October 2019

By Scott Anthony

For those who have not heard, I am another one of the walking wounded, one among the gazillions of back pain sufferers around the world who spend their days either recovering from a back injury or nearing the onset of one and it seems that no amount of therapy, book reading, supplements or surgery can stave off the inevitability of another visit by the 'vertebra with a vendetta.'

So for me to climb a ladder, stack some firewood or risk a round of golf, and then have a few days of freedom from a back attack is a pretty good victory, that is, until the other day when I went to get out of my van. Swinging my legs out first, I leaned over to grab a shopping bag and ‘zzzoink’…it was like those cartoons where the freshly-dazed character has little stars and birds circling around their head.

The new neighborhood Italian restaurant Valentinetti’s opened for its first dinner service on Thursday, October 24 in Ballard’s historic 1911-built Firehouse No. 18 at 5425 Russell Ave NW. It's been the home to the Hi-Life restaurant for the last 15 years, Chow Foods owner Peter Levy and Chef/partner Anthony Hubbard have reimagined the large space into a more intimate interior with a menu of Italian favorites and a unique newcomer called “pinsa”.

By Jean Godden

We're always urging citizens to get out and vote. And, indeed, casting a vote matters more today with our democracy experiencing some difficult times and divisive politics.

The good news -- in Washington state at least -- is that voting is easier and more secure today than it's ever been. We are lucky enough to have same-day registration available and we have pre-paid postage for all state ballots. In King County, there are convenient drop boxes where we can return ballots if that's easier than finding a U. S. post box.

We voters here are more fortunate than voters in most other states. As a matter of fact, other state officials have been here looking at our system to see how they can improve.

A man's body was found near the  Des Moines Creek Trail following an attempt to flee from police on Sunday Oct. 27.

Reports of a sexual assault in the 22800 block of 27th Ave South Sunday prompted a visit by the Des Moines Police where a man apparently in his 20's was seen in a vehicle.

He drove off, north on 7th Avenue South, and subsequently lost control in the 21600 block crashing into some shrubs during a brief high speed pursuit.

According to Des Moines Police the suspect then got out and took off foot to the Des Moines Creek Trail area. 

The body was found just in a wooded area along the trail, known to be quite steep. The officers attempted to resuscitate the man but he died at the scene.

The specific cause of death is unknown, police said and stated that there was no police contact with the suspect during the incident.

The sexual assault victim was being interviewed, police said.

The West Seattle Junction was home to the 8th annual Harvest Festival on Sunday October 27 with hundreds of costumed characters of all shapes and sizes roaming through the streets collecting candy and enjoying the music, booths from merchants, the Farmers Market and much more.

The Chili Cook Off whose proceeds went to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank (now merged with West Seattle Helpline) cost $10. For the third year in a row Duos (catering) took first place followed by Easy Street Records Cafe and Elliott Bay Brewhouse.

The event also featured a parade around the junction with the West Seattle High School Marching Band and local merchants offering candy for the kids (and the bigger kids too).

information from Seattle Police Blotter

Detectives are investigating after an officer spotted a fight where the participants had guns, and the officer opened fire In the North Admiral neighborhood around 10:30 pm Thursday.

An officer patrolling the 2300 block of California Avenue Southwest Thursday night saw a fight involving multiple men in the alley. The officer went to break up the scuffle when two of the people involved in the fight pulled out handguns. The officer drew their firearm and shot multiple times at the men. The group scattered leaving behind one handgun and an injured person.

The Seattle Fire Department responded to the scene and treated the victim for minor injuries suffered in the fight. At this time investigators do not believe anyone was injured from the officer’s shots.

Patrol officers are still actively searching the neighborhood for the other involved parties.

information from Sound Transit

The Sound Transit Board of Directors has identified two additional alternatives for study in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) of the 11.8-mile West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions light rail project. The action resulted from a Board directive in May that staff conduct initial assessments of potential new alternatives suggested during the project scoping period to establish whether further detailed study in the DEIS is appropriate.   

On Thursday, October 24, 2019, the Highline School District held a ribbon cutting ceremony for its brand new Glacier Middle School which is located in the north section of SeaTac. Deputy Mayor Clyde Hill was one of a dozen speakers at the ceremony. Councilmembers Peter Kwon, Pam Fernald, Stanley Tombs and Joel Wachtel also attended the 90 minute event. The school district thanked the City of SeaTac for its support of its students and called the City a valuable “strategic partner” to its campaign to continue to modernize its school facilities.

After the ribbon cutting, students and teachers gave tours to those in attendance.