West Seattle, Washington
27 Wednesday
ORIGINAL REPORT, 5:54 PM: A helicopter’s been seen over south West Seattle, and we believe it’s linked to a stabbing reported at 13th/100th in White Center. According to King County Sheriff’s Office via Twitter, the suspect is the victim’s son. Headed that way.
6:24 PM UPDATE: The 69-year-old victim has died, and her 42-year-old son is in custody, KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says. We’re continuing to cover this on our partner site White Center Now (where our coverage includes video of Sgt. West explaining what they know so far).
5:14 PM: Thanks to everyone who has messaged us about the big police response – we saw several of the lights/siren cars heading north ourselves. We’re at the scene of an incident involving a car at 42nd and Charlestown (we’ve counted eight SPD cars so far). Someone is believed to be hurt – there’s just been a Seattle Fire Department car to come help. Still sorting out details, and will add as we find out more.
5:20 PM UPDATE: We’ve learned this started as a “help the officer” call – and it appears medics are checking out an officer. This is all unfolding just east of the old Charlestown Café. (added) Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen confirms an officer was assaulted by a suspect after a traffic stop. He says the suspect is under arrest.
6:04 PM UPDATE: New information from Capt. Paulsen – two officers were hurt; he says, “the suspect was under arrest and tried to drive off as the officer was trying to bring him out of the car. The suspect was also in possession of suspected controlled substances.” The injured officers, he says, are at Harborview Medical Center.
8:47 PM UPDATE: More details from SPD Blotter – including word that a citizen who tried to help got hurt. Read on for the narrative:
Thanks to Aimee Pellegrini from La Romanza Bistro Italiano (WSB sponsor) for the tip that led us to this story: Something is finally moving forward in the 
former Garlic Jim’s spot in The Junction (4520 California SW; file photo at right), vacant more than a year. Briefly, it was slated to be a Round Table – we reported in March on a liquor-license filing, which usually means plans are fairly far down the road – but that went nowhere, and the space remained posted as “for lease.” Then today, Aimee mentioned the windows were papered over, and we started sleuthing. The trail finally led to Pizzeria Credo. WSB researcher/editorial assistant Katie Meyer talked this afternoon with proprietor Jacques Nawar, who says his new establishment will serve wood-fired pizza, some other entrees, and appetizers. He says he is extensively remodeling the space, expanding the dining area and adding a full bar in the back. He told Katie he wants to make it a “beautiful” place for West Seattle. If all goes well, he hopes to have Pizzeria Credo open by February.
One followup to our coverage of the Sunday morning power outage that at its peak affected 11,000 homes and businesses across the south half of West Seattle: Commenter “Zephyr” described a challenge with the automated outage-reporting phone system. In response, Seattle City Light‘s Scott Thomsen explains how it works and one step you should take NOW in case you have to report an outage, big or small:
It is important for us to know that someone reporting an outage is an actual customer, so the automated system we use when the call center is not staffed tries to identify callers by their telephone number. If you’re calling from a different phone, you can enter the phone number that is associated with your account.
If we don’t have a customer’s current phone numbers, the system will bounce the call. That’s one of the many reasons why its so important for people to make sure their information is current. We keep this information secure. We never share it with any other organization.
Customers can update their contact information online at seattle.gov/light/Accounts/cust_info.asp
Sunday’s outage was blamed on underground equipment failure; we still have an inquiry out for more specifics, including what’s been done in terms of repairs, and will report that information when we get it.
(Tribute to Lucie Hernandez; photo courtesy Denny International Middle School)
The two teenagers killed in Sunday night’s South Park crash were current and former Denny International Middle School students, confirms principal Jeff Clark, who also identifies one of the survivors as a student at adjacent Chief Sealth International High School. He is publicly sharing this letter sent home to Denny families today:
On Sunday evening there was a car crash in South Park. Tragically, the driver, Mario Luis Martinez Herrera, a former Denny student, was killed; four other teens were transported to Harborview Medical Center. One additional person died from injuries sustained in the accident at Harborview shortly after arriving.
We were deeply saddened to learn that the teen who passed away at Harborview was a Denny eighth-grader, Luciana “Lucie” Hernandez. Lucie’s older sister, Karla, a ninth-grader at Chief Sealth International High School, was also in the accident and is being treated for very serious injuries at Harborview. Our thoughts and deepest sympathy go out to the family and friends of all three students.
Today at school we had a moment of silence, an eighth-grade class meeting, individual and group grief counseling, and a place for interested students to come together at lunchtime. Additionally, students had an opportunity to begin to create a tribute which will be displayed at school and then taken to the service to be given to Lucie’s family.
While we are working to support students at school, you know your child better than anyone. You can help your child simply by talking and listening to her or him. If there is anything in particular we can do to support your child, please contact Assistant Principal, Ms. Rangel, at 252-9006 or pjrangel@seattleschools.org.
As a community, we will be developing plans to support the impacted families. Current ideas will be discussed at our Family PTSA meeting tonight at 7:00 pm in the Denny library.
Police are continuing to investigate the crash, which we covered in more detail on our South Park site, The South Park News.
Earlier today, we shared the holiday-help request sent by the White Center Food Bank, and sent the West Seattle Food Bank an inquiry to see what it needs before Thanksgiving. Together, both serve thousands of families in this area. We’ve now heard back from West Seattle FB executive director Fran Yeatts:
The West Seattle Food Bank will be open to accept donations this Saturday, November 17th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Perishable and non-perishable items will be gratefully accepted during this time. We will also offer tours of the facility and additional information on Food Bank operations for those interested.
Frozen turkeys and desserts like store-bought pies or pie shells and fixings are especially needed.
Non-perishable donations can also be accepted at the Turkey Bowl this Saturday from 5:30 PM– 8:00 PM at the West Seattle Bowl, 4505 39th Ave. SW. West Seattle Food Bank will also be open during our regular donation hours this week. During the week of November 19th, we will be open to accept donation Monday the 19th from 9:00 AM – 7 PM, Tuesday, November 20th from 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and Wednesday, November 21st from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Our address: 3419 SW Morgan. When delivering donations, pull into our parking garage off Morgan St. just east of 35th Ave. SW. Contact us at 206-932-9023 for additional information.
For West Seattle residents needing assistance with food over the holidays, the West Seattle Food Bank will be distributing Thanksgiving food during the following hours:
Monday, November 19th 9:15 AM – 11:00 AM for seniors only.
Monday, November 19th 4:00 PM – 7 PM for the general public.
Tuesday, November 20th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM for the general public.We will be closed on November 22nd and 23rd for the Thanksgiving holidays. Thank you.
Nine days till Thanksgiving, and even fewer days till local food banks’ holiday food pickups – so now’s the time to figure out how to help. The White Center Food Bank, which also serves southern West Seattle, is looking for volunteer helpers as well as food and money – plus, note that there is a turkey-dropoff opportunity in West Seattle this weekend, if you can’t get to White Center:
Do you have time next week to pass out food to clients at the White Center Food Bank at .10829 8th Ave SW. We need volunteers on the following shifts:
Monday, November 19 (9:30 to 12:30)
Tuesday, November 20 (9:30-12:30, 12:30-3:30 & 3:30-6:30)
Wednesday, November 21 (12:30-3:30 & 4:00 to 8:00)
If you can help, contact Audrey Zemke at audrey@whitecenterfoodbank.org or 206-762-2848. Families and kids welcome.The Food Bank also needs donations of the following foods or money to buy them.
Turkeys
Canned Pumpkin
Canned Sweet Potatoes or Yams
Pickles
Cake Mixes
CrackersDonations are accepted Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 to 5:00 at 10829 8th Ave SW [map].
WEST SEATTLE DROPOFF: Turkeys can be dropped off on Sunday, November 18, at Fauntleroy UCC [9140 California SW], starting at 11 am. We will be onsite with our refrigerated van to accept donations.
We are checking with the West Seattle Food Bank regarding their holiday needs, and will publish that when we get the info.
(Autumn-leaf carpet at 36th/Hanford; photo shared by Myrtle)
Before Tuesday gets much further along – calendar highlights for today/tonight:
SENIOR CENTER ‘SALUTE TO VETS’ LUNCH: Not too late to call to see if there’s still room – 11:45, lunch that’s free to veterans, reasonably priced for others. Info here.
AIRCRAFT NOISE/FLIGHT PATTERN CONCERNS? The rescheduled meeting for Seattle’s southern neighborhoods, with the FAA and Port of Seattle, is at 6:30 tonight at Cleveland High School on Beacon Hill – info and map here.
TUESDAY TUNE-UP, BENEFITING WESTSIDE BABY: Tonight’s “good time for a good cause” is the Tuesday Tune-Up at Salty’s on Alki (WSB sponsor), benefiting WestSide Baby. Cocktails, appetizers, live music, 6:30-8:30 pm.
NEW BLOCK WATCH: The California/Myrtle vicinity of southern Morgan Junction/western Gatewood is forming a Block Watch, and if you’re anywhere in that area, you’re invited to the organizational meeting at 7 tonight, lower-level meeting room at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation‘s church, 7141 California SW.
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Neighborhood crime trends are part of the agenda tonight at 7 pm, lower-level meeting room at Admiral Congregational Church (California/Hill), everyone welcome.
DEADLINE NEAR FOR ORDERING HOLIDAY TREES, WREATHS: Just a few more days to get in on this:
The Parent Association of Seattle Lutheran High School is offering Christmas trees, wreaths and other holiday greenery for sale, until Saturday, Nov. 17. Preorder a Noble Fir tree of up to 8 feet for just $45, and wreaths are available in 22-, 24-, and 30-inch sizes. A perennial best-seller is the 25-foot garland for $28. Wrap up your decorating by ordering the $100 special, which includes a wreath, garland, tree and centerpiece.
Pickup will be on Friday, Nov. 30, at Hope Lutheran School; delivery in West Seattle is available for $10. See seattlelutheran.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Christmas-Greens-2012.pdf
Music and more for tonight and beyond, on the calendar!
FiveSix reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch – car prowls and vandalism, package and other theft, plus a bicycle sighting – (11:18 am update) and brazen break-in attempts – read on:Read More
(No Bridge camera working right now, so here’s the Viaduct! See other cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
Apologies for the delayed appearance of the daily traffic/transit tracker – no major trouble so far this morning; we’ll keep watch for the rest of the day. For bus riders, note that today is the scheduled start of more evening changes – additional RapidRide runs, and changed “schedule instructions,” as announced last week – so we’ll be interested to hear how the commute home goes.
(UPDATE: The bid just awarded will include Delridge all the way to Roxbury, but not 16th)
Roads, raingardens, greenways, beautification, and elections comprised the topics tackled at Monday night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting – starting with an update on the big paving project in the works for the south half of Delridge Way:
Featured at tonight’s Soundgarden “King Animal” album-release party at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor), co-presented by Easy Street Records, that’s the tribute band Bleed Together (named after a Soundgarden song). Party’s on right now; no, Soundgarden’s not there – they’re in New York to guest on the Late Show With David Letterman. But you can hear and buy the new album:
And raffle tickets for a guitar autographed by Soundgarden, donated to raise money for the West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival:
Still time to get to the Feedback – 6451 California SW. P.S. Soundgarden has two Seattle gigs on its tour schedule – February 7-8 at the Paramount downtown.
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first of two detailed reports from the Southwest Design Review Board’s two-project meeting last Thursday night.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
4724 California – the 7-story mixed-use building planned for what used to be the Junction’s Petco store (among other things) – could start construction as soon as April 1st.
That is, if the rest of the planning/permitting process goes as smoothly as the project’s second and final session before the Southwest Design Review Board.
We reported the result shortly after the meeting last Thursday night at the Senior Center of West Seattle. Our report ahead, for those interested, runs through the details of what was shown, discussed, and recommended, from the board and the public:
Though the BEX IV school-building levy won’t go to voters till next February, the process of designing its first potential projects is starting now – including the creation of a community/district Design Team for the new school that’s currently described as Schmitz Park Elementary at Genesee Hill. That school will be built on the site where the closed ex-GH Elementary now stands. The Genesee-Schmitz Neighborhood Council is announcing its hopes for the site – looking ahead to a community conversation next week:
GSNC is pleased to announce that Kerrie Schurr, the group’s Communications Chair, has been selected to represent the council on the Seattle School District’s Design Advisory Team for the new Genesee Hill school building (future location of the Schmitz Park program, if the capital levy passes in February). This is a great opportunity for the community to have input into the design considerations, either via the council or directly to the district at the Community Conversation for this project.
The Community Conversation will be held on Monday, November 19, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Schmitz Park Elementary School. A second Community Conversation will be held during the week of January 21 (details forthcoming).
At the short (1-hr.) GSNC meeting last Thursday evening, those in attendance came up with the initial list below of desired features for the new Genesee Hill school. Additional ideas may be submitted to gsncouncil@gmail.com by 5 p.m. Sunday, November 18.
The GSNC requests, after the jump:Read More
(Photo courtesy Gil White)
This Thanksgiving weekend, instead of going over the hills and through the woods to Grandma’s house, a West Seattle five-year-old will be going over the hills … and other challenges … of a Bicycle Motocross (BMX) race course in Tulsa, Oklahoma. And Hudson White won’t “just” be racing – he’ll be going for the #1 plate at the Grand Nationals.
Hudson’s already pretty close, with the #4 plate, according to his dad Gil White, who shared this video of Hudson from the Canadian Grand Nationals last month – Hudson is on the white bike:
We asked Hudson’s dad how his son got involved. Dad says he too was a BMX racer in his childhood days. So that led to a little interest after he himself became a dad:
We happened by the North SeaTac track on a race day in October 2011 and stopped to watch. While watching the other kids race, Hudson said, ‘I can do that,’ and he’s been doing it ever since.
Hudson joined Sonic BMX, a local developmental BMX team under the tutelage of Carmel Schimmel (a West Seattlelite) and Jamie Stenson, and he competed well enough on the National circuit to be currently ranked #4 in the 5 & Under age group. The trip to the Grand Nationals in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is the granddaddy of all nationals – if you’re in contention for a national plate, you attend. In Hudson’s age proficiency, he anticipates competing against approximately 25 racers. Numerically, Hudson is still in the hunt for the #1 plate since points awarded are worth double.
Hudson is a pretty active kid; between attending school, Mandarin classes, baseball (he played on the West Seattle T-ball Menashe team) and riding his bike, he finds time for his other passion – Legos. He’ll tell you he wants to build things when he grows up. Probably the Lego influence. His favorite activity at school is recess – go figure.
The sport of BMX has been a great life lesson for Hudson – he’s been able to comprehend that some days he may not have it and finish last, or he may have it and finish first – either way, we drive home and follow the same routine – stop for ice cream. As he prepares for the Grand Nationals and a run at the #1 plate – the question is, will he have it? – I guess we’ll have to wait and see. However, you can bet we’ll have ice cream in Tulsa.
Good luck to Hudson! By the way, Gil notes that BMX “is an Olympic sport and a really fun activity for people of all ages – locally, 41-45 years (of age) tends to be some of the more competitive races. The Pacific Northwest has a tradition of really good riders and well-run tracks nearby.”
Voting is open today in the latest online contest for school grants – and there’s a West Seattle entry in this one. K-5 STEM at Boren – aka West Seattle STEM Elementary – is in the running for a $50,000 prize in the “Power a Bright Future” contest. WS STEM is partnering with Arbor Heights Elementary and Schmitz Park Elementary in hopes of getting the money for projects such as a tablet-computer lending library. Voting will continue till December 19th, and you can vote by text and online once (each way) per day – as explained on the STEM PTA website. You can vote online (but note, you will have to register) by going here; easiest way to vote is via text message – just text 2646pbf to 95248.
(2010 WSB photo: Busy in the kitchen before the Fauntleroy Thanksgiving feast)
If you’ve been wondering – yes, The Hall at Fauntleroy is opening the doors again this year for its free Thanksgiving dinner. We just received the official announcement:
Join us for a free Community Thanksgiving meal at the Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22th from 12 noon to 3:00 PM. All are welcome for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings prepared by Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering Executive Chef Michael Chase.
This is the 14th year that Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes owners Meg and David Haggerty and David Meckstroth have hosted this wonderful dinner. They are joined by a wonderful group of volunteers who help greet our welcome guests and serve dinner.
We will gladly accept donations for desserts. They can be dropped off at the Hall the day before Thanksgiving between 10 and 4 or on Thanksgiving Day after 10 am.
We are located at 9131 California Ave SW in the Fauntleroy Community Schoolhouse, across the street from the Fauntleroy YMCA. Call us at 206-932-1059 if you have any questions.
Lots of traditions are returning to West Seattle this holiday season – and this year, there’s a chance for at least one new tradition too – “Santa’s First Magical Ride,” a new locally written/produced holiday musical that will premiere at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Here’s the announcement, now that tickets are available:
“Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Musical” is a new tale about why Santa took that first magical ride and his life with the North Pole Elves.
It features original music, songs and lively dance numbers, and was written by Ricky Gene Powell and Paul S. Carr III. The new musical is being performed at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in Seattle the three weekends just before Christmas.
The musical is based on the book, “Santa’s First Magical Ride,” written by Paul S. Carr III and first published in December 2011. The book, written entirely in rhyme, tells the story of Santa’s birth and adoption by the North Pole Elves, his magical upbringing, and the story of his first magical sleigh ride. Ricky Gene Powell and Paul S. Carr III are both professional singers and musicians who combined Paul’s story with Ricky’s expertise as a playwright and director to create a charming new musical story with original bluegrass, celtic, and folk music that will make you want to dance along with the Elves. Bring cameras, since children can visit with Santa afterward and parents can take a free picture.
Tickets are $15 and are available through Brown Paper Tickets by calling 1-800-838-3006 or at brownpapertickets.com. Interview arrangements and other information is available at www.yulestory.com, or by contacting Libby Carr, Executive Producer, at libby@yulestory.com; 206-938-8721.
‘Santa’s First Magical Ride’ has a Facebook page if you’d like to follow the progress toward the premiere.
With Veterans Day officially observed today, here are the major holiday-related changes/notes:
*Transit changes: Metro “reduced weekday service”; no Water Taxi
*Schools are closed
*Banks are closed
*Most government facilities are closed – with one notable exception:
*Seattle Public Library branches are OPEN (they observed the holiday yesterday)
*Free on-street-parking day for city neighborhoods with pay stations/meters
*Trash/recycling/yard-waste service is normal if you have Monday pickup
*No USPS delivery; post offices closed
FREEBIES FOR VETERANS TODAY: Writer David Nelson e-mailed to let us know that West Seattle businesses are included in his roundup of places offering something free for veterans, today only. See the full regional list here. We also heard directly from Celtic Swell (61st and Alki), which is offering free appetizers today for veterans AND active-duty military. And WSB sponsor C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW) is offering free coffee for veterans today.
Other calendar highlights for today:
WEST SEATTLE COOKING CLUB: The theme this time is vegan – so bring a vegan dish to Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) at 3 pm.
NORTH DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL: Monthly meeting tonight at 6:30 pm, Delridge Library (Delridge/Brandon). Here’s the agenda.
RELAY FOR LIFE 2013 VOLUNTEER MEETING: Get involved now, to help out with the cancer-fighting overnight event next June. Volunteers and potential volunteers meet at 6:45 tonight, Merrill Gardens-Admiral Heights (WSB sponsor; 2326 California SW).
SOUNDGARDEN ALBUM RELEASE PARTY: Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor) and Easy Street Records co-sponsor the big event tonight at The Feedback (6451 California SW). Starts at 7 pm and includes not only the chance to hear and buy “King Animal,” but also live music by Soundgarden tribute band Bleed Together, Soundgarden videos on the big screen, and the raffle of the Hi-Yu-benefiting autographed guitar (see this WSB story) – you can still buy $5 raffle tickets at tonight’s event before the drawing.
More on our calendar!
Cindy Craig was on a ferry from Southworth to Fauntleroy on Sunday when she met the three veterans shown in her photo, which was taken as they walked off the boat at Vashon, carrying flags. She explains:
They were invited by the Vashon Island VFW to come for dinner in honor of Veterans Day. They started walking (Sunday) morning from the base at Bremerton and will be walking from Vashon to Joint Base Lewis/McChord (today, Monday). They are all veterans (one young man removed his sunglasses to speak with us and he is missing his right eye from a combat injury) and their goal is to raise awareness of and support for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among veterans and others affected by major trauma.
Cindy didn’t get their names, but we found a Vashon Beachcomber story about their visit online. Chess Johnson, Andy Britt, and Will Carroll are the trio. Johnson’s story was told in a documentary called “Exit Wound” – you’ll see and hear from him in this trailer:
Cindy last saw them as they continued walking onto Vashon.
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She said the men hoped to spend time today talking to people they meet while walking south on Vashon, where another ferry will take them across to Tacoma.
(WSB photo from last Wednesday)
After the five days of intensive volunteer work that built the Roxhill Castle play area, volunteer organizer Mat McBride mentioned that a work party would be scheduled for finishing touches. Tonight we just got word of the date – Denise Nelsen writes they are looking for “anyone wanting to help out with the final steps,” particularly “experienced craftspeople and volunteers,” this Tuesday (November 13th), 10 am till dark. “Just show up in warm clothing….they have tools, and gear. It is a great opportunity to help the community and do something different. The kids will love it for years and years!” Scroll through this archive to see previous WSB coverage, including the announcement that the grand opening is expected to be on December 22nd.
10:17 PM: If you’re in eastern West Seattle, you might have noticed the big emergency response headed toward South Park earlier tonight. A car carrying five people crashed into a pole there, killing the driver, sending the survivors to the hospital, and closing a stretch of 8th Avenue South for an investigation likely to take a few more hours. The full story’s on our partner site The South Park News.
10:49 PM UPDATE: SPD has tweeted that one of the survivors died at the hospital.
MONDAY MORNING UPDATE, 7:46 AM: Everyone in the car was a teenager, according to an update on SPD Blotter this morning which says the driver was a 16-year-old boy; the passenger who died at the hospital is described as a girl, no age listed.
Even dessert had a patriotic theme tonight in The Triangle at American Legion Post 160‘s free spaghetti dinner for veterans. We stopped in to see how it was going (answer: nicely!), and talked with Post and Auxiliary leaders:
From left – Post 160 Chaplain Mike Daversa, Vice Commander Joe Connery, Auxiliary Unit 160 President Shannon Connery, and Commander Kyle Geraghty. Joe is a U.S. Army veteran, two deployments to Afghanistan; Kyle, a U.S. Marines veteran, including a deployment to Iraq. Both served in the military 2001-2007. (Post-photo, Mike had to step away, so we didn’t get to ask about his service.) The Post also had a donation drive for deployed soldiers; if you missed the chance to donate, you can e-mail ALAUnit160@gmail.com to find out how you can still help.
P.S. Post 160 is now on Facebook (here), as is Auxiliary Unit 160 (here).
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