March 2014

Police Blotter Week of 3-24-2014

Pinned
On March 11 police received a call from a residence on the 800 block of S. Southern St. that the home owners were restraining a female burglary suspect in their yard. When the officers arrived they found the two victims pinning the female suspect to the ground and yelling and arguing with her on the inside of their gated front yard. The suspect was let up and restrained while officers took the story from the victims.

Gnarled tree branches and a passion for race cars inspire wooden treasures

By Hannah Danforth

Jim Grantham spent most of his childhood in Apple Tree Point, a small town near Kingston. The oldest of four, he sold newspapers on the ferry dock and lived on 2800 feet of waterfront. “I think my carving comes from that. Being able to see something when all you have to play with is driftwood and rocks.”

Presently, Jim carves wooden toy race cars that are reminiscent of the time he spent racing and building quarter midget race cars with his son. He designs one of a kind toy cars with different sized wheels. “That’s what makes the race car stagger, and the kids really like that because they can push them and they turn.”

In addition to toys, Jim creates large scale sculptures using pieces of salvaged cedar that date back seven to eleven hundred years old. Incorporating the knots or imperfections and grain pattern with every piece, he carves away the ancient wood revealing lovely traditional Northwest art.

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TT 117: People not Products

By Kyra-lin Hom

I apologize if I offend anyone this week, as the topic I'm about to broach is a sensitive one. Relatively recently (I've been debating on whether or not to touch this for a few weeks now), a Duke University student was publicly outted against her will as a porn star. There are so many hot button items here, where do I even begin?

First, some background. This young woman – go ahead and Google for her name if you really care – was accepted to Duke University out of high school. She's obviously bright and wants the stellar education Duke offers. But with a price tag after tuition, room, board and books of over $60,000 per year, there was no way she could afford it. She could either a) settle for a lesser school, b) bury herself in over $240,000 of crippling student loan debt or c) find a way to pay for it herself. She chose to dive full tilt into plan c and willed herself into one of the most lucrative markets open to young women today: her body.

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LETTER: Questions about the Whittaker project remain

March 24, 2014

To: Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

cc: Councilmember Sally Bradshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Councilmember Kshama Sawant

Dear Councilmember Rasmussen:

I appreciate the letter you wrote regarding the proposed development at 4755 Fauntleroy Avenue S.W. As a former public works director and manager of planning, public transportation and local coordination for District 1 of the Washington Department of Transportation, I believe there are questions and actions that need to be addressed before the proposal is approved. There is support for the development if done in accordance with the Triangle Plan.

Has the City done a recent traffic study showing the impact of the ingress and egress of traffic using the mid-block connector on regional traffic? This is the major corridor for Vashon commuters.

SLIDESHOW: West Seattle Wildcats fall to Issaquah 2-1 in Safeco Field season debut

By Jeremy Martin

Despite the faint hint of winter’s chill still lingering in the air, the Safeco Field High School Baseball Classic kicked off without a hitch Saturday afternoon as West Seattle took on Issaquah to start the 2014 season.

The cozy confines of the Mariner’s home field helped create an energy filled atmosphere for both fans and players alike and the wildcats took full advantage jumping out to an early lead.

But this was a low scoring affair, as many early season baseball games are, and West Seattle let a 1-0 lead slip away, falling to the Eagles 2-1.

Tied at one in the bottom of the sixth inning, the Eagles Jacob McBride made a great memory in his lone at bat of the game slapping a two out double down the left field line.

The reserve outfielder picked up the game winning RBI when third baseman Nik Sutherland sprinted home, scoring from second base.

The Wildcats had an opportunity to break the game open with one out in the top of the fifth when Eagles’ relief pitcher Jack Dellinger plunked West Seattle catcher Jonny Mai, loading the bases for left fielder Bobby Swamy.

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SLIDESHOW: Sealth JV Squad falls to Ingraham 7-4 at the SWAC

by Greg McCorkle

The advent of spring brings many things. Birds sing their wonderful songs, the sky has a blue pale not seen for a while, plants and trees begin the process of blooming, and the crack of a baseball bat can be heard coming from diamonds all over the community. So was it on Friday at the SWAC when the Ingraham Rams JV baseball squad took the field against the Chief Sealth Seahawks Junior crew.

Ingraham jumped out early to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, tagging Sealth starter Flora for 2 earned runs. Sealth would cut the score to make it 2-1 with an RBI single off the bat of First baseman Stott. The lanky starter would settle down over the next several innings to keep his team in the game.
But Sealth couldn’t quiet put Ingraham away and a four run seventh inning by the Rams was too much to quickly and the Seahawks lost at home 7-4.

That said the junior Hawks showed that they had a relaxed “let’s have fun” attitude that allowed them to learn as they played, and enjoy and trust their teammates.

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Seatac Man Arrested in 17 Year Old’s Death.

Eighteen year old man arrested in White Center.

White Center-- At about 3:40 P.M. on March 21st, King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes detectives arrested an 18 year old Seatac man in connection with the shooting death of a 17 year old in White Center on March 19, 2014.
The detectives are not seeking any other suspects; however, they are encouraging additional witnesses of the shooting to come forward and contact the King County Sheriff’s Office by calling (206) 296-3311.
KCSO Case # 14-069328
Original press release below
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17 Year Old Shot and Killed in White Center Shooting

White Center- A 17 year old Burien teen was shot and killed last night in White Center.

Police responded to the North Highline Fire Station in the 1200 block of SW 112th last night just after 10pm to a report of a teen shot in the back. When police arrived they learned that the victim and 3 others had been getting gas at a station near SW Roxbury and 15 Ave SW when they exchanged words with a group at a nearby bus stop.

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Backhoe delivered to site on 24th S.W. following DPD meeting; Neighbors not happy

In a public meeting on March 20, regarding the land use change for 6536 24th Ave. S.W. more than 30 people showed up to voice their concerns about the possibility of homes being built on the land and the impact that might have on drainage, the salmon watershed in Longfellow Creek and more. DPD had called the meeting and answered questions and provided insights. Also in attendance was the property owner Nick Antoine.

While many of the neighbors were vocal in the meeting, Antoine chose not to speak.

DPD said they had requested corrections in the proposal and had yet to hear from Antoine, though they acknowledged the process has no deadline and that some changes take more time than others. They also said that for any work to proceed on the site, proper permits would be required.

Still, despite no permits being issued, a large backhoe was delivered to the property on Saturday, March 22 which quickly got the neighbor's attention.

They posted a note on the backhoe that reads:

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You're a good man Charlie Brown debuts at WSHS Apr. 3

The smash Broadway comedy, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, based on Charles Shulz beloved comic strip characters is the hilarious choice for the WSHS Drama Club this spring. The play will be presented beginning April 3 at 7:30pm. They continue Apr. 4, 9, 10 and 11th with a special benefit performance on April 5 at 8pm.

Synopsis:
Though considered a "good man" by his friends, Charlie Brown can't seem to win the heart of the Little Red-Haired Girl, nor his friend Lucy, her crush, the piano-playing Schroeder. Meanwhile Snoopy and Linus daydream and the rest of the friends battle with kites, school, baseball and misunderstandings before finally coming to realize what makes them truly happy.

Tickets: $7 with reservation, $12 at the door

For reservations, please email:
reservations@westsidedrama.com

All performances at West Seattle High School,
3000 California Ave SW

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LETTER: Alki Auto is relocating to the Avalon neighborhood

From John Frank owner of Alki Auto:

"It is official. On April 1, 2014, Alki Auto will relocate and open its doors in Luna Park. We're currently remodeling the former location of British Auto Center, LTD. at 2938 SW Avalon Way. Our expanded shop features more auto bays that increase our capacity for full service repairs and routine maintenance. With easy access off the West Seattle Bridge, the shop's new location will be more convenient for many of our customers.

For 92 years, under a variety of brand names, the original location at 2504 Alki Ave SW serviced cars for families and businesses throughout West Seattle. I bought Alki Auto in 1999 and enjoyed every minute of our time at the beach. We look forward to many more years to come alongside my new neighbors, Duos Lounge, Luna Park Cafe and Avalon Glassworks."

John Frank
Owner
Alki Auto

Fast facts:
Alki Auto's street sign will relocate as well and should be visible from the West Seattle Bridge.