West Seattle, Washington
19 Friday
Thanks to Brian Presser from TouchTech Systems for the initial tip – a green sighting that was only coincidentally on Earth Day: The forthcoming Irish restaurant/pub A Terrible Beauty received Irish-green paint you won’t be able to miss at California/Edmunds in The Junction. WSB contributor Katie Meyer checked it out and put together the photo collage above – including concrete-touchup inscriptions by proprietors Jenna and Paddy, plus son Mick (and passersby) as well as stonework contractor “Scottie Joe” (the subject of this report by Katie a week ago). ATB is continuing to work toward opening the first week of May.
As of about two hours ago, the 31-year-old man arrested yesterday in connection with a North Admiral burglary and under scrutiny for possible links to others is out of jail, over the objections of law enforcement. They noted formally in paperwork that they object because he is “suspected of being a serial burglar and likely to reoffend to support his drug habit.” King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson Dan Donohoe tells WSB he was released “on personal recognizance” (no, we don’t know which judge was presiding) and is due back in court on Monday. He is not yet formally charged.
For a fourth consecutive day, the Seattle Police Aggressive Drivers Response Team was out on 35th SW today, and the roundup is posted on SPD Blotter. The bold-type highlight: 14 driving-while-cell-phoning tickets. There were speeding tickets too; read the roundup here (Admiral Way and the West Seattle Bridge are mentioned briefly too).
(WSB video of the entire 31-minute hearing, unedited, added @ 5:26 pm)
A dramatic sentencing hearing is concluding right now in the courtroom of King County Superior Court Judge Bruce Heller. He has sentenced 59-year-old Thomas Qualls, the Alki resident who pointed an assault rifle at police officers last September, to what prosecutors had asked after a plea bargain to an attempted-assault charge: 24.7 months. 
Two of the three police officers at whom Qualls pointed – if not fired, which was a point of dispute in the case – his rifle spoke to the judge first. Officer Andy Peloquin called the fact the case was plea-bargained to this potential sentence, the maximum possible in the “standard range” for attempted assault with a firearm enhancement, “a slap on the wrist.” (The other officer who spoke was Sgt. Steve Strand.)
We videotaped the entirety of the hearing, including what the officers and Qualls told the court – he and his lawyers blamed alcohol for much of what he did that night – and what the judge had to say. Qualls asked the judge if he could be allowed out of jail (where he’s been since the incident last September) in time for his 40th wedding anniversary, and the judge said no.
The reason for the plea bargain was explained by the prosecution as the fact that the investigation could not prove Qualls ever fired the assault rifle, as had been contended that night. There was no proof yielded by either two audio recordings from that night or a number of field investigations, including a re-creation at his Alki home a few weeks ago.
Qualls – who had no prior record – was shot in the abdomen by police and has been in jail since leaving the hospital less than a week after the confrontation, which started when one of his grown children – both of whom were in the courtroom – had called 911 to say he had threatened suicide after a disagreement with his wife, who also came to court for the sentencing. No family members addressed the judge, but the defense lawyer noted that family and friends had sent Judge Heller letters expressing support. (September 2010 photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB)
(Photo by Ellen Cedergreen for WSB)
For two of West Seattle’s three biggest high schools, this was the last day of spring break. For Seattle Lutheran High School, this was the annual “Day of Service.” Students fanned out to a variety of locations for a morning of volunteering; above, the group that WSB contributor Ellen Cedergreen found cleaning up and weeding at Junction Plaza Park: Paul Beery, RJ Son, Tony Ostenson, Fred Lisko, Brian Simmonds, and Mathew Hood. SLHS’s Bil Hood shared the next 3 photos – here’s the diaper drive for WestSide Baby outside Safeway in Jefferson Square:
Then there was the crew that worked at the Senior Center of West Seattle:
And an whimsically artistic touch:
ArtsWest, Me-Kwa-Mooks , and still more spots got some TLC too – plus handmade thank-you cards were on their way to “1,000 of our neighbors.” Bil says the day began with an announcement after the morning chapel service that “the students have raised almost $1500 for the Red Cross relief efforts across the world.”
Last night’s Evening Magazine featured the creations of West Seattle “upcycle” artist Russ Morgan, as you’ll see if you watch the KING 5 clip above. And not only was it timely since today is Earth Day – also turns out he’s having a reception today at Hotel Monaco downtown (1101 4th Avenue, 4-6 pm – you’re invited!), according to proud sister Wendy Morgan (also a West Seattleite), who tipped us to the story and the reception. Find out more about Russ’s art at justarumor.com. P.S. Wendy tells us that in West Seattle, his work is available at Capers in The Junction.
Thinking an unannounced festival or fun run was perhaps on the way, we had asked SDOT about those “no parking” signs in the Alki Bathhouse vicinity, but they had nothing on their special-events list. A note just out of the WSB inbox explains the signs: Alki photographer extraordinaire David Hutchinson e-mailed to say nearby residents have received a notice explaining that “Ira Finkelstein’s Christmas” will shoot exteriors in the area tomorrow and Monday. Quoting the notice, “We will be using the beach as a backdrop for Florida.” (The movie’s iMDB summary shines a little light on why.) Beach Drive Blog had reported previously on the crew’s plans to shoot in that area too.
1 PM P.S.: After rooting around for more information about the movie – we’ve added a clip above with some explanatory behind-the-scenes info (found here, where some “rough cut” clips also have been posted), including soundbites from directing/producing team members such as Jennifer Roth, just announced today as the recipient of the 6th annual Seattle Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film.
(WSHS Class of 1960, photographed at the 2010 All-School Reunion by Patrick Sand for WSB)
It just might be our area’s biggest school event each year, and the details for this year just came in. The West Seattle High School Alumni Association‘s All-School Reunion and Open House is set for Friday, June 3rd. It all starts with classic cars on display along SW Stevens at 4 pm, and wraps up with presentations, including scholarships, concluding around 9 pm. Read on for the schedule of what’s planned inbetween:Read More
2 West Seattle Crime Watch reports: First, more details on the burglary arrest announced by Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Steve Paulsen (here’s the Thursday story). The suspect is 31 years old and, according to the incident report, was tracked down after a report of a burglary at a home under construction in the 1500 block of Sunset Avenue (map) in North Admiral. A construction crew member told the responding officer that the burglary was the second one recently – the first time, wiring had been cut and stolen, and that wiring had just been replaced on Wednesday, one day before it was cut and stolen again; water pipes were cut away too. SPD Media Unit Detective Mark Jamieson adds that “information shared between Patrol and detectives matched the M.O. of someone they were aware of,” and subsequent investigation led to the suspect’s arrest as he tried to “recycle”/sell the stolen property. He’s still in jail, not yet charged so we’re not using his name; Det. Jamieson says police found drugs on him as well, so he is facing potential charges for that as well as burglary, according to the jail register. This is all just from the report for this arrest, so too early to say if he indeed will be linked to other break-ins.
And as if to underscore the point that one arrest never solves everything (so don’t stop being vigilant), a few hours later, a burglary was reported at midday – read on for that report:Read More
Having an Earth Day cleanup? Whether it’s one person or one-hundred, you’re welcome to share a photo – as did the proud grandparent who sent this one, noting that it’s “Captain America picking up trash!”
(Photo by Travis Tyler, looking toward West Seattle from M/V Hyak during Monday’s 6 am moonset)
From the WSB West Seattle Events calendar:
EARTH DAY IN THE FOREST: This is the “official” Earth Day, and though many celebrated with cleanups and forest restoration last weekend, there’s some today – EarthCorps (Facebook page here) will be helping out in the West Duwamish Greenbelt (16th Ave SW and Brandon), 10 am – 2 pm.
EARTH DAY FREEBIES: Take old vases/jars to Fleurt (NW corner of California/Oregon in The Junction) to recycle, and get a free mini-house-plant. (Tomorrow too!) … West Seattle Thriftway is celebrating Earth Day with a bag giveaway (with $20 purchase) and free baby trees (while supplies last).
GOOD FRIDAY: Looking for a church service? Check the special WSB West Seattle Easter page.
PASSOVER: Fourth night of the festival. No publicly announced special events, but you can check with West Seattle’s Kol HaNeshamah or Torah Learning Center directly.
EGG HUNT: Most of them are tomorrow but tonight there’s one for teens only! Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW): Teen Night Egg Hunt for ages 12-18 at 8:15 pm, billed as “the biggest outdoor teen night hunt in West Seattle!” Free, but bring a flashlight and goodie bag. (More egg-hunt info on the WSB West Seattle Easter page.)
DAY OF GIVING: “Day of Giving” for Seattle Lutheran High School – watch for students out and about, doing volunteer work!
SSCC WINE SALE Northwest Wine Academy spring wine sale at South Seattle Community College ((6000 16th Avenue SW), noon-4 pm today and tomorrow. Full details here
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB: The season’s finally here! Join the club at Daystar Retirement Village (2615 SW Barton, Bldg One) 10 am – 2 pm. A coffee social and registration half-hour precedes the business meeting, a commentary on design and horticulture exhibits and a review of two gardening books by club member Nancy Lechner. Brown bag lunch at 12 noon, with beverages and dessert served by the club. “How to Keep Honey Bees” is the subject of beekeeper Nancy Beckett at 1 pm. Visitors are welcome. Donation $5.
PHOTOS, MUSIC, WINE TONIGHT ON ALKI: At Alki Arts (2820 Alki SW), 6-10 pm, there is a photography exhibit by Brad Wright, blues music by Jeff Hays and Eric “Two Scoops” Moore, wine tasting by O Wines.
BIN 41 TASTING: K Vintners and Charles Smith wines at bin 41 (4707 California Ave SW), 5:30-7 pm.
(October 2010 West Seattle orca sighting; photo courtesy Jeff Hogan)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Want to help make the next “car-free day” on Alki more of a street party than it’s been before? Want to help save the orcas? Opportunities for both factored into Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting, with major topics including Alki’s Summer Streets day (just one month away, May 22nd) and imminent West Seattle milestones for The Whale Trail:Read More
Greenwood’s 826 Seattle (funded in part by store front Greenwood Space Travel Supply Company) has landed in West Seattle at the High Point Center run by Neighborhood House.
Writing, Homework Help, and Tutoring
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 – 5 pm
- Experts and Tutors to Support Writing and Learning
- Building skills for academics
- Hands-on activities supports homework
- Serving ages 8-18
- Drop In Welcome
April 26th through Mid June at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
Catch the Writing Bug
With Jamal Hussein and his team from 826 Seattle
Tuesdays and Wednesdays 3 pm – 5 pm
- Write Your Own Book
- Work with Real Writers to build writing skills
- Writing Clubs
- newsletter, pen pals, poetry, music …
- Hands-on activities and Homework Support
- Serving ages 8-18
- Drop In Welcome
April 26th through Mid June at Neighborhood House High Point Center (6400 Sylvan Way SW).
If you have questions about either of these programs please call Dena Nelson 206.588.4900 ext. 606 or 826 Seattle’s Jamal Hussein, Programs and Outreach Assistant, at jamal@826seattle.org
A press release from South Seattle Community College announces a Forum for Veterans and Families. This event focuses on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and college resources.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Resource Forum
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
0900 – 1530 (9 am – 3:30 pm)
South Seattle Community College
Brockey Center
6000-16th Ave. SW, Seattle, WA 98106
www.southseattle.edu / Driving directions: www.southseattle.edu/campus/map.htm#sscc
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Resource Forum is designed for military veterans and their families who have been affected by TBI. The day-long event features presentations, small group workshops, and panel discussions with veterans who have been exposed to TBI. Facilitators and medical personnel will address needs and issues related to TBI, while student veterans who have been exposed to, or experienced, TBI will share their stories.
The event also features a comprehensive resource fair where veterans will find information about college and/or VA benefits, programs of study, higher education pathways, and job search resources. Potential employers looking to hire veterans will be on hand.
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Resource Forum is free of charge but attendees must have a direct relationship with veterans who have, or may have, TBI. Free lunch will be provided for attendees, but pre-registration is required. RSVP to Michelle McMeel, at michellem@dva.wa.gov, or (360) 725-9844.
The forum is presented by the Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs and the Washington Traumatic Brain Injury Strategic Partnership Advisory Council.South Seattle Community College has been designated a Military Friendly School for 2011, based on its role in accepting and serving student veterans. The college’s experienced staff and personal is committed to ensuring that each and every veteran that comes to South has all the means necessary to complete his or her academic goals.
For more information contact: Dorsol Plants, (206) 355-7900 / d.plants@vet-corps.org
In case you’re doing some spring cleaning this weekend – heads up on a donation event that’s now just about a week away: West Seattle’s Girl Scout/Brownie Troop #40890 asks you to help them “Stuff the Van” to help young hospital patients and homeless families – here’s what they’re collecting and why:
Benefiting critically ill children at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the homeless at Wellspring Family Services:
What: Used children’s DVDs
Gently used BLANKETS
Gently used CHILDREN’S PJsWhen: 3:45 – 5:00 pm on April 27 and 29
Where: Westside Presbyterian Church
3601 California Ave SW
(Look for the black VW Eurovan)Sponsored by Girl Scout Brownie Troop #40890
(2nd Graders from Lafayette, Schmitz Park and Alki Elementary Schools)
We’ve received a notice from PCC about a food drive they are holding during the month of May in preparation to feed needy kids over the summer months. Read on for full details…
Month-long effort will help fill school lunch gap during summer months
(Seattle, Wash., April 15, 2011) – Throughout May, PCC Natural Markets (PCC) will host food drives at all of its nine neighborhood locations in King and Snohomish Counties. Specially marked donation bins will be set up inside each PCC store. These special food drives will help nourish kids who don’t have access to school-supplied meals during the summer months and whose families are served by food banks that partner with PCC in its year-round food bank program.
According to the “Communities Count Report” (September 2010), most school districts within King County, Wash. alone experienced an increase in the percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-priced meals between 2009 and 2010. In Seattle, the largest K-12 school district in the state, 42 percent of students qualify. Families must have incomes at or less than 130 percent of the federal poverty level to qualify for free lunches; families at or below 185 percent qualify for reduced-price lunches.
PCC’s food bank partners – and items most in need – include:
Beneficiary food banks:
- Redmond Hopelink Food Bank
- Kirkland Hopelink Food Bank
- Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank
- Westgate Chapel Food Bank
- Greenwood Food Bank
- University District Food Bank
- Family Works Food Bank
- West Seattle Food Bank
- Jewish Family Services – Morris Polack Food Bank
Top 10 requested items:
- Canned and boxed meals
- Grains
- Pasta and sauce
- Canned/dried beans
- Canned fruits and veggies
- Shelf stable milk
- Cooking oil
- Nut butter and jam
- Toiletries
- 10. Cereal
These food drives are a part of PCC Healthy Kids, a multi-year initiative to improve local children’s health through nutrition. The goal of this initiative is to boost awareness of the value of good nutrition, resulting in a lifetime of wellness for the thousands of kids and families that participate at home, at school and in our stores and communities. To learn more about PCC Healthy Kids, visit pcchealthykids.com.
About PCC Natural Markets (PCC): Headquartered in Seattle, Wash., PCC Natural Markets is a certified organic retail cooperative with annual sales of $148 million and an active membership of 46,000 households. PCC operates nine stores in the Seward Park, View Ridge, Greenlake, West Seattle, Fremont, Kirkland, Redmond, Edmonds and Issaquah neighborhoods. www.pccnaturalmarkets.com
For more information contact Tom Monahan, Marketing Manager, 206-547-1222 ext. 189 or tom.monahan@pccsea.com
ORIGINAL 10: 31 PM REPORT: If you are north of Morgan Junction or in Fairmount Springs, we’re tracking the police search that’s currently under way. We’re not certain about the incident that triggered it but a K-9 unit is involved in the search too. To our knowledge, it hasn’t involved a violent crime, but scanner traffic indicates the search might involve a suspect who is known to police. (No names in the comments, please, in case that turns out only to be speculation.) More details whenever they’re available.
12:57 AM UPDATE: The suspect whose name we heard on the scanner is in jail as of about half an hour ago, according to the King County Jail Register, and the potential charge is listed as fourth-degree assault, domestic violence. The case isn’t in the online court system yet but if it stays in Municipal Court, it’s an official charge, and we’ll report more later this morning. We had been tracking another case involving this suspect – one in which he was due to return to court next week for a status update.
2:40 PM FRIDAY: The suspect, charged in Municipal Court with assault, is Joel Lund. We last reported on him in March, when a judge allowed him out over prosecutors’ objections, after he was charged in connection with an incident involving a stolen catalytic converter. His next hearing in that case had been slated for April 28th; now he’s in jail awaiting arraignment tomorrow in connection with this new charge.
Story and photos by Katie Meyer
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A new wayfinding kiosk, an update on the Murray CSO Control Project, and the 6th annual Morgan Junction Festivalthis June were some of the topics covered at the Morgan Community Association‘s quarterly meeting last night.
Toplines:
*A wayfinding kiosk will soon go up on the west side of Fauntleroy Way SW across from the tennis courts, with map and information about the area including Lincoln Park and Solstice Park.
*An update on the Murray CSO project was presented by Martha Tuttle from King County: The environmental review has been completed and results will be made public later this month, after which the public has 14 days to comment, then the design phase begins.
*The Morgan Junction Festival will be on June 25th, with 2 different stages for live music from 10:30 am to 7 pm; local vendors, plenty of activities for children, and the “Bite of Morgan” featuring local restaurants.
Traffic-calming concerns, Zipcars, a unanimous re-election, emergency preparedness drills, tips on deterring crime, and more, after the jump:Read More
Another traffic-crackdown roundup from Seattle Police tonight – just published on SPD Blotter minutes ago:
On 35th Avenue SW, a 35 mph zone,
1 at 58 mph
1 at 51 mph
1 at 50 mph
3 at 49 mph
2 at 48 mph
2 at 46 mph
2 at 45 mph12 Cell Phone violations
1 Stop Sign
1 Following Too Close
1 No Proof of Insurance========
On the West Seattle Bridge, a 45 mph zone,
1 at 70 mph
1 at 68 mph
1 at 65 mph
1 at 60 mph
1 at 59 mph2 vehicles for Racing
3 No Proof of Insurance
1 Bus Lane violation
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(U.S. Navy photo)
Most years, the Seattle Mariners’ Salute to Armed Forces Night means a West Seattle flyover – so here’s advance warning, courtesy of SDOT’s weekend traffic alert: Saturday night, just before 6 pm, two Boeing EA-18G Growlers are scheduled for a Safeco Field flyover. They’re a variant of the Super Hornet (think Blue Angels), so it could get loud.
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Interested in a crosswalk at Delridge/Findlay, a growing commercial district in the heart of Delridge? That was one of many topics of discussion as community leaders gathered Wednesday night for the monthly Delridge Neighborhoods District Council meeting, inside the theater at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, to discuss ways to improve public safety and increase involvement in local neighborhoods.
The agenda featured an update on the Elliott Bay Seawall Replacement Project, a discussion of Neighborhood Projects Fund ideas, and a presentation about Camp Long’s application for a Large Project Grant.
(White Center Now/West Seattle Blog photo by Deanie Schwarz)
On the day after another medical-marijuana enterprise opened in our area – a branch of the GAME Collective just launched a lounge in White Center – the State Legislature has finalized a bill to regulate it (SB 5073) though Governor Gregoire’s signature is no slam-dunk. Local authorities have said they need state regulation so they know how to deal with these operations, which technically are illegal under state law, though medical marijuana itself won voter approval more than a decade ago. But the governor has said that she’s concerned the bill will leave state employees open to prosecution, and she reinforced that in a statement just sent out by her office:
“I realize the value that medical marijuana has for patients and support the voter-approved initiative. I also agree with the intent of the Legislature to clarify ambiguity surrounding search and arrest as well as concerns around dispensaries and access. We need to create a system that works.
“I asked the Legislature to work with me on a bill that does not subject state workers to risk of criminal liability. I am disappointed that the bill as passed does not address those concerns while also meeting the needs of medical marijuana patients.
“I will review the bill to determine any parts that can assist patients in need without putting state employees at risk. No state employee should have to break federal law in order to do their job.”
But Seattle’s Mayor and City Council are hoping she’ll sign it – their joint statement just came in:
“We would like to extend our greatest appreciation to the Washington State Legislature for passing today SB 5073. The bill would provide a comprehensive regulatory framework for medical marijuana use. This bill spells out precisely how dispensaries and production facilities can operate in a way that provides legitimate patients with medical marijuana, gives local governments the tools we need to help protect the health and safety of our communities, and provides much-needed clarity for law enforcement.
“In particular, we would like to thank Sen. Jeanne Kohl-Welles for all of her hard work and leadership on this bill, and Rep. Eileen Cody for shepherding the bill through the State House.
“We encourage Governor Gregoire to sign the bill, and look forward to working with her and her staff in the coming days.”
The governor’s spokesperson Scott Whiteaker replied to our followup question by saying that’s not a veto statement – she has 20 days to decide how to handle the bill. Meantime, with the GAME Collective opening in White Center yesterday, four medical-marijuana outlets are in operation in West Seattle/White Center, with at least two more on the way (Northwest Patient Resource Center at 35th/Roxbury – WSB coverage here – and Herban Legends in White Center – WCN coverage here).
Some people are so excited about Delridge Skatepark, they are watching every little detail as construction begins – so if that’s you, here’s the latest. We published a photo Monday showing the fencing that had just gone up at the site – then came word that construction equipment had arrived – and today, that equipment is digging in, so you can say the official “groundbreaking” has occurred (no ceremony was planned). Some skateboarding advocates had fretted that West Seattle would never get a skatepark, since the original proposal drew opposition 3+ years ago when it was proposed for Myrtle Reservoir Park – which finally opened last fall and will be dedicated a week from Saturday – but a new site search followed, and North Delridge welcomed it with open arms. The skatepark should be complete and open in late summer.
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