunday, August 11th, at CAPERS, and a tasting/book-signing event 5 pm-7 pm Thursday, August 15th, at Seattle Fish Company. Find out more about Coopey and her book online at glorifiedhomechef.com.
(2010 WSB photo taken during a concert at The Mount)
Another outdoor-concert series gets going this week in West Seattle- Summer Concerts at The Mount, presented at and by Providence Mount St. Vincent (WSB sponsor), four consecutive Friday nights starting August 2nd. The show’s free, presented on the south side of The Mount’s campus (4831 35th SW), with free popcorn and snow cones – but you have the option to buy dinner/drinks, to make a picnic out of it. We just procured the menu, but first, the musical lineup:
AUGUST 2: Ian McFeron – Singer/songwriter with upbeat musical styles.
AUGUST 9: Convergence Zone Bluegrass Band – 5-piece bluegrass/country acoustic group.
AUGUST 16: 85th Street Big Band – 20-piece big band featuring swing favorites from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, including tunes made famous by Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, and Nat King Cole.
AUGUST 23: The Spyrographs – 5-piece band that plays the best Spy, Pop, Surf and Bossa Nova hits of the ’60s.
Read on for the full-series menu:
Read More
Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch this morning, starting with the case of the stolen unicycle, reported by Jenn:
We were on 35th and Brandon. Sunday between 5:30 and 7:30, the red unicycle was stolen from the bed of our pickup. It was a birthday gift from my daughter’s grandpa. She is taking it well, but it sucks that someone thought it should be theirs just because it didn’t have a lock on it. It’s not worth much, and I called a few pawn shops, but they don’t seem to be interested in unicycles. So, I am hoping that it will turn up in the bushes somewhere!
On Saturday, Ari woke up to discover a bicycle thief had struck:
We heard some noise around 11pm (Friday night) but hadn’t paid it much mind. On the intersection of 29th Ave SW & SW Othello st. It was a vintage green Fairway Flyer.
Finally, a car theft thwarted early today – around midnight – by a Highland Park resident who doesn’t want to be identified:
Someone just broke into and tried to steal my ’96 Honda Accord from my driveway. They weren’t scared off by the flood lights, but ran when they saw me look out the window. Kudos to the cops for quick response, but my ignition is destroyed. This was on the 7500 block of Dumar Way SW, just up the hill from Home Depot. This is only a couple of blocks from where a car was stolen on 18th and Holden.
Yet another reminder: Night Out block parties, one week from tonight – sign up ASAP! And please let us know if you’re having one.
(Osprey and prey, by Alki Pete, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find more!):
ONE WEEK UNTIL ‘NIGHT OUT’: Is your block party signed up yet? Register it with SPD and you can close off your (non-arterial) street. And if you’re having a party and wouldn’t mind Team WSB potentially stopping by for a photo as part of our as-it-happens coverage, please let us know where (and who to ask for)! Thanks!
LUAU/HAWAIIAN MUSIC LUNCH: The Senior Center of West Seattle goes tropical, and all are welcome for a “luau” lunch and ukulele music starting at 11:45 am; more details here. (Oregon/California)
CHANGING FUNERAL/CEMETERY TRADITIONS: The past, present, and future of funerals is the topic for today’s guest speaker at the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s weekly lunch meeting, noon at WSB sponsor Salty’s on Alki. (1936 Harbor Ave. SW)
BOOK GROUP: 1-2 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle, new members always welcome, as explained here. (Oregon/California)
RECYCLE YOUR T-SHIRT: Tweens and teens are invited to bring theirs to High Point Branch Library today, 2-4 pm, and turn it into wearable art – details here. (35th/Raymond)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Tuesday evening hours at WSTL, 5-8 pm – prime summer time for projects won’t last forever; go check out what you need for yours. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
(added) SPOKE AND FOOD: Dining-out benefit – if you ride your bike to dinner tonight at Marination ma kai (WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, Proletariat Pizza in White Center, or this list of other citywide participants, 20 percent of the tab goes to the nonprofit BikeWorks.
CAN YOU DIG IT? 7 pm at Delridge Branch Library, a comical tour of archaeological sites – as explained here. (5423 Delridge Way SW)
(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
7:35 AM: One traffic reminder for today – the city is scheduled to repave a section of California SW north of Morgan Junction, between Graham and Fauntleroy, over the next two days, 9 am-5 pm, keeping one lane open in each direction.
7:47 AM: Multiple commenters report a stalled bus on northbound 99 near the tunnel-boring machine launch pit (where, incidentally, digging is scheduled to begin today). This photo tweeted earlier by WSDOT shows where it’s stuck on the rise.
7:51 AM: … and now the bus has been cleared. Backups, as you are likely well aware, will take longer to dissipate.
Young artist or writer in the house? Seal Sitters is welcoming more entries in its art/story contest,
with the deadline coming up August 15th, two weeks from this Thursday. Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey says it’s open to all kids going into grades K-5, and the basic theme is: Create “a story or drawing about where seal pup Spud [whose appearance onshore in ’07 was the inspiration for Seal Sitters] was born, where he and his mom traveled, how he got to Alki Beach, what does he see when he swims in Puget Sound, etc.” Full details of the contest are here, including where to drop off or mail entries. All the stories and drawings will be shown at the Alki Bathhouse during the “Year of the Seal” celebration event 1-4 pm Sunday 9/8/13. And the entries will be judged for prizes, including Seattle Aquarium tickets and copies of the book “Leonard and Silkie.” Questions? Contact Lynn, shimamoto.lynn (at) gmail (dot) com. Get your creation going now!
After several busy months for the Southwest Design Review Board, their July 25th and August 15th meetings were canceled for lack of projects to review. But it looks like there will be a meeting on August 29th; today, the city penciled one project in for that date – the board’s second look at an apartment project called Junction Flats, 4433 42nd SW. The four-story, 80-unit, ~60-parking-space project’s Early Design Guidance review was back on January 10th; here’s the official city report. This next meeting could be its last, if the board approves its design. The meeting is tentatively set for 6:30 pm Thursday, August 29th, at the Senior Center of West Seattle (Oregon/California in The Junction).
Though the plan to close the “Nickelsville” encampment in West Seattle has been final for a while, a semi-related proposal to allow more potential encampment sites in the city didn’t come up for a final vote until today – and a majority of City Councilmembers said no. The proposal sought to set up a process by which temporary encampment sites could be approved, with a long list of rules and prerequisites – you can read them here. Its sponsor, Councilmember Nick Licata, was one of four “yes” votes, along with Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Bruce Harrell, and Mike O’Brien; “no” votes were by Council President Sally Clark and Councilmembers Tim Burgess, Richard Conlin, Jean Godden, and Tom Rasmussen.
(WSB photo from Saturday night; pickup is behind tape in upper left, CR-V in foreground)
3:50 PM: Bail is set at $1 million for the Highland Park man jailed in connection with the deadly Saturday night crash at Delridge and Kenyon. That’s according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which says the 43-year-old man admitted to police that he had been drinking earlier in the evening before taking the wheel of the Chevrolet pickup truck that rolled after colliding with a Honda CR-V. The victim was riding in the back of the pickup and died after being ejected during the crash. Probable-cause documents say the driver was behind the wheel despite having a license suspended for unpaid tickets, including one for violating an order to have an ignition interlock, and had been arrested for alleged DUI in Island County, with the charges eventually reduced. He is due back in court on Wednesday, which is the deadline for prosecutors to file charges. His record includes two days in the King County Jail this past February on a charge of domestic-violence assault.
ADDED TUESDAY: There have been a few questions about circumstances. Here is the entirety, transcribed, of the police-written narrative contained in the probable-cause documents (with names omitted); we’re likely to get something longer if charges are filed tomorrow:
I responded to a traffic collision in the 7900 block Delridge Way Southwest where one person had been killed as a result. I learned from one driver identified as [CR-V driver] he was driving east on SW Kenyon St. behind another vehicle and they both had a green signal in their favor. Another vehicle apparently being operated by [suspect’s name] was southbound, failed to stop for a red signal and they collided. [Officer] reported that the [suspect’s] vehicle rolled over and a person riding in the back was ejected and killed. [Suspect] was transported to Harborview Hospital and the officer guarding him received information from a Seattle Firefighter that [suspect] appeared to have been drinking alcohol. I secured a sample of [suspect’s] blood under authority of a search warrant. The results of the analysis are pending. I met with [suspect] and advised him of his constitutional rights. In response to my questions, [suspect] admitted to drinking alcohol earlier tonight and is a marijuana user but had not used any tonight. [Suspect] had no memory of the collision or what led up to it. According to Washington Department of Licensing (his) driver’s license is suspended 3rd degree for unpaid tickets, one of which is for a conviction of Ignition Interlock Restriction in Seattle Municipal Court. Also (he) has one DUI charge that was reduced to Negligent Driving 1st degree from Island County. While I spoke with (him), I detected foul breath but no odor of alcohol. His speech was slurred and thick tongued and eyes watery and bloodshot. He was also crying.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Right across Fauntleroy Way from the suddenly much-discussed “Whole Foods project” (4755 Fauntleroy Way), a new development proposal has just emerged: A freestanding one-story drugstore with a drive-thru window.
This is notable in the context of 4755 Fauntleroy across the street, because, for most of the year that project has been under review, it’s been described as intended for a drugstore as well as the Whole Foods Market and about 370 apartments.
The drugstore envisioned in renderings for 4755 originally was supposed to have a drive-thru window, but reviewers didn’t like the resulting traffic flow in the supposedly walk-through middle part of the project. So finally at a recent review meeting, architects announced the drive-thru was out. Then at a subsequent meeting, developers admitted that losing the drive-thru might have cost them the drugstore, too.
The potential pharmacy tenant was never signed, the 4755 Fauntleroy project team has repeatedly said, so we don’t know who they were negotiating with. This new proposal at 4722 Fauntleroy does not (yet) have a company name on the documents, but we’ve found clues to one possibility.
Here’s what we have found about the new proposal so far (which does NOT, we should make clear, involve any of the same property owners or development firms as the other side of the street):
A site plan was filed July 23rd for the proposal at 4722 Fauntleroy, the site that’s currently home to West Seattle Produce and Suite Arrangements. City records show the applicant to be Michigan-based The Velmeir Companies. It maps out a “single-tenant retail pharmacy building,” 14,500 square feet, roughly the same size as the nearby Trader Joe’s.
The prospective pharmacy’s name is not mentioned, but the client list on Velmeir’s website includes the drugstore chain CVS, which has locations in multiple states but currently not in ours, according to the corporate website. And we have found that this is one of at least four similar projects that Velmeir is pursuing in the Puget Sound metro area right now. There’s one in Burien’s Five Corners area; also one on lower Queen Anne, at the current site of Kidd Valley Burgers; this story mentions it’s now proposed for a one-story, 16,000-square-foot pharmacy. Then, yet another one is pending along North 45th St. in Wallingford (described as single-story retail). Neither of those three mentions the potential pharmacy by name, but yet another Velmeir proposal in Renton (with mentions CVS in a city document about the development.
The new West Seattle proposal at 4722 Fauntleroy site has two types of zoning, according to documents for this project – from four to eight stories – but again, the proposal on record so far lists a standalone single-story retail building, with 58 parking spaces, which the “site plan” sketch says would be twice what’s required. The drive-thru window is shown on what would be the south side of the new building, with separate entrance and exit driveways off Fauntleroy, and parking is shown north and east of the building.
We are following up with multiple sources including Velmeir; meantime, we have confirmed with the city that this project will require Design Review, as does anything in an NC zone over 4,000 square feet.
West Seattle’s next new restaurant, Westcity Sardine Kitchen, opens Friday at 3405 California SW, and will serve dinner seven nights a week. We’ve been watching this one for a long time; check the backstory:
December 2010 – The Bohemian abruptly closes.
August 2011 – The site sells to an “experienced restaurateur” (eventually revealed as the owner of Bick’s Neighborhood Grill in Greenwood).
January 2012 – A liquor-license app spills the name “West City Sardine Kitchen” (the first space has since been removed).
September 2012 – After months of attempts to get more information about the future restaurant and its status, via phone calls, in-person visits, notes on the door, we receive a postal-mailed letter from its proprietors, explaining their plan of a “simple neighborhood dinnerhouse” in the vein of Bick’s and co-owned, nearby Saltoro.
June 2013 – A help-wanted ad for the new restaurant appears on Craigslist.
We’ve gone by almost daily ever since, hoping to find someone to follow up with. And today, we connected with staffers who tell us they’re opening Friday, August 2nd, and will be open 5-10 pm daily thereafter – the “simple neighborhood dinnerhouse” as explained in that September letter.
Read on for photos of the menu, and more info:
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This morning, a case we’ve been checking on since last fall is resolved: The hate-crime case against 35-year-old Ryan J. Cox has ended with a guilty plea, and he is out of jail after sentencing last Friday.
This case dates back to last October, when Cox was charged with malicious harassment (hate crime) and third-degree assault after hitting a man four times with a baseball bat as they exited a bus on Avalon Way, with Cox shouting homophobic slurs because of his perception of the man’s sexual orientation.
Police arrested Cox the next day at Solstice Park northeast of Lincoln Park, an area he has been known to frequent since his previous involvement in high-profile cases.
(Northern Flicker woodpecker photographed Sunday by Mark Wangerin)
Relatively quiet day/night on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, but a few things to mention:
ANOTHER VOTER-REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Too late to register to get a ballot by mail for next week’s primary, but if you’re not registered and want to be, you have one last chance – do it in person, today. (Follow that link and scroll down for the locations – downtown or Renton – where you can do it.)
COUNCIL VOTE ON ENCAMPMENT ORDINANCE: Not directly related to “Nickelsville,” given the separate action to close it, but for those interested in the ongoing issue of allowing encampments on city-owned or private property – the proposed ordinance is on the City Council’s 2 pm agenda today at City Hall.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm at High Point Branch Library – details in the listing. (35th/Raymond)
NIGHTLIFE: Trivia/pub quiz night, at venues listed on the calendar.
(Live view from the west-facing WS Bridge camera; other cameras are on the WSB Traffic page)
6:03 AM: Happy Monday! One traffic note for today – while the current phase of the Delridge repaving work does NOT require detours, related work on SW Orchard east of Delridge will require traffic to alternate use of a single lane every day this week – here’s the announcement.
9:09 AM: Again today, commenters have mentioned an SPD motorcycle officer stationed – standing – by the exit lane to northbound 99, watching for bus-lane violators. “Like a sentry,” as Joe put it, sending this photo:
Joe took the photo as his RapidRide bus passed.
(WSB photo from 2012 Breathe Deep Seattle in Lincoln Park)
At least five benefit 5Ks (or almost-5Ks) are coming up in West Seattle in the next 3 months. Before we list them, here’s a way to rev up to run: Lori McConnell from West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) says they’re starting another Get Fit West Seattle couch-to-half-marathon training program, kicking off with an info-night session at 7 pm this Tuesday (July 30th); training begins August 4th. Lori explains, “This program is free and will take people from the couch (seriously) to the half marathon starting line for the Seattle Half Marathon on December 1st, 2013.” (Haven’t been to WS Runner? Northwest corner of California/Charlestown, second floor.)
Now – the five run/walk events in West Seattle that we know about, set for August, September, and October:
BREATHE DEEP SEATTLE: Saturday, August 10th, Lincoln Park. Info here; benefits lung-cancer research. Starts at 9:30 am.
ALKI BEACH 5K WALK/RUN: Sunday, August 25th, Alki Beach. Info here; benefits breast-cancer patients. Starts at 9 am.
BEAT THE BURN 5K WALK/RUN: Sunday, September 29th, Alki Beach. Info here; benefits burn victims. Starts at 9 am.
MILES FOR MIDWIVES: Sunday, October 6th, Lincoln Park. Info here; benefits midwives. Starts at 10 am.
MONSTER DASH: Saturday, October 26th, Lincoln Park. Info here; benefits co-op preschools. Start time TBA.
If we’re missing any that are coming up this summer/fall in West Seattle, please let us know!
The photo is courtesy of Leanne, in honor of her neighbor Doris turning 100 today. Doris is at left in Leanne’s photo, with her friend Helen, a former roommate from the 1930s; Doris and husband Austin moved to West Seattle in the 1940s, buying a then-new house in which she lives to this day. Leanne – mom to 2-year-old Evan, who is also in the photo – adds of her neighbor, “She is an artist, born in Skagit County in 1913, and is dearly loved by her family and neighbors.” Happy birthday, Doris!
Two notes:
‘PINKAPALOOZA’: We don’t know for sure if that’s what the people in Mark Ahlness‘s photo, shared via the WSB Flickr group, were fishing for at Lincoln Park – but we do know that the every-other-year pink-salmon run, dubbed “pinkapalooza” in this story from the Seattle Times (WSB partner), is on the way. Six million of them, in fact, says The Times, with the Puget Sound catch peaking in the next few weeks.
BENEATH THE SURFACE: “Diver Laura” James has a video shot while she was out for some underwater cleanup off Alki, concurrent with the beach cleanup yesterday, mentioned here last night. This video was shot right off the sandy beach while they were out:
In addition to a “tour” of the eelgrass offshore – the grass that nourishes a variety of sea/shore life, including the beautiful brant geese who migrate here every year – you’ll also see an encounter with a “fried egg” jellyfish, the type you’ll see if you watch the water this time of year – especially off piers like Seacrest and Jack Block (where we saw several on Friday).
(WSB photo from June 2013)
Alki Point Lighthouse fans, two things you should know: First, the U.S. Coast Guard asked us to let you know that the lighthouse will NOT open for tours next weekend (August 3-4) because of “heavy tasking during Seafair weekend.” You can still visit 1-4 pm today, or on a later August-weekend day.
Second, another chance to learn about lighthouse history: This is its centennial summer – you might recall the two-site celebration on June 1st, and the history presentation at the Alki Community Council‘s meeting back in May (WSB coverage here).
The UCCG Auxiliary volunteer who gave that presentation, Will Winter, will be at the Log House Museum on Thursday, August 8th, to tell you all about the lighthouse’s history – and it’s not just a rerun! Read on for full details from the Southwest Seattle Historical Society:
Thanks to Robert Spears for sharing that great blue heron photo – and other bird images – via the WSB Flickr group, where you’ll find other photographers’ excellent work too. (And if you didn’t see Robert’s eagle-takeoff photo on the WSB Facebook page earlier this week – go here.) Meantime, another day has lifted off, and we have highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
ADMIRALTY HOUSE ANTIQUES: Until 4 pm, final day of the three-day liquidation sale at the little brick shop in the Admiral District. 97-year-old owner Fred Dau is finally retiring; here’s our interview, published last week. (2141 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, every Sunday. Featured today, according to the WSFM Facebook page – free pectin and pickling mix at the info booth, for those who will be canning and/or making jellies and jams from the currently abundant summer produce! (44th/Alaska)
BENEFIT BRUNCH: 11 am and 12:30 pm, two seatings at Senior Center of West Seattle‘s benefit brunch, last Sunday of every month. (Oregon/California)
FREE ICE CREAM SOCIAL: Tibbetts United Methodist Church (WSB sponsor) is throwing a party – a Neighborhood Appreciation Ice Cream Social – and you’re invited. It’s West Seattle’s own Husky Ice Cream, and they even plan to have sugar-free ice cream on hand if you’d prefer that option. Stop by 11:30 am-1:30 pm; details in our calendar listing.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: 1-4 pm today – and note that next weekend (August 3rd-4th) because of Seafair obligations, tours will NOT be offered (they’ll be back 8/10-11).
(WSB photo by Patrick Sand from 2013 West Seattle Summer Fest Eve in The Junction)
OPEN HOUSE RECEPTION FOR THE JACOBS: After 13 years, Pastor Dan and Joanie Jacobs are moving on from West Seattle Christian Church, which invites all who want to offer well-wishes to come to an open house/farewell reception 3-5 pm today. (WSCC Activity Center on 42nd between Genesee and Oregon)
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK: 3 pm at Lincoln Park, Greenstage presents “King Lear” – details in the calendar listing.
MUSIC AT C&P: 3-5 pm, Brita Rae Borough performs live. From the C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) website: “Brita’s original songs sound like a cross between Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, YES, and Eric Clapton.” No cover. (5612 California SW)
NATURE WALK: Naturalist Stewart Wechsler invites you to look for owls, and more, late this afternoon into the early evening, starting at 4:30 pm. Details on his website. (Meet @ kiosk in north parking lot)
BAR CHORDS: Last in the 5-Sunday series of benefit acoustic performances at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), 8 pm. Features the Basement Studios All-Star Jam. (6451 California SW)
8:29 AM: M/V Klahowya remains out of service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route today, according to Washington State Ferries, because of a “lack of qualified crew.” That means the route remains on a 2-boat schedule; you can see it here.
1:17 PM: WSF says it’s back on a three-boat schedule.
(NEWEST INFO: 1:53 am, police have just reopened Delridge)
9:37 PM: An incident with major police/fire response has Delridge blocked at Kenyon.
9:46 PM: Police at the scene say this is a two-vehicle crash and one person is dead at the scene. Two others have been taken to the hospital.
11:04 PM: The vehicle in our photo is one of the two involved, a Honda CR-V. A pickup truck is the other vehicle, and is up on the sidewalk about 50 feet south of the CR-V, according to the WSB crew that was at the scene. SPD Lt. Alan Williams reiterated at the scene that this is a collision involving two vehicles, no pedestrians. The Traffic Collision Investigation Squad is at the scene and that means this section of Delridge will be closed for at least a few more hours. It is their second investigation in West Seattle in less than 48 hours – they also investigated the deadly motorcycle/SUV crash in The Junction early Friday.
11:50 PM UPDATE: Police have just published an update on SPD Blotter, and they say the driver of one vehicle was drinking:
At approximately 9:11 p.m. officers responded to a 911 report of a two vehicle rollover collision in the 7900 block of Delridge Way SW. Preliminary investigation indicates that a Honda CRV was eastbound on SW Kenyon Street and was executing a left turn onto northbound Delridge Way SW when it was struck by a southbound Chevy pickup truck which subsequently overturned. An adult male who was riding in the bed of the pickup truck was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene by fire department medics.
The events leading up to the collision remain under active investigation.
The driver of the Honda, a male in his 50′s, was evaluated for signs of impairment due to alcohol and/or drugs. No impairment was detected. He was transported to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries.
The driver of the Chevy truck, an adult male, was transported to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. The front seat passenger of the Chevy truck, an adult male, was treated at the scene by fire department medics and released.
The driver of the Chevy was also evaluated for signs of impairment. Indications of alcohol consumption were detected and he was placed under arrest and processed for driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Upon completion of his evaluations and treatment he will be booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Vehicular Homicide.
No citations will be issued at the scene, which is standard procedure in serious traffic collisions involving extensive follow up investigation and collision reconstruction.
Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives responded to the scene and continue to actively investigate. Delridge Way SW is closed for approximately one block in each direction from the scene and traffic is being detoured. The road should be back open at approximately 1:30 a.m.
1:53 AM UPDATE: Police have just announced via radio communication that Delridge is reopening.
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