August 2011

Well over 100 family members and friends gathered at the Breath of Life Church in White Center on Aug. 28 to celebrate the life of Sweetheart Failautusi, the 23-year-old woman whose life was taken by a bullet on Aug. 16.

It was the second time in just over a year that the Samoan community gathered at Breath of Life to say goodbye to a member of the Failautusi family. Sweetheart’s father passed away last year and his funeral was held on Aug. 17, 2010.

The public service began with a slideshow for Sweetheart, recounting her life and joyous smile with hundreds of photos from childhood to young adulthood. It then moved into the outpouring of support in the aftermath of her death, with images of the tribute built at the shooting scene in White Center and the charity car wash on Aug. 26 to raise funds for her funeral.

State Route 99, along the Alaskan Way Viaduct will close at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 for nine days the Washington State Department of Transportation said today.

Northbound viaduct closure details

Northbound SR 99 between the West Seattle Bridge and South Royal Brougham Way will be closed around-the-clock beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31.

Northbound SR 99 between the South Royal Brougham Way on-ramp and the Battery Street Tunnel will open from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and for special events at CenturyLink Field.

Southbound viaduct closure details

Southbound SR 99 between the Battery Street Tunnel and West Seattle Bridge will be closed around-the-clock beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21 to 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 31.

The purpose of the closure is to permit demolition and construction work to be completed on what WSDOT refers to a the "southern mile" of the viaduct including:

• Demolishing approximately 300 yards of the viaduct near S. Royal Brougham Way.

A few dozen folk enthusiasts, and Vera Johnson supporters, clustered around acclaimed musician Del Rey, a White Center resident, who played a show at the Village Green Nursery, 10223 26th Ave SW Sunday, Aug. 28. Del Rey plays concerts world wide and also presents a concert/lecture on women musicians called Women in American Music. She was joined by colleague Steve James. The nursery was an idyllic venue, bathed by the pleasantly warm sun, tall shade trees, colorful flowering buds, potted plants and vegetable gardens.

But within this bucolic setting blew an air of anxiety as nursery owner Vera Johnson has been awaiting the news on whether the Bank of America forecloses on the near-acre on which her home and business sit, or assists her with a new loan modification. She has faced financial challenges since her divorce, and as has been widely reported, including here, and here, sites a David and Goliath struggle with the BOA for financial assistance spanning 18 months.

Burglars in a retired police cruiser
Just before 3 p.m. on Aug. 18 a neighbor on the 6700 block of 18th Ave S.W. noticed unusual activity at a nearby house. A retired police Crown Victoria cruiser, white in color with a spotlight and push bumper, was backed into a nearby driveway. The neighbor noticed a driver in the vehicle, and then saw two men exit the house carrying a 42” Samsung television. The neighbor yelled at the suspects and dialed 911, prompting the men to jump into the vehicle and speed away westbound on S.W. Myrtle St. A fourth suspect, left behind by his partners in crime, was seen fleeing the residence on foot. The witness described all four men as East African in appearance. In addition to the TV, the suspects stole a MacBook Pro and a 12 gauge shotgun. Police gathered several fingerprints and the witness was able to record a partial license plate from the getaway vehicle. According to the police report, authorities were able to track the distinct vehicle to a suspect that has been arrested for residential burglaries in the past.

“Freeze, we’re the police!”

Discovery Shop
4535 California Ave, S.W.
206 937 7169
50%-OFF everything in our Storewide Sale: Thursday, Sept 1 Thru Sunday, Sept. 4 (includes Antiques & Collectibles). 50%-OFF Pink-tagged items: Thursday, Sept 1 thru Tuesday, Sept. 20. The Shop will be closed Monday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day). The American Cancer Society Shop is open Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other days 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kindermusik at Kenyon Hall
Kindermusik classes, for families with children birth to six, begin at Kenyon Hall, 7904 35th Ave SW, right after Labor Day. Taught by master educator Lou Magor, the weekly sessions are the perfect early childhood introduction to music and movement. For information and registration please call (206) 937-3613 or e-mail kenyonhall@earthlink.net.

Street Fair
Holy Family Parish
9820 20th Ave. S.W.
206-763-0886
Sept. 10 and 11, 9-5 p.m. Food, crafts, kids entertainment and more! Salsa cook-off Sunday. There will be a diaper drive for West Side Baby.

Seniors Making Art
Delridge Community Center
4501 Delridge Way S.W.
206-935-2162

While the Statue of Liberty that stands guard over the New York and New Jersey shores may have been hunkering down during Hurricane Irene's wrath, the Alki Liberty Statue has been bundling up, wrapped fashionably in a long thick scarf, which seems appropriate for this slightly chilly Monday morning.

This has been a difficult year for the men and women of our department and the Seattle community. As the anniversary of the death of John T. Williams approaches, I wanted to communicate directly to those we serve what the Seattle Police Department has done to act on the feedback we have received. I have attended many meetings and many of you have shared your perspectives with me, for which I am grateful. I want you to know that I have listened and made a commitment that the department would examine our training practices and prioritize Community Outreach.

Summer gardens and farmers markets are overflowing with cool, crisp cucumbers. This mild vegetable is perfect for serving in a wide variety of tasty ways that can replace salty snacks.

Snack foods and dips are frequent culprits that can increase sodium in your diet, which can raise your blood pressure and strain your kidneys. Here are some mouthwatering ways to cut the salt and use this great summer veggie!

Use cucumber slices instead of salty crackers—just top them with your favorite cheese or low-salt spread. You can also follow the recipe below for tzatziki, a mild, refreshing cucumber dip you can use on pita bread, unsalted pita chips or baby carrots. Tzatziki is also delicious as a garnish for grilled meats and fish, or on a baked potato.

For pickle lovers, try making this salt-free alternative to add crunch and flavor to your sandwiches, salads or barbeque spreads.

Greek Tzatziki
1 large cucumber
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 cups plain yogurt (soy yogurt also works)

Update as of 3:00 am on Sunday Aug 28.

After 5 hours of negotiating with SPD, the person decided to take their life. Police have contacted the medical examiner. The area will be closed off for awhile for investigation and train operators are being told not to go through the area below the bridge where they landed.

Traffic is now open.

Original post
Shortly after 10:00 pm Saturday, Aug, 27 the Seattle Police Department closed both directions of the West Seattle Bridge to deal with an apparently suicidal person, on the railing of the bridge.

The Mobile Precinct (the large motor home built for special purpose uses) was brought to the scene as officers attempted to deal with the situation.

Westbound traffic appeared to be opened by 11:00 pm but eastbound lanes remained closed as of 12:25 am Sunday.

CLICK ON PHOTO FOR SLIDESHOW

Magic Lanes has disappeared, but the magic is still there, in nearby Roxbury Lanes. Doug Harrell, owner of both Roxbury Lanes, with Roxy's Casino and Magic Lanes was forced by a decline in business at Magic Lanes to close the business on Aug. 1. Longtime bowler customer, and former employee Victoria Rae, organized a farewell party for Magic Lanes Saturday night, AUG. 27, at Roxbury Lanes.

You can read our Aug. 3 story about Magic Lanes closing here:

Magic Lanes was at the corner of Southwest 106th St. and 15th Av. SW. Roxbury Lanes is at 2823 Southwest Roxbury St. between 27th Ave SW & S 28th Ave SW.

"I grew up at Magic Lanes," said Rae, who grew up in White Center and now lives in Graham. She bowls a 178 average. "The Harrell family has been a family to me. I grew up at the bowling alley and I brought my kids to the Magic Lanes every Saturday."