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Spotlight Stories


  • Remembering

    WSB CO-FOUNDER DIES: Remembering Patrick Sand

  • Zoning

    ZONING CHANGES: Check your neighborhood

  • Kenney

    TOWER LIGHT’S BACK ON: The story behind it

West Seattle Summer Movies on the Wall: 1 more needed!
May 14, 2010 8:32 am
|      50 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news | West Seattle Outdoor Movies

glowstick.jpg

(WSB photo from 2008 Movies on the Wall series)
The slate for this year’s West Seattle Summer Outdoor Movies on the Wall in The Junction – (Saturday nights 7/17-8/21 in the Hotwire Online Coffeehouse (WSB sponsor) courtyard) is ALMOST set, but organizers need one last movie idea. So far, the movies on the schedule are “Mamma Mia,” “Star Trek,” “War Games,” “Wayne’s World” and “Up” – the dates aren’t 100 percent final yet so we’re just mentioning the titles. One more movie is needed and the thought is “family-friendly,” G or PG. (Can’t be a Disney movie, for date-related licensing reasons, so “Up” is the only one from the House of Mouse that you’ll see this year.) Suggestions are being taken today only – please post one in the comment section if you’ve got an idea, and the Movies on the Wall team thanks you for the earlier nominations!

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West Seattle Friday — from Alki anniversary to Chief Sealth play
May 14, 2010 7:26 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

A few highlights before we get to the West Seattle Weekend Lineup, all from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: This morning on Alki, you’re likely to see a bigger Stroller Strides exercise group than usual, as they’re celebrating a combination anniversary/season opening with a free class (here’s the post in the WSB Forums’ Freebies/Deals/Sales/etc. section) … Also this morning, Nature Consortium has a midday work party at College Place Ravine in honor of “King County Executive Dow Constantine‘s half-birthday,” 10 am-1 pm, volunteers welcome, here’s a map … As noted here yesterday, the lowest daytime tides of the year so far are happening through Sunday – today’s low tide is -2.1 just before noon … Tonight (and tomorrow night) at 7, $5 gets you into “You Can’t Take It With You,” presented by the Chief Sealth International High School Drama Department – here’s the poster … Other entertainment tonight includes Bells of the Sound with “A Night at the Movies” and Rainbow Bingo at the Senior Center of West Seattle … More on the calendar!

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West Seattle Bookshelf, mid-May edition
May 14, 2010 4:00 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle books | West Seattle news

Lists courtesy of Square One Books

Looking for something to read, and/or wondering what’s hot? Every week, courtesy of Gretchen Montgomery @ Square One Books (WSB sponsor), we bring you her independent West Seattle bookstore’s 5 best-sellers in each of 4 key categories:

Hardcover:
1. Dead in the Family: A Sookie Stackhouse Novel by Charlaine Harris
2. Operation Mincemeat by Ben Macintyre
3. Matterhorn: A Novel of the Vietnam War by Karl Marlantes
4. Women, Food and God by Geneen Roth
5. Girl in Translation by Jean Kwok

Paperback:
1. All Other Nights by Dara Horn
2. Tinkers (Pulitzer Prize Winner) by Paul Harding
3. Tide Guide 2010 by Evergreen Pacific
4. Coop: A Family, a Farm, and the Pursuit of One Good Egg by Michael Perry
5. Tideflats to Tomorrow: The History of Seattle’s SoDo by Dan Raley

Children/Young Adult:
1. The Stink Books by Megan McDonald
2. The 13th Reality Vol. 1 by James Dashner
3. Bear in the Attic by Susan Meyers
4. The Moomintrolls Series by Tove Jansson
5. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Teen:
1. Whisper by Phoebe Kitanidis
2. Mistwood by Leah Cypess
3. The Carrie Diaries by Candace Bushnell
4. Max by James Patterson
5. The Cirque du Freak Series by Darren Shan

By the way, Square One just announced a reading/autograph event with two Seattle teen authors — Phoebe Kitanidis, author of “Whisper,” and Kimberly Derting, author of “The Body Finder” – at 6:30 pm June 24th at the Southwest Branch Library. Square One will sell books at the event; admission is free.

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Followup: “No new jail,” say county and city – so what’s next?
May 13, 2010 11:39 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Highland Park | West Seattle jail sites | West Seattle news

Tonight, the Highland Park Action Committee toasted the end of their intense two-year fight against a potential jail in West Seattle – that’s current HPAC chair Dan Mullins at left, with former chair Blair Johnson and photographer/webmaster/sign designer Dina Johnson, celebrating at Triangle Tavern. We had asked Mullins earlier for his thoughts on this morning’s announcement by King County Executive Dow Constantine (here’s our as-it-happened report – and here’s our previously unpublished clip of the start of the announcement):

Mullins’ reaction afterward: “As difficult as it has been fighting the prospect of a huge jail being built it our neighborhood, some good has come out of it. Our little neighborhood has become much more organized, people have a stronger sense of community and a better understanding of how our government works. And City Hall now knows who we are and where we are and that we are vocal.” (His e-mail to the Highland Park list was a little more exuberant, with the subject line NO NEW JAIL/GOOD JOB, EVERYBODY!)

So now what? There was some concern in the comment section following this morning’s story, regarding the language of the official announcements – suspended, proposed, etc. Toward the start of this short clip from this morning’s announcement, the mayor was a little more definite in the term he chose:

We spoke later with Katherine Schubert-Knapp and Catherine Cornwall, both of whom worked on the city of Seattle’s part of the jail project. The official announcement warned that if future projections suggest more capacity will be needed, jail planning could have to restart as soon as 2013. Could any of the work done this time around be reused, we asked? Answer: Basically, no. But they both stressed that the proposed regional cooperation brings the process to a whole new stage – if the need can truly be handled between a combination of county beds, plus beds from other facilities such as the south end jail that’s opening next year, and alternative sentencing. Regarding the “proposed” languaging, Schubert-Knapp notes that since so many governmental entities have been involved in this, the respective councils have to sign off on the plan – King County Council, Seattle City Council, etc. – but that’s not expected to be any kind of speed bump. Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata, who headed the council’s Public Safety Committee during much of the site-search process, also seemed vehement that it’s over:

A variety of documents are now linked to the North/East Cities Municipal Jail website, which also carries a stern notice that it will not be updated from this point forward. We asked Cornwall and Schubert-Knapp if any particular study or report had triggered today’s announcement; they say the county’s decision to offer a longer contract extension, coupled with a second year of data showing lower jail population, comprised the game-changer. And of course, the city and county both have new elected leadership, in McGinn and Constantine, this year; Constantine had declared in June that if he were elected, the jail project “will not happen”; McGinn also had voiced, during his campaign, opposition to the idea of a new jail.

But long before the campaigning, the Highland Park Action Committee was in action, with research as well as passion. If you missed our stories from the period in 2008 when Seattle was considering its own new jail, with two of the four proposed sites in West Seattle, this report (with video) from a June 2008 meeting tells virtually the whole story of how things were going in the heart of the fight. Even then, as we wrote, projections were showing jail populations dropping. And now, watching those populations is paramount, warns the summary document released today:

While this proposed approach creates additional time to plan for our region’s future jail needs, it is not a long-term solution for our region’s jail capacity needs. The county and cities will need to regularly track the region’s jail population trends and use of jail capacity and be prepared to resume planning for new capacity by 2013 or even sooner if trends indicate the need for additional capacity before 2020.

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West Seattle Art Walk, including opening night for knows perfume
May 13, 2010 9:14 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The Junction’s newest store, knows perfume (originally previewed here in February), opened its doors tonight for the first time – just in time for the May edition of the West Seattle Art Walk. That’s proprietor Christen Cottam, beaming in her brand-new space at 4536 California SW. Also seen along the Art Walk path tonight:

That scene was from about a block away at Brunette Mix (WSB sponsor; 4306 SW Oregon): Jessica Dolens had a multimedia presentation in the corner – film on the back wall, art on the screen in the salon. Elsewhere in The Junction:

From left, at Twilight Artist Collective (4306 SW Alaska), that’s Eva Funderburgh, Justin Hillgrove, and Mike Capp – Eva created the art they’re standing next to.

Next West Seattle Art Walk is the second Thursday, as always – June 10th, 6-9 pm – watch wsartwalk.com for updates, as well as the WS Art Walk page on Facebook.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: 2 beachfront car break-ins, & more
May 13, 2010 8:38 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

The three newest West Seattle Crime Watch reports include two car break-ins along Harbor Avenue, and a home break-in – read on for full details:Read More

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Illegal dumping alert: Trimmings tossed in Westwood alley
May 13, 2010 7:20 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

It might not be as glaring as a load of trash or old furniture, but it’s illegal dumping just the same, and Dave wonders if it might have been your yard debris that wound up in his alley, maybe without your knowledge:

On Tuesday morning, May 11, I discovered a pile of tree / bush trimmings blocking our alley. The guilty party had the debris tied with a long rope and tied the other end to a utility pole. Driving off quickly pulled the mess off the truck and onto the ground. I had to quickly move everything to the side as garbage and etc. trucks were due Wednesday. This was way more than a pickup truck load. The pile was almost six feet high.

If anyone paid to have bushes trimmed on Tuesday, see the pictures …

This occurred in the alley between 32nd and 34th Avenues SW with Cloverdale on the North and Trenton on the South (there is no 33rd Ave).

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New York Times spotlights Bakery Nouveau and Full Tilt Ice Cream
May 13, 2010 4:30 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | White Center

There’ll be no living with us now. We are the sweets capital of the region. In an article for next Sunday’s New York Times (it’s dated May 16 but online today), a Seattle-based writer talks about five places she loves to stop for sweets, and two of them are in our area – West Seattle’s Bakery Nouveau, White Center’s Full Tilt Ice Cream. Read the story here; the FT photos start here. (Thanks to Alex for the tip!)

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Go fish! West Seattle Sportsmen’s Hi-Yu Kids Fishing Derby Saturday
May 13, 2010 4:17 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Hi-Yu Festival | West Seattle news

That photo is courtesy of the West Seattle Sportsmen’s Club, which wanted to get out one more reminder that it’s kicking off West Seattle Hi-Yu season with the annual, free Kids’ Fishing Derby this Saturday at Seacrest. 8 am-11 am, the first 150 kids ages 12 and under get a chance to catch one of the fish with which a portable pond will be stocked, right on the Seacrest dock. No registration required – just show up. Here’s the official flyer.

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Alki Statue of Liberty due for cleaning soon; bench work today
May 13, 2010 3:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Low tide wasn’t the only big activity at Alki today – David Hutchinson sends a photo and update on Statue of Liberty Plaza work:

Seattle Parks & Recreation employees were at the Alki Statue of Liberty early today applying an oil finish to the benches in the plaza. We also have been informed by Tiffany Hedrick, of the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs, that the cleaning and waxing of the statue will be taking place shortly. These two maintenance items are part of the commitment Parks made in an agreement with the Seattle Statue of Liberty Plaza Project and fiscal sponsor Urban Sparks. This work, which is done twice a year, is paid for by the Parks held maintenance fund which was created with the proceeds from the earlier sale of bricks and bronze plaques. Money from that fund will also pay for the new plants that will be placed in the landscaped areas surrounding the statue later this year.

The Alki Community Council wants to thank Seattle Parks & Recreation for the excellent work they are doing. We particularly appreciate the contribution of Parks employees Ed Jackson and Carol Baker in coordinating these tasks. The ACC is continuing to accept orders for approximately 100 more engraved bricks and 5 bronze plaques. Information and order forms can be found at the plaza or downloaded from www.sealady.org . Money raised by this sale will be turned over to Parks and will supplement the existing maintenance fund.

David Hutchinson
ACC Brick Sales

Note that this is one park not contributing to the department’s maintenance-funding crisis (we expect to hear the latest citywide budget info at the Parks Board meeting tonight). Meantime, the ACC’s next meeting is a week from tonight – 7 pm May 20, Alki UCC Church. Scheduled guests include Brenda Peterson of Seal Sitters and Dolly Vinal of the West Seattle Wildlife Habitat Project.

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Keller Williams ‘RED Day’ sprucing up expanded Skate Church digs
May 13, 2010 1:38 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

“We give where we live” is the motto for RED (Renew, Energize, Donate) Day, a nationwide day of service today for Keller Williams Realty. The West Seattle crew is giving their time and talents to a project just blocks north of their Junction offices: They’re working on the West Seattle Baptist Church basement that’s been taken over by the Junction-based Skate Church. Pastors Rob and Serena Wastman from Skate Church say it’ll be a great place for activities including movie nights and afterschool programs – and they also say they’ll make it available to community groups looking for a meeting space.

From left, Rob and Serena, with Keller Williams event organizer Eric Slawson, and Skate Church’s Jovan Wiggins. The church plans a grand opening celebration for their share of the WSBC space in September.

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Great weather + low tides = West Seattle beachwalkers’ paradise
May 13, 2010 12:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

Great tidewalking conditions along Alki at midday today – and the tide will get lower still for the next four days, from a -1.4 today going down to -2.6 on Sunday (per this tide chart).

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Ramp-closure countdown: SDOT to tweet “low bridge” openings
May 13, 2010 10:50 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Spokane St. Viaduct project | West Seattle news

Wednesday afternoon, SDOT used its Twitter account to say the Spokane Street Swing (“low”) Bridge was “closing” – as in, closing to vehicle traffic so marine traffic could get through. We asked if that was a preview of things to come after the 1st Avenue South ramp to the westbound West Seattle (“high”) Bridge closes as of next Monday (part of the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project) – and indeed, per an announcement this morning, it is. Though the U.S. Coast Guard said no to officially restricting bridge openings during rush hour, this is part of the “voluntary notification” process worked out – read on to see how you can be sure to get these advance warnings:Read More

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BULLETIN: No new jail; county to extend contract; site search ends
May 13, 2010 9:18 am
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle jail sites | West Seattle news

FIRST REPORT, 9:13 AM: As mentioned last night, a “significant development in the regional jail-planning process” is promised this morning. It’s been two years since Seattle announced it needed new jail space, and started looking at sites that currently include one in West Seattle (West Marginal/Highland Park Way) as part of what’s become a regional effort. We’re at King County’s Chinook Building downtown, expecting to see a group any moment that we’re told will include County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Mike McGinn. As soon as the “development” is announced, we’ll add it here.

9:20 AM ANNOUNCEMENT: The headline on the news release reads, “Proposal to extend jail contract clears way for cities to consider shelving plans.” Jail contract may be extended thru 2020, Constantine announces. Mayor Mike McGinn says that means an end to the jail-siting process. “This is good news, Seattle,” the mayor said, after Executive Constantine announced the proposal to extend the agreement. “Today as a region we will work together to do this.” Shoreline’s mayor has also spoken; that city was under consideration as a jail site. Details of the proposal, from a news release handed out here: King County is offering the cities 150 jail beds through 2020. In addition, they are proposing creation of “a regional jail planning and management group.” Negotiation of this proposed agreement will start next year. Councilmember Nick Licata says “We have pulled the plug on the jail-siting process – and I can almost hear the cheers.” (As we read further into the news release, however, it warns that if there is an indication for new capacity after 2020, the jail-planning process may have to resume as soon as 2013.)

9:34 AM: They’re taking questions now. We asked Constantine, what do you tell the people of Highland Park (and elsewhere) who went through two years of anguish – not to mention the time and money spent by the governments – was it all for naught? We have his entire answer on video and will add it later, but bottom line, he said, he wished it hadn’t played out that way, but it did, and it’s time to move on. (added 9:57 am, here’s his entire answer on video)

Regarding the possibility of needing new space in the future, he notably mentioned the possibility of adding on to the regional county jail complex in Kent. He also said that part of this regional jail process would involve figuring out who has space where so that it could be used more efficiently – including the new jail that is being built by the south end SCORE group. Constantine also said that a future process would be conducted more “rationally” – saying this one seemed to have been “sudden” (regarding the 2008 disclosure that more space was needed and planning for a new site would commence immediately).

10:35 AM UPDATE: We talked with two key behind-the-scenes people after the room cleared, and will include their perspective in a followup story – what’s next, and what’s to keep this all from revving up again in a few years? Meantime, the county has published the full news release about today’s announcement on its website – you can read it here.

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3 ways to help: Tech donations; bike donations; jazz & wine night
May 13, 2010 9:04 am
|    Comments Off on 3 ways to help: Tech donations; bike donations; jazz & wine night
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

LAPTOPS AND MONITORS NEEDED: Bob Huppe, one of two West Seattleites on the board of the nonprofit Technology Services Corps, is looking for flat-panel monitors and laptops for a special trip this summer: TSC works with high-school students who go overseas to install computer labs for their counterparts to learn in. This summer, they’re working with Garfield High School students going to Ometepe Island, Nicaragua, to install 30 computers. They have computers but need flat-panel monitors (which use less power) to go with them, and 12 laptops for the students’ teachers, most of whom commute by bicycle or bus to their school and need something portable. If you have anything to donate – take note, the laptops would be wiped by local recycler InterConnection – e-mail Catherine Berner, one of the students planning the trip: ch.berner@comcast.net – Bob says, “Someone would be delighted to pick up monitors or laptops, and all donations are tax-deductible.”

BICYCLES FOR HUMANITY: Holy Rosary Church will be collecting bicycles 8:30 am-2:30 pm May 23 for the “Bicycles for Humanity” drive; they’re destined for the KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa, which among other challenges has 50 percent unemployment. Here’s the official flyer.

AN EVENING OF JAZZ AND WINE TASTING FOR CHIEF SEALTH: The EB Foote Winery in Burien is the site of an event just announced as a fundraiser for the Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Band, 6 pm June 11th. Here’s the official flyer with information on how to get tickets, which includes snacks, tickets and of course, the wine.

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Tonight: 41 venues will welcome you during West Seattle Art Walk
May 13, 2010 6:43 am
|    Comments Off on Tonight: 41 venues will welcome you during West Seattle Art Walk
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Second Thursday of the month is here already – West Seattle Art Walk night, all over the peninsula, from Alki Bathhouse in the north, to Fauntleroy’s Gail Ann Photography in the south, to ActivSpace on Harbor Avenue in the east, and beyond, with perfect weather expected. Here’s the map of all 41 venues – which include knows perfume, the Junction shop opening for the first time, plus the new Junction wine shop Bin 41, as well as WSB sponsors ArtsWest, Brunette Mix, Click! Design That Fits, Cupcake Royale, 8 Limbs Yoga, Hotwire Online Coffeehouse, and Mural Apartments. You’ll also find photographer Wyn Bielaska, who took Mother’s Day shots at Hotwire last Sunday, exhibiting his work at Bakery Nouveau; treats at locations such as The Kenney (whose catering team will be on the job) and Blue Willow/Emma’s Cakes (wedding cake samples!). Scroll through the official Art Walk website, wsartwalk.com, for a sample of the artists whose work will be on display tonight – and sample the images on the West Seattle Art Walk Facebook page. 6-9 pm tonight – here’s that map again – see you out and about.

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High-school baseball: West Seattle HS to state tournament
May 13, 2010 12:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

From our partners at the Seattle Times, word of the West Seattle High School baseball team’s win over Eastside Catholic on Wednesday, 9-6, sending them to the state tournament – but first, the Metro League title game vs. Bishop Blanchet at 2 pm Saturday. More details to come!

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It’s all downhill (in a good way) for West Seattle Snowsports Council
May 12, 2010 11:08 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

By Randall G. Hauk
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The West Seattle Snowsports Council got its official start as an organization tonight with a meeting at Mountain to Sound Outfitters.

The group is the brainchild of Mountain to Sound owner Greg Whittaker, who hopes to provide better access to local skiing and snowboarding areas for area youth by arranging group transportation to the Cascades from West Seattle.

Whitaker introduced himself to about a dozen attendees by saying that his participation in a similar program was a formative experience and that he wanted to assure local youth the same opportunities he had. “I’m pretty passionate about it.”

Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Stabbing suspect to be evaluated
May 12, 2010 10:30 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

Following up on the High Point stabbing almost three weeks ago: The man who’s been in jail since then, in lieu of $1 million bail, 22-year-old Marcus Combs, was supposed to be in court this morning to enter a plea to the charge of first-degree assault, but instead, his arraignment was postponed until May 26th. According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, “Combs will undergo a 15-day mental evaluation to determine his competency to stand trial.” The victim, a 40-year-old woman whom investigators say was attacked randomly while walking with her 9-year-old, has been recovering at home since the day after the attack.

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Heads up, Highland Park (etc.): Jail-related news tomorrow
May 12, 2010 9:54 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle jail sites | West Seattle news

Not all media events are worth mentioning ahead of time. But given the history of the jail-site fight in West Seattle, particularly Highland Park, dating back 2 full years now – we thought some would want to know about a media event announced for tomorrow morning. Here’s the exact wording of the advisory sent to us and other news outlets:

On Thursday, King County Executive Dow Constantine will announce a significant development in the regional jail planning process.

He will be joined by Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn, Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan, King County Council Chair Bob Ferguson and Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata.

Shoreline is one of the “North/East” King County cities that banded together a year and a half ago. It’s also home to one of the six sites that the group has been looking at – three are in Seattle (including Highland Park Way/West Marginal Way SW in West Seattle), one in Bellevue, and one in unincorporated King County – though the need for new jail space recently moved further into the future). The announcement is scheduled for 9:15 tomorrow morning at the County Executive’s HQ downtown; it is NOT a public event, but we’ll be there and will bring you details of the announcement immediately.

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Updates: 34th Democrats – McDermott kickoff; Stone endorsed
May 12, 2010 7:17 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   34th District State House 2 | King Co. Council District 8 | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(video highlights added to the end of this story early Thursday)
Right now at The Hall at Fauntleroy, our area’s biggest political group, the 34th District Democrats, have just started their regular meeting, after a special event – campaign kickoff for State Sen. Joe McDermott‘s King County Council run; he thanked the crowd for their support. He and his fellow 34th District legislators, Reps. Eileen Cody and Sharon Nelson, are scheduled to provide a legislative update during the meeting; the 34th DDs also are scheduled to make one or more endorsements from among the three Democrats running for Rep. Nelson’s seat (she’s running, unopposed so far, for McDermott’s Senate seat). We’ll provide in-progress updates as news happens.

7:25 PM UPDATE: News just happened. One of the three candidates, Mike Heavey, has just withdrawn from the race. The room was clearly shocked – our reporter there says there was an audible gasp. 7:42 PM UPDATE: We talked to Heavey for clarification. He is **NOT** dropping out of the race – but is withdrawing from the endorsement process that’s under way at the meeting right now.

(Photo by Dina Johnson, added Wednesday)
7:47 PM UPDATE: Results of the endorsement vote – Marcee Stone (above) gets the 34th DDs’ members’ endorsement, with 65% of the 120+ votes cast, double what Joe Fitzgibbon received. PCOs are taking a separate vote. 9:04 PM: The meeting’s over. Stone also won the PCO vote, which translates to the party’s official nomination. We’ll add a bit more about the meeting later, including video highlights. 1:37 AM THURSDAY: Those highlights are here, in video shot/edited for WSB by Edgar Riebe of Captive Eye Media:

The 34th Dems made other endorsements Wednesday night, and they are all listed on the group’s home page.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Arrest in The Junction
May 12, 2010 6:29 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Thanks to everyone who called/texted about police activity in The Junction just before 6 pm tonight – we happened to be en route to the Triangle Advisory Group meeting steps away and caught the end of it, just after police had cuffed a suspect (iPhone photo above). Southwest Precinct Lt. Norm James confirms the original call was about a shoplifter at the liquor store who was suspected of having a gun – that’s why police were in the area looking for him with their guns drawn – Lt. James says the suspect turned out not to be armed. Onlookers lined the sidewalk when we arrived in the area – business staffers as well as shoppers – and one bystander called out to this officer, who was putting away his rifle as he returned to his car, “Good work!”

ADDED 8:14 PM: A few more details from Lt. Ron Smith: “Officer responded to a call of a subject in the liquor store … placing a bottle in his pants pocket. Store employee confronted the subject and advised him that the police were called. The subject denied taking the bottle and was observed removing the bottle and returning the bottle to the shelf. The employee observed what she thought was a handgun in the front of his pants. The subject left the store and was contacted by patrol officers a short distance away. The subject was positively identified by store employees. No weapon was found on the subject, who appeared to be a transient with mental issues. He was transported downtown.”

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2 Junction notes: Shadowland sidewalk café; park-planting signups
May 12, 2010 5:39 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Junction Plaza Park | West Seattle news

First Junction note – as the weather warms up even more, another sidewalk café is in progress – driving by Shadowland this afternoon, we noticed work proceeding on its outdoor area. We mentioned the application here in early April. Now, another outdoor project:

(Photo by Donna Ryan Photography)
Second note: Construction work at Junction Plaza Park (northwest corner of 42nd/Alaska) is proceeding full speed ahead – and it’s time to sign up to join the community planting party right after it’s done. According to Friends of Junction Plaza Park, volunteers are needed to plant almost 800 native plants on June 5th – 20 for each of two 4-hour shifts. “Training, materials and refreshments are provided,” says the FoJPP announcement – just bring yourself (and family/friends if available!). RSVP now to susan@wsjunction.org or 206-935-0904 – then after helping with the planting party on June 5, beam with pride at your handiwork as the park is dedicated at 5:30 pm June 29th.

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