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Spotlight Stories


  • Parade

    WS GRAND PARADE: Scroll our video, photos!

  • Float Dodger

    FLOAT DODGER 5K: See how Saturday began!

  • RTCC

    REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER: WS in future?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Fauntleroy Community Association: RapidRide remains top topic
August 11, 2010 1:18 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | West Seattle news

The RapidRide bus-stop plans for the Fauntleroy ferry terminal remained the top topic for the Fauntleroy Community Association as its board met Tuesday night. While board members continue to meet with Metro rep Paul Roybal – who also is scheduled to attend the next meeting (Sept. 14) – they don’t believe their concerns about a potential traffic bottleneck are being addressed. As reiterated at last month’s meeting, they’re worried that will be a result of the current design, which brings traffic past the terminal down to one lane each way. And they’re concerned that many people don’t realize that – nor the potential for more traffic to divert onto 45th SW to avoid it – so time was spent Tuesday night discussing how to raise awareness – possibly via a mailing or door-to-door campaign. FCA also believes Metro is working with inaccurate traffic-flow numbers; while they say the county numbers show 400 cars an hour in the area during peak ferry-traffic hours, FCA’s Susan Lantz-Dey did a car count the past two days, and said she counted at least twice that – even without school in session (there’s dock traffic from West Seattle parents picking up Vashon-school-attending kids). She and FCA president Bruce Butterfield plan to push for a new traffic study. Also discussed: The ongoing discussions about how the county will control Combined Sewer Overflows from the basins that feed Barton (Fauntleroy) and Murray (Lowman Beach) pump stations, with the Barton “green stormwater” meeting last week and ongoing Murray citizens advisory group meetings (FCA board member Vlad Oustimovitch is a Murray group member).

The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month, 7 pm, The Hall at Fauntleroy (old schoolhouse).

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The “other” road project: What you’re seeing near Highway 99 S.
August 10, 2010 7:58 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

We’ve received several notes asking about this in recent days – so in case you were wondering too: The project that is starting to resembling a ramp to connect The Bridge and Highway 99 southbound in this area is something entirely different: It’s the East Marginal Way Grade Separation Project, which is being handled by the Port of Seattle and hasn’t gotten nearly as much publicity as the Alaskan Way and Spokane Street Viaducts. (We mentioned the start of construction back in January.) Here’s a fact sheet explaining it, rendering included, and a little more info here. It’s supposed to be done in about a year.

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Rotary totem-pole rededication, report #1: ‘Story of community’
August 10, 2010 7:20 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

As Rotary Club of West Seattle past president Amy Lee Derenthal spoke tonight to the 100-plus people who gathered at Rotary Viewpoint Park to celebrate the stolen-then-returned-and-restored totem pole, she invoked the memory of longtime Rotarian Ken Wise, who helped sleuth the case. Mr. Wise, who died of cancer a little over a week ago, wanted to see the pole reinstalled before he died – “We made it!” Derenthal said proudly (referring to the pole’s July 28th reinstallation), while lamenting he couldn’t have been there for tonight’s ceremony – and among the crowd, voices rippled, “He’s here, he’s here.” As were members of his family:

(From left, granddaughters Amy Bentrott and Kelly Bentrott, daughter MaryAnn Bentrott, and widow Anne Wise.) Past president Derenthal also explained how the totem-pole thief had given Rotarians a chance to practice their “four-way test” of integrity and justice. Even those disappointed by how the case turned out, with a settlement rather than prosecution, might want to hear that explained on video in our second report; right now, the celebration is continuing at the West Seattle Golf Course just beneath the viewpoint:

At the start of tonight’s ceremony, Haida master carver Ralph Bennett drummed, and spoke of the pole’s mainstays, the thunderbird and whale – representing, he said, “the story of community.”

Before he drummed, he asked permission from Duwamish Tribe chair Cecile Hansen, who was in attendance:

Returning to West Seattle for the ceremony was Robin Young, the Native American carver who created the pole more than three decades ago:

He was at its dedication too – here’s the 1976 photo his family shared with us for a December story:

(Photo provided by carver Robin Young(third from left) ‘s daughter Tracy Zimmerman)
At the time, he told WSB he hoped to be at the park for the totem pole’s rededication – and that wish came true. The event, by the way, began with a greeting from West Seattle Rotary president Steve Fuller:

Meantime, our video from tonight’s event is coming up in a separate story.

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Looking ahead: Big events from Wednesday through Sunday
August 10, 2010 6:10 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

This is by no means a complete list of everything happening over the next five days – but some highlights to mention in advance:

‘SEUSSICAL JR.’ OPENS WEDNESDAY: The junior theater students at ArtsWest are putting on the show – and you’re invited. More information here, including a link to buy tickets.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK THURSDAY: Artists and venues are on the official WSAW website; 6-9 pm, all over the peninsula. WSB sponsors participating include Bin 41 wine shop, where Washington winemaker Brian Carter will be pouring for a tasting concurrent with Art Walk, and for the first time, the Barton Street Lofts in Westwood are joining the Art Walk, with a multi-artist show.

SUMMER CONCERTS AT HIAWATHA THURSDAY: Pearl Django featuring guest vocalist Greta Matassa, free, 6:30 pm, east lawn at Hiawatha Community Center.

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ GARDEN PARTY FRIDAY: State Sen. Joe McDermott is confirmed as the MC for the buffet and auction at West Seattle Nursery, and organizer Chris Porter says one of the popular auction items will be “a cocktail party hosted by the elected state leaders of the 34th LD, for which there are only 50 tickets available and they go fast.”

WEST SEATTLE OUTDOOR MOVIES IN THE JUNCTION SATURDAY: “Wayne’s World” is on screen at dusk in the courtyard by Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) and it doesn’t look like a rainout THIS week. Full details here.

OUTDOOR MOVIE ON ALKI SATURDAY: At Coastal, the movie is “Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle.”

C & P COFFEE ARTS/CRAFTS FAIR ON SATURDAY: 9 am-3 pm. The announcement just came in today:

This will be a one day, free event featuring unique, local arts and crafts for sale at the coffee shop. Jewelry, toys, clothing, prints, paintings, furniture, and more. If you have any questions or you are interested in selling your work, please contact Cameron at: candpco@comcast.net

CITYDOG MAGAZINE ‘COVER DOG’ SEARCH ON SUNDAY: Starts at noon, West Seattle Thriftway. Details here.

More on the WSB West Seattle Events calendar!

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Kenney redevelopment plans, 2 years later: ‘Retooling mode’
August 10, 2010 2:27 pm
|    Comments Off on Kenney redevelopment plans, 2 years later: ‘Retooling mode’
 |   Development | The Kenney | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

It’s been almost exactly two years since a WSB’er’s e-mail about redevelopment plans at The Kenney – the century-old retirement complex north of Lincoln Park – led us to sit down with CEO Kevin McFeely for a conversation that resulted in the first news story about the project.

It’s an understatement to say a lot has changed as the proposal – which stirred intense emotions, from neighbors, other community members, and from those with ties to The Kenney – has evolved over those two years. And now it’s evolving again – with the goal to have a new, smaller plan for consideration at community meetings in the next few months, according to McFeely, with whom we talked on Monday, along with the local architect/developer who joined the project team earlier this year, Euclid Development‘s T.J. Lehman, who describes it as in “retooling mode.”

This summer, Legos have even played a part in that “retooling – read on to see why, and hear what else McFeely and Lehman say is happening now:Read More

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Story behind smashed-up car, and more
August 10, 2010 11:32 am
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

In West Seattle Crime Watch this morning: Got two tips on the car you see at left, from Meredith (who sent the phone photo at left) and Cheryl, both wondering why a smashed-up car was just sitting alongside California SW at SW Manning (map), no police, no fire unit … The 911 log showed the crash happened around 7:30 am, and a call to the Seattle Police media unit revealed the backstory: Det. Mark Jamieson says a car hit a parked vehicle, and its driver walked away. Witnesses gave police a description, and officers arrested a suspect shortly afterward. They subsequently confirmed the car he was driving had been stolen earlier in the morning. This car (we’re not 100 percent sure whether it was the stolen car or the hit car) has been sitting alongside the road awaiting a tow truck. Meantime, two other Crime Watch reports, both involving car prowls – read on:Read More

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Police converge on West Seattle store – for ‘Shop with a Cop’
August 10, 2010 10:27 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | Westwood

Quite the show of force from Seattle Police and King County Sheriff’s Office leaders inside Westwood Village Target a couple hours ago. Many in the lineup came all the way from downtown! No crime, though – instead, they were there for the annual “Shop with a Cop” school-supplies spree, in partnership with the Salvation Army, which donated tens of thousands of dollars of Target gift cards for the occasion. Outside, the young shoppers lined up:

Once inside the store, the law enforcers chaperoned the young shoppers, each of whom was given an $80 gift card, according to the news release on the SPD Blotter site.

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Followup: West Seattle house fire sparks a reminder for everybody
August 10, 2010 9:26 am
|    Comments Off on Followup: West Seattle house fire sparks a reminder for everybody
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | Westwood

(Monday night photo by Tony Bradley)
New information this morning about last night’s fire in the 9000 block of 22nd SW, southeast of Westwood Village (WSB coverage here). We checked with Seattle Fire Department spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen to see why rotating fire crews had kept watch on the scene overnight – not the case with most fires – when this one had been extinguished fairly quickly. She explained that there was some concern this might reignite, because of what investigators now know about its origins: As the incident commander told us at the scene last night, it started as a small kitchen fire – but that was hours earlier. SFD was not called; the resident thought the kitchen fire was completely out, no problem. Instead, it reached up into the attic through a light fixture, where it smoldered for hours until the big burst of smoke and flame that led to the fire call just after 7 pm. And as a result, Vander Houwen says, it did a lot more damage than might have been the case if firefighters had been called to help with that first, small fire: “No matter what, even if you think it’s a small fire – call us, we’ll send a crew, and they can take a look. Fire can get to places where you can’t necessarily see it.” Damage from the attic fire that ignited last night because of that first kitchen fire is estimated this morning at $70,000.

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West Seattle Tuesday: From pup to pole, and more
August 10, 2010 8:41 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Tuesday: From pup to pole, and more
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

The first baby seal sighted on West Seattle shores this season may or may not be part of today’s happenings – but David Hutchinson sent that too-cute-not-to-publish photo, with this info, so we’re starting with it:

Primo, the seal pup, spent some time around noon today at Alki Beach resting on a sand bar at low tide. If you see him, keep a respectful distance and be sure to contact Seal Sitters at 206-905-SEAL. (Photo taken with a telephoto lens)

Meantime, from the WSB West Seattle Events calendar: Almost two weeks after the reinstallation of the West Seattle Rotary Viewpoint Park totem pole (WSB video coverage here), you’re invited to its rededication at 5 pm. Those expected to be on hand include its carver, Robin Young (who we interviewed last December, not long after the pole was stolen). The park’s at 35th/Alaska … One neighborhood meeting scheduled tonight: Fauntleroy Community Association‘s board, 7 pm, at the schoolhouse (9131 Fauntleroy SW) … Looking for something to do with your toddler? Camp Long‘s Tot Trek goes tidepooling at Me-Kwa-Mooks at 10:30 am (registration’s required so call 206-684-7434 to see if there’s room) … Tonight, it’s trivia at Feedback Lounge, 8 pm, and open turntables at Skylark Café and Club, 6 pm (both WSB sponsors) – and remember Skylark has live music on Tuesdays now too (tonight: 9 pm, Rachel Goodrich; 10 pm, Timmy Sunshine and the Conductors) … And there’s more, on the calendar.

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