West Seattle, Washington
06 Wednesday
By Megan Sheppard
On the WSBeat, for West Seattle Blog
From reports on cases handled recently by Southwest Precinct officers:
*A mystery surrounds a green Ford pickup truck and its driver, seen doing off-roading-style maneuvers in the mud, kicking up dirt and grass and driving through private yards in the 2400 block of SW Juneau on Monday around noon. Alarmed when the driver suddenly stopped alongside the yard of a child-care center and smiled, the caregiver hustled the children away from the area. They were unhurt, and the truck left the area “without further incident.” Here’s the mystery: The truck had a “Seattle City Parks” placard on its side. A parks supervisor told officers that no employees were working in the area at that time, no trucks in the parking lot had mud splatter, and that the partial license plate reported did not match any Parks Department vehicle. The driver was a white man, age 22-29.
Six more summaries ahead:Read More
After 38 years, Liberty Bell Printing is closed in The Junction, though the business itself will continue on. As first reported here two weeks ago, Liberty Bell is only closing its retail storefront, but it’s a momentous occasion just the same, since it’s one of the oldest businesses in The Junction. Christopher Boffoli was there for WSB when Michael Hoffman, who’s owned it for a decade, closed the doors tonight one last time. Michael will continue offering printing and design services without a storefront, via libertybellprinting.com.
From SDOT, an alert for late-night drivers heading westbound toward West Seattle from I-5 or Beacon Hill tonight:
Tonight at midnight there will be an estimated 10-minute-long rolling slowdown of westbound traffic on the Spokane Street Viaduct (West Seattle Bridge), at the point just west of Sixth Avenue South. The contractor working for the Seattle Department of Transportation to widen the Spokane Street Viaduct must remove a light pole on the side of the bridge, working from below with a crawler crane to detach the pole and position it away from the Viaduct and onto the ground. As a safety precaution, Washington State Patrol will be on site to provide traffic control, leading a rolling slowdown until this brief construction task is completed.
From Seattle Parks this afternoon, what you can expect from their community centers, parks, pools, etc. in the next few weeks – read on!Read More
An in-the-works educational-TV show that’s already out on the Web, “Team Marco Polo,” has a local link this Christmas – the goofy holiday video you can watch above, whose cast includes three West Seattle youth, according to producer William Yeakle:
Matt, Siena, and Gabi Jeakle and 10,000 viewers have been dancing with Santa in a
YouTube video that has caught on this Christmas season. The video, The Santa Claus Dance, with more than 10,000 total views in 3 versions, is from the TV show Team Marco Polo, produced by Filmateria Studios, based in Seattle. Matt, Siena, and Gabi join veteran actors Jonathan Wright and Ethan Newberry in skits for the new show, which has shot 13 episodes and is currently in the editing process. The web version of the show is already becoming a staple in many classrooms. Producers have received positive comments from teachers in Hawaii, Colorado, New York, and Iceland.In addition to the YouTube version of the show, producers have completed a CD and two books and are producing an iPhone app. The show is slated to hit TV screens and bookshelves in the fall of 2011, but complete shows and more than 50 snippets can be seen on the Team Marco Polo YouTube Channel now. Fans can also join the beta website: teammarcopolo.com
From Kristin, who encountered this solicitor late this morning:
I just had a guy come to my door claiming to want to wash my carpets. When I said no thanks, he wanted to do my floors or upholstery – one room for free. He had no ID, and forgot to ask until after he was gone. He was on foot – no van anywhere in sight. I’m near Graham and 38th.
(He may have been perfectly legit, but we share these alerts just in case.)
Caveat, this is a work-in-progress: WSB contributor/researcher Katie Meyer has done a tremendous amount of work to gather the info, but she’s still tying up loose ends, and we’ve still got a lot of links to add. That said, since we’re getting a lot of requests, we’re publishing the first “who’s open in West Seattle on the holiday” take for your reference (the link will remain the same as we tweak). This year, it includes who’s open for groceries, coffee, and/or dining on Christmas Eve and/or Day, so read carefully! And if you have firsthand knowledge of anything different/missing, please comment or e-mail us – thanks.
(Photos courtesy Cary Kemp)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“My dream of owning my own pizzeria is a reality!”
That’s what Cary Kemp told WSB this morning, now that he’s signed the lease for the Admiral space (4213 SW College; map) where he plans to open a wood-fired pizzeria.
We talked with Cary a few days ago, so we could be ready to share details about his restaurant, Pizzeria 22 (Ventidue) once everything was official.
He’s been in the pizza business a while – just without his own fixed location, till now.
A few special events on the WSB West Seattle Events and West Seattle Holidays calendars: The monthly Poetrybridge reading/open-mike event at C & P Coffee (WSB sponsor) is tonight, sign-ups at 6:45 pm, event at 7 (more details here) … Another holiday service specially geared for people in the midst of a “Blue Christmas” because of loss or other challenges, 7 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation … For your holiday shopping needs today/tonight, check out the WSB Holiday Shopping Guide and Coupons pages for deals and special hours; the guide includes sponsor Bin 41‘s wine-tasting event 5:30-7 pm tonight in The Junction … Just got word there are still some trees left, now half-price, at the Holy Rosary Tree Lot, last day, open 11 am-6 pm or till sold out.
Thanks to Marty and Lia for e-mail about an early-morning SWAT sighting near Anchor Park on Alki Avenue SW (map); traffic was blocked for a while but Marty says it IS now getting through, and that the officers had announced themselves on arrival as there to serve a warrant. He also says SWAT’s gone but other police vehicles remain. We’re checking with SPD for additional info.
(WSB video by Cliff DesPeaux)
Caroling can be a hoot – as that group of neighbors/church friends found out as they serenaded part of High Point last night with a truly merry round of Christmas songs. Thanks to Fred for inviting WSB to follow along for last night’s musical meandering!
(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)
It was a sweet way to start the winter: Before the solstice-sunset-viewing event we had been telling you about, there was a solstice-welcoming event at Fauntleroy’s Solstice Park. Though the sun didn’t make an appearance, there were chocolates courtesy of Chef Tiberio Simone from La Figa Catering and Specialty Desserts. He identified himself as a solstice aficionado. And what a place to await the moment itself, 3:38 pm Tuesday:
In addition to Chef Simone and other aficionados, the media turnout included a crew working on a documentary about solstice events. The celebration included a countdown to the solstice moment, as participants gathered in a circle, hugged, and clapped.
About 40 minutes later, more than 30 people were at the park to watch the solstice sunset – or what they knew was the solstice sunset somewhere behind the clouds – with astro-expert Alice Enevoldsen; our partners at the Seattle Times have the full story on that. (added) Here’s Alice in action (photo by Jason Gift Enevoldsen):
(WSB photo by Katie Meyer)
If you remained skeptical even after our story last week about the official permit paperwork progressing for the future West Seattle Trader Joe’s – here’s new proof it’s advancing. Property owner Steve Huling called WSB tonight to let us (and you!) know that the official city sign has gone up to tell all interested parties that the site is under environmental review for a land-use permit (as you can see here), and we just procured our own photographic proof. As noted in our earlier coverage, and in the permit applications, they are not demolishing any buildings, so this isn’t expected to be a long construction process; most recent estimated opening date was sometime in the spring. (P.S. As discussed in comments on our previous story, the “environmentally critical area” on the site involves a steep slope. The sign posting opens a comment period for this review of the project; here’s official city info on how to comment.)
We finally have key details on a Fauntleroy/California car-vs.-pedestrian crash this afternoon that several people e-mailed to ask about, almost all worrying that “it looked bad.” Seattle Fire had told us they didn’t take anyone to the hospital – but their records didn’t indicate whether that meant “nobody went to the hospital” or “private ambulance took someone to the hospital.” Tonight, Southwest Precinct Lt. Alan Williams just found that information for us: He says a private ambulance did take the pedestrian to the hospital (which usually means the injuries were *not* life-threatening). He also says the driver who hit the pedestrian was “cited for right-of-way at crosswalk.”
Three West Seattle wildlife notes tonight: First, that photo from Creighton came with this explanation: “Found a red-tail hawk in my Genesee Hill backyard today, finishing up his breakfast of one very unlucky starling.” (9:04 pm update from comments – apparently a sharp-shinned hawk!)
Second, Guy Smith has just provided his second annual report on the arrival of brant – the small, white-ringed-neck geese – on West Seattle shores:
Our brant showed up just after noon today on winter solstice; nearly a month later than normal. Was their late arrival weather-related? Probably, but we don’t know for sure. This is only the second time in the last 17 years they have been this late. But to paraphrase from the brant story published last (November); “On this chilly, shortest day of 2010, our brant and their young winged into the shore north of Alki Point, made a pass, then banked south around the point to the waters along West Seattle, where they will winter and start their annual cycle again.”
Last but not least, a coyote report from Wendy:
I was on my way home on Tuesday night around 10 pm, driving up Marine View Drive. Just past the intersection of SW 106th I realized I was following a coyote that was on a dead run down the middle of the Drive. It turned down into the Arroyos on 42nd Ave SW, flew down the hill, and turned left onto SW 109th St, where I lost track of it. It looked healthy and well fed. There are quite a few cats in our neighborhood; I hope people keep them in at night!
SPD Blotter reported this afternoon that police have arrested a man suspected in three pharmacy robberies, including one in West Seattle. The arrest happened today, with the help of citizens:
Since early October, a lone white male was believed to be responsible for three pharmacy robberies. The first two occurred at a chain pharmacy at locations in West Seattle and on Capitol Hill. The most recent occurred downtown on December 14th, in the 800 Block of 3rd Avenue. The suspect would usually imply a weapon and demand prescription drugs.
Today, December 21st, at approximately 11:40 AM, a white male armed with a knife attempted to rob a pharmacy located in the 900 Block of 4th Avenue. The suspect approached the pharmacist and demanded the drugs. Several employees and customers jumped on the suspect and held him until police arrived. He was immediately taken into custody. Robbery detectives responded and processed the scene. The 33 year old male was interviewed by detectives and admitted to the robberies. He was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Robbery. The Robbery detectives will continue with the followup investigation.
The only “chain pharmacy” robbery we’ve covered since early October is a holdup at Bartell Drugs in Jefferson Square on October 9th. We’ve got a message out to SPD to ask if that’s the one to which they say this suspect has confessed.
Just out of the WSB inbox, Seattle City Light‘s announcement that its program for recycling old refrigerators – not only free pickup, but also a rebate – is back. Details ahead:Read More
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
In most communities, an announcement about renovations in the works for a motel would be greeted with a shrug, if that.
But when your community has only *one* motel, as is the case in West Seattle, it’s big news. So that’s why, after publishing the news release sent last week on behalf of the Seattle West Inn‘s new owners/management, we pursued more information about what’s in the works.
Read on to see what we found out from the two key players with whom we spoke:Read More
(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)
Thanks go to Lynda and Nancy for alerting us to this sad sight: Two young trees destroyed in front of Madison Middle School (north of the main entrance path, as the top photo shows). When we heard about it, we wondered if it was related to our recent bouts of wind, but Christopher Boffoli went over for photos and reports it’s clear they were taken down by a hatchet or pick-axe. (Note the debris in the next photo.)
We have a message out to police to ask if this has been reported and whether any other vandalism’s been reported in the area; no reply yet, but we’ll add any more information we get. (If you’re wondering when it happened – sometime before midnight, which is when Lynda’s note came in.)
The exact moment is 3:38 pm our time today – and from here on out, the days keep getting longer; spring and summer are in view! In addition to the winter-solstice-sunset viewing event we’ve been mentioning with West Seattle-residing NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen at Solstice Park (sunset’s around 4:20 pm; if it’s not rainy, you’ll see Alice there by 3:30), two more events from the WSB West Seattle Holidays page, both presented by WSB sponsors: From the Christmastime-services list, Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) invites you to tonight’s 7 pm Blue Christmas/Longest Night service, “a service for folks for whom this is not the most wonderful time of the year. … Join us for this service of reflection with music, readings and candle lighting to acknowledge the grief and pain and find a ray of hope.” … And at Merrill Gardens at West Seattle (4611 35th SW), the holiday classic “It’s a Wonderful Life” (trailer above) plays in the theater at 1 pm, free admission and snacks.
If you were among the hundreds at the West Seattle Junction Tree Lighting earlier this month, you’ll remember the Endolyne Children’s Choir. When they resume their Tuesday practices post-holidays, they’ll be welcoming new members – here’s the invitation from L. Medina:
The Endolyne Children’s Choir is wrapping up a busy Fall Session where we were able to perform for the West Seattle community at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, Mt. St. Vincent’s, Park West, the December 4th Christmas Tree Lighting, and our annual holiday concert @ St. John’s Church. We are a non-audition choir, led by music director Maria Johnson, and we are pleased to welcome our new Encore and Debut choir director; Amy Stagno for the winter Session which starts January 4th. Our Debut Choir (grades K-2), Encore Choir (grades 3-5), and Advanced Ensemble Choir (grades 6-8) all practice Tuesday nights at St. John’s Church next to the West Seattle High School. Our purpose is to teach the joy of singing in a community setting that fosters self confidence, teamwork, and a lifelong appreciation for music. To learn more or sign your child up for our next session visit us at: www.endolynechoir.org
We’re midway through – more or less – the first lunar eclipse/winter solstice combo in 362 years (and the last one till 2094). Many around West Seattle got at least a glimpse of the disappearing moon, thanks to shifting clouds. Christopher Boffoli got the image above from The Junction within the past hour. As you might imagine, America’s space agency had its pick of angles …
NASA’s Bill Ingalls took that from Arlington, Virginia. Anything else comes in later, we’ll add – we’ve seen a lot go by on Twitter (like this one), and various galleries like this one. Coming up, there’s the winter solstice itself: West Seattle’s NASA Solar System Ambassador Alice Enevoldsen plans a sunset-viewing event tonight (Tuesday) at Solstice Park (map); 4:20 pm’s the sunset, she’s planning to be there around 3:30, unless it’s rainy (but clouds do NOT cancel – just like tonight, you never know when you’ll get a peek).
ADDED MIDDAY TUESDAY: This eclipse photo is by DLC (thanks!):
First Delridge … then Seaview … tonight we got that video from Timothy in Fairmount Heights of “wassailing” – or maybe you’d call it caroling – in the neighborhood. Any other last-minute holiday haps, let us know … the WSB West Seattle Holidays page is still up and running, including a long list of Christmas Eve/Day church services (let us know if yours isn’t there yet), and we should be adding the Christmas Eve/Day restaurants/coffee “who’ll be open” info tomorrow.
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