West Seattle, Washington

19 Friday

54℉

Spotlight Stories


  • Closure

    LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE: Starts on Saturday

  • New

    NEW BUSINESSES: Coffee and wine moving in

  • Sale day

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY 5/11: Register by April 25!

7100 Delridge project passes “Early Design Guidance”
August 12, 2010 8:25 pm
|    Comments Off on 7100 Delridge project passes “Early Design Guidance”
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

We’ve been out covering a boatload of big events, but first wanted to tell you, if you watch West Seattle development, that the first Southwest Design Review Board meeting in about half a year is over, and the 7100 Delridge project – 58 apartments, 1,750 square feet of retail, and three rental houses behind the building – made it through the “Early Design Guidance” phase. We’ll add full details later about architect Warren Pollock‘s presentation and SWDRB members’ advice. Next step: At least one more meeting, at which the design will have to be presented in more detail.

Share This

Update: Monday’s 4th Ave. S. ramp opening will be post-commute
August 12, 2010 4:13 pm
|    Comments Off on Update: Monday’s 4th Ave. S. ramp opening will be post-commute
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

You heard it here first last night, after SDOT’S Tracy Burrows gave the 34th District Democrats the scoop – and now her department has issued the official news release: The new 4th Avenue S. offramp from the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct WILL open Monday, but not till AFTER the morning commute. (They’re having a “media tour” so we’ll be there to show you what happens; here’s our report on the last “media tour” of the ramp in May.)

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: $150,000 bail for smash-grab suspect
August 12, 2010 3:26 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL 3:26 PM REPORT: We’re at the Regional Justice Center in Kent, where the 50-year-old Burien man suspected in more than 40 smash-and-grab burglaries – including a series of break-ins in West Seattle – has just appeared before a judge for his bail hearing. gavel.jpgWe are not identifying him until and unless he is charged, which could happen tomorrow. The judge granted prosecutors’ request for $150,000 bail; his defense lawyer had argued that there was little evidence tying him to the three cases on which he is currently held – but the judge noted that he allegedly had a “cash register in his hand, which was then dropped” at or around the time of his arrest early yesterday. We should get more information shortly on the circumstances of his arrest – now that bail is set, prosecutors will be able to release some documentation, which we’ll add here when we get it. In granting the bail amount, the judge noted that the suspect had more than 60 cases in his history, resulting in more than 90 warrants – drolly observing, “That’s a ratio of 1.5 warrants per case.” (The warrants, the prosecutor had said, were generally for “failing to comply with court orders.” As we reported yesterday, he has prior burglary convictions. The Department of Corrections told WSB today that he had served two prison terms – from September 2002 to August 2004, and from June 2007 to September 2009. (The latter was in connection with the theft of an ATM from a tavern in Seatac.) More to come.

ADDED 3:55 PM: We have the probable cause paperwork now, from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office – indicating that detectives had been watching this particular suspect, also saying that he was caught an hour after a burglary at a West Seattle church, and mentioning an alleged drug problem – read on:Read More

Share This

Memorial taking shape for WSHS graduate Officer Tim Brenton
August 12, 2010 1:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Memorial taking shape for WSHS graduate Officer Tim Brenton
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Thanks to Sue for noticing this and sharing the link: Central District News has an update today on Leschi neighbors’ plans for a memorial to Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton, murdered there in the line of duty last fall. Officer Brenton, you may recall, had West Seattle ties, including having graduated from West Seattle High School in 1988. The CD News story includes images of what is on the drawing board for the memorial in Leschi – and a request for donations if you’d like to help them cover its $25,000 cost. Meantime, Officer Brenton’s accused murderer awaits trial.

Share This

Happening now: Garden-building party @ Roxhill Elementary
August 12, 2010 1:01 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Gardening | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

On assignment for WSB, contributing photographer Evan Miglorie stopped by Roxhill Elementary this morning to check on the garden-building party mentioned here yesterday. Volunteers are building nine garden beds where they’ll grow vegetables (“and other edibles,” Evan tells us) to study and eventually eat! It’s under the direction of Maggie Anderson from the King County Food and Fitness Initiative:

She’s been working with schools in eastern West Seattle and White Center to get programs like this one off the ground – and, you could say, IN the ground. Still time to drop by and pitch in – supplies and tools provided, as well as refreshments; they’re scheduled to be there till 3 pm (30th/Roxbury).

Share This

West Seattle Art Walk tonight! From Westwood to Alki, and beyond
August 12, 2010 12:21 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk tonight! From Westwood to Alki, and beyond
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Tonight, 6-9 pm, it’s the next West Seattle Art Walk, and the event really is all over the peninsula – ranging as far south as Westwood, where Bird on a Wire Espresso features birdfeeder art tonight. Heading northwest into Fauntleroy/Morgan Junction, there’s always a big Art Walk night party at The Kenney – tonight, three artists including fly-tying demonstrations! Plus bluegrass music and “light appetizers” by the in-house catering team. In The Junction, where the Art Walk began, you can enjoy the photography of Frank Spear in his exhibition “Used Parts” at Wallflower Custom Framing and Shooting Gallery (ground floor of Mural [WSB sponsor]). Also in The Junction, photography by Graham Clark is in the spotlight at Bin 41 (WSB sponsor) while Washington winemaker Brian Carter pours “hand-crafted European-style blends.” Heading to the northernmost point of the West Seattle Art Walk, you’ll find the photography and collage work of Chancy Grace at the Alki Bathhouse. Here’s the map of all 40-plus locations – which also include WSB sponsors Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, Cupcake Royale, and Brunette Mix in The Junction, Click! Design That Fits in Admiral, and West Side Yoga/Doga in Morgan Junction. Now that the sun’s out, seems like a surefire bet for a great night to wander, 6-9 pm.

Share This

Seen off Alki: Seal mom and pup – and a mini-ferry
August 12, 2010 11:21 am
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news | Wildlife

These photos are both courtesy of ace Alki wildlife-watcher Guy Smith – top, a seal mom and pup that he says spent a lot of time Wednesday on the Joy D. Smith Wildlife Raft (rafts like this are a big help, according to Seal Sitters, which has wished there were more) – second, a mini-ferry of sorts also seen off Alki Point – looks terribly familiar but we don’t have time for extensive research to determine its name – recognize it?

Thanks to everyone who takes the time to share photos – either by sending them, or adding to the WSB Flickr group.

Share This

Food vendors joining the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha setup
August 12, 2010 10:07 am
|    Comments Off on Food vendors joining the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha setup
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(October 2009 YouTube clip of Pearl Django)
Tonight at 6:30, east lawn of Hiawatha Community Center, bring your chair(s)/blanket(s) for the next free Summer Concerts at Hiawatha presentation – the jazz/swing of Pearl Django with guest vocalist Greta Matassa. The series is presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, whose president Katy Walum has been working on fulfilling a frequent request for food vendors – and one debuts tonight, she tells WSB: “Icecycle will be there (a ‘cooler on wheels’) selling Full Tilt ice cream bars, Otter Pops, and water bottles.” Then next Thursday, a full-fledged food truck – the new Buns On Wheels truck with organic/grass-fed/free-range-beef burgers, which has been spending weekends on Alki, will come to Hiawatha on concert nights. Meantime, the PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) Kid Picks truck with samples is back tonight (PCC’s a major sponsor of the series; all sponsors, including WSB, are listed here). The concert series continues Thursday nights through Sept. 2; the full lineup’s here.

Share This

Also tonight: ‘Early design guidance’ for 7100 Delridge
August 12, 2010 9:22 am
|    Comments Off on Also tonight: ‘Early design guidance’ for 7100 Delridge
 |   Delridge | Development | West Seattle news

6:30 tonight at the Senior Center of West Seattle (meeting room upstairs – enter from SW Oregon), the Southwest Design Review Board meets for the first time in months, with one project on the agenda: 7100 Delridge (map; site in photo at left), proposed for 58 units and a 1,750-square-foot commercial space, with three detached “rental homes” in the greenbelt behind the main building. The first meeting (and sometimes subsequent ones, depending on how meeting #1 goes) is for “early design guidance,” so the package of information and graphics (see it here) is more about size, shape, and concept, than the building’s final appearance. (Public comment is welcome, even encouraged, at DRB meetings, if you’ve never been; here’s a guide for the process.)

Share This

5 more chances to see the young stars of ArtsWest’s ‘Seussical Jr.’
August 12, 2010 2:36 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle video | WS culture/arts

Tonight through Sunday, you have five more chances to see young performers sing and act their hearts out with vigorous verbosity, as part of the ArtsWest Musical Theater Academy, as they present “Seussical Jr.” Get a quick preview in the video created by Edgar Riebe from West Seattle-based Captive Eye Media. Check out the cast list and info here; showtimes are 7:30 pm tonight through Saturday, 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. (Tickets are on sale online.)

Share This

Holy Family School’s open invitation: Be part of its Street Fair
August 12, 2010 1:49 am
|    Comments Off on Holy Family School’s open invitation: Be part of its Street Fair
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

2nd weekend in September gets busier: In addition to the Alki Community Council Family Fun Day on September 12th (missed our preview with a call for talent show and dog parade participants, plus sponsors and vendors? see the story here), Holy Family School is having its annual Street Fair Sept. 11-12th. They want to get the word out about openings for both tablers and sponsors (maybe you want to do both!) – to see about tabling, e-mail Betty at betwell@comcast.net; for Spanish-speaking tablers, Victory at ramirez.victormanuel@hotmail.com. For sponsorship information, contact principal@hfseattle.org. The HF site says they’re having chili and salsa cookoffs, too.

Share This

34th District Democrats: Campaigning; more transportation talk
August 11, 2010 11:56 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The most impassioned campaign speech at tonight’s 34th District Democrats meeting came from a semi-surprise visitor – and he wasn’t even speaking on his own behalf, though he’s on the ballot for next Tuesday’s primary. Our clip includes most of what U.S. Rep. Jim McDermott had to say, mostly on behalf of U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, and why McDermott believes this may be the most important election of his lifetime. Also campaigning, State Sen. Joe McDermott (no relation), making one more pre-primary pitch for his King County Council District 8 campaign (vs. three opponents). And there was a mini-fundraiser for Reps. Eileen Cody (running for re-election against Republican Ray Carter) and Sharon Nelson (running unopposed for State Senate) before the meeting. But the hottest race on the ballot – 34th District State House, Position 2 (for which the 34th DDs have endorsed Marcee Stone, one of 4 candidates) – did not come up at all, and we didn’t spot any of the candidates in attendance. That may be a different story this Friday, when the group throws its annual fundraiser Garden Party at West Seattle Nursery – Chris Porter, who’s heading the effort, got up to talk about it twice. But the heart of the evening’s program was a panel on transportation – from current projects, to future possibilities – with a trio of panelists, including WS-residing City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the council’s Transportation Committee. In addition to the Spokane Street Viaduct offramp-opening announcement we published as a separate bulletin earlier, they talked tolls, taxes, transit, and more – read on:Read More

Share This

BULLETIN: SDOT rep says new 4th Avenue offramp opens Monday
August 11, 2010 7:39 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

At the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting (The Hall at Fauntleroy): At the start of a transportation-issues discussion, with panelists including Councilmember Tom Rasmussen (who chairs the Transportation Committee), SDOT‘s Tracy Burrows just announced that the new 4th Avenue S. offramp from the eastbound Spokane Street Viaduct (the ramp some have nicknamed “the Costco offramp”) will open MONDAY. (SDOT had told WSB earlier this week that an opening next week was possible – but this is the first official announcement of the date; this means that stretch of the SSV will return to 2 lanes.) More from this meeting later, in a separate story.

Share This

‘Kenneth G. Wise, Mr. West Seattle: 10/31/30-8/1/10’
August 11, 2010 6:47 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo from December 2009)
That’s the family-suggested heading for the obituary that will appear in the Seattle Times this weekend and was shared with us for publication today by Dave Townsend, nephew of Ken Wise, the longtime entrepreneur, Rotarian, and totem-pole sleuth – the only photo in our files is the one above, with Mr. Wise at left, the day he and fellow Rotarian Duane Ruud (right) went out to Lake Sawyer to try to track down the then-missing pole, later recovered, and then reinstalled four days before his death (as Rotary past president Amy Lee Derenthal noted at last night’s rededication). Hours before that sleuthing expedition (which WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand tagged along for, taking the above photo), Mr. Wise had joined in the annual Rotary Shopping Spree at SODO Sears – an event he founded, according to his obituary. His service is one week from tomorrow, as you’ll read, ahead:

Born and raised in West Seattle, Kenny Wise was a local institution:

From leading the West Seattle Rotary Kiddies Parade at Hi-Yu, to being Santa for years at the Rotary Christmas shopping day at Sears for needy children, which he initiated in 1974, and most recently leading the hunt for the stolen Rotary Totem Pole, he was everywhere in West Seattle.

Read More

Share This

West Seattle traffic alert: Southbound Fauntleroy – ferry backup
August 11, 2010 5:05 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you will be heading home southbound/westbound on Fauntleroy Way past Morgan Junction en route toward Lincoln Park, note that ferry backups are worse than usual this afternoon because of what Washington State Ferries describes as earlier fog delays – the biggest boat on the run, Issaquah, is still running late. All this backed up southbound Fauntleroy, the main travel lane, way past even Gatewood Elementary up till just a few minutes ago (we are near there now and can see it’s cleared a bit). Thanks to Anne from longtime WSB sponsor Ventana Construction for the tip!

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Park search; track flasher; 2 auto thefts
August 11, 2010 3:53 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In case you missed it, BIG CRIME WATCH NEWS EARLIER: SMASH-GRAB ARREST. (Even if you read it earlier – note that we have updated it three times since original 9:56 am publication, with additional info.)

Meantime – four other cases to report, all from the WSB inbox – first, what sparked a police search in Lincoln Park today; second, a flasher – but not from a distance – at the Madison Middle School track; and two auto-theft cases, with the vehicles’ owners hoping you will keep an eye out:Read More

Share This

Flying seal pup: Seal Sitters find ‘Primo’ a free flight to get help
August 11, 2010 2:19 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

As first reported three days ago, courtesy of Robin Lindsey from Seal Sitters, Alki has been playing host to West Seattle’s first seal pup of the season. And now, the story of Primo has taken a dramatic – and high-flying turn – here’s an update from Robin:

With the authorization of NOAA, Seal Sitters removed our very emaciated seal pup Primo from the beach about 6:45 this morning. It was believed she would have to be euthanized. However, upon arrival at PAWS in Lynnwood, Primo exhibited some rather feisty behavior that led to her being fluidated and stabilized. As PAWS was currently unable to keep her at their facility, Wolf Hollow in the San Juans agreed to take her. Kenmore Air generously donated a free flight for our little pup!

Robin has published more details on Seal Sitters’ “blubberblog” site. You can read the earlier updates by scrolling down the “blubberblog” home page. And if you see a pup – call Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL. (Photo of Primo taken last weekend – via long lens – by David Hutchinson)

Share This

Alki Family Fun Day talent show, dog parade, sponsors: Sign up!
August 11, 2010 1:40 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki Family Fun Day talent show, dog parade, sponsors: Sign up!
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | How to help | West Seattle news

Meet the group working on one of West Seattle’s biggest events in the works for summer’s end: The Alki Community Council “Family Fun Day” – from left, Laura Sue Hoover, Paul Carr, Libby Carr, and Antonio Fernandez. We met at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza – for which, you’ll recall, Libby and Paul led the charge three years ago – to talk about the big event they’re planning on Sunday, September 12th, for what you might call the second anniversary of the plaza’s dedication. And with only a month to go, they’re casting a net right NOW for sponsors as well as for entrants in the youth talent show as well as the dog parade – you do need to sign up in advance! – read on for the details:Read More

Share This

West Seattle schools: Roxhill improvements – and garden party!
August 11, 2010 12:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | Westwood

With 4 weeks till school starts, big things going on at West Seattle’s Roxhill Elementary School First, Lisa sent the photo at left, part of a sign you can see while driving past the school on SW Roxbury – it points out that Roxhill is getting work done through the Building/Technology (BTA) Levy – library improvements, heating-system upgrades, new energy-efficient windows, flooring, and stage drapes. And there’s a volunteer project you can help with tomorrow: 10 am-3 pm Thursday, a garden-building party is happening at Roxhill, and the more available to pitch in, the better. Maggie Anderson, school coordinator from the King County Food and Fitness Initiative, says they’ve got the supplies to build 9 garden beds to support nutrition, science and math programs at Roxhill – they just need the people who can help. You can RSVP to Maggie at 206-205-3186. (Tools and snacks provided as well as the aforementioned supplies!)

Share This

West Seattle Crime Watch: Police arrest smash-and-grab suspect
August 11, 2010 9:56 am
|      34 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(scroll down for updates added to original report)
ORIGINAL 9:56 AM REPORT: Just in from Seattle Police: A suspect is in custody in the smash-and-grab burglaries that we’ve been reporting on for three weeks. Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James says that SPD and King County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested a 50-year-old man around 2:30 am “in the Burien area.” Lt. James says, “This individual is suspected of committing 40 smash and grab burglaries in the south Seattle and Burien areas. The suspect has been booked into the King County Jail.” A check of the jail register reveals a 50-year-old Burien man booked early this morning on suspicion of multiple burglaries, with status listed as “bail denied”; a crosscheck of court records shows dozens of cases, though many are from municipal courts around the region and therefore not necessarily criminal – we’re taking a look at those for which docket information is available.

10:17 AM UPDATE: The arrest has just appeared on SPD Blotter, with no additional information except to say that the 40 burglaries date back to July 1st; the first West Seattle break-in we covered was the one at the Swinery on July 16th (above, our photo from that morning). The most recent one we covered in West Seattle was at Admiral Shoe Repair on Monday morning. Police confirmed to WSB on August 2nd that the smash-and-grabs were being investigated as an official “pattern.”

11:52 AM UPDATE: King County Prosecuting Attorney Office media liaison Dan Donohoe says the suspect will not appear in court until a bail hearing tomorrow afternoon; after that we should get more background in the case. Further researching the aforementioned suspect, court records show a conviction in the 2006 theft of an ATM from a tavern, a burglary that started with glass broken by a brick; in spring 2007, he was sentenced to 55 months in prison. (The paperwork for the original charges in that case lists a history of convictions going back to at least 1991, as well as “85 warrants.”) We are checking with the state to try to find out when he got out of prison.

2:26 PM UPDATE: The sheriff’s office has added a bit of extra detail regarding where the suspect was arrested. This is from their announcement of the arrest, which we just received:

A team of detectives conducting surveillance in Burien responded to an audible burglar alarm at a motorcycle repair shop located at South 159 and 1st South. The detectives located a suspect in his vehicle and took him into custody.

Share This

Transportation talk tops 34th District Democrats’ agenda tonight
August 11, 2010 7:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Tonight’s marquee event in West Seattle – the 34th District Democrats‘ monthly gathering (7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy). And a timely topic, too – transportation, from the Alaskan Way Viaduct to the city’s future vision (which could include more taxes to pay for improvements). Here’s the full agenda, which includes West Seattle-residing Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the council’s Transportation Committee. (You’re also bound to hear an update on the 34th DDs’ biggest annual event, the Garden Party dinner/auction, coming up this Friday.)

Share This

California SW ‘upzone’: Plan for next week’s hearings outlined
August 11, 2010 6:15 am
|    Comments Off on California SW ‘upzone’: Plan for next week’s hearings outlined
 |   California Ave upzoning | Development | West Seattle news

One week from today, the proposal to “upzone” a block-plus of California SW (map) makes its final stop before City Council consideration: A public hearing before city Hearing Examiner Sue Tanner, in her chambers downtown. Also to be heard that same day – Wednesday, August 18th – is the appeal filed against an environmental “nonsignificance” ruling issued in connection with the city’s recommendation that the rezoning proposal be approved. How will that day play out? We have an outline, after covering a pre-hearing conference on Tuesday with Tanner presiding, mostly focused on the appeal – read on:Read More

Share This

Rotary totem-pole rededication, report #2: Honoring ‘wisdom’
August 11, 2010 5:27 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(Our first report on the totem-pole rededication event can be found here)

Along the 8-month-plus journey between the brazen theft of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole on a fall evening and its rededication in summer sunshine, there have been lessons learned by many – among them, the long and sometimes surprising path that justice can take.

One lesson provided at Tuesday night’s event, attended by more than 100 people gathered mostly in a semi-circle facing the front of the pole (and therefore the downtown Seattle skyline in the distance behind it), was that of grace, provided by someone who had not figured directly into the story before: Haida master carver Ralph Bennett. In the top video, you hear his drumming – and his words of honor for some of those on hand, including a request for the permission of in-attendance Duwamish Tribe leader Cecile Hansen, before he drummed on her historic territory. (The Haida people are from further north – coastal British Columbia and Alaska.) He also told a story – but first, one told by a Rotary leader, past president Amy Lee Derenthal. She led the club last fall, and so, as she noted Tuesday, the pole “was stolen on my watch!” Perhaps mostly for those who questioned why the club (and the Parks Department) chose to accept restitution from the man believed to be responsible for the theft, rather than pursuing prosecution, she spoke of how they believed the decision met the club’s “Four-Way Test” ethics code:

Back now to Ralph Bennett, who followed his drum song with a story relating specifically to the tale he says is told by the totem pole itself, particularly the thunderbird and whale that comprise its top sections.

His words about community rang close to home, as those who attended lingered after the ceremony’s end, either mingling by the pole, or moving on to a Rotary-organized celebration at the Golf Course clubhouse a short walk down the hill. And the event brought people from afar – not just carver Robin Young (shown in our first report), but even the woman who was Miss West Seattle Hi-Yu the year the pole was dedicated along with the park:

Debby Freeman Peterson was introduced toward the end of the event, when it was pointed out she came from the Midwest to be there. So what now? As noted in our previous coverage of the pole-restoration process, it will need a little TLC now and then – a coat of oil at least once a year:

As for the 34-year-old park itself, donated by the Rotarians in the bicentennial year of 1976, what you make of it now, is up to you, even if just – as Ralph Bennett put it – driving by and seeing it “alive.”

Share This