West Seattle, Washington
18 Wednesday
Last Saturday at the 2016 Gathering of Neighbors, breakout discussion groups included one led by reps from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce – our photo above was taken just as participants were settling in. Before the event, the chamber did a quick online survey of its membership to ask their views of our area’s “growing pains,” the focus of this year’s GoN (which itself is an event organized by the community group VIEWS, “Visualizing Increased Engagement in West Seattle”). This morning, the results have been made public, including the raw responses to these two open-ended questions:
“If you could change one thing about transportation in West Seattle, what would it be?”
“If you could change one thing about development in West Seattle, what would it be?”
You can read all those responses, as well as the results of the yes/no questions (including “Has the recent growth in West Seattle generally helped your business?” – 61 percent said “yes”), by going here.
P.S. Chamber CEO Lynn Dennis tells us 75 responses were received; the Chamber has 200+ members (including WSB). Responses weren’t sorted for size or type of businesses. So we’re not saying this is scientific, but it’s an undeniably interesting snapshot.
SIDE NOTE: The Chamber also just announced that former mayor Norm Rice will keynote the May 4th Westside Awards breakfast – ticket info and more is here.
(Thursday sunset from Upper Alki, photographed by JayDee)
Sun’s out again as the final West Seattle Friday of winter moves ahead (spring arrives at 9:30 pm our time Saturday night). Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are some options for enjoying it:
FRIDAY AFTERNOON MATINEE: 1 pm, “Burke’s Bijou” at the Senior Center of West Seattle presents “Take Shelter” (2011). Suggested donation $1-$2. (4217 SW Oregon)
MOVIE NIGHT AT HPIC: At Highland Park Improvement Club – doors open at 6, kids’ short at 6:15, main feature at 7. See the HPIC website for info on what’s being shown tonight. Free; bring $ for concessions; chairs provided, and/or BYO pillows and blankets. (12th SW/SW Holden)
FINAL ‘FISH FRIDAY’: The Knights of Columbus Council No. 12175 is serving up its final “Fish Friday“ of this year’s Lent season – fish, fries, and slaw at the Our Lady of Guadalupe gym, 6-8 pm, $10/adults, $6 kids 12 and under. (35th SW/SW Myrtle)
FAMILY CONNECT ‘LUCK OF THE IRISH’: 6:30-8 pm at the West Seattle Family YMCA (WSB sponsor), one last round of St. Patrick’s Day-themed fun. Free for members, $5 for community participants. Details here. (4515 36th SW)
FIVE BUCK BAND: 7-9 pm, mix of ’60s and ’70s music, live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), with the Five Buck Band. (5612 California SW)
CLASSICAL CONCERT: Folk songs, too! At Kenyon Hall, 7:30 pm, with pianist Maggie Cole and sopranos Nancy Argenta and Ingrid Attrot, who have collaborated together for decades. Reservation info is in our listing. (7904 35th SW)
THE SLAGS, SNOWDAY, BASEMENT BROTHERHOOD: 9 pm live music at Parliament Tavern in The Admiral District, no cover. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
One more note:
COMMENT DEADLINE FOR ‘FESTIVAL STREET’: As noted here a month ago, today is the deadline for comments on the “festival street” proposal for SW Snoqualmie that is part of the expansion plan for the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) – our February story explains how to have your say.
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:35 AM: Happy Friday! Just checked; no incidents in our area or on outbound routes, so far.
6:53 AM: Metro reminds us via Twitter that this is Transit Driver Appreciation Day.
7:15 AM: We mentioned earlier this week that some high-profile campaigning is planned here in the week ahead, with the Democratic caucuses coming up one week from tomorrow (March 26th), and that tends to mean potential traffic effects. Last night, the Bernie Sanders campaign announced he’s headed this way, for a Sunday (March 20th) rally at KeyArena. Hillary Clinton is coming to the area Tuesday but has only announced a private fundraiser in Medina. And Vice President Joe Biden is due here Monday, with stops reported to include a Sen. Patty Murray fundraiser and a visit to Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.
(Also published on partner site White Center Now)
Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Patrick Sand
West Seattle Blog/White Center Now co-publishers
Just because White Center (and vicinity) voters said no to Burien doesn’t mean they’re ready to say yes to Seattle.
That was abundantly clear during tonight’s standing-room-only annexation “conversation” at Dubsea Coffee in Greenbridge, barely a block south of the city-county line.
Some in attendance loudly voiced skepticism and outright distrust of the city’s motives and even suitability.
Others asked simple questions about what changes annexation would bring.
The city’s longtime point person on annexation, Kenny Pittman, led the discussion, saying he wanted to offer “basic information” and answer questions, and promising more meetings and “outreach.”
He’s been working on the annexation issue for 12 1/2 years, he told the crowd of 50+, which included White Center community advocates and entrepreneurs.
He recapped why it’s on the front burner now – as first reported on our partner site White Center Now, Governor Inslee has signed a Legislature-passed bill that will divert millions of sales-tax dollars to Seattle to cover the costs of taking on the added residents and acreage.
Early on, he said annexation isn’t going to happen overnight:
(2015 WSB photo)
If you’re looking for egg hunts, Holy Week/Easter Sunday church services, and/or other special events, our annual all-in-one place is now up – find it here (and in our navigation bar toward the top of the page, under the heading EASTER, ETC.). If you have something to add, it’s not too late – please e-mail it ASAP – editor@wsb.blackfin.biz – thanks!
The next door-to-door food drive is days away – here’s what’s ahead for “Scouting for Food” this Saturday:
If you live on SW 30th through SW 34th St. between SW Myrtle St. & SW Thistle St., Boy Scout Troop #284 (based at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church) would like you to know that for our Scouting for Food effort this year, we will be picking up donations for the West Seattle Food Bank this Saturday morning (the 19th).
If you would like to contribute, please leave your donations outside your front door by 8:00 AM. You may have received a door flyer from us last Sunday — or maybe not, since Sunday’s well-publicized wind storm started up shortly after our flyer distribution began, most likely removing a good number of said flyers from the attention of their intended recipients.
The most needed items are:
Canned meat
Canned beans
Peanut butter
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables
Spaghetti sauce
Pasta/rice
Breakfast cereal
Oatmeal
Baby food/formula
Shampoo/soap
Feminine productsThank you in advance for helping those in need in our community!
Dwight Gilmore
Boy Scout Troop #284 parent
You might recall our story one week ago about Chief Sealth International High School students circulating petitions to get support for keeping CSIHS’s wood-shop class. The spokesperson for the group, Jennifer [at right in our photo], sent an update today, saying the program has a reprieve for now: “Yesterday the teachers voted not to approve the budget that eliminated wood shop. If the district says that the school has to take the budget, then they could still eliminate wood shop.” We’re following up further to try to find out more about what happens next, and when.
@westseattleblog looks like a fresh coat of green paint at 41st SW #admiraldistrict Happy #StPatricksDay ! pic.twitter.com/27cKlQbXYW
— brentamaker (@brentamaker) March 17, 2016
Thanks to everyone who pointed out that the mysterious stripe down 41st SW, east of Metropolitan Market (WSB sponsor) and stretching north a ways, has been refreshed this year. We photographed it this morning but the photo Brent tweeted, above, is better! And Patricia caught it in the pre-dawn darkness, so the leprechaun(s) must have been busy with the brush(es) before sunrise:
This of course revives the question, who does this? It’s come up here over the years and no one has ever ‘fessed up, though there’ve been a few hints. We tend to be with the “well, it’s good to have SOME mysteries” camp …
(WSB photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One year after our first report on an early-stage plan for the Admiral site that’s been home to PCC Natural Markets (WSB sponsor) for 27 years, the plan is moving ahead.
That’s according to Madison Development Group, which subsequently bought the site for $5,750,000, as we reported two months after our first story about its future. When we contacted Madison for comment back then, a spokesperson said the company – whose completed West Seattle projects include Spruce and Element 42 – would “begin exploring possible ideas for the site.”
The reason we’re publishing a followup now:
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
The Olympics are beautiful this morning – above, our shot from Alki (by WSB’s Patrick Sand); below, a panorama from James Bratsanos:
Now, a look at what’s up for the rest of today/tonight:
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Stop by the home of West Seattle’s history and check out the featured exhibit about Ivar Haglund, whose 111th birthday is being celebrated this month. Noon-4 pm, Thursdays-Sundays. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
WHAT IF WHITE CENTER WERE PART OF SEATTLE? Informal discussion about potential annexation, with city and county reps, 5:30-6:30 pm at Dubsea Coffee in Greenbridge. (9910 8th SW)
INJURY PREVENTION: Free seminar at West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) with Dr. Nate Moore from Elite Sports and Spine, 6:30 pm, details here. (2743 California SW)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)
OPEN MICROPHONE: 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) – all ages, many talents, details here. (5612 California SW)
BELLY-DANCING SHOWCASE: The monthly Alauda showcase shakes things up tonight at The Skylark, 7:30 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ART & POP CULTURE TRIVIA NIGHT: At Treehouse Lounge in The Admiral District, hosted by Geeks Who Drink. 8 pm. (2206 California SW)
SOUTH SOUND TUG AND BARGE … performs at 9 pm at Parliament Tavern: “Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with bluegrass, punk, Irish, and union songs.” (4210 SW Admiral Way)
SEE WHAT ELSE IS UP TODAY/TONIGHT/TOMORROW/BEYOND … via our complete calendar.
Firefighters Pipes & Drums arrive at Alki Elementary for #StPatricksDay pic.twitter.com/ce0cJDnLbV
— West Seattle Blog (@westseattleblog) March 17, 2016
9:07 AM: In the brisk sunshine of this St. Patrick’s Day morning, Alki Elementary students, staff, and parents welcomed a parade and playground mini-concert before school, with members of the King County Firefighters Pipes and Drums. We’ll add more when back at HQ.
ADDED 10:34 AM: Some of the parents who got into the spirit – from left, Tammy, Cheryl, and Anne:
In the schoolyard, everyone gathered in a circle around the musicians:
Longer video clip still to come.
(Click any view for a close-up; more cameras on the WSB Traffic page)
6:46 AM: No incidents reported so far in or from West Seattle.
7:34 AM: Still quiet on the outbound routes.
9:05 AM: Thanks to Mark for sending word of a crash in northbound lanes on 35th just north of Morgan. Apparently no injuries, as there’s nothing on the SFD 911 log.
(Added: Drawing of east [front] side of Alki Homestead’s rehab plan – see full PDF here. See west side here, south side here)
The rehabilitation plan for the historic Alki Homestead/Fir Lodge has cleared a huge hurdle: Wednesday afternoon at City Hall, the Landmarks Preservation Board gave its unanimous approval.
This came five days after the plan went to the board’s Architectural Review Committee (WSB coverage here), one year after Dennis Schilling bought the landmark, seven years after its beloved restaurant was closed by a fire.
Architect Jeff Hamlett walked the board through the plan, with the same points made on Friday, plus a little more elaboration: “We’re going to try to restore the old Homestead to a period when (it was a residence). … We’re going to totally remove the bar, use (the space) to put in some new parking and an accessible entrance to the ground floor, tear down the existing kitchen to the foundation and rebuild a new kitchen on the foundation.”
Our second report on the start of high-school-baseball season: Close game for West Seattle High School, opening the season with an extra-inning loss this afternoon at Hiawatha, vs. Highline. The photo and report are from Caryn Johnson:
Wednesday afternoon officially opened the West Seattle High School Baseball season. It was a beautiful, but cold afternoon for baseball. Jamie Maples (#6 – photo above) started on the mound for Westside, pitching three innings. The Wildcats got off to a slow start, falling behind until the bottom of the 6th inning, where they took advantage of some costly errors by the Pirates, scoring 3 runs to go up heading into the last inning. Yet, in the end, errors on the West Seattle side let Highline back into the game, pushing it into extra innings.
In the end, the Wildcats fell just short, losing 8-7 in eight innings.
The next game is scheduled on Friday at 3:30 against Rainier Beach at Hiawatha Playfield.
See the full season schedule here.
First of two high-school-baseball reports: Chief Sealth International High School opened the season today with a 3-0 win on the road against Tyee HS in SeaTac. Head coach Ernest Policarpio (who is also Sealth’s athletic director) sent the box score – Sealth pitcher Nik Turcinec got the win, 7 shutout innings with 8 strikeouts. Offensive star was Jonathan Pashby, who went 2 for 2, with 2 RBIs, 1 run, 1 walk. Next up, the Seahawks play Ingraham at 4 pm Friday at the Northwest Athletic Complex; see the full schedule here.
Get to know more of your West Seattle neighbors’ smiling faces:
The Hall at Fauntleroy was filled with community members and community spirit on Tuesday night during the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s annual Food Fest membership meeting. The local food-and-drink participants are of course a big draw – Nate and Pedro were there from Endolyne Joe’s (WSB sponsor):
Donna Lawson from Stuffed Cakes, too:
Will and Georgia from Giannoni’s Pizzeria:
Also there, Tuxedoes and Tennis Shoes from DSquared (the new brand for the many-layered food business that began at The Hall), Bird on a Wire, Original Bakery, Unsweetened Tooth, Daystar, The Kenney.
FCA’s new slate of leaders paused for a photo:
Mike Lantz-Dey continues as president. Departing board members were Gordon Wiehler and Debbie Kerns (who will, however, continue coordinating the Fauntleroy Fall Festival):
Other community groups/organizations included the Seattle Nature Alliance:
Rebecca and Mark represented. Also there, Fauntleroy Creek steward (among other community roles) Judy Pickens and Fauntleroy UCC pastor Rev. Leah Bilinski:
Other organizations represented included the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor), Seal Sitters, The Whale Trail, RainWise, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), Morgan Community Association, ArtsWest, and the city Department of Neighborhoods, represented by neighborhood district coordinators Kerry Wade and Jenny Frankl:
Plus SPD, which brought the Mobile Precinct:
That’s Community Police Team Officer Clayton Powell inside. Inside, we caught him on camera with Southwest Precinct Operations Lt. Ron Smith and Seattle University research assistant Jennifer Burbridge, who’s been working with the precinct on neighborhood issues for many months now:
From here – get more involved with your community council! If Fauntleroy is the neighborhood where you live or work, check out FCA meetings on second Tuesdays, 7 pm, at historic Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – watch fauntleroy.net in the meantime for updates.
West Seattle-headquartered Nature Consortium‘s mission is two-fold – involving both nature and the arts. And this year, it’s offering something new, and sponsoring WSB to get the word out: Two new six-week EcoARTs series of art classes for adults – Painting Techniques in Acrylics and Watercolors, for all skill levels, one hour for six consecutive Wednesdays, supplies included. Sign up here. Or, sign up to explore Mosaic Art – no experience necessary for this six-week series of one-hour classes either – register here. Both classes are taught by professional artists and start in late March.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports today. The first one, a tale of hit-and run from Tim McConnell:
Last night around 12:40, on the corner of Hanford and Belvidere, someone decided to remove the speed limit sign that was in the parking strip in front of our house. They also decided to trim our trees and some of our shrubs. The problem is, we didn’t ask them to, and they did it with their car.
After I picked up a bunch of the car parts they left behind, obviously as a way to pay us for our damaged landscaping, I did some research on those parts, and learned they used a dark blue 1999-2002 Land Rover. Now, me personally, would have just used a regular shovel and hedge trimmers, but I guess they were pressed for time and figured one quick pass through our yard at high speed should do they trick. It was effective, as the sign was taken completely out of the ground, concrete post and all. The tree trimming was less than professional, as they removed the top of one tree and just pushed over the other. The second tree had already been trimmed that way by a previous “auto landscaper” and somehow survived. This time, I am not so sure I can revive it.
As my wife and I work every day (yes, every day – our last day off was Jan 1st, our next will be Easter – small business owners), we do not have the time, nor the resources, to replace our damaged plants. We would really like it if the vehicles owner (or the person they let drive it) would come fix the damage they caused. If they could come replant what they destroyed and pick up all the plastic and glad they left, we would really appreciate it. We love our yard, but we don’t have the time to spend on it like we used to.
We would also like to find out of anyone has a few big rocks they would like to get rid of. We have a couple of spots in our yard where trees used to be that could use a more sturdy landscape material. One that can’t be “trimmed or moved” by late night, high speed, amateur yard maintenance.
The car should be easy to spot – it’s most likely a 1999-2002 dark blue Land Rover Discovery, or possibly a Range Rover, with massive damage to the passenger side front end. It is definitely missing a headlamp and fog light, and the trim for the fog light, as well as the plastic quarter panel around the wheel well, and a mud guard. If you are the owner or know the owner, please contact us through the Blog.
The “small business” he mentioned is West Seattle Runner, a longtime WSB sponsor, owned by Tim and wife Lori McConnell.
Also today:
HIT BY CAR PROWLER(S) TWICE: Sheryl reports, “In the last two weeks, my husband’s Chevrolet Silverado has been broken into twice. He typically parks on California Ave between Manning & Spokane streets (3600 block). While nothing of value has been taken, and they were kind enough not to break the windows, I wanted to let others in the neighborhood know so they could be vigilant and not leave valuables in their cars. ” Car prowling remains a top West Seattle crime issue, as reiterated at last night’s WS Crime Prevention Council meeting.
That’s the presentation that will be shown to the City Council’s Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries & Waterfront Committee tomorrow morning, as two Parks and Recreation managers brief councilmembers on what they’re doing about encroachment – people who live next to Parks property and are encroaching on it in myriad ways, maybe something as simple as throwing yard debris over the line, maybe something larger like having a fence or a hedge that’s all or part on city land.
With so much Parks property in West Seattle, this could be a major issue, so we checked with Donald Harris, one of the Parks managers who will be at tomorrow’s meeting. He says this is something they heard from citizens on the advisory committee that put together the Park District levy approved by voters in 2014 – appreciation for acquisition but also, concern that the city isn’t fully using/appreciating what it already owns, so the levy included “encroachment removal” funding.
You’ll notice if you go through the slide deck above (or here) that the only West Seattle park mentioned is Schmitz Preserve Park. We asked Harris if that means they’re focusing on something major involving that park; he said no, but they will be looking at its boundary to see what’s happening around it. “We’re pretty methodical – we go out and do a survey to be sure we know where the boundary is.”
Overall, he said, the department “is looking to be a little more diligent in protecting the boundaries of parks where there are neighbors who might not have understood where the line is and gone over it.” If you’re interested in the topic, the briefing is scheduled during the committee’s 9:30 am Thursday meeting at City Hall; it’ll be live on Seattle Channel, seattlechannel.org or cable channel 21.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Car prowls are still “the issue of the day” for West Seattle crime, Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis told the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council last night.
His regular briefing was one of two focuses at the meeting – the other one was pedestrian/traffic safety. More on that later in the story, but first, the crime briefing:
Hotspots right now include Westwood and south Highland Park, as well as South Park, and on a citywide basis, this category of crimes was set to be the focus of SPD’s twice-monthly Seastat meeting today.
Capt. Davis also reiterated the importance of reporting those crimes in particular, even if nothing was taken, so they have accurate records – SPD is pointing citizens at its Dashboard to check community-crime stats, but those stats won’t be accurate if people don’t report them.
And he mentioned what we had reported here earlier in the evening – two arrests following two robberies earlier in the day, targeting students. The suspects were arrested near 9th and Henderson in Highland Park, though the robberies happened elsewhere; items stolen from the victims were recovered, he said.
Also discussed: Shots-fired calls. “We are pretty aware of who we’re looking at,” Capt. Davis said, while stressing that doesn’t guarantee arrests – evidence and timing play into it, too. When an attendee asked for more info, he elaborated, “We have a group of individuals out there that are gang affiliated and when they find a target, they want to shoot at that target – we found a nexus between what’s happening in West Seattle and what’s happening in SE Seattle, in Rainier Valley, we have two groups that are going at it. … Usually when you have a spike in that kind of activity, there’s something behind it.”
So is there anything that can be done besides reporting it? asked the attendee.
Buying and/or selling real estate? This morning we’re welcoming a new sponsor, Kathy Crotts Real Estate; new sponsors are offered the chance to introduce themselves, and here’s what they’d like you to know:
The Kathy Crotts Real Estate team is excited to be a new sponsor on the West Seattle Blog. Our team is the dynamic duo of Kathy Crotts and Tatum Spalding, bringing together more than 25 years of real estate sales and marketing experience in the greater Seattle area.
From Arbor Heights to Admiral, Kathy Crotts Real Estate has been guiding clients through the ins-and-outs of today’s real-estate market. We’ve weathered the ups and the downs of real estate and set clear strategies for our buyers and sellers alike. Our clients become more like family, and that’s who matters most to us.
Kathy Crotts is a lifelong Seattle-area resident who is looking to make West Seattle her permanent home. Tatum Spalding enjoyed 2 years on Beach Drive before purchasing in the Fairmount neighborhood, where she’s been for nearly 10 years now. Both love the quality and pace of life West Seattle provides, and look forward to helping you navigate the West Seattle real-estate market.
Read more about Kathy and Tatum at www.kathycrotts.com.
We thank Kathy Crotts Real Estate for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
(Hamm and Campbell Buildings in The Junction, 1926, subject of tonight’s ‘Town Hall.’ Photo courtesy SWSHS)
Many ways to spend the rest of your Wednesday in West Seattle! Highlights include:
BABY STORY TIME: Three story times are on our calendar for this morning, including Baby Story Time at High Point Library, 11:30 am-noon.
NETWORKING MEETUP: Noon-1:15 pm at West Seattle Office Junction, all welcome – bring your lunch! (6040 California SW)
‘HOPE FOR THE SILENT EPIDEMIC’ … is at the heart of the invitation to today’s monthly Brain Injury Support Group, 1-3 pm at Uptown Espresso in The Junction. Details in our listing. (California/Edmunds/Erskine)
ALKI HOMESTEAD @ LANDMARKS BOARD: Last Friday, we covered the prelude to this: During today’s 3:30 pm Landmarks Board meeting, proposed repairs/renovations to the Alki Homestead will be considered; a “certificate of approval” must be given before they can proceed, since it’s a city landmark. Public welcome, and there will be an opportunity for comment. City Hall Boards and Commissions Room (600 4th Ave.)
JUNCTION LANDMARK CAMPAIGN ‘TOWN HALL’: Find out more about the “We Love The Junction” campaign to get landmark status for the historic Campbell and Hamm Buildings at California/Alaska (historic photo above) – 6 pm “town hall” meeting at the West Seattle (Admiral) Library. More info here; our coverage of the original March 5th announcement is here. (2306 42nd SW)
WORLD LANGUAGE EXHIBITION OF LEARNING: All are welcome to visit Westside School (WSB sponsor) 6:30-7:30 pm tonight to see and hear what students have been learning in world-language classes – more info in our listing. (10404 34th SW)
WHAT BETTER WAY TO SPEND ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVE … than Irish set dancing at Kenyon Hall! 6:30 pm; details in our listing. (7904 35th SW)
POETRY @ WORDSWEST: Tonight’s edition of the monthly WordsWest Literary Series at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor) features two poets, Seattle Civic Poet (and West Seattle resident) Claudia Castro Luna and Oliver de La Paz. 7 pm – details in our listing. (5612 California SW)
DELRIDGE NEIGHBORHOODS DISTRICT COUNCIL: 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. This month’s agenda includes reviewing the Neighborhood Park and Street Fund projects proposed by community members in eastern West Seattle. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
34TH DISTRICT REPUBLICANS: Monthly meeting at 7 pm, American Legion Post 160 hall in The Triangle. (3618 SW Alaska)
‘THE MASK YOU LIVE IN’: Screening for parents; the film “follows boys and young men as they struggle to stay true to themselves while negotiating America’s narrow definition of masculinity.” 7:30 pm at Madison Middle School, after short 7 pm PTSA meeting – details in our listing. (45th SW/SW Spokane)
SEE MORE FOR TODAY/TONIGHT … on our complete calendar.
(WSB photo, added 8:05 am)
FIRST REPORT, 7:17 AM: What started as an “illegal burn” call a few minutes after 7 is now upgraded to “fire in a building” at 4th and Roxbury. First crews on scene say it’s a “fully involved” car with flames spreading to the adjacent structure.
(Reader photo)
7:25 AM: The photo is via a texter who says this is not having a major effect on traffic so far.
7:31 AM: The fire is reported to be under control. No injuries – firefighters confirm everyone got out OK.
7:37 AM: We’ve just arrived in the area. This is in the residential area off the westbound side of Roxbury/Olson – more like 4th/Cambridge as shown on this map. There are a few SFD vehicles in the outside uphill lane at the curve.
8:03 AM: A closeup look (photo just added atop story) shows the fire spread from the car to the back of the house.
8:21 AM: Firefighters are wrapping up now; the fire’s cause remains under investigation, but SFD tells us that nobody knows whose car it is – it was parked behind the garage but does not belong to anyone in the area, so far as they’ve found.
WEDNESDAY EVENING NOTE: We’re still waiting to hear back from SFD on how the fire started and how much damage was done.
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