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Spotlight Stories

Update: Power flickers, outages reported around West Seattle
July 14, 2010 9:50 pm
|      56 COMMENTS
 |   Utilities | West Seattle news

(Scroll down for morning update on suspected cause)
9:50 PM: Getting multiple reports via e-mail, Twitter, Facebook of power flickers – and apparently at least one actual outage in Highland Park. Checking.

9:57 PM UPDATE: Reported outages include areas of High Point, Fairmount Park, Highland Park. As pointed out by Pete in comments, and shown on the 911 log, there’s a transformer fire reported in the 8100 block of 1st Avenue South, which is between West Seattle and South Park (map) by Highway 509. P.S. If you’re in south West Seattle – those are the White Center Jubilee Days fireworks you’re hearing right now (we can hear them in Upper Fauntleroy, *not* something related to this.)

10:18 PM UPDATE: City Light’s official update calls this a “large” outage in West Seattle, but doesn’t yet list a cause. Still checking.

10:45 PM UPDATE: Just got a call back from City Light media liaison. They still don’t know what caused this, he says, so they don’t know how soon it will be fixed. Crews are currently out following the trail of the outage, which affects about 900 homes/businesses right now (large area but spotty in its effects, as we saw while driving around looking). He says the system “tried to right itself by cycling” – but it “locked out” and “the circuit remained open.” We’ll keep checking for updates.

10:54 PM UPDATE: Getting some reports of power coming back on. Let us know if yours was out but has returned.

11:27 PM UPDATE: Still no official word on the cause – we’ll see what we can find out from the SCL communications team in the morning. But more people have reported getting their power back.

12:03 AM UPDATE: … but not everybody, as comments indicate – part of Highland Park is still out of power.

1:09 AM UPDATE: Paula just texted to say the outage continues in her part of eastern WS. City Light has now briefly mentioned the outage here, but no new info.

1:44 AM UPDATE: And after about four hours, that area’s back too, according to another text just received from Paula. (Thanks again to everyone for sharing news on what’s happening where you are!)

8:11 AM UPDATE: City Light says it believes the outage was caused by a tree/power line conflict in the greenbelt near 4th SW/Cloverdale (northeast of West Seattle Reservoir).

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Update: Car crashes through fence at 35th/Avalon
July 14, 2010 9:27 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

ORIGINAL 9:27 PM REPORT: This call was originally dispatched as a “heavy rescue” but has already been downgraded after crews reported nobody was trapped in a vehicle after all – according to the scanner, it’s a car over an embankment at 35th and Avalon; thanks to those who texted us the tip. We just arrived and the fire units have all cleared, which suggests no injuries; will have a photo of the car (and info on traffic effects, if any) shortly. 9:39 PM UPDATE: Photo added, courtesy Mike Heavey (who we’d just seen while covering the 34th District Democrats‘ meeting an hour ago). Meantime, WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand reports from the scene that police say the driver went through the fence – northbound side of the street, about 100 yards south of the stalled (and recently sold) development site – while swerving to avoid another vehicle. Nobody hurt; no traffic effects.

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West Seattle people: South Seattle CC sendoff for Mike Munson
July 14, 2010 9:25 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Puget Ridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Another notable farewell: Co-workers and other well-wishers gathered at South Seattle Community College this afternoon to say farewell to Mike Munson (photographed with wife Marsha), the longtime SSCC public-information director who’s about to retire. He’s not only worked to get the message out about West Seattle’s only college, but has also been SSCC’s rep on local groups such as district councils. His going-away gift: An autographed apron:

Co-workers say the apron is appropriate, because cooking is one thing he’s hoping to do more of!

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Admiral Neighborhood Assoc.: Politics, parade, concerts, traffic …
July 14, 2010 7:27 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

About 25 people gathered Tuesday night at Admiral Church for the monthly meeting of the Admiral Neighborhood Association.

The agenda included a forum for local political candidates, a discussion of the “rechannelization” proposal for Admiral Way (as a follow-up to SDOT’s open house earlier in the afternoon), an update on a possible pedestrian signal at 47th SW & Admiral Way, a recap of the successful 4th of July Kids’ Parade, and an overview of the group’s final preparations for the Summer Concerts at Hiawatha series (co-sponsored by WSB, beginning 2 weeks from tomorrow).

Read More

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Junction Neighborhood Org.: Real Change’s side of the story
July 14, 2010 3:30 pm
|      14 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Last time the Junction Neighborhood Organization met, two months ago, the group got a wide-ranging and candid briefing from a Seattle Police officer whose focus is on The Junction. He had harsh words for Real Change and its vendors (part of this WSB story on that meeting). The organization took exception to the characterization. So last night, when JuNO met again, Real Change staffers took their turn to address community concerns about people selling the paper (who may or may not be actual vendors). Read on:Read More

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West Seattle coyotes: Another new believer
July 14, 2010 3:02 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Out of the WSB inbox, from Michael:

I recently read about a coyote being spotted running at 37th and Juneau. Didn’t think it was possible, but this morning at 4:45am, I say one running down 38th between Juneau and Raymond [map]. I thought that was the last I would see of the animal but a few minutes later it came running back up the street in the opposite direction. If I weren’t for the fact I know they like to eat cats and small dogs, I’d welcome this bit of wildlife in our midst!

How to coexist with coyotes – read it here; past WSB coyote coverage – see it here.

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Update: Hazmat response wrapping up on Harbor Island
July 14, 2010 1:29 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

ORIGINAL 1:29 PM REPORT: A big Fire Department response is dealing with a hazmat situation on the north end of Harbor Island (13th SW/SW Florida), and while SFD spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen says no injuries are reported, scanner discussion indicates traffic trouble in the area. The situation involves a “substance leaking from a container” in a rail yard – no other details yet. 4:24 PM UPDATE: From SFD via Twitter: “Hazmat incident on Harbor Island is wrapping up. 3 units standing by until a contractor can come take care of the issue. No injuries.”

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West Seattle Junction Car Show: Don’t let that application idle
July 14, 2010 12:50 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Award-winning Camaro from 2009 West Seattle Junction Car Show)
With West Seattle Summer Fest in the rear-view mirror, the next big all-day-street-closing event in The Junction is the 3rd annual West Seattle Junction Car Show, just two months away. Organizer Michael Hoffman from Liberty Bell Printing says they’re already 50 percent over the number of registrations they had by this time last year – so if you’re not pre-registered, you’ll be left in the dust. You can get an application here, or if you prefer, stop by Liberty Bell (4736 California SW) or call 206 935-1212. Michael says they’re expecting to hit the maximum possible number of cars, 300 (last year, they had 257). As for car-show visitors, we asked Michael about other highlights beyond the cars themselves: They’re working on some marine possibilities, like a second hydroplane, maybe even a rocket boat; different antique fire trucks; and after some gripes about last year’s music, a new DJ is on board, Michael says, with the ’50s-’60s music that seems to be the optimal soundtrack for classic-car shows. 8 am-4 pm in The Junction, Sunday, September 19th (with co-sponsors including WSB)!

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Fauntleroy Community Assoc.: RapidRide, pump station updates
July 14, 2010 11:29 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Transportation | Utilities | West Seattle news

From last night’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting: FCA is continuing to pressure Metro to address concerns about the plan for the RapidRide bus stops at (and across from) the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. Last month, the group got its first look at 60-percent-complete design for the stops, which bring Fauntleroy Way down to one lane each way by the terminal, leading to traffic concerns, including big backups behind stopped buses. FCA has sent King County Executive Dow Constantine a letter describing the design as “unacceptable,” but president Bruce Butterfield said last night that nothing’s come of the letter yet. FCA’s Susan Lantz-Dey, who’s on a RapidRide advisory committee, says the next step is to start a working group with local residents, Metro, and SDOT. No date/place for meetings is set yet. The night’s other major topic: Future upgrade work at the Barton Pump Station on the north side of the ferry dock – read on for that:Read More

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Traffic alert: Highway 99 closure, detours later this week
July 14, 2010 9:52 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in from WSDOT:

Drivers should expect delays and detours on northbound and southbound SR 99 in SODO starting on Thursday, July 15, and ending on Friday, July 16. Crews will close all lanes to install a sign bridge over both directions of SR 99. The new sign bridge will support two electronic message boards.

Thursday, July 15 – morning of Friday, July 16
· All lanes of northbound and southbound SR 99 at S. Lander Street will be closed from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m.

DETOURS
Northbound:
Trucks: East Marginal Way S., to Alaskan Way S. to S. Atlantic Street, to First Avenue S., to northbound SR 99.
General traffic: First Avenue S. at the First Avenue S. Bridge, to the northbound SR 99 on-ramp near the stadiums.

Southbound:
Trucks: First Avenue S. off-ramp, to S. Royal Brougham Way, to East Marginal Way S., to southbound SR 99.
General traffic: First Avenue S. off-ramp, to southbound SR 99 at the First Avenue S. Bridge.

(Addendum from WSDOT: Eastbound West Seattle Bridge offramp to northbound 99 also will be closed)

This work is part of the SR 99 Intelligent Transportation Systems project.

And remember that next Monday night, 9 pm, is the start of the up-to-six-weeks, round-the-clock closure of one lane on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge east of 99, between 1st and 4th Avenues, to connect the new 4th Ave. So. offramp.

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Update: 2-car fire near Fairmount Park was accidental
July 14, 2010 9:16 am
|    Comments Off on Update: 2-car fire near Fairmount Park was accidental
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

That’s the aftermath of a fire that burned two cars in the 3900 block of SW Brandon (map) early this morning. We checked with Seattle Fire spokesperson Dana Vander Houwen after a TV news report early today suggested this was being investigated as a crime – she says that’s NOT the case; the fire was accidental – cleaning supplies stored in the trunk of one car corroded some wiring and ignited flames, which spread to the second car before the fire was put out. No injuries.

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West Seattle Wednesday: High Point produce; 34th Dems; more…
July 14, 2010 8:56 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Wednesday: High Point produce; 34th Dems; more…
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

That photo’s from the sizzling sunshine of last Wednesday afternoon, when the High Point Market Garden farm stand opened for the first time this season. Today, round 2 – look for the tent next to the big, beautiful mini-farm at 32nd/Juneau, 4-7 pm. Also happening in High Point today – the library branch invites teens to come play games, 2-3:30 pm, and HP Community Center sponsors round 2 of soccer instruction, 6 pm at Commons Park. … Tonight at The Hall @ Fauntleroy, the 34th District Democrats will discuss I-1098, the income-tax initiative, and are also scheduled to hear a briefing on Burien issues (here’s the agenda), 7 pm … Also at 7, Fine Films at Freshy’s is showing “The Triplets of Belleville” tonight, in honor of Bastille Day … and in White Center, the Jubilee Days carnival at Steve Cox Memorial Park starts at 7, with fireworks at dusk.

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Race for the 34th: Candidate conversation – Mike Heavey
July 14, 2010 8:22 am
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   34th District State House 2 | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(EDITOR’S NOTE: With two weeks till ballots are mailed for the August 17th primary, we’re taking a closer look daily at the candidates in two contested local races. This week, we are bringing you stories about WSB conversations with the four contenders for 34th District State House, Position 2. We began Tuesday with Joe Fitzgibbon (story here); today, Mike Heavey.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

When a candidate takes his/her turn speaking at a political group’s endorsement meeting, you might liken it to a baseball slugger stepping to the plate, ready to hit one out of the park.

When Mike Heavey spoke to the 34th District Democrats the night they decided who to endorse in the 34th District State House Position 2 primary, his speech – which startled some people to the point of audible gasps – was more like an announcement he wasn’t taking a swing in this particular stadium: He said he wouldn’t seek the endorsement, facing two rivals who were “known quantities” in that arena.

By name alone, Heavey, a 30-year-old West Seattle resident, is hardly unknown. His father is a former state senator and current King County Superior Court Judge. He has been working for King County Councilmember Jan Drago in recent months, representing and/or assisting her at high-profile events dealing with current top-of-mind issues like the South Park Bridge.

But when we talked about that notable night during our recent conversation at a coffee shop in White Center, he had no regrets about withdrawing from that particular endorsement process. Instead, he told a family story or two about triumph despite the absence of a certain endorsement or two.

Read More

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West Seattle scene: Post-sunset celestial splendor from Alki
July 13, 2010 11:55 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

From Alki photographer David Hutchinson – Venus, the crescent moon, and the Olympics, on what might be the last crystal-clear night for a while.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: That midday search, and more
July 13, 2010 11:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

After several notes scattered over the course of the afternoon/evening, we finally have information on the big police presence that several people noticed in Highland Park and south White Center at midday today: Southwest Precinct Lt. Ron Smith tells us tonight that it started with a report of a “domestic-violence disturbance” in the parking lot of Walgreens at 15th/16th/Roxbury. The suspect, a man in his late 20s, ran; he eventually was found hiding in bushes two blocks away, but matters were complicated by the fact the victim was uncooperative, says Lt. Smith, and tried to keep officers from finding the suspect. Once he was found, he was booked into King County Jail in connection with an outstanding warrant. Also tonight, two reader reports – a stolen car, and a car prowl – read on:Read More

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West Seattle scene: Farewell to a Fauntleroy fixture
July 13, 2010 10:25 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Farewell to a Fauntleroy fixture
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(From left, Jack Block, Vicki Schmitz-Block, David Haggerty, Dicki Crumm)
Before tonight’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting (toplines in a separate report), FCA board members and friends had a special mission down the hill at Endolyne Joe’s – paying tribute to Dicki Crumm, who’s been Joe’s general manager since it opened in 2003. Dicki’s leaving Joe’s, “to take some time away from the business.” FCA president Bruce Butterfield (not pictured) presented her with a certificate of appreciation and carried the tribute on to the start of the board meeting, reminiscing about Dicki’s community involvement and how much it’s meant to FCA over the years. (Wednesday morning P.S.: The certificate actually proclaims Dicki an honorary Fauntleroy resident, “with all the privileges and responsibilities pertaining thereto”!)

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North Delridge Neighborhood Council: New name needed?
July 13, 2010 7:48 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news

Communication issues – from names to outreach to online presence – are among the toplines from Monday night’s North Delridge Neighborhood Council meeting: Read More

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Happening now: Admiral Way ‘rechannelization’ open house
July 13, 2010 6:10 pm
|      58 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

In a basement meeting room at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library, it’s about as low-key as public meetings get – several SDOT employees are here at two tables with simple drawings of Admiral Way as it will look if the new “rechannelization” proposal is approved – you can see those drawings here. (If you’re missing this meeting, SDOT says another open house is likely.) There’s some spirited discussion under way as well as basic Q/A – one man is challenging an SDOT employee about why bicycles should get what he considers a lot of accommodation, resulting in what he expects will be a lot of motorized-vehicle congestion.

This plan does include bike lanes uphill and downhill, and after staring at the drawings, it’s easier to summarize what’s being proposed: For vehicles, on the “downhill” side, Admiral Way would be one lane, with the outside southeastbound lane becoming a required right turn onto SW Olga before it ends; then, a right-turn-only lane returns most of the way down the hill, channeling people to the under-bridge connector to SW Avalon Way (which WILL remain open). There is a “buffered” bike lane in both directions, downhill and uphill; the uphill bike lane is separated from vehicle traffic not only by that buffer, but also by a parking lane (for the top half of the uphill section – some parking is being removed south of City View). Vehicles have two lanes uphill. Another key point: With traffic narrowed from the current four lanes, SDOT is proposing restoring the crosswalk at SW City View (map) that was removed in 2007. No signals, though.

Cost? An estimated $75,000. How much time to restripe? About a week. Decision? Not till public comments are received, which is part of what’s going on here tonight (you can fill out a hard-copy survey), as well as via e-mail or phone (walkandbike@seattle.gov or 206-684-7583). The plan also is on the agenda at the Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, starting less than a mile away at Admiral Congregational Church, right when this one ends, at 7 pm. ADDED EARLY WEDNESDAY: Notes from that discussion, ahead:Read More

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Mayor unveiling ‘Nightlife Initiative’ tonight – read it now
July 13, 2010 5:15 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Tonight, Mayor McGinn will officially announce what’s being called the Seattle Nightlife Initiative. According to advance word from the mayor’s office, it has eight key points:

1. Code compliance enforcement
2. Flexible liquor service hours
3. Noise ordinance enforcement
4. Security training requirements
5. Precinct community outreach
6. Professional development
7. Late-night transportation alternatives
8. Targeting public nuisances

In advance of the announcement, the mayor’s office has put the details online – read them here. And the city plans to take comments through mid-September, including via an online survey you can access here.

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Tuesday notes: Highland Park Market; Locol; truck test; Red Cross
July 13, 2010 5:05 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

HIGHLAND PARK SUNDAY MARKET: That’s where we found Jolie Blue with comfrey and herbal creations last Sunday. Got word this afternoon from organizer Tiffany Brace-Silver that she’s canceling this Sunday’s edition because many vendors will be at White Center Jubilee Days. And when it resumes on Sunday, July 25, the hours will be 11 am-3 pm. More vendors welcome, says Tiffany – e-mail her at highlandparksundaymarket@gmail.com.

LOCOL UPDATE: In a comment on Monday’s biznotes, Sage wondered what’s up with Locol, the future wine/beer bar in Sunrise Heights. We checked with Locol’s Kyle Duce, who responded to us and also updated the Locol page on Facebook. Their project is more complicated than some because it’s a “change of use” – as was Spring Hill in The Junction, which you may recall took a year and a half – and they’re now looking at “late summer/early fall.”

FOOD TRUCK HEADS-UP: If you’re at Don Armeni this Friday night, you will see the new burger truck Buns on Wheels. They asked us to let you know that it will NOT actually be open – they’re taking photos as part of a “friends-and-family” soft-open event. There was a momentary stir last night when a citywide website said the truck would be giving away food to anyone who RSVP’d – we even had that link in the WSB Forums for a short time – but Buns on Wheels says not so.

RED CROSS BOARD MEMBERS: Congratulations to West Seattle residents Colleen Murphy and Angelynn Talcott, who are among 10 new board members for the American Red Cross chapter that serves King and Kitsap Counties, according to an announcement we received today – and Deborah Haug, also a West Seattleite, is the new chair of the board, after eight years as a member.

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Sale process beginning for West Seattle’s historic Fire Station 37
July 13, 2010 2:43 pm
|      27 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle history | West Seattle news

That video’s from a tour of West Seattle’s historic Fire Station 37, part of a WSB story first published last February. We’re bringing it out again because word just arrived via e-mail that the process of selling the city-landmark facility has begun – as its replacement a few blocks south gets closer to completion. According to the informational note from the city, it’s a 5,300-square-foot building on a 9,400-square foot lot:

(February 2010 photo by Nicholas Trost)

* Fire Station No. 37 was constructed in the 1930’s and designated a landmark January 2005.
* The architectural style is considered Mission / Colonial Revival with Neo-Classical elements.
* Reuse of the building would need to comply with DPD requirements, L-1 zoning and preservation controls
* The disposition process may take in excess of eighteen months to complete
* Value of the property has not yet been determined but will be based on an independent appraisal.

The county assessor put the value at $295,000 most recently, the note says. First word of the impending sale process is going out to neighbors as well as those who’ve expressed interest before, and the city is asking for comments before making a recommendation to the City Council regarding the building’s future:

Comments are requested by August 13, 2010. You may write or send a fax with your comments to the Fleets and Facilities Department, Attn: Louis Webster, PO Box 94689, Seattle, WA 98124-4689; FAX number (206) 684-0525. You may call and speak with Louis Webster at (206) 684-0357, or reach him by e-mail at the following: Louis.Webster@seattle.gov.

You can also see the official flyer here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Catalytic-converter thieves at it again
July 13, 2010 2:11 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

If you see somebody under a car/truck – that might not be roadside repairs – read A’s report, after the jump:Read More

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West Seattle scene: Lowman Beach, during the year’s last -3 tide
July 13, 2010 1:48 pm
|    Comments Off on West Seattle scene: Lowman Beach, during the year’s last -3 tide
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

That’s the view southwest to Vashon Island, from Lowman Beach about an hour ago, during the last -3 tide of the year – not quite as low as yesterday, but low enough to expose a wide stretch of this rocky beach just north of Lincoln Park. As this cool state infopage reminds us, please take care while you’re out at low tide – leave the beach the way you found it. (Maybe even bring a small bag for trash; we encountered a plastic bottle and tennis ball that are now both in the shoreside trash container, rather than awaiting high tide to carry them to the mid-Pacific garbage patch.)

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