West Seattle, Washington
20 Wednesday
Late this afternoon, after hundreds of volunteers built High Point’s new playground at Bataan Park (as previewed this morning), the fences went up, and there they’ll stay till its scheduled opening Tuesday. But we did get to peek through:
For scenes from the action throughout the day – all the way up to the ribbon-cutting – check out High Point resident Wendy Hughes-Jelen‘s album on Facebook.
ADDED 9:36 PM: Commenters have mentioned that our friends at KING 5 were out covering the event today – here’s their story (following an ad which is served by them, not us):
Tuesday’s grand opening is at 4:30 pm.
During the previous two media briefings we’ve covered regarding the upcoming 9-day, 10-night Alaskan Way Viaduct closure (October 21-31), there hasn’t been much information available about how the West Seattle Water Taxi will be made more usable for the duration – though there were promises that the information was forthcoming. The first major round of updates has just been provided by County Councilmember Joe McDermott, who is also chair of the King County Ferry District Board – details ahead:Read More
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One year and one day ago, a gruesome discovery in Roxhill Park – the body of a man who had been viciously beaten. The disturbing details emerged in subsequent days and weeks- the victim, 40-year-old Bernard Martin, had had a shopping cart smashed into him, and had been jumped on, from a low wall nearby.
21-year-old Chatri Thip (right) was arrested and charged within days. His record included involvement in another murder in South King County. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. Today, members of his family came from as far away as Montana to speak to the judge who would decide the price Thip would pay.
After an emotion-wracked hearing lasting almost an hour, King County Superior Court Judge Susan Craighead has just announced her decision: 11 years, the low end of the sentencing range, as recommended by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, while acknowledging she was worried that because Thip is so young, he will be as much of a threat when he gets out as he was when he killed Martin in a self-described alcohol-fueled rage.
Prosecutor Scott O’Toole explained at the start of the hearing that his office believed Thip was truly remorseful, and that is why they made the recommendation.
The victim’s family left the courtroom hissing insults at Thip, who had read a letter of apology, after their pleas for a tougher sentence.
After WSB Forums members wondered about the status of Garlic Jim’s Pizza in The Junction, closed now for a week or so, and this afternoon, after a couple of exchanges with corporate HQ this morning, we have an official statement, saying basically that it’s closed till further notice:
The West Seattle Garlic Jim’s is closed. We are not at liberty to divulge any details of the situation involving the prior owner, who was an independent franchisee of Garlic Jim’s Famous Gourmet Pizza.
Garlic Jim’s is actively seeking a new owner but at this time we do not have a certain date for re‐ opening.
The former owner bears the responsibility of notifying his crew of his decision to close as we do not have any contact information. It is our understanding that the store was only staffed by a small part‐ time crew, although in this economy it is a tragedy when even one person loses a job.
We apologize for any inconvenience this has caused our customers as we have appreciated their business. For those who recently purchased Living Social vouchers – they can be used at any other Garlic Jim’s or you may request a refund from Living Social directly by calling 877.521.4191.
The restaurant originally opened in spring 2007, part of an Everett-based chain of franchises. It has undergone at least one ownership change since then; the most recent owners, who had a successful franchise in Snohomish County, took over last year amid some fanfare.
Just in from SDOT, the next round of Spokane Street Viaduct closures, westbound only, and this time it’s for a big chunk of the weekend:
The contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to widen the Spokane Street Viaduct will close both westbound lanes of the structure from 10 PM on Friday, September 30, to 10 AM on Sunday, October 2, to pour deck spans at the east end of the project. The westbound lanes will be closed from west of I-5 to the Alaskan Way Viaduct. All eastbound lanes on the Spokane Street Viaduct will remain open.
During the closure, southbound I-5 traffic will be directed to the S Forest Street exit to access surface streets leading to the lower Spokane Street Swing Bridge. Northbound I-5 traffic and westbound traffic from Columbian Way will be detoured to surface streets at 6th Avenue South to the detour route leading to the swing bridge. Signage will be posted to direct drivers along these routes.
Motorists will also still be able to use southbound SR-99 to access the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge.
And again, “Spokane Street Viaduct” refers to the stretch of the West Seattle Bridge between I-5 and Highway 99.
California SW between Edmunds and Hudson is done, and now the SDOT crews have moved on to SW Avalon Way, where they were working just south of the bridge onramp when we went by a little while ago. One lane is open each way, and the businesses are open, but give yourself extra time if you’re going through the area. They’re scheduled to keep working southward, with more work on Monday, and possibly Tuesday.
Making a decision about a family member’s retirement/care – or your own? A rare opportunity to meet/hear from representatives of our area’s major retirement/assisted-living centers, all in one place, is coming up a week from tomorrow. This announcement just came in:
Eight retirement and assisted living communities of West Seattle are coming together on October 1, 2011 for a Town Hall Meeting. Local community members may attend this free event which will be held from 10 am to 12:30 pm at Fauntleroy Church.
SHAG Arrowhead Gardens, Boulevard Park Place, BridgePark, Daystar, The Kenney, Merrill Gardens at Admiral Heights, Merrill Gardens at West Seattle and Providence Mount St. Vincent will all be present. This forum will allow community members to gather information from each community at once and learn about the similarities and differences they share.
Attendees will enjoy breakfast bites prepared by each community while they visit the information booths. Karen Sisson, the Director of the West Seattle Senior Center, will MC the event. Presentations will be given by each community and there will be a question and answer period to follow.
Reservations for this event are requested at 206-937-6122, but are not required.
(Our standard disclosure note: Daystar, The Kenney, and both local Merrill Gardens communities are WSB sponsors.)
Today’s the day – and after a week of clouds, they’re graced with sun. High Point neighbors, with KaBOOM! and the Windermere Foundation, are building their new playground at Bataan Park. Smiles all around as signups began:
We spotted West Seattleite and The Mountain radio personality Marty Riemer digging in, too:
If you remember (or were part of) the playground project in Delridge two years ago, you’ll remember that KaBOOM! team members come dressed for success:
We’ll check back later today. It’s only been two months since High Point got word the playground would be built (this was the second time they’d applied to get one); the grand opening is planned for next Tuesday.
(Canada geese seen strolling in the SSCC parking lot when we arrived for yesterday’s ‘Salute to South’)
Happy fall! As of 2:05 this morning, the season has changed, though today’s forecast looks pretty good. From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
TRAFFIC ALERTS: Throughout the day, there’s a traffic alert for SODO/Pioneer Square because of the Microsoft meeting – details here … If they’re still on their slightly revised schedule, SDOT will be “spot paving” SW Avalon Way today (and Monday, maybe also Tuesday).
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: Meets 10 am to 2 pm, Daystar Retirement Village (WSB sponsor), 2615 SW Barton, building #1. Starts with half-hour social/registration time, then the business meeting, honoring the 25-years-plus members and commentary on the Design and Horticulture exhibits. At noon, it’s brown-bag lunchtime with dessert and beverage served by the Club. The afternoon program at 1 pm will present the Club’s recipient of its 2010 Scholarship to South Seattle Community College‘s horticulture program, John Sammons. Interested persons are welcome to join us. $5 donation. More information at (206) 932-2540.
TALK ABOUT ARTHRITIS: The Kenney (WSB sponsor) is hosting a Town Hall meeting, “Osteoarthritis and You,” presented by the Arthritis Foundation. Learn about osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, how to manage joint pain, and resources to help you stay active and healthy. Presenters include State Rep. Eileen Cody and Paul Manner, MD, from the Department of Orthopedics from the University of Washington. Call Andrea Aho at the Arthritis Foundation to RSVP, 800-746-1821.
ART SHOW OPENS: Celebrate Sheila Lengle‘s art exhibit at Alki Arts, 2820 Alki SW, 6-9 pm
FIRST SUNSET OF FALL: Fall equinox sunset watch with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen, 6:30 pm at Solstice Park (behind and upslope from the Lincoln Park Annex tennis courts), more info here
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth International High School hosts Rainier Beach at the Southwest Athletic Complex, 7 pm.
THEATER: “Amy’s View” continues at ArtsWest Playhouse in The Junction, second-to-last weekend, 7:30 pm.
Courtney sent that photo of her car, which she says was stolen from outside West Seattle Bowl (39th/Oregon) between 6:15 pm and 10 pm Thursday night: “I have already reported it to the police but hope to get the word out here too. It is a 2-door, tan, 1996 Honda Accord EX, license plate 943-VZJ.” If you’ve seen it, call 911.
ADDED 9:02 AM: Another stolen-car report just in:
Our car was stolen sometime during the night. We live on the 3200 of 41st Ave SW. It is a blue/green sparkly 1995 Acura Integra LS, 2 door hatchback. License plate # 192SFK. Please call 911.”
Some diners/drinkers in West 5 on Thursday afternoon might have wondered what was up – as they happened to be sharing the popular Junction establishment with a film crew. Local director Jamie Burton Chamberlin is wrapping up shooting on the rock-n-roll feature film “Duff McKagan’s Loaded.” We dropped by and talked briefly with a band member from Loaded, Jeff Rouse:
We first reported on the movie almost a year ago, when Chamberlin put out a casting call for some other local scenes – you can read the synopsis in that report. Here’s an all-music trailer from earlier this year:
The band’s about to tour the UK – and the tour has its own trailer.
(September 17th photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
That’s Stu Hennessey from Alki Bike and Board – we photographed him at last Saturday’s Delridge Day/Skatepark Grand Opening festivities, and there’s another big event on his docket this Saturday: leading a ride to the Moving Planet rally downtown:
Spokespeople West Seattle will be riding to South Lake Union Park, participating in a 350.org event striving to move our planet beyond fossil fuel.
The ride leaves Alki Bike and Board at 10:30 am this Saturday for a 16.5-mile round-trip ride. We will ride at a easy pace as we stay together in a group riding some alternative bicycle-friendly routes to South Lake Union. As usual, there will be some hills.
Map and more information @ alkibikeandboard.com/spokespeople
moving-planet.org/events/us/seattle/1809This is a Cascade Bicycle Club ride. Helmets are required.
Another ride is leaving Jack Block Park to head to Moving Planet, led by Marge Evans; that listing is here.
Story and photo by Bill “Hutch” Hutchison
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Another change is in the works for what was the On Safari Foods storefront in Westwood, divided into three spaces after that business moved to SODO.
Stuffed Cakes owner Donna Lawson confirms that she will be setting up shop in the third and final vacant space at 9003 35th Ave SW (the northernmost space, where Hebert’s Den was briefly open). Donna, a former graphic designer, began her cake/cupcake business in 2010, working from a shared space in The Triangle.
She’s been looking for a solo space since March and finally landed here. “I’m also a West Seattle resident since 1997 and want to stay local with my business.”
One high-school-football game tonight: Playing at Memorial Stadium downtown, West Seattle High School lost to Franklin, 28-12. (We tweeted the game live at @wsblive.)
ADDED: Game details and video, ahead:Read More
Gene sent word of a new group he’s forming in West Seattle, starting this Sunday:
This is a new group, which I hope will meet twice monthly. We play primarily “European” strategy board games, such as Settlers of Catan, Carcassonne, and Dominion. These games are more complex than many typical board games, but new players who don’t mind some complexity and strategic thinking are welcome.
Date: Sunday, September 25, 2011
Location: Uptown Espresso, 4301 SW Edmunds St (California and Edmunds)
Start time: 1:00 PM. There is no set end time, but Uptown Espresso closes at 10 PM.I will be bringing around 15 games myself, but the more options we have the better, so bring what you are interested in playing if you can. If possible, most of the group should purchase at least a coffee, as we are using their space. Contact Gene at egene1@yahoo.com with any questions.
There’s also a Yahoo! group he’s suggesting you join if you’re coming on Sunday or interested in future meetings – check it out here.
If you are attending or interested in future meetings please join this Yahoo group:
Classes start Monday at South Seattle Community College, and today was a day to celebrate the about-to-start school year. This afternoon, college leaders gathered to celebrate their community partnerships with the second annual “Salute to South” reception. SSCC president Gary Oertli is starting his second year on the job, and gave a short speech with shoutouts to some of the people and programs strengthening the West Seattle college known in short as “South”:
As Oertli explained, hundreds of college staffers and new students had gathered for an even-bigger look ahead to the new year, during the annual convocation. SSCC had more than 7,500 students last year, according to online stats.
Just so your radar’s up for sonic booms, traffic effects, Air Force One sightings … President Obama comes to Seattle this Sunday. This time around, according to seattlepi.com, he’s raising money for his re-election campaign, with two fundraisers on the schedule – breakfast/brunch on the Eastside, then a lunch event at the Paramount downtown (with a demonstration planned outside). No exact arrival time announced so far. (Photo by David DeSiga, from August 2010 presidential visit)
As promised, we followed up on our report early yesterday about the latest arrest of 33-year-old Ryan Cox, 
who gained regional notoriety two years ago after a wave of homophobic-graffiti vandalism (2009 SPD-distributed photo at right). First: The arrest at Thriftway on Tuesday night was sparked by a report from the person he pleaded guilty to stalking in August. Municipal Court documents from that case do not include details of what the “stalking” involved. But Cox was under court order to stay away from the victim – and, according to Seattle Police, on Tuesday night, she called 911 to say she had spotted him close to her Morgan Junction-area home. Police responding to the call searched the area and found him in the nearby grocery store. They also discovered he had a $7,500 warrant for “failure to appear” related to the stalking case, and their report says they found a knife on him. He is charged with harassment, for the alleged no-contact-order violation, and possession of a concealed weapon. Online court records say he has pleaded not guilty to both, and that his next court date is set for October 6th. He is still being held in King County Jail, where the register indicates his bail has been raised to $25,000 total, for the warrant and the new charges.
Side note: In the comment section following yesterday’s story, we mentioned having met Cox’s mother in the past, and hoping she would contact us again. She saw the comment, and e-mailed us. We have asked her several questions about his case; a few of them, she is still mulling, but one answer for starters: “Ryan has had court-ordered treatment in the past, just for a few weeks at a time. When he takes the medications, he is nearly normal and we can have a conversation. When he is released with prescriptions and a medical card to pay for the prescriptions, he chooses to not take them. Then it’s impossible to communicate with him.” According to court records for the new charges, he has been referred to Mental Health Court, which has handled some of his previous cases.
Today’s clouds belie the fact that it’s still technically summer … until very early tomorrow morning (just after 2 am our time). And since tomorrow is the autumnal equinox, that means it’s another sunset-watching event at Solstice Park in West Seattle, with NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen (whose husband Jason Gift Enevoldsen took the photo at left, a silhouette at the park this past Monday). Sunset will be around 6:50 pm, so you’re invited to arrive around 6:30. Solstice Park is uphill behind the Lincoln Park Annex tennis courts, across from the gas station where Fauntleroy Way meets Lincoln Park Way (Alice’s website has an excellent map, if you need further instructions). In all the time she’s been leading solstice/equinox sunset watches at the park, this past summer-solstice event (WSB coverage here) was the first one during which the sun was actually visible – so if that’s a repeat tomorrow (hard to tell from the forecast), it will provide the chance to see if the equinox sunset lines up with the park marker placed at what should be the spot.
Two updates on safety near West Seattle schools:
NEW CROSSING GUARDS: WSB contributor Deanie Schwarz reports that Highland Park Elementary now has three crossing guards helping students, after years of just one. From left to right in the photos above, Lemike Taumoepeau is at 9th/Trenton; Ray Covello, at 11th/Henderson; Theresa Straga-Propst at 16th/Trenton. They’re out on school days from 8:15-9 am and 2:45-3:30 pm.
LATEST SCHOOL-ZONE SPEEDER ROUNDUP: Seattle Police were out in school zones again today, and the latest citation roundup they’ve posted on SPD Blotter mentions three local schools, including 36-mph citations near Roxhill Elementary, 28-mph citations near Arbor Heights Elementary, and a 37-mph citation near Holy Family School. (Plus a 78-mph driver on the West Seattle Bridge.)
Second of four expected reports from last night’s Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting: The group heard from the acting executive director of Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, who declared that rumors of its death are greatly exaggerated.
It’s no secret that DNDA has had money struggles; the organization sent out a fundraising plea last December (here’s our story, including an explanation of what DNDA does). Since then, it’s cut staff and vacated its Brandon Court offices, consolidating into space at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. Acting executive director Patty Grossman came to DNDC to provide a general update, starting with, “DNDA is not dead, and Youngstown is not closing its doors,” in response to rumors apparently in circulation. However, that’s not to say everything is rosy.
For everybody who commutes through/to SODO, take note of this alert from SDOT:
Annual Microsoft Employee Meeting at Safeco Field tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m. – 3:30 or 4 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m. 200 buses, 4,000 cars expected to arrive with 18,000-20,000 attendees between 8:30 and 10 a.m. Most will depart by 5 p.m.
Cars will park in the Safeco Field Garage and the CenturyLink Garage, with some using nearby lots and garages. Buses will unload and load riders at the following locations:
(1) 3rd Ave S between Royal Brougham and Holgate
(2) Occidental from Royal Brougham north to Railroad Ave in front of the CenturyLink Event Ctr
(3) Occidental between Edgar Martinez Dr and Massachusetts St at the Safeco Field Garage Plaza
(4) 1st Ave S west curb from Royal Brougham north to end of sidewalk where SR99 ramps block the sidewalk.
Buses will arrive via the I-90 HOV exit to 5th Ave S or I-90 mainline exit to 4th Ave S. Seattle Police will provide traffic controls similar to ball games.
(USPS trucks in The Junction, by Flickr member smohundro, from the WSB group pool)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
BACK TO SCHOOL! If you go to West Seattle’s institution of higher learning, South Seattle Community College, you’re back in class on Monday – and today the community’s invited to celebrate the new year at the Salute to South community reception, 3-5 pm at the University Center.
CRIME & SAFETY: South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition meets, 6 pm, 9421 18th SW.
COMMUNITY CENTER CHANGES: The next group to discuss the proposed changes unveiled in West Seattle last week is the city Parks Board, 7 pm, Parks HQ downtown.
FALL FASHION AFFAIR: Special shopping event at four Junction boutiques, 7-10 pm – full details here.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School vs. Franklin at Memorial Stadium downtown, 7 pm.
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