West Seattle, Washington
17 Sunday
Family and friends are remembering David Franks, gone too soon at just 61. Here’s the tribute sent to us to share with you:
David A. Franks died unexpectedly March 29 of natural causes, one month short of his 62nd birthday. Though he lived in north Burien, he had lifelong ties to West Seattle. He grew up in the community, first in a house near the steel mill, then in the home his parents owned for more than 40 years on 42nd SW just south of Jefferson Square. Dave was in West Seattle every week, helping support the needs of his parents, and maintaining contact with friends and the families of two nieces who live here.
He was born April 30, 1951, in Seattle, graduated from West Seattle High School, and attended the University of Puget Sound. He had a career with the US Postal Service, where he rose from part-time mail handler to supervisor of the mail processing center at SeaTac Airport.
Dave was close to his large family, and had an extensive circle of friends, many dating to college days. A lifelong bachelor, Dave was a much-loved uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews, with whom he always was generous with time and gifts.
Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst for sharing tonight’s shimmering sunset view from Alki. The weather’s had a little of everything, but the forecast says it’ll get stormy before we see the sun again – breezy, up to 25 mph, later tonight and tomorrow. P.S. You can always check the forecast, current trends, sun/moon phases, tides, and extended outlook by going to the WSB Weather page; we’ve had a few requests to add pollen counts, but so far we’re not finding any suitable web widgets along those lines – sorry!
(Looking west toward the project site, from the alley on the east side of 44th)
Followup to the “microapartments” project in The Junction that we told you about last month – its first Southwest Design Review Board meeting is now tentatively scheduled for May 9th (6:30 pm, Senior Center of West Seattle). According to the project page on the city website, the 4-story building is now proposed for 34 “residential units” and 1 live-work unit; the page also has the notation, “No parking proposed.” A pre-Design Review draft document on the city’s website says that’s because of the site’s transit accessibility; that document also now refers to the project as “studios” rather than the term “micros” used on an earlier document in the online file.
(WSB photo from aboard USS Bunker Hill during 2012 Seafair Parade of Ships)
5:04 PM: In discussion of this morning’s Blue Angels cancellation announcement, one WSB’er asked if Seafair‘s Navy Fleet visits were still on – it’s had special West Seattle significance because of the Parade of Ships (here’s our 2012 coverage). We asked, and at the time, the Seafair spokesperson replied yes, as far as they knew. But now that’s changed, and they’ve just announced:
The U.S. Navy has confirmed that they are unable to provide ship visits for our fleet week due to federal budget cuts. Seafair Fleet Week will continue to emphasize military appreciation and include some component of visiting ships and Navy participation. Seafair will produce the Boeing Maritime Celebration again this summer to honor our men and woman in uniform as part of our fleet week activities. More information will be released in the coming weeks.
Keep in mind, this announcement just involves the U.S. Navy; Canadian military vessels have often participated.
6:58 PM: And to that point, Seafair says the Canadian Navy has reconfirmed its participation. Meantime, here’s what our regional U.S. Navy command says about all this.
(Click image to get full-size PDF of map)
That’s the detour map just in from SDOT, one week after they announced that the Delridge-Thistle intersection will close this weekend – 7 pm April 12th till 6 am April 15th – as part of the second phase of the Delridge Way repaving project. As shown on the map, here’s the detour plan – note there’s also a nearby closure that starts earlier, first thing THURSDAY morning:
· Northbound traffic on Delridge Way SW – Take SW Trenton Street to 35th Avenue SW to SW Holden Street to Delridge Way SW
· Southbound traffic on Delridge Way SW – Take SW Holden Street to 35th Avenue SW to SW Trenton Street to Delridge Way SW
· Westbound traffic on SW Thistle Street – Take 16th Avenue SW to SW Henderson Street to Delridge Way SW
· Eastbound traffic on SW Thistle Street – Take 35th Avenue SW to SW Holden Street or SW Trenton Street to Delridge Way SW
Additionally, there will be a partial closure of the SW Cloverdale Street and Delridge Way SW intersection from 7 a.m. Thursday, April 11, to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 13. This intersection will be closed to eastbound traffic on SW Cloverdale Street on these days. Through traffic will be directed to use a signed detour; local access will be maintained.
(July 4, 2008 photo by Susan Grossman of Singing Pixel Photography)
We’ve already talked about today’s one big announcement regarding this summer – the cancellation of the Blue Angels‘ season, including their Seattle shows. And now we have reason to talk about the other one: Not only are Seafair and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce saying they’re working together with Mayor McGinn on 4th of July fireworks – for which the longtime Family 4th producer couldn’t raise the money – but the show might move away from Lake Union. Maybe even Elliott Bay, reports Emily Heffter from The Seattle Times (WSB partner). Her story also mentions Seattle Center as a possible location, though, having produced TV coverage of the Bellevue Square-launched fireworks for a few years, we can tell you that a landlocked urban location like that would mean smaller shells and a less-spectacular show. There hasn’t been an Elliott Bay fireworks show since July 4, 2008; that show’s longtime sponsor Ivar’s announced its cancellation in April 2009.
Just got this via an alert from Washington State Ferries, whose Fauntleroy dock is next to King County’s Barton Pump Station work zone: Pile-driving is expected to start next Monday (April 15th), meaning “an increase in noise and vibration in the project area.” According to the project website, this work is expected to be done within four days (by April 18th). A construction notice with even more details can be seen here.
Incidents including drive-by gunfire and tagging have led to questions about how active gangs are in West Seattle right now. To get some answers, the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council will hear from Seattle Police Gang Unit Detective Clayton Agate at its next meeting, one week from tonight. All are welcome – 7 pm Tuesday, April 16th, Southwest Precinct meeting room (Delridge/Webster).
(Photo by Tino Tran: Rainmaker Reid Koss catching, in preseason matchup vs. Portland)
This spring, you won’t have to go downtown to see professional sports: The Seattle Rainmakers just announced their home games will be at Southwest Athletic Complex in Westwood, starting a week from this Saturday. Here’s the announcement:
Major League Ultimate (MLU) is establishing one of its eight professional ultimate frisbee teams in the Seattle area. The Seattle Rainmakers join the MLU’s Western Conference, and kick off their season on April 20th against the Vancouver Nighthawks.
The Seattle Rainmakers are coached by the highly decorated Ben Wiggins, a participant in, and coach of, elite ultimate in the northwest for the better part of the last decade. Wiggins has won awards at the highest level of collegiate ultimate, taken three club championships with Seattle’s premier club team, Seattle Sockeye, and has two World Championship silver medals to his name.
(Photo by Laura Joyce, shared via the WSB Facebook page)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find many more listings for tonight/tomorrow and beyond):
COUNCIL COMMITTEE TALKS ‘GREEN STORMWATER INFRASTRUCTURE’: Just getting under way – as previewed here last week – the City Council’s Transportation Committee meeting includes a review of the “concept” for the bioswales (raingardens) planned in Westwood/Sunrise Heights to help control Barton Pump Station combined-sewer overflows. (Watch live via Seattle Channel, online or cable 21)
SEALTH VS. WSHS SOCCER: Friendly cross-town rivals face off at 4 pm today, Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
FAMILY HEALTH AND FITNESS NIGHT @ CONCORD: South Park’s Concord International School has big fun planned 5:30-8 pm – details here. (723 S. Concord)
RAISE A FUTURE GUIDE DOG! Check out the world of guide-puppy-raising with West Seattle See Dogs, whose regular semimonthly meeting is at 6:30 pm, lower-level meeting room at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way; WSB sponsor)
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly meeting at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room, Admiral Congregational Church. Find the agenda here. (California/Hill)
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Regular monthly board meeting at 7 pm, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. Agenda includes update on “Celebrate Lincoln Park” events, previewed here last weekend. (9131 California SW)
(John Smersh from WSB sponsor Click! Design That Fits with balloons on 2012 “Tax-Free Day”)
It’s become an annual post-tax-day tradition – one big day of “Tax-Free” sales in The Junction. The official announcement this morning notes that more than 40 businesses will participate in this year’s event on Saturday, April 20th, and as always, you’ll know which ones by looking for red balloons outside participating businesses. You can always plan ahead by checking the list here – note that some food/beverage establishments are offering specials, too. (Of course it’s not really “tax-free” – just means the merchants are covering the ~10 percent you would otherwise pay in sales taxes – but that’s a notable discount.)
(August 2012 Blue Angels view from Alki, photographed by Les Crimmins)
This morning, Seafair says it’s official – no Blue Angels this year, because of federal budget cuts. Here’s the announcement the festival posted minutes ago on Facebook:
Today we were officially informed by the US Navy Blue Angels that their season has been cancelled, including the Seafair performance, due to Federal Budget Cuts resulting from sequestration. The Blue Angels have flown at Seafair for over 40 years and are an important part of our history. The team will be deeply missed by Seattleites, however Seafair will continue in its traditional fashion. The Patriots Jet Team, which we previously announced, will now assume the lead spot in our world-class air show. The six-ship aerobatic team electrifies spectators with fast-paced formation flying, choreographed four-ship diamond formation aerobatic maneuvers and are highlighted by a computerized red, white and blue smoke system. Many of the pilots include past experience with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds and Royal Canadian Air Force.
(Live view from the east-facing WS Bridge camera; see other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
7:19 AM: Via Twitter, SDOT reports a crash on northbound 99 at the Battery Street Tunnel. Updates as we get them.
7:30 AM: The crash has cleared. If you’re waiting for a state ferry at Fauntleroy, note that there’s a spot of trouble there – as WSF deals with a stalled vehicle aboard the Salish.
8:22 AM: Multiple-vehicle crash on Delridge between Delridge and Dakota.(Thanks to Sybil for pointing this out via Twitter.) *added* Blocking southbound lanes, according to a tweet from Lauren.
In this West Seattle Crime Watch roundup: First, we’ve already reported this on partner site White Center Now but wanted to make sure you knew too – Hung Pham is in jail; he’s the man charged with domestic-violence arson in the February house fire at 25th/Roxbury and with assault for attacking his girlfriend and another woman in South Delridge last month.
Next, reader reports. On Saturday afternoon, we tweeted a scanner call about an attempted auto theft. The next day, we heard from the car’s owner, Al:
Just wanted to let readers know that (Saturday) at 1430 hrs. in the 5900 block of Admiral Way, my car was broken into and they attempted to steal it. The 2 male suspects fled in a black 4-door car or crossover type vehicle with a bumper sticker northbound in the alley between 59th and 60th Ave SW (it was too far away to get a really good description as I ran into the alley). My car’s door was busted and the ignition/steering column lock was trashed. All of this, with a car alarm going off (ignition disabled). This was broad daylight on a Sat. The only thing they got away with was my radio faceplate, but damage is estimated at $800-1000. It has been reported to police, but in the meantime keep a lookout for suspicious activity. Summer’s coming, and with it is the increased activity of scum.
Be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity. And, above all, make sure you and your family are safe.
And a holdover from Friday – a package-theft report from Kay:
I live on 29th Ave SW between Kenyon and Elmgrove and a package was delivered to my front porch at 4:15 (per tracking info); shortly thereafter my next-door neighbor emailed me saying she found packaging in her yard and saw “an empty box on my porch.” So someone must have spotted the UPS truck and tore through the package after he left (I checked mail at 3:45 then ran errands and was home by 6:30.
Of the 4 sizable Junction apartment developments ready for construction, The Blake (5020 California SW) is the first to get off the ground. It’s been in the development-preparation process for almost six years, with the site’s former buildings cleared away a year and a half ago – and now, the heavy equipment has arrived (thanks to the WSB’ers who tipped us this afternoon, so we could get a photo before dark). This site has a relatively long history – it was once part of an ambitious West Seattle portfolio that was being amassed by BlueStar, the original developers of “The Hole” (which now, under different ownership and a different name, is one of the other 3 could-start-soon Junction developments). It became bank-owned, then sold to a Burien company, and then three months ago, its new name was announced – though the plan is essentially what was approved in 2008 via the Design Review process:
It’s now planned for six stories with 101 apartments. Right now, the next Junction development to start might be 4724 California SW, just a few blocks north, also on the east side of the street – as reported here last week, the DPD has issued a decision approving its Land Use Permit, and development-team spokesperson Rob O’Dea told WSB they hope to get the project under way at the start of June.
Another win for the West Seattle High School Wildcats! Greg Slader shares photos and toplines (thank you!) from this afternoon’s victory:
Timely hitting and outstanding pitching keeps West Seattle top of the Metro Sound Division with a 6-4 win over O’Dea.
Sam Hellinger (#20, above) pitched a complete game – 7 innings, 9 strikeouts, five hits, and four runs earned. Bobby Swamy (#23, top photo) had two hits, two runs scored, and Tim Adams (#24) hit a two-run homer as the offense outpaced O’Dea. Next game is Wednesday, 3:30 pm, @ Rainier Beach.
From a distance, you might think those are birds on pilings, photographed at Constellation Park‘s north end, right by the Alki Avenue/Beach Drive bend. But take a closer look:
“Awesome feats of balance” is how Chas Redmond, who sent the close-up photo, put it; just minutes after his photo came in, Kate Harris sent the wider view, describing the rock creations as “cairns.” Not sure how the tide will treat them, but thanks to Chas and Kate for sharing photos!
ADDED 5:07 PM: Just after we published this, Michelle Laraux sent photos – including this one with the rock artist in the background:
West Seattle resident Kendall Jones sends word from Olympia that he is reporting live today for his site Washington Beer Blog, as the Legislature looks at Gov. Inslee‘s proposal to raise education money by extending a tax on brewers, and applying it to small breweries as well as large ones. He says there are two West Seattle angles to this – one, tax opponents are asking 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon for help; two, one of the small breweries leading the fight in Olympia today is West Seattleite-owned Schooner Exact. You can read Kendall’s ongoing report here.
1:26 PM: We’re at Sanislo Elementary with a variety of other media crews, as Caroline Kennedy‘s visit as a poetry advocate has drawn quite the crowd. That’s Sanislo librarian Craig Seasholes with her in our cameraphone photo. The students have recited poems for her, as some Sanislo students will be doing during an event she is headlining downtown tonight.
She asked them why they like the library; one boy replied enthusiastically, “Reading makes me happy, and makes my brain work better!” She was asked how she became involved with poetry, and she mentioned her mom shared poetry with her when she was very little.
1:42 PM UPDATE: The visit is wrapping up, but some of the children are crowding around Kennedy to talk with her for a few more minutes. Sitting quietly, smiling, in the back of the library is Sanislo’s principal Ernie Seevers, who is retiring after his school year (he says this is the first celebrity visit they’ve had during his tenure, aside from a pro-football player!). Also here, West Seattle’s school-board rep, Marty McLaren. More to come, including video.
ADDED MONDAY EVENING: The video includes Q/A with students and their visitor, as well as a song.
Arlene Wade, instrumental in the creation of the Log House Museum and Duwamish Longhouse, has died at age 69. Here’s the remembrance we’ve received to share with you:
Arlene Hinderlie Wade (1943-2013) passed away on March 25 after a 13-year battle with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Arlene grew up in Port Orchard. She was the 1963 Seafair Queen during the ‘Century 21’ Seattle World’s Fair.
As President of the Southwest Seattle Historical Society in the 1990s, Arlene led the campaign to create the Log House Museum. She insisted on telling the story of the American settlers alongside that the Duwamish people, whose cause she championed for two decades. She shaped “The Spirit Returns” exhibit at the new Log House in 2000, which was the first time the story of the Duwamish and the American settlers was told side by side under one roof.
Paul Dorpat decribed her in his Seattle Then and Now column:
(Screengrab from Seattle Channel substituted when briefing ended; we’ll replace later with archived video)
10:49 AM: The formal announcement is expected within a few hours, but now several citywide news sources are reporting that Seattle Police Chief John Diaz is stepping down after almost four years (as interim and then permanent chief). Our partners at The Seattle Times 
quote City Councilmember Bruce Harrell as the source, as does KING 5; Diaz’s departure was first reported on Twitter by KIRO TV. All say that Assistant Chief Jim Pugel (at left in WSB file photo by Christopher Boffoli) will serve as interim chief.
11:15 AM: The mayor and police chief are planning an 11:30 a.m. briefing. (added) You’ll be able to watch the live webcast above.
11:49 AM: The briefing has begun – click “play” on the video window above to see it live.
12:00 PM: Chief Diaz recounted department accomplishments during his tenure and offered words of thanks. Now the mayor is speaking, and doing the same. Some of the major incidents mentioned as happening during the chief’s tenure included the murder of West Seattle High School graduate Officer Timothy Brenton and the Café Racer/downtown murders that ended with the killer’s West Seattle suicide last May.
12:08 PM: Assistant Chief Jim Pugel says he “promise(s) to continue to work … with everyone who has an interest in seeing Seattle as an even better and even safer city” while serving as interim chief. He also thanks SPD officers and community members for their role in that. After brief remarks, the mayor is asked “Why now?” and he punts the question to Chief Diaz, saying it was his decision. Diaz subsequently says that he evaluated issues such as innovation and reform, and he felt they are under control, and that things are “going extremely well,” so he decided “It was time” for him to retire. So why not wait till after this fall’s mayoral election? McGinn is asked. He replied that the search process will take so long, he doubts “any final decisions” would be made until after November.
12:28 PM: The briefing is over. Chief Diaz’s retirement is scheduled for the end of May. We’re taking down the video window but will re-add the archived version when it’s available on the city website. Meantime, the official news release has arrived via e-mail – click ahead to read it:Read More
(Sunday night’s sunset deserves one more look! Thanks to Don Brubeck for the photo)
Four highlights for today/tonight from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
TODDLER INDOOR GYM: Weather’s still dicey; got a little one who needs to run around someplace besides the living room? 1-4 pm, it’s drop-in time at the Delridge Community Center “indoor gym” – details in our calendar listing.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Three ballgames are scheduled today – from our calendar listing of this week’s high-school highlights:
3:30 pm: Baseball – West Seattle HS Boys Varsity vs. O’Dea, at Hiawatha
4:00 pm: Baseball – Chief Sealth IHS Boys Varsity vs. Lakeside, at Southwest Athletic Complex, baseball field.
4:00 pm: Softball – West Seattle HS Girls Varsity vs. Holy Names Academy, at Alki Playfield
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 6:30 tonight at Delridge Library (Brandon/Delridge), join this neighborhood council talking about topics including the future of Delridge Way itself, plus a presentation about the DIY Bikes program.
PIGEON POINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: 7 pm tonight at Pathfinder K-8‘s cafeteria, join the northeasternmost neighborhood group in West Seattle to talk about local issues.
Lots more – including three trivia/quiz nights! – on the calendar.
DINE OUT FOR ROXHILL ON TUESDAY: Tomorrow at Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor) in Fauntleroy, 8 am-10 pm, 25 percent of the proceeds go to Roxhill Elementary
BADA BISTRO ADDS LUNCH: Co-owner Sharon Bang sends word that the 61st/Alki restaurant/bar is adding lunch starting today, open at 11 am weekdays and 10 am weekends.
SEATTLE RESTAURANT WEEK: This is actually a two-week promotion, Sundays through Thursdays this week and next, with “3 courses for $28” offerings at restaurants around the region, and two WSB sponsors are among the participants – La Romanza Bistro Italiano in The Junction (here’s its SRW page – note that LR is closed Mondays) and Salty’s on Alki (here’s its SRW page).
PHOENECIA ‘WHIMSICAL’ WINE DINNER: Food, wine, and – fairy tales? Phoenecia on Alki is accepting reservations for a special 6-course, $75 wine dinner tomorrow night – read about it here and then call to check if there’s room.
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