West Seattle, Washington
22 Monday
A milestone tonight in Junction development: The 5th time turned out to be the charm for the Conner Homes two-building megaproject, which is now done with Design Review, one year and twelfth days after the first DR meeting on the project. The rendering above shows “scheme D” from the latest round of proposals for the till-now-undecided final element of the project – the shape/look of its western building, at California/Alaska. That shape, with a few changes large and small, will form the framework of the recommendations made tonight by Southwest Design Review Board members as they concluded their fifth — and now, it can be said, final — meeting on the project, which ended moments ago. About 50 people filled the room at one point – breaking several times into applause during the public-comment period, especially for West Seattle resident Rene Commons‘ impassioned presentation (second one she has made to the board) requesting architectural details that would at least give a nod to the area’s history.
Board members did make one stipulation that’s a major change from any of the four options shown: They want the retail facade along the southwest street-front of the project to be two stories instead of one story, in no small part to “mask” the higher stories from those passing by on the street. And they’re calling for some sort of strong element at the California/Alaska corner – maybe a vertical sign or some other “supergraphic” element, as board member Vlad Oustimovitch put it – to give the project some of the “quirky” West Seattle flavor to which Commons had alluded during her presentation.
Have just received a couple of notes – including this from Nathan:
I was just out in my front yard and saw at least three cop
cars circling the area. Two officers stopped to ask if I had seen a
white male, blond hair with a two-tone jacket come by. They indicated
that there was a break-in a couple blocks north on 39th (somewhere
near 39th and Graham or Morgan) and they are conducting a search.
Also word of police presence near 35th/Morgan. Checking to see if we can find out more.
7:44 PM UPDATE: From Ashley, in comments:
We’re in the 36th and Morgan area (map). Our neighbor’s place was broken into, hence the police presence. She was home…and the punks walked right in through the garage in the back. Everyone be careful! It’s amazing that this stuff is now taking place in broad daylight…walking right in the door. Bad enough we have our cars broke into on a normal basis!
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Barbara West, an elder law and estate planning attorney with the law firm of Short Cressman & Burgess. 
Barbara is co-chair of her firm’s Estate, Family and Life Planning Practice Group, which also includes 2 dissolution attorneys. She frequently works with seniors and their families to create estate plans and settle issues that arise within families as parents age or become incapacitated. Barbara says, “As our population continues to age, elder law continues to grow in importance. Elder law attorneys advise seniors and their families about the need to plan ahead for incapacity and beyond. Many clients seek assistance when they realize they are confronting natural aging issues, or progressive or terminal illness. Although we acknowledge that we have to make end-of-life decisions, the focus of our work is the future. If we are successful, our clients remain in control of their lives by implementing the plan we have created together for the management of their lifetime financial and health care needs. For me, it is both professionally and personally rewarding to help clients and their families move through difficult times with confidence, security, and peace of mind.” Barbara’s clients have said that she is able to simplify the complex subject of “estate planning” and approaches her work matter in a calm and thoughtful manner. Part of Barbara’s assistance can include, if needed, referrals to support services and providers who assist their families in making transitions to in-home services or residential care. If you’d like an in-depth look at Barbara’s approach to her work you can read her article, “What They Don’t Teach You in Law School.” She can be contacted at 206-682-3333 or bwest@scblaw.com.
Thanks to Barbara West for joining the team of WSB sponsors, listed in full here, along with info on how to join them!
Steph just sent that photo of her kids with their brand-new Tony Hawk-autographed skateboard, procured – sort of – via Twitter. It’s part of a nationwide “Easter egg hunt” promotion in which boards have been hidden in various locations, then announced at the @tonyhawk Twitter account. We happened to be checking West Seattle “tweets” right after this got announced about an hour ago; didn’t get there in time to capture the “find” but got Steph’s photo and note shortly afterward:
Luckly we had Tony Hawk on our twitter an my husband was looking at it during the time his tweet went out. We were picking up my daughter from school and got the call from him to go to the location. The skateboard is sweet! The kids are so excited!
The board was hidden at Shadow Land, by the way. (On Twitter, you can find us at @westseattleblog for 24/7 human-powered updates, including immediate word of breaking news, and @westseattlenews for a feed of WSB links as they’re published. Hope you’ll “be our friend” on Facebook too, where we are WS Blog.)
ZEEKS PAINTING: Happening right now, with eight days to go till the grand opening (11 am May 1st) of the new pizza restaurant in Morgan Junction (California/Fauntleroy, ex-Corner Inn). The big rotating neon sign is expected to arrive next week.
CF WEST SEATTLE SIGN’S UP, SALE’S PLANNED: After two years, the “Auto Buff Moving May 1st” (which was for 2007) banner is down; the CF West Seattle banner is up. We told you last week about Eric Renn‘s new business enterprise at 42nd/Admiral; he is signed up for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 9th and planning proceeds from his sale to go to the Liver Foundation – they’re looking for items to be donated to sell that day (and will be taking $ donations for the LF too). E-mail us and we’ll put you in touch with Eric.
FROM THE TRIANGLE: Sharonn Meeks sent word, with the above photo, that the old West Seattle Furnace location at 4619 37th SW has finished its remodeling work and now has a sign up for Certified Land Services Corporation.
CUPCAKE ROYALE OWNER IN D.C.: Jody Hall, owner of West Seattle’s (and elsewhere) Cupcake Royale, is in D.C. for a small-business health-care roundtable with President Obama. According to this CR webpage, you can watch live on C-SPAN starting at 8 tomorrow morning.
BUILDING FOR SALE: Speaking of land – we often note sizable real-estate listings, so we’re passing on the word that the apartment/commercial building at 6015 California SW is now on the market for $1,940,000; here’s the listing.
Longtime West Seattleite J.B. Webster has died, friends tell WSB. He was known for many things — as a Seafair Commodore (they have a brief tribute graphic on their website right now and you can see him in Commodore jacket here), as a Keller Williams realtor, as an alumnus of West Seattle High School, where he played football. He also was involved with the West Seattle Hi-Yu Summer Festival. The memorial for Mr. Webster is next Tuesday (4/28) at Alki UCC, 11 am (61st and Hinds; map). We’re expecting to receive his obituary later today and will add it here when it’s available.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: The short obituary, e-mailed to WSB:
JB Webster, longtime West Seattle Real Estate Agent, passed away on April 22, 2009. Also known as “Call JB First,” will be greatly missed by his family, wife Christi & their children Tyler, Logan and older son Eli along with his many friends. JB’s service will be held on Tuesday April 28th, 2009 @ 11 am. Location: Alki Congregational United Church of Christ, 6115 SW Hinds
St. Seattle, WA 98116. There will be a light reception following the service.
ADDED SUNDAY: If you haven’t already seen it, this followup includes a link to a fund for JB Webster’s family. Also, friends have asked us to add these photos of Mr. Webster and family – here he is with wife Christi:
And from left, with his kids – Tyler, Logan, Eli & JB:
Five West Seattle restaurants — including WSB sponsors Skylark Cafe and Club and Ama-Ama Oyster Bar and Grill — already are participating in Dining Out for Life, one week from tonight, with a percentage of proceeds benefiting Lifelong AIDS Alliance – just got word from the organization that they need ONE MORE restaurant somewhere in Seattle to join in, to match last year’s participation. Anyone else in West Seattle want to join in? Read on for the announcement and who to call:Read More
Quick update on this Saturday’s big Junction sale (first reported here a week ago) — a dozen coupons are now available for you to print, from the West Seattle Junction Association website; find the coupons here.
Another reminder about a big event tonight — King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg is scheduled to speak at tonight’s meeting of the South Delridge/White Center Community Safety Coalition (6 pm, St. James Place, 9421 18th SW; map). If you’ve got tough questions about the criminal-justice system and how crime suspects are handled after their arrests, he’s the elected official with the answers — although some of the decisions about sentences and criminal law ultimately are up to state legislators and the Governor. Here’s our report on his recent speech to the Rotary Club of West Seattle (and here’s our followup with the wild West Seattle car “chase” video he showed the Rotarians).
We make calls, send e-mail, dig through records, cover stories in person, the usual gamut, but sometimes no journalistic research beats asking YOU for help. So we’re throwing this one out again – it’s come up in the WSB Forums recently and also in a new comment on the East Duwamish Waterway Bridge update, from barton_st:
I’m curious to know if they are working at night. For 2-3 nights this week, I’ve been hearing some far-off humming or vacuum-like sounds that seem to increase/decrease in sound level, possibly due to wind changes. Kind of annoying. To cope, it helps to know the source. Anyone else notice this?
We’ve heard the hum this week from WSB HQ in Upper Fauntleroy and from outside the Southwest Precinct near Home Depot … maybe you have heard it too. We’re checking with authorities that would handle noise complaints but in the meantime, from among the thousands of WSBers, perhaps someone has The Answer.
Just in from SDOT: What’s new with all the Spokane Street Viaduct Widening Project work you see when you go to Costco, head downtown via the 1st Avenue South exit, etc. And a new detour on the way – read on:Read More
FEEDBACK LOUNGE SITE LAUNCH: Feedback Lounge (the long-awaited Morgan Junction hotspot opening 6 pm Saturday night, as announced last Saturday) now has its full website up and running at feedbacklounge.net – including the drink menu, food menu and Tune-O-Matic Library.
SNOOTY WALK SITE RELAUNCH: The 3rd annual Snooty Walk and Pet Rodeo organized by West Seattle High School students (also happening Saturday, 2 pm) launched its new site overnight at snootywalk.com.
SKILLET STREET FOOD: We reconfirmed with Skillet proprietor Josh Henderson that the silver Airstream trailer famous for its on-the-street cuisine is on target to make its West Seattle debut (first reported here 3 weeks ago), and will be in the Key Bank lot next to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market 11 am-2 pm Sunday. Here’s the online component: Henderson confirms this is the menu they’ll offer this Sunday.
On Tuesday, we showed you all four of the “schemes” now proposed for the western building in this two-building project (see them in this WSB story) in the heart of The Junction. Tonight, 6:30 pm, West Seattle Christian Church, members of the Southwest Design Review Board will look at them and decide whether the project will get the green light to move on to the next stage of the permit process. One person you can expect to see there is Rene Commons, who, at the third meeting, brought architecture examples she hoped the project team would take a cue from:
Commons has been working to be sure everyone knows about tonight’s meeting – she even made and distributed this poster:
(The city’s own signage is generally a bright green “NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING” flyer.) She explains, “I think West Seattle deserves more on this corner of our historic Junction. Our community recognizes that the building planned for this corner of the 4-way in the Junction is our quirky Times Square and a building of this size and magnitude should be designed better compliment the character of the small business quirky atmosphere of the Junction. I can embrace large structure like this if it is well-designed at street level and in context or improved context of the existing historical buildings in the junction. The Design Review Board really needs community support to guide the developer to get it right.” To see the full “packet” for tonight’s meeting – which, as we reported after meeting #4, was called expressly to deal with the “massing” and look of the western building — go here. If you’re going to tonight’s meeting, which like all Design Review sessions includes public-comment time, parking for WSCC is off Genesee, just east of the main church building at the 42nd/Genesee corner – look for the signs.
Quick note to remind would-be sellers who haven’t signed up yet to get on the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (9 am-3 pm Saturday 5/9, sales big and small all over the peninsula, more than 120 registered so far) — if you are going to mail in your registration, it’s a good idea to get it in the mail by today, since we need to have all signups in by Saturday night (when an intensive week of mapmaking kicks off). Find links to the registration forms — printable and do-it-all-online, as well as where to pick up preprinted forms — by going to this page on the official WSCGSD website. Thanks!
In that photo are Brittany Dawson, Tyson Kimball and Sumeet Chadha – who with Maggie Oliver form a quartet of West Seattle High School students headed next week to Anaheim, where they’re competing in the Internationals put on by the marketing-student association DECA, with students from all 50 states and various other countries. They’re hoping you’ll cheer them on – and they’re hoping for a little more: They need one last fundraising push to cover the costs of competing and traveling. Here’s a letter from Sumeet:
West Seattle High School is heading to DECA Internationals! This year, four West Seattle students will have the opportunity to compete with students from around the world in the field of business marketing, advertising, and financing! Sumeet Chadha and Tyson Kimball have placed 5th in the State of Washington for “Advertising Campaign.”
DECA gives students hands-on experiences in the fields of marketing, business and entrepreneurship, DECA enhances the classroom experience by providing conferences and competitions that mold high school students into character-driven leaders. Washington DECA currently has over 10,400 members in 144 chapters around the state. DECA is the only student organization operating in 50 states, attracting students for life long careers in marketing, management, and merchandising.
This year, Sumeet Chadha, Tyson Kimball, Brittany Dawson, and Maggie Oliver together will participate in competitions, seminars, and meet with field professionals for summer internships. “This once in a lifetime opportunity will help these students not only mold their resumes, but also provide them lifelong networking opportunities,” aays Michelle Sloan, advisor for DECA at West Seattle.
West Seattle High School started this year with an enormous budget deficit, the Marketing Department being no exception. With the cost per student at about $700 to attend Internationals, estimated total costs are around $2,800. Students have currently raised about half of the costs with fundraising events around West Seattle. We are now looking for the support of local businesses and individuals.
We understand that this is a tough time for many businesses and individuals. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. This is the first time in 10 years that any students in the district have gone to internationals. We also understand that this is short notice however, donations is our last resort for money.
We have attached a donation slip for your convenience. You are always welcome to email or call us with questions or comments. We look forward to working with you. We cannot wait to represent our community at Internationals!
Sincerely,
Sumeet Chadha
(Marketing Student at West Seattle)
To print out the form Sumeet mentioned, just go here.
Where does the Fauntleroy Community Service Agency‘s plan to buy the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse stand now, and where is it going? That’s the gist of what was discussed during last night’s joint meeting of FCSA and Fauntleroy Community Association leaders. The meeting was facilitated by John Howell of the Cedar River Group, which has been working with FCSA on the building acquisition over the past year. The most recent development reported here has been a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools seeking to stop the schoolhouse-site sale, and that was a big part of last night’s discussion – read on for more:Read More
ORIGINAL 10:57 PM REPORT: Just got a trustable tip that Skyelar Hailey, the 18-year-old repeat offender who fled police trying to arrest him on warrants last night, resulting in an air/ground/K-9 search, has just been taken into custody in the Admiral area. Will update when officially confirmed, though that might not be till he shows up on the jail register. The photo at left, by the way, is the official mug shot from Hailey’s last jail booking in February, according to the source who sent it to us tonight (our requests to get it through official channels had all been denied). Here’s our archived coverage, newest to oldest.
2:10 AM UPDATE: Confirmation just appeared on the King County Jail Register — Hailey was booked into the jail half an hour ago.
THURSDAY MORNING UPDATE: Bail information is updated on Hailey’s jail listing — “bail denied” for the two theft-related warrants, $5,000 bail for the warrant related to the protection-order violation.
ORIGINAL 9:59 PM REPORT: Thanks to Vlad Oustimovitch (who was on the Stakeholders Committee) for the tip – SB 5768 (full legislation here), the bill that would pave the way for a tunnel to replace the Central Waterfront section of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, is being debated in the state House right now. Watch live on TVW, via cable or online here. We’ll report the results here when the vote happens.
10:14 PM UPDATE: The vote’s in — 53 yes, 43 no. Those voting “yes” included both of West Seattle’s State Representatives, Eileen Cody and Sharon Nelson. The bill passed the State Senate 43-6 on March 4th. Checking now on next steps and amendments.
ADDED 10:30 PM: As noted in comments, the most notable amendment to be adopted before the vote is one by Eastside Rep. Judy Clibborn that has the following effect, per the documentation (which you can read in its entirety here):
(1) Establishes that the state’s contribution to the Alaskan Way viaduct replacement project shall not exceed $2.4 billion.
(2) Provides that if costs exceed $2.4 billion, no more than $400 million must be financed with toll revenue.
(3) Establishes that any costs in excess of $2.8 billion must be borne by property owners in the Seattle area who benefit from replacing the existing viaduct with the tunnel.
ADDED 10:41 PM: Governor Gregoire just issued this statement:
“I congratulate the House on their decision to support the bored tunnel replacement for the Alaskan Way Viaduct. I particularly want to commend Transportation committee chairperson, Judy Clibborn for her leadership and Speaker Frank Chopp for his willingness to advance the option that best meets the needs of our state.
“I must also applaud the extraordinary amount of hard work put in by a variety of elected, labor and business leaders, neighborhood groups and key stakeholders that reviewed years of research, analysis and creative approaches and garnered support for the bored tunnel option.
“Lawmakers can be proud of this decision to improve public safety, keep a route open for traffic during construction, and generate thousands of new family-wage jobs in the Puget Sound region.
“This viaduct replacement legislation accomplishes one of two important go-home transportation issues. I now encourage the Senate and House to pass the bond legislation needed to ensure funding to replace the aging state Route 520 bridge. Building a deep bored tunnel and upgrading SR 520 will support a strong economy today and in the future.”
It’s been 3 months since we sat in the front row of a packed room at Bell Harbor Conference Center on the waterfront as the governor, Mayor Nickels, and County Executive Ron Sims first announced the tunnel plan (WSB coverage here and, with video added later, here). Vlad Oustimovitch was among those whose comments we captured on video that day; tonight, asked for post-vote comment, he told WSB, “I was recently stopped on the street by a gentleman named Bob, who somehow knew about my involvement with the viaduct. He thanked me, but I think the most important thing he said is that on this project, the ‘Seattle Process’ worked. I couldn’t say it any better.”
High Point Neighborhood Association president Andrew Mead shares a reminder for West Seattle families — you can find out about your options for local summer activities, jobs, and programs at a special event this Saturday: the Summer Youth Activities Fair, 10 am-1 pm at High Point Community Center. Here’s the official flyer (also printable for friends who might miss online announcements). Parents are welcome as well as kids and teens.
Clayton e-mailed WSB to get the word out that he and his neighbors were both burglarized on Tuesday; they live near 9th/Henderson in Highland Park (map).
ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: We also have word of a Sunday night burglary at California/Hill in the Admiral District.
The team from Movin’ 92.5 FM‘s “The Ladies Room” is in that video – courtesy Michele at West Seattle Thriftway — flanking the winner of the 3-wheeled ECO Motor Company Green Car that they gave away at the store today as part of an Earth Day extravaganza. Finalists competed in a motorized shopping-cart race:
Here’s the car:
Also today, Thriftway’s been giving away reusable bags to shoppers — all groceries are being bagged that way — and Michele says it’s going great, supplies should last till the store closes at midnight, no complaints, even! One other photo from earlier today in Thriftway — WSB’er BJP caught this mom and daughter shopping with an environmental exhibit (apparently from a school event):
One more free bag P.S. Celeste shared a coupon for a free reusable bag with a $10 purchase from Bartell Drugs – see it here.
To recap, police continue looking for 18-year-old Skyelar Hailey, a convicted burglar and repeat offender 
who they tried to stop last night to arrest on outstanding warrants — he ran off, with a car and motorcycle getting damaged in the process; a helicopter and K-9 team joined the search (WSB as-it-happened coverage here) but he got away. One commenter in our previous report says police are showing his mug shot to area residents. Seattle Police so far have denied our requests for that mug shot (as explained in this morning’s report), but we have received several unofficial photos, including the one at left, and links to what’s on a MySpace page now as well as an old school photo. We also are told the warrants for his arrest are for two counts of theft and violating a domestic-violence protection order; the car he was driving last night, which we are told belongs to a friend of his, is a maroon 1991 Honda Accord. As for any additional description – 6’2″ or taller, and about 180 pounds, with a gap between his front teeth. If you have any information on his whereabouts, police want to hear from you immediately (911 is probably your best bet in this case).
Out of the WSB inbox, from KC:
Caught & confronted a metal thief heading south in the alleys around Brandon & Fauntleroy. Asked him if he had permission to take the things he was taking. He said no. We told him to put it back, because he was stealing. Called the police immediately & reported it.
Read on for the description of the man KC confronted, and more details on the incident:Read More
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