We reported last week that week that police had released photos (taken at a “nearby” ATM) of a suspect believed to be involved with a “home-invasion” robbery in Highland Park.
Arrests made in Highland Park robbery investigation Robbery Detectives developed information during the course of the investigation that led them to the identity of one of the suspects involved in last week’s home invasion robbery in Highland Park. On September 1, detectives with the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force located and arrested a 37 year old suspect at 260th and Pacific Highway South in Des Moines. Robbery Detectives were following up on additional leads at a motel in Federal Way when another suspect wanted in this crime was spotted. He fled when he saw detectives and multiple units responded to the area in an attempt to locate him. The suspect was able to elude capture. At approximately 6:20 PM that 45 year old suspect was located and arrested by Federal Way Police and turned over to the Robbery Detectives. Both suspects were interviewed by detectives and later booked into the King County Jail on Investigation of Robbery. This remains an on going investigation as there may be additional suspects involved.
(Anonymous reader-submitted photo, altered to obscure license plate)
We’re checking now on a couple of overnight incidents. First, reports of a car fire around 3 AM on the 3400 block of California Ave SW. Tipsters tell us that there was so much smoke that a few people who live close to the location of the fire had to temporarily evacuate their houses. No word yet from the fire department but we’ll post an update here later if we get any details.
And just before 5 AM, police responded to an assault with deadly weapons call at a house on the 1700 block of SW Brandon. Det. Mark Jamieson of the SPD media unit tells us this morning that one person died there as the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
As we’ve said before, suicide is an epidemic that needs to be addressed, not ignored as is the policy of some media, so we report about it here as well as homicide cases (which are outnumbered in King County by suicides). For those who have thought about it — the local Crisis Clinic is there to help: 206/461-3222. There’s a national hotline at 800/SUICIDE.
UPDATE 11:11 AM: We have confirmation now from Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen who says investigators have determined that this fire was intentionally set. Damage to the 1994 Ford Explorer SUV was estimated to be around $3,000.
We also received information this morning that the owners of the SUV, who apparently reside at the address where it was parked, were stopped by police while driving by the scene in another vehicle. We checked with Lt. Norm James at the Southwest Precinct this morning who could confirm only that the Arson Bomb Squad was called to the fire scene to investigate and that it is still an open case. He also said that a “suspicious vehicle” was stopped in the vicinity of the fire and three adults (two males and one female) were arrested for narcotics and subsequently booked into King County Jail.
(Photos by Cliff DesPeaux)
One week from tonight, Chief Sealth International High School students and staff – and their respective families! – will be resting up after the first day of classes inside the newly renovated school. Tonight, CSIHS principal John Boyd showed off his school’s shiny new digs to those who signed up for a “sneak peek” behind-the-scenes tour, benefiting the Friends of Sealth scholarship fund:
Photojournalist Cliff DesPeaux covered the tour for WSB, to capture the sights and sounds as the tour wound its way through areas including the spiffed-up gym:
He’s working on video right now that we’ll add when it’s ready, with an expanded look at what tourgoers saw.
You can read more about the two-year renovation project on the Seattle Public Schools website here – and our coverage archive, newest to oldest, is here. (The new Denny International Middle School, sharing the Sealth campus, remains under construction, with that move planned next year.)
All good things must come to an end, and so it is with the Admiral Neighborhood Association’s successful Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series, which wraps up its 2010 season with local favorites the West Seattle Big Band tomorrow night. WSBB played at Hiawatha earlier this summer prior to the “official” start of the concert series (video clip below), and tomorrow is your chance to enjoy them again.
As usual, start time is 6:30 pm and admission is free – bring a blanket, some food & drink, and the whole family.
SEPTEMBER 2 UPDATE: Thanks to ANA president Katy Walum for letting us know that “Admiral apparel” will be on sale at a discount tonight: $10 kids’ shirts, $15 adults’ shirts, and $40 track jackets. The PCC truck with food samples for the kids will also be there, and likely the “Icecycle” folks with Full Tilt ice cream and treats in tow.
We reported on Monday that legendary local burger chain Dick’shad announced it would be building its first new store in decades, and had launched an online poll to let customers decide where. (The poll is still active here; there had been some problems with it because of the crush of traffic it received – more than 32,000 votes – but it’s fine now.)
We received more than 150 comments about that story, and another 35+ comments on Facebook, along with heavy activity on Twitter. WSB readers certainly have their opinions about the famous eatery!
In the poll, West Seattle is lumped into the “South” group with other locales, and is currently running 2nd in the polling:
Where would you locate the new Dick’s Drive-In?
RESULTS: North (Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace, Lynnwood, Edmonds, South Everett) – 42% (13781 votes) South (West Seattle, South Seattle, Renton, Burien, SeaTac, Tukwila) – 30% (9836 votes) East (Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Bothell, Mercer Island, Issaquah, Sammamish) – 26% (8618 votes)
Total Votes: 32,235
SEPTEMBER 2 UPDATE: Many thanks to those who commented and e-mailed to let us know about the news reports (including this one, from partner KING 5) that the Dick’s vote had been “hacked.” Voting is still open, and Dick’s says they’re “scrubbing the numbers” now.
We brought you the first round of King County’s primary election results back on August 17, and today comes official word that the county’s results have been finalized. (We confirmed this with County communications specialist Katie Gilliam.)
The top two finishers in each race advance to the November 2 general election, which means Joe Fitzgibbon and Mike Heaveyfor 34th District House Rep #2, and Joe McDermott and Diana Toledo for King County Council District 8.
For the local race results, the only official change from primary night’s results is that Joe Fitzgibbon has inched ahead of Mike Heavey, by an oh-so-slim margin (we reported on August 20 that this shift was starting to happen).
Local results:
34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE REPRESENTATIVE, POSITION 2
(Rep. Sharon Nelson isn’t running for re-election – she’s unopposed for State Senate in LD #34)
Fitzgibbon first 34%, Heavey second 32%, McElroy third 18%, Stone fourth 14%
(Note: Early returns on primary night had showed Heavey at 34% and Fitzgibbon at 33%)
KING COUNTY COUNCIL DISTRICT 8 (nonpartisan)
(Councilmember Jan Drago isn’t running for the seat to which she was appointed early this year)
McDermott first 60%, Toledo second 19%, McEvoy third 13%, Fahey fourth 7%
In another LD #34 race of note, Eileen Cody captured 81% of the vote against 18% for Ray Carter.
Story and photo by Keri DeTore
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Eric Thomas’ Red Cup Espresso (which he co-owns with his wife Tricia DiBernardo) has come to be known by many as the “hybrid” coffee shop, because of its rooftop array of photovoltaic panels.
But he isn’t just a solar customer — he also owns Solar Epiphany which provides education on solar energy, and installs professional-grade solar energy systems.
Thanks to a WSB’er tip about the newly painted shop window (photo at left), we discovered that Thomas is expanding his solar enterprise into the former site of Puget Sound Key & Lock at 6016 California SW. The space will be an educational showroom where potential customers will not only see solar panels and learn how they work, but they’ll also be able to learn about government incentives that make going solar more affordable.
Thomas has been installing solar electrical and water-heating systems for three years, for both residential and commercial customers. He says, “The biggest obstacle to installing solar is that people don’t know how it works or how much it will cost.”
Thomas hopes to have his new storefront open the weekend after Labor Day. They plan to be open by appointment during the week and open to the public on weekends.
This morning, we’re welcoming the Wax Bar, which recently expanded to West Seattle, as our newest WSB sponsor. Here’s what they’d like you to know about their business and services: The Wax Bar is located at the corner of 37th and Fauntleroy, between West Seattle Brake Service and the shoe-repair shop. The Wax Bar is a skin-care lounge that offers full-service spa treatments and head-to-toe waxing. Any waxing service or facial will have you feeling smooth and refreshed when you leave —but we want you to feel that way every day! At the Wax Bar we offer three different skin-care lines to cater to all skin types: Aveda, Dermalogica, and Somme. Veteran wax specialists Lynaia (West Seattle local), Bevan, and Sarah are here to make the experience a bit more enjoyable. With the Wax Bar lounge now open, come sip one of our raspberry beers or a specialty beer before your service. “Relax and get waxed,” owner Karen Jahn often says. In keeping with the bar theme, come visit during our “happy hour” specials from 1 pm-3 pm Tuesday through Friday. Find us online at thewaxbarseattle.com, in person at 4462 37th Ave. SW, or by phone at 206-935-4990.
We thank the Wax Bar for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
Welcome to September! Here are some of the highlights for today and tonight from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: The local community-council/organization leaders who comprise the Southwest District Council meet tonight at 7 in the South Seattle Community Collegeboard room, with an agenda including a presentation about the West Seattle Junction Neighborhood Plan … Tonight’s the night for a sneak-preview tour of Chief Sealth International High School renovations, one week before classes start, as a fundraiser for the Friends of Sealth scholarship fund – details here, starts 6 pm … The final certification of King County primary election results is scheduled today, and then it’s on to November … As previewed last night, lane closures are planned on the Admiral Way Bridge today … Tonight in The Junction, WSB sponsor Bin 41 plans the first of two consecutive nights of tastings – this time it’s Spanish wines, 5:30-7 pm (more details here) … See the calendar for more!
Two items from Aviva at Community Harvest of Southwest Seattle: First, she says, “It really has been an off year for the fruit trees here in West Seattle. We have only harvested about 300 pounds of fruit and it seems that none of the Italian Plums have fruit. We could use … Asian pears, pears, and apples.” Contact info’s at gleanit.org if you have tree fruit to donate – you donate, they pick! Second – the new Community Orchard at South Seattle Community College, funded by a city grant, is getting off the ground with the Design Group’s first meeting ahead, and Aviva says, “We’d love to get (more of the) community involved in this cool new project.” Read on to see how you can be part of it!Read More
Tonight’s Alki Community Picnic had to move off the playfield and into the Alki Community Center due to the weather. But the gray skies, drizzle and blustery winds certainly didn’t diminish the energy of the crowd of children who danced to the music provided by The Board of Education.
Here’s guitarist Jon Goff inspiring a new generation of musicians by handing out guitar
picks at the end of the show.
And here’s a short video clip with some musical highlights:
Covering tonight’s Feet First–organized Walk and Talk Tour of the West Seattle Triangle with Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, photojournalist Edgar Riebe of Captive Eye Media reports participants braved the weather to visit spots from West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park (above) to an inside look at the under-construction Link, below:
We’ll add Edgar’s video report on the tour later tonight. Meantime, the city-led Triangle Advisory Group meetings continue later this fall, according to information received by group members; the next meeting’s been set for October 27th, with a public open house planned on November 10th.
Traffic in both directions on Admiral Way will be impacted tomorrow, according to this SDOT notice:
Lane Closures on Admiral Way Bridge Wednesday
Wednesday, September 1, the Seattle Department of Transportation will close lanes on the Admiral Way Bridge between Walnut Avenue SW and 39th Avenue SW while they inspect and make drain repairs on the structure. The work will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The right lane eastbound will be closed first, then the westbound right lane will be closed. There will be no impact to the bridge sidewalks.
(Video from West Seattle See Dogs and other guide puppies meeting SPD horses in Highland Park in June)
Tonight at the Mariners-Angels game, guide dogs will be in the spotlight – local Guide Dogs for the Blind volunteers, puppy-raisers including West Seattle See Dogs, and others, sold more than 738 tickets for the game and get the honor of throwing out the first pitch! West Seattle See Dogs’ Ruth Oldham tells WSB, “There will be over 40 guide dog puppies and guide dogs in the stands and on the Main Concourse Meeting and Greeting fans as they arrive. (Section 128 behind Home Plate) at the Main Entrance.” Then around 6:40 pm, Ruth says, “The First Pitch (will be) thrown out by Bob Sonnenburg and his guide Nino (since this whole thing was Bob’s idea!). Other pre-selected GDB volunteers and pups will join Bob on the field.” They’ll also have informational tables for Guide Dogs for the Blind at a couple of places around the stadium, and if you’re at the game, you’ll hear announcements too. Ruth enthuses, “What an incredible opportunity. There has never an event this large with the potential for increasing public awareness about Guide Dogs, and increasing public awareness about blindness in general.”
Two months and one day after the shutdown of the old South Park Bridge (WSB video coverage here), the first major part of the demolition work has begun – King County Department of Transportation confirms that one of its “leaves” (the actual drawbridge sections) will “be detached and lowered onto a barge sometime this afternoon.” The KCDOT announcement continues:
Prior to removal, nine steel cuts will be required to separate the leaf from the remainder of the bridge. Once the cuts have been made, the leaf will slowly be lowered onto the barge. This work is extremely complicated and may take a few hours to complete.
This process will be repeated when the second leaf is removed over the next few days. Both leaves will then be barged to another site for salvage and recycling.
During this first demolition phase, crews have also been demolishing vacant structures on county-owned property adjacent to the bridge to accommodate future construction staging. The work will set the stage for future construction of a new South Park Bridge when a funding package is in place.
UPDATE 4:40 PM: As of this afternoon there is still not a whole lot of movement as work progresses slowly. Jason Grotelueschen staked out the bridge this afternoon, reporting only an occasional drizzle and a few showers of sparks, as workers continued to make cuts in the steel. Here’s one more photo from Jason, with a closer view of workers on aerial lifts:
6:30 AM (Wed) UPDATE: According to eyewitness reports and the YourSouthPark newsgroup, the “South Park side of the bridge” was finally dismantled and lowered safely onto a barge below, at around 7 pm last night (see photos from SeattlePI.com). The other side of the bridge should be removed by later this week.
(Photo added at 12:32 pm) ORIGINAL 11:39 AM REPORT: We’re receiving reports of SPD units responding to a bank robbery call at the Alaska USA Federal Credit Union in Westwood Village. We’re off to check it out.
12:32 PM UPDATE: We’ve confirmed that the Alaska USA Credit Union inside the Westwood Village QFC was robbed earlier today. The branch is currently closed while investigators process the scene. We’ll be checking with SPD for more information and will post an update as soon as we learn more.
4:17 PM UPDATE: FBI Special Agent Fred Gutt has provided us with a bit more information now. He said they are seeking a white, female suspect. Approximate age and hair color were not provided. She was estimated to be about 5′ 4″ and 140 pounds, wearing a black vest over a gray hoodie, with a black hat and stonewashed jeans. She also had a swollen upper lip. A weapon was not seen and only “implied” but he said the suspect should still be considered armed and dangerous. Special Agent Gutt said the suspect left the scene on foot.
Thanks to those readers who called and texted about a small slide on the 9800 block of Marine View Drive. We responded quickly but SDOT already had the debris cleared to the side of the road by the time we arrived. It appeared to be more brush than mud. No damage was reported.
The rain seems to have let up a bit for now. But there’s more predicted throughout the rest of the day. We did find some slick streets around West Seattle this morning, as the rain has picked up some oil from the roadway. So do drive carefully.
Thanks to photographer Steve Shelton for his photo of the debris removal:
This morning, we welcome a new WSB sponsor: Melanie Carey, CH, hypnotherapist and Reiki practitioner at West Seattle Wellness. As per the WSB new-sponsor tradition, here’s what she’d like you to know about what she does: “Actually, I feel like I UN-hypnotize people”, Melanie says. “We are all walking around in a trance most of the time, moving through our routine, serving our addictions and habits. My sessions offer a place away from everyday life, to clear your mind, hear yourself think, and connect with what you really want from your life.” Whether it’s time to change, or time to get ready to make that change, hypnotherapy is the most effective method out there. Hypnotherapy is for freedom from smoking and other addictions, letting go of weight, birthing without fear, or discovering blocks to fertility, hypnotherapy can help with any issue that exists. It empowers you. “I have never felt so relaxed” is what Melanie says she hears most often from her clients at West Seattle Wellness. Deep relaxation and freedom from issues – a new way of handling problems. It doesn’t have to be a fight; it is inspiring and empowering. If you’re wondering: What is Reiki? Reiki is a hands-on therapy that clears energy blocks in the body. It is similar to acupuncture, except without the needles. Reiki can offer relief from: stress, allergies, depression, anxiety, emotional and mental confusion, insomnia, or any other dis-ease. It is worth experiencing the peace and beauty of Reiki. You can find Melanie Carey, CH, at West Seattle Wellness LLC, online at westseattlewellness.com – where you’ll find an online appointment scheduler! – or call 206-453-5397.
We thank Melanie Carey, CH, at West Seattle Wellness for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
An unusually heavy rainfall event for August is going to strike our region during the next two days, and its coming from the west and northwest…
From the looks of things outside this morning, that has definitely started to happen. It’s expected to continue through tonight and tomorrow, and we’ll keep an eye on the weather’s impact on today’s events and happenings.
1:15 PM UPDATE: Alki Community Center’s picnic/concert IS definitely moving indoors.
A few of the West Seattle highlights for today/tonight: West Seattle Elementary starts today, eight days before most other Seattle Public Schools, because of its improvement plan (here’s our Monday report on the back-to-school barbecue with new principal Vicki Sacco) … Speaking of back-to-school barbecues, Roxhill Elementary has one today (and, have you signed up yet to help rehabilitate the R?) … The second major Feet Firstevent in West Seattle in four days: Tonight, walk and talk in The Triangle with City Council Transportation Committee chair Councilmember Tom Rasmussen(details here) … And Alki Community Center presents the summer-ending Alki Community Picnic tonight @ Alki Playfield – they’re providing the food starting at 5:30 pm, The Board of Education‘s providing the music starting at 6, and they’re planning to sell $10 bike helmets too … There’s more on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar (and share your event with us any time – even if it’s months away; the calendar already stretches into next year).
12:36 PM UPDATE: We have confirmed that tonight’s concert with The Board of Education is still on but will now be located inside the Alki Community Center (5817 SW Stevens Street). The Feet First event is unchanged. The Walk & Talk with CM Tom Rasmussen begins at Rotary Viewpoint Park (at 35th and SW Alaska) promptly at 6 pm. Feet First Director Lisa Quinn tells us that the first ten people who show up tonight will receive a free Feet First umbrella!
Staceyshared this alert tonight. A reminder as always – might be legitimate, might not; always ask for a license:
FYI – 52nd and Stevens area. West Seattle neighbors – just a heads up. There is a guy going door to door “selling magazines” on our block. He was a bit too smooth….with the car prowls and burglary on Garlough – it was a concern.
also owns 
“Actually, I feel like I UN-hypnotize people”, Melanie says. “We are all walking around in a trance most of the time, moving through our routine, serving our addictions and habits. My sessions offer a place away from everyday life, to clear your mind, hear yourself think, and connect with what you really want from your life.” Whether it’s time to change, or time to get ready to make that change, hypnotherapy is the most effective method out there. Hypnotherapy is for freedom from smoking and other addictions, letting go of weight, birthing without fear, or discovering blocks to fertility, hypnotherapy can help with any issue that exists. It empowers you. “I have never felt so relaxed” is what Melanie says she hears most often from her clients at West Seattle Wellness. Deep relaxation and freedom from issues – a new way of handling problems. It doesn’t have to be a fight; it is inspiring and empowering. If you’re wondering: What is Reiki? Reiki is a hands-on therapy that clears energy blocks in the body. It is similar to acupuncture, except without the needles. Reiki can offer relief from: stress, allergies, depression, anxiety, emotional and mental confusion, insomnia, or any other dis-ease. It is worth experiencing the peace and beauty of Reiki. You can find Melanie Carey, CH, at West Seattle Wellness LLC, online at
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