December 2011

2011 has been a remarkable year and we will revisit this year's biggest stories in a Year in Review article to be published next week. But for now, whether you are home with family, enjoying some time off, sampling holiday goodies or just enjoying the season we want to wish you the Merriest of Christmas days from everyone at Robinson Communications.

• West Seattle Herald/White Center News -
• Ballard News Tribune -
• Highline Times/Des Moines News
• WestSeattleHerald.com -
• BallardNewstribune.com -
• HighlineTimes.com

2011 has been a remarkable year and this community has seen some amazing events we will bring you next week in a year end review. But for now, whether you are home with family, enjoying some time off, sampling holiday goodies or just enjoying the season we want to wish you the Merriest of Christmas days from everyone at Robinson Communications.

• West Seattle Herald/White Center News -
• Ballard News Tribune -
• Highline Times/Des Moines News
• WestSeattleHerald.com -
• BallardNewstribune.com -
• HighlineTimes.com

2011 has been a remarkable year and this community has seen some amazing events we will bring you next week in a year end review. But for now, whether you are home with family, enjoying some time off, sampling holiday goodies or just enjoying the season we want to wish you the Merriest of Christmas days from everyone at Robinson Communications.

• West Seattle Herald/White Center News -
• Ballard News Tribune -
• Highline Times/Des Moines News
• WestSeattleHerald.com -
• BallardNewstribune.com -
• HighlineTimes.com

In light of the recent Department of Justice criticisms of the Seattle Police Department for excessive use of force the SPD Office of Professional Accountability has issued a report on report on the use of in-car video systems.

The dash cam video of the aftermath of a jogger being struck by a truck near the lower West Seattle Bridge shows that the camera (and audio) can both implicate as well as exonerate officers.

The report states:

While the issues noted in this report are considered, a Directive should be issued to:
o Remind officers that the current SPD policy requires that every effort be made to record traffic stops, pursuits, vehicle searches and citizen contacts;

o Emphasize the need to document recordings (or the reasons for the lack of video/audio) in a citation, notice of infraction, or Traffic Contact Report, and in the General Offense Report if a custodial arrest is made;

In Loving Memory of Linda Crank.

Please join us for a memorial service to honor Linda Crank, a friend, sister, colleague, and active volunteer in her community.

The service will be held at the West Seattle Eagles Hall on Saturday, January 14, 2012 at 2:00 pm. The service will conclude with a potluck affair.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charities that Linda supported: Stan Murray Kidney Fund or Breast Cancer.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Suzanne Gutierrez directly by phone (206.890.2461) or email at k.suzannegutierrez@gmail.com

Fraternal Order of Eagles
West Seattle
Aerie/Auxiliary 2643
4426 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98116
www.westseattleeagles.org

See the West Seattle Herald story with memories of Linda here.

UPDATE: Here is official listing

When Dan Atherton opened Jonny Boston's cheeseteaks in 2010 it was the realization of a dream. Now, due to family health reasons he said he must sell it or close it entirely.

Atherton who has operated a dry wall and construction business for the past 18 years (with 30 years in the industry) is not happy about the situation but realizes he must take care of his family first.

By Eric Olson
On November 10th, the members of West Seattle Pee Wee Baseball and SW Seattle Pony Baseball voted to merge the two leagues into one, West Seattle Baseball.

Both leagues were in good standing and have a rich baseball history in West Seattle.

West Seattle Pee Wee was formed in 1957 and has been playing at the Pee Wee Fields since 1973. Southwest Seattle Pony Baseball has been playing in Lincoln Park for quite some time. Many of the kids who come up through the PONY program go on to play high school baseball and some even college or professional.

Before the merger, they were operating as two separate PONY Baseball organizations split within their same boundaries. The merger brings greater continuity as kids progress through the PONY Divisions (Shetland, Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, Pony, Colt and Palomino). They now serve kids ages 5-19 in one league.

The merger allows one Executive Board to lead with one common vision. It will create a greater sense of community within the baseball families in West Seattle.

Registration for the Mustang, Pinto and Shetland (ages 5-10) opens on January 2nd.

Update for Dec. 27
A home invasion robbery call to a home on the 5400 block of 45th Ave S.W. on Dec. 23 triggered a large police response, including the setup of a perimeter and K-9 units canvassing the area for a suspect.

According to Southwest Precinct Captain Steve Paulsen, the original 911 call was fabricated and the homeowner who made it could face charges.

"The suspect turned out to be a relative (involved in a) family matter," Paulsen said. "We are pursuing a false reporting issue with the homeowner ... given the severity of the call and the number of police resources that responded and were looking for a suspect."

Original post on Dec. 23
A home invasion robbery near 45th sw and sw Brandon caused the Seattle Police Department to set up a perimeter around the scene and order neighbors back into their homes so a k9 unit could come through the area. Officer were also out patrolling the area on foot.

The investigation is now underway.

According to an officer on the scene a neighbor "came up on them" during the robbery.

This story will be updated as we get more information.

The investigation is now underway.

Happy Holidays.

As the year winds down, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you. In addition to a loving family and good friends, I am blessed to be able to work with you - the talented, creative and passionate people of Seattle - in the most special place in America.

I am optimistic about 2012 because I know that you are as committed as I am to protecting and growing this place we are so proud to call home. I have been honored to work with you over the past two years and am excited to see where the next two take us. Together, I know we will be successful.

As we have done for the past two years, we'll be hosting a City Hall Open House to give you an opportunity to tour your City Hall and talk to the people who serve in our City Departments. The open house will last from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 28th. Come on down. Let us know what we are doing well and where we can do better.

Thank you again for the opportunity to serve as your mayor. My door is always open to you. I wish you and your family all the best in the New Year.

Sincerely,

Mike McGinn
Mayor of Seattle

Thursday, Dec. 29
Boys basketball

Squalicum 64, Kennedy 60
The Lancers took a narrow loss in their second Les Schwab Classic basketball tournament game in the Kennedy Catholic gymnasium Thursday.

Chiawana 67, Foster 31
Foster fell to a loss in Coeur' d'Alene, Idaho tournament action Thursday. The Bulldogs were playing for the seventh place trophy.

Seattle Lutheran 44, Lummi 30
Seattle Lutheran of West Seattle journeyed to Mount Vernon for tournament play Thursday and took a loss to Lummi

Girls basketball

Mt. Lk. Terrace 63, SCS 36
The Warriors went down to defeat against Mountlake Terrace High School in Thursday King's Tournament consolation action.