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Spotlight Stories


  • Robbery

    1 STORE HIT 2X: 7-11 hit yet again

  • Fire

    LODGE ARSON: Camp Long fire updates

  • President

    NEW SSC PRESIDENT: Her first months

Another big-name addition to West Seattle Summer Fest music
June 16, 2009 12:10 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Just got word that one of the final TBA slots on the music slate at West Seattle Summer Fest (WSB sponsor), the three-day festival in The Junction that starts three weeks from Friday: Caspar Babypants, the family-music act launched by Chris Ballew, who you probably know best as lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America. They’ll perform at 2:15 pm Saturday 7/11 (currently listed as “TBA” on the official Summer Fest music-lineup page). They also have a new CD out (more info here; more videos here) and we’re told that this is yet another West Seattle link to the Summer Fest slate – because Ballew has just bought a house in West Seattle. Read on for the list of Summer Fest bands with West Seattle ties (besides Caspar Babypants):Read More

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What’s in the water? Fauntleroy Cove discoloration
June 16, 2009 10:55 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Fauntleroy | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to the WSB’er who called Monday afternoon to tip us to reddish-brown discoloration in Fauntleroy Cove alongside the ferry dock. She said the county had been out to make sure there wasn’t a pump problem; we’ve got a message out to them, but more close to home, so to speak, we have checked with Judy Pickens, Fauntleroy watershed steward and expert about all things from the creek to the cove, asking about the possibility it’s an algae bloom (it was also reported via Twitter a few miles south in the Arroyos). She hadn’t received a report yet but checked with Dr. Timothy Nelson in the biology department at Seattle Pacific, who offered:

… it could be that Ulvaria, a usually-subtidal component of green algal blooms had died and was releasing dopamine into the water. It’s very intolerant of drying, so on sunny days with a good low tide you’ll often notice the discoloration as the tide rises.

The dopamine is converted to quinones, which can some discoloration to the water. Depending on how long they’ve been in the water, and how concentrated they are, I’d describe them as pinkish, tawny-orange, or brown. (I’d include reddish-brown in that series as well!)

Take note, this would be separate from the sea-lettuce problem that sometimes manifests in Fauntleroy Cove, with not just a visual but an olfactory impact (this discoloration did NOT come with a smell). In our exchange, Judy wanted to share word of a sea-lettuce-fighting win in the most recent Legislature session:

The governor’s signature … on the state’s biennial budget could have direct implications for Fauntleroy. One of the line items, for $140,000, is for creating a grant program within the State Department of Ecology for research and removal associated with excessive growth of sea lettuce, the algae that blankets Fauntleroy Cove and gives us our summer stench.

The allocation was a fall-back position pushed by Rep. Sharon Nelson from this district and Sen. Tracey Eide from Federal Way after their detailed legislation failed during the waning days of the session. The funding will come from a portion of boat-registration fees already being collected by the state and, until now, reserved for responses to freshwater algae in lakes throughout the state. Because lakes were not fully spending the amount being collected, sharing with saltwater communities should only expand what the fund can accomplish.

We expect the money to be administered by DOE water-quality staff in Olympia, and procedures for exactly who can apply, when, and how will take awhile to be articulated. We do know the money can be used for research as well as emergency response. As we found during the run-up to summer 2008, getting permits for haul-outs of floating seaweed or beach harvesting of decaying seaweed is no easy matter, so having a pot of money is just the first step toward enabling Fauntleroy residents to breathe easier.

Judy says anyone detecting water-quality issues in Fauntleroy Cove — aside from “the stench,” for which she’s on the frontline if and when it occurs – is welcome to contact her. 5:24 PM UPDATE: Martha Tuttle from King County says, “Our operations staff were out there yesterday and determined it wasn’t a sewage spill and it appeared to be an algae bloom as you indicated. No health risk but very ugly for sure.”

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Followup: Brief update on 12-year-old attack victim
June 16, 2009 9:45 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Westwood

This morning, Seattle Police have updated their SPDBlotter site with a quick item on a story reported here yesterday afternoon, a 12-year-old boy attacked at Southwest Community Center with what was reported to be a backpack full of rocks. What’s new in the update: His injuries are NOT believed to be life-threatening; the girl accused of attacking him is also 12, and they were not strangers.

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Today/tonight in West Seattle: Plaza, pool, prevention
June 16, 2009 6:43 am
|    Comments Off on Today/tonight in West Seattle: Plaza, pool, prevention
 |   Alki Statue of Liberty | Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council | West Seattle parks

ALKI STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAZA: Phase 2 of work on the 9-month-old plaza is scheduled to start today; as announced last week, fencing will go up (for about 2 weeks) as new bricks and tribute plaques go in.

EMERGENCY CLOSURE OF SOUTHWEST POOL: As the Parks Department announced yesterday , Southwest Pool has to shut down noon-5 pm today for emergency repairs on its main circulation pump. They’re expecting to reopen at 5 pm for “evening programs.”

WEST SEATTLE CRIME PREVENTION COUNCIL: Main item on the agenda tonight – YOU, and whatever concerns you want to bring up to Southwest Precinct police leadership, who also will share their latest toplines on crime trends. Find out what’s happening and how best to keep your family safe, 7 pm, SW Precinct meeting room (map).

Look further ahead with the WSB West Seattle Events calendar – and please be sure to send info about any events you’d like to see listed!

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Summer look at Solstice Park, by writer you’ll recall from winter
June 15, 2009 11:38 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(December 2008 photo by Brian)
Six months ago, when Winter Solstice arrived on December 21st, skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing were rampant along West Seattle walkways and streets. If you didn’t have the equipment to try making your way around in any of those ways – you probably tried driving – and if you did, you may have used one of the maps made during our snow coverage, using WSBers’ road-condition reports, by Alice Enevoldsen. Now, half a year later, Alice is looking ahead to Summer Solstice this weekend, with an online exploration of West Seattle’s Solstice Park (the former Lincoln Park Annex, uphill from the Fauntleroy Way-fronting tennis courts). See her story (with, yes, a map!) here.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: “All for a hubcap?”
June 15, 2009 10:19 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | High Point | West Seattle news

So asked Beth, leading into this report via e-mail:

In High Point tonight while sitting in the yard and enjoying the company of a neighbor, a woman we didn’t know/recognize pulled up to the curb. I said hello to her. At the same time, our neighbors husband pulled up to the curb. In front of all of us, the woman we didn’t know proceeded to take a hubcap off a vehicle owned by the neighbors we were talking with! The woman threw it in her trunk, refused to talk with any of us (who were by now asking her why she was stealing hubcaps!). The worst part? She did this with her kids in the car.

The Caucasian woman was about 5’3″, weighed about 175lbs, wore medical scrubs, and drove a bright blue Toyota Corolla with a dent in the front passenger door that was missing (wait for it!) a hubcap.

We know we’ve mentioned this multiple times already today – but once again, whatever West Seattle neighborhood you’re in, the WS Crime Prevention Council is the place to come share your concerns, ask police questions, and hear about crime trends, 7 pm tomorrow, Southwest Precinct (Delridge/Webster – the entrance to the building is off the parking lot on Webster west of Delridge). ADDED 11 AM TUESDAY: David just e-mailed this “sequel” (we are not publishing the entire plate because our policy is not to publish full identifying information — plates included — on people not charged with a crime, unless there is an immediate risk to public safety or law enforcers ask for assistance):

A car with this description parked in front of our neighbor’s house (32nd & Trenton) last night, around 8:40-8:45pm, and soon the driver was hammering something on their car (looked like a hubcap) then roared off down Trenton St eastbound. I got the license #: WA plate, 454-**D, a bright blue late model four-door Toyota Corolla. Didn’t see any dents on passenger side but it was traveling fast when it passed me.

This is not a 100% ID. I didn’t see the race/gender of driver; didn’t see the dent, or see any passengers in the car.

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In case you wondered: No fireworks = no July 4th roadblocks
June 15, 2009 8:30 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

61st.jpg

(61st/Admiral photo from 7/4/2008)
Less than three weeks — already! — till the Fourth of July, and by now you’ve likely heard, no Elliott Bay fireworks. So as not to assume, we doublechecked, while talking today with Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen, to be sure that meant no Alki traffic restrictions like last year. He confirmed, that’s indeed the case – no roadblocks planned – but he promised that a special holiday “patrol” will keep close watch on the spots where people will be gathering, even without the Elliott Bay show.

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Legislators ask governor to let “Nickelsville” encampment stay
June 15, 2009 6:29 pm
|      20 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Today we spotted that additional “no trespassing” sign stenciled onto a concrete barrier at the homeless encampment that calls itself “Nickelsville” (note the hand-lettered sign on the left side of the photo), now in its second week on state-owned land on the east edge of West Seattle (2nd SW/Highland Park Way; map). We had a request out to the camp spokesperson for comment on where things stand, when this arrived from a group of state legislators including West Seattle’s Reps. Sharon Nelson and Eileen Cody:

Dear Governor Gregoire,

As you know, the tent city providing housing for approximately fifty homeless men and women has relocated once again, to land in West Seattle owned by WSDOT and currently not in use.

We write today to respectfully request that WSDOT allow the residents to stay on this unused land temporarily while they work towards a long-term solution for their community.

Due in large part to our troubled economic situation, homelessness has sharply increased in recent months. The 2009 annual One Night Count, conducted on January 30, found 2,827 individuals without shelter in King County, in addition to the approximately 5,800 who found shelter at emergency shelters and transitional housing programs.

Meanwhile, 50 homeless men and women died outside or by violence in 2008, and 16 have already died this year. Our state’s willingness to be patient and compassionate towards those without homes will mean the difference between life and death for many of these individuals.

Please consider negotiating with the residents of the tent city to work towards a mutually agreeable solution.

Sincerely,

Sen. Karen Keiser, 33rd District
Rep. Maralyn Chase, 32nd District
Rep. Eileen Cody, 34th District
Rep. Mary Lou Dickerson, 36th District
Rep. Bob Hasegawa, 11th District
Rep. Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney, 46th District
Rep. Sharon Nelson, 34th District
Rep. Jamie Pedersen, 43rd District
Rep. Sharon Tomiko Santos, 37th District

We note that West Seattle’s State Sen. Joe McDermott is not among the signatories and will be asking him for comment; the most recent statement from encampment organizers is on their website, noting the original trespass posting last Tuesday (WSB coverage here) and saying, “… The good news is that there has not YET been any time and date set for forcible expulsion, or d-day. …” 10:39 PM UPDATE: First – heard back from Sen. McDermott; he is out of state, in a study program this month at Harvard, so that’s the only reason he isn’t involved in this right now. Second, also heard back from Nickelsville spokesperson Revel Smith, who says “… nothing new tonight. Arranging hot food, donations and things like that.” Smith also shared this photo of the camp, beyond the barrier we showed above:

More of Smith’s photos from the camp can be found here.

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King County Water Taxi celebrates record May ridership
June 15, 2009 3:38 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | Transportation | West Seattle news

Just announced by King County Council Chair Dow Constantine‘s office – 20 percent more than last May — read on for the official news release:Read More

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“Emergency closure” of Southwest Pool tomorrow afternoon
June 15, 2009 2:23 pm
|    Comments Off on “Emergency closure” of Southwest Pool tomorrow afternoon
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The Parks Department asked that we share this: “Southwest Pool will be closed from noon to 5 p.m. tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16, for emergency repair of the main circulation pump. The pool will reopen for evening programs at 5 pm.”

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12-year-old boy in the hospital after West Seattle attack
June 15, 2009 2:15 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

Also from our conversation with Lt. Steve Paulsen at the Southwest Precinct – and also thanks to Tony for letting us know that what sounded on the scanner like a call from outside this area actually DID happen in West Seattle: A 12-year-old boy is at Harborview Medical Center with a head injury after getting beaten with a “backpack full of rocks” at Southwest Community Center. Lt. Paulsen says police have spoken with the suspect, a girl “of similar age.” It happened this morning but no other details of the circumstances are available so far, nor do we know how badly the boy was hurt.

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Two shooting arrests
June 15, 2009 2:12 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(June 2 photo by Christopher Boffoli)
We’ve just finished talking with Southwest Precinct Lt. Steve Paulsen for updates on several cases – and here are the first two you’ll want to know about: First, the suspect in the shooting outside the Westwood Village McDonald’s two weeks ago (photo above) has been arrested. Because, according to the police report, he was involved in a car deal with the victim, his identity was known — last Friday evening, Lt. Paulsen says, he was spotted in the 8100 block of 16th SW, and after a foot chase, officers arrested him. He’s still behind bars, according to the King County Jail Register. Second case happened early this morning in the 4100 block of 47th SW (map): A single gunshot was fired from inside a house, and the bullet (from a 40-caliber Glock) hit a next door neighbor’s house (no injuries reported). The suspect was booked into jail for reckless endangerment but is likely to face other charges because, according to Lt. Paulsen, a search warrant for the residence turned up cocaine, ecstasy, marijuana, “numerous prescription narcotics,” and $700 cash – as well as the Glock. ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: We received this note tonight from someone identifying themselves as the person whose home was hit:

I live on the 4100 block of 47th Ave SW. In February, the house next to me was the target of a drive by shooting. Six bullets were fired and one struck my home. No arrests were made at the time. On June 15 at about 1:30 am I again heard gunfire. This time from inside the house next door. I called 911 and officers were dispatched. Once again my home was hit by gunfire as the bullet exited the neighboring house and entered mine. Officers issued a search warrant. The young man living in the home was arrested, and various drugs were found as well as the weapon that fired the shot. I am asking everyone in the neighborhood to PLEASE report any unusual activities in the area to the police. We are close to getting this ugly situation cleaned up, but still need the support of neighbors who are willing to watch over each other.

Thank you…
Your neighbor on 47th Ave SW

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West Seattle Crime Watch: Wheels of misfortune
June 15, 2009 1:18 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

We’ve seen it before – and sadly we’ll likely see it again. Mariko just e-mailed to share the news of how she woke up to a car without wheels, in the 5900 block of 34th SW (map):

Just thought I would let you know that we awoke last Wednesday morning to find all 4 of my car tires stolen and my car on jacks. My neighbor reported seeing 4 Caucasian males leaning over my car with 2 vehicles blocking the street at 3 am… The police said it was really common for these people to cruise the streets looking for parts. It was pretty brazen to jack the car up on the street and steal the tires.

Just thought I would pass that along. Thankfully I have the club and they didn’t steal the whole car.

Concerned about crime, even if you’ve been personally spared? Tomorrow night’s your next chance to voice your concerns, hear about trends, and talk directly with local police, as the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meets @ 7 pm Tuesday, Southwest Precinct.

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You’ve been warned: Seafair Pirates Landing banners are up
June 15, 2009 12:53 pm
|    Comments Off on You’ve been warned: Seafair Pirates Landing banners are up
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Light poles along Alki Avenue are now festooned with promotional, er, we mean warning signs that a pirate invasion is near. The annual Seafair Pirates Landing is July 11th – and according to the Pirates’ website (yes, they sail the digital seven seas too), they’ll hit the beach around noon, with a variety of other events before and after turning it into an all-day party. Usually quite the turnout – here’s a pan of the crowd awaiting their landing last year:

This is happening on Day 2 of West Seattle Summer Fest (WSB sponsor), which will continue into the evening, so once you’ve snagged your treasure at the beach (the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle sponsors a kids’ pirate lookalike contest, for example), you can sail up the hill to the fun in The Junction.

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On Father’s Day, reach out to a family who’s missing their Dad
June 15, 2009 12:28 pm
|    Comments Off on On Father’s Day, reach out to a family who’s missing their Dad
 |   How to help | West Seattle news


View Larger Map

Less than two months ago, 40-year-old Pasha Phares, who lived just across the water in Port Orchard, lost his fight with cancer. This Sunday – Father’s Day – friends and relatives are throwing a party at Alki Bathhouse to help cover his family’s expenses, and you’re invited. Here’s the note shared by Brandon:

Father’s Day Fundraiser Party/Silent Auction on Alki Beach!! From 4 to 7 on June 21st (Father’s Day) at the Alki Bathhouse, bring Dad to raise money for the family of a great Dad who recently passed from cancer.

We are raising money for his 2 young daughters and wife to help pay medical bills that accumulated. We will have bellydancing, tarot card readings, food/beer/wine, and a great silent auction (autographs, events, dinners, etc.). Most of all, it will be a lot of fun for everyone! See the entire story at www.pharesphund.org. Hope to see you there!

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Want a cheap compost bin? Get one (or more) from the city
June 15, 2009 9:40 am
|    Comments Off on Want a cheap compost bin? Get one (or more) from the city
 |   Gardening | Utilities | West Seattle news

Compost bins for yard waste and food waste – plus rain barrels (it’ll rain again SOMEDAY) – are being offered at what Seattle Public Utilities calls “big discounts” – read on for details:Read More

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Happening today/tonight, in (and/or relevant to) West Seattle
June 15, 2009 7:11 am
|    Comments Off on Happening today/tonight, in (and/or relevant to) West Seattle
 |   West Seattle housing | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

FIRST DAY OF THE LAST WEEK FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS: With a few days tacked on to make up for time lost pre-winter break during Snowpocalypse (flash back six months), Friday is the last scheduled day.

AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITY – HENNA IN HIGH POINT: 3 pm today, “Hands-On Henna” at High Point Library. More here.

HOUSING LEVY, SECOND-TO-LAST COUNCIL CONSIDERATION: You’ll see it on the ballot this fall, provided nothing unexpected happens today (2 pm) or next Monday as the next seven-year housing levy finishes making its way through the Seattle City Council. All the fine print is here.

MAD CITY CHICKENS: As previewed on Sunday – Sustainable West Seattle is presenting a screening you can see for, well, chicken scratch ($3 suggested donation, Youngstown Arts Center, 7 pm).

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4 days till overnight cancer-fighting Relay for Life of West Seattle
June 15, 2009 2:02 am
|    Comments Off on 4 days till overnight cancer-fighting Relay for Life of West Seattle
 |   Health | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

That’s our video from the survivors’ lap that started last year’s Relay for Life of West Seattle at WS Stadium — an 18-hour event to raise money (and awareness) to fight cancer. It’s coming up this Friday night-Saturday morning, with dozens of your West Seattle friends and neighbors participating (some listed here, including members of the team from WSB sponsor Sound Yoga). They encourage people to come down and cheer on the walkers – there are people on the track continuously throughout the 18-hour duration, 6 pm Friday till about noon Saturday. You can also make a pledge, to an individual, team, or the event in general, by going here. (For a taste of what it’s like, check out the Seattle PostGlobe story about this past weekend’s Relay for Life in Tacoma.)

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Congratulations, Dolphins: West Seattle Girls Softball 10U champs
June 14, 2009 11:59 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Jersey Jill shares that triumphant photo of a winning team from the West Seattle Girls Softball playoffs, and explains:

Friday night, the West Seattle girls’ 10U Fast Pitch softball team Liberty Tax aka “The Dolphins” took home the Championship Title for the season. The Dolphins entered the tournament as the team to beat with only one loss for the season. After losing the first game, they rallied back and beat the Steelers 10-6 in the second game to become the league 10U Champions!!!!

Here’s their official team photo:

(Back Row- Coach Dave Turpen, Carynia Smith, Taylor Picinich, Bridget Haney, Elise Turpen, Emily Schuster, Coach Brandon Pedersen
Front Row- Ashley Raines, Isabella Johnson, Sydney Page, Natalie Pedersen, Isabella Sarkies, Regan Nagle, Coach Jimmy Picinich
Not Pictured- Brett Smith, Pitching Coach; Albert Raines, Batting Coach)
Got a success story to share? Sports, athletics, business award, whatever? We’ve got a place for it. editor@westseattleblog.com any time.

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2 days left to nominate a West Seattle volunteer for recognition
June 14, 2009 7:47 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Another weekend in its waning hours — and once again, so much of what happened couldn’t have been done without volunteers – like the many who put on the Morgan Junction Community Festival that we very much enjoyed being part of on Saturday (our reports: here and here). A sign on our table (above) was a reminder about the West Seattle Volunteer Recognition campaign we’re helping promote right now – and you have two more days to nominate someone for recognition. The Southwest and Delridge District Councils, along with WSB, want to shine a spotlight on some of the people whose volunteer efforts make this a great place to be; your role – send in a nomination (or more than one!). Here’s the quick ‘n’ easy online nomination form – deadline is Wednesday (June 17); a community panel will review the entries, choosing three for recognition during one of next month’s big events, the July 14th Hi-Yu Concert in the Park. Thanks – to you, and to all of West Seattle’s tireless volunteers!

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Nature Consortium hike on Friday (June 19)
June 14, 2009 7:20 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Announcements

Here’s the invitation:

Friday, June 19th 11:30am -1:00pm

Join us for a free public guided hike in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, Seattle’s largest remaining forest. We will explore the hidden treasures of this amazing natural wonder, and hear about the history and the future of the forest. Difficulty is mild. Inexperienced hikers, seniors, and babies in backpacks are welcome. Special note to Parents of toddlers and preschoolers: please be warned that this hike can be challenging for you if you are with a preschooler or two who walk down the hills but want to be carried up. Please bring your own water bottle. Granola bars provided. Wear appropriate footwear (some parts of the trail are muddy)

Extreme rain cancels. Be ready for inspiration!

Meet at the trailhead at 14th Ave SW and SW Holly street. (map)

Call 206- 923-0853 or email lisa@naturec.org reserve your spot. RSVP today! www.naturec.org

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Don’t chicken out: Sustainable West Seattle movie tomorrow
June 14, 2009 5:04 pm
|    Comments Off on Don’t chicken out: Sustainable West Seattle movie tomorrow
 |   Environment | Sustainable West Seattle | West Seattle news

Spend two minutes to watch that trailer for “Mad City Chickens” — which Sustainable West Seattle is screening tomorrow night at Youngstown Arts Center — and you’ll even see chickens on skateboards. It’s a reminder that the locally grown food movement isn’t just about produce – it’s even about poultry. 7 pm tomorrow; more on Sustainable West Seattle‘s website.

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Lincoln Park owl family update: Watching over “Wollet”
June 14, 2009 1:37 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

Thanks to Minette for sending new photos of the Lincoln Park barred owlet and its family (previously featured May 23, May 27, May 31), along with the story of what was happening while she observed them (including this watchful adult):

Minette wrote:

Last night I went to visit the owl family in Lincoln Park and I’m happy to report that as of yesterday they’re all alive and doing well, including little Wollet.

While I was observing them, the crows were of course going crazy cawing at them and dive-bombing the family, but the owls didn’t seem overly concerned. The male and female spent a good deal of time together grooming each other while little Wollet sat on a branch in a tree about 40 feet away making his funny little screechy “feed me” sounds. At one point he made a very good, controlled flight to a tree that was nearer the adults, so his skills are definitely improving.

If you missed the link in a previous report – here’s Seattle Audubon info about barred owls.

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