Updates: Police search for suspect(s) after shooting on Alki

(scroll down for newest information and photos)

(top photo by David Hutchinson, middle was via cameraphone by Patrick Sand, third is a screengrab from Seacrest-area webcam showing medic unit there for shooting victim)
ORIGINAL 7:43 PM REPORT: We know for sure that there’s a major police response on Alki, an assault with weapons call on fire/medics, and there’s a lot of talk about the Pepperdock. Roads also are being blocked off. According to the scanner, police are looking for a suspect described as a black male, late teens, close-cropped hair, black T-shirt, with a black handgun, last seen running “southbound through Whale Tail Park,” possibly with at least one other person – didn’t catch that description. No word yet whether anyone has actually been hit/hurt by gunfire. We’ve got someone on the way there, while we’re also monitoring the scanner and e-mail/phone/etc. info here at WSB HQ. Police are reported to be talking to “multiple witnesses” – one has told police, according to the scanner, that three black males ran through the south end of Whale Tail (near the “Big Toy” play structure) after the shooting, two reported to be wearing “red wife-beater tank tops” and one “carrying one,” reportedly then getting into a “black SUV.”

7:53 PM UPDATE: A Twitter report says the shooting victim is actually at Seacrest – which explains why the fire/medic call is to 1600 Harbor, while the police search is up at the beach.

8:05 PM UPDATE: Co-publisher Patrick Sand is now at Alki – he is seeing K-9 officers searching in the Alki Elementary playground area – also, officers are diverting traffic southward, from the 60th/Admiral area. We also have a Twitter report that traffic headed toward Alki on Harbor Avenue is being diverted southbound onto Fairmount at Salty’s.

8:17 PM UPDATE: Added another photo atop this report, this time, showing police cars blocking Alki Ave near 59th. No word yet of any arrests. No word yet on the shooting victim’s condition, either, but the medic unit that was at Seacrest has headed off for Harborview Medical Center.

8:25 PM UPDATE: Via scanner – police are reopening Alki Ave to traffic, because they are “done processing the scene.” (A moment later, that was confirmed by police at the scene, who apparently will share some more information soon about exactly what happened.)

8:33 PM UPDATE: Alki’s David Hutchinson just sent more scene photos:

A Seattle Police media officer is on his way to the scene to brief media (us included), so we should have some new details when he arrives.

9:17 PM UPDATE: Officer Jeff Kappel has just briefed the media and Patrick called in with details: The victim, male in late teens, was outside Pepperdock with friends when someone opened fire from behind, shooting multiple times. No apparent argument or clash before the gunfire. Victim managed to make it across the street to the grassy area by the beach, friends then loaded him into a car and headed north on Alki Ave, police intercepted the car by Seacrest, which is where they then got him into a medic unit and took him to Harborview, where he’s being treated for what’s described as life-threatening injuries. Also: A second car was following the one with the shooting victim and friends; it has at least one bullet hole in it, so was impounded. All the people with the victim have been taken downtown for questioning as witnesses. K-9 search of immediate neighborhood didn’t turn up anything. But investigators will be at Alki “all night.” (We have the police briefing on video and will upload it as soon as Patrick gets back to HQ.)

9:49 PM UPDATE: Listening to the media-line recording that has since been updated, the circumstance has changed slightly — the person who opened fire was outside the Pepperdock but the victim was across the street, on the beach side. Police say that “homicide and gang detectives” will be at the scene investigating for some time to come. Still no information on the victim’s condition aside from the earlier report of “life-threatening injuries.”

10:30 PM UPDATE: The police summary is now on SPDBlotterread it here. And here’s the entire, unedited four and a half minute briefing given at the scene by Detective Jeff Kappel from the media unit:

(video not available due to blip.tv shutdown)

5:15 AM SATURDAY: No new updates from police regarding the victim’s condition or any arrests. We did get a note from a witness describing what he saw and wanted to share that:

A friend and I were walking East/North on Harbor toward Slices, passing just in front of the mexican & thai restaurants (just west of Pepperdock) when the shots were fired (my friend heard 6 – 8, I heard more… like 10). My friend and I ducked behind the small trees there while some folks eating on the patio started heckling us for being spooked over some “fireworks.” As my friend and I got to the cross street, I saw what looked like two kids running south on the street (I’m 25… so they seriously looked like “kids”). There was a bit of confusion in the area as most people naively assumed fireworks was the cause of the disturbance, but as we crossed the street toward Slices, people were still looking back at the scene. Across the street in the grassy area, an african american male was down with his friends surrounding him. The boys looked thuggish (if anything could be said for the gang energy on Alki). These boys loaded their friend into the back of their black chevy impala (license plate 706 **K), and flipped a U-turn on harbor ave and screeched away. As you know, sunny friday’s are not conducive to speedy exits. They nearly ran over a family crossing the street while they tore off down the street. I saw a few of their friends run off down another street, but they could have just been running toward their car. The police arrived a few minutes later.

i spoke with an employee at Slices and she saw the shooter. She desribed him as a “kid” and thought it was a cap gun because he was firing “wildly” and it didn’t look like he was aiming at any thing as he was “shooting wildly” and “laughing.” What a scary scene.

11:15 AM SATURDAY: The latest official police “update” as of a few minutes ago was, “no new updates.” Just in case you were wondering. (5:37 pm note – we’ve been checking but still no updates)

163 Replies to "Updates: Police search for suspect(s) after shooting on Alki"

  • Scott (no, the other Scott) May 1, 2009 (7:48 pm)

    Per scanner, at least one victim in a vehicle at the scene, hit in the back.

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (7:50 pm)

    Thanks. I have been hearing lots of suspect description but no victim info so far – TR

  • Swine Flyer May 1, 2009 (7:53 pm)

    We’ve been watching the whole thing from about 4 blocks away on a balcony. There hasn’t been any shots fired (that we could see or hear, it coulv’e been a .22 or smaller, which we wouldn’t have heard) or any brandishing of weapons. BUt the street is blocked off in both directions so avoid Alki ave.

  • WTF May 1, 2009 (7:55 pm)

    Ah, here we go again. Why am I not surprised. It’s going to be a looooooooooong summer.

  • Scott (no, the other Scott) May 1, 2009 (7:58 pm)

    Actually, I should correct that–the officer calling it in said it was “the scene”, but he was understandably flustered; he and the victim were in the 1600 block of Harbor, while it sounds like the shooting itself took place across from the Pepperdock.

  • BarbG May 1, 2009 (7:59 pm)

    This is one of the reasons I hate Alki in the summer

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (8:03 pm)

    Thanks, Scott – got it sorted now after checking Twitter and listening to two scanners – it appears to be exactly what you said. Co-publisher Patrick has had to park some distance away from the beach because of roads blocked, like 59th access apparently blocked at Admiral – TR

  • 206 May 1, 2009 (8:04 pm)

    This makes me angry.

  • Stephanie May 1, 2009 (8:11 pm)

    Grrr… I live on 59th & Alki… I’m up at my friend’s house near Met Market and now I can’t get home… Stupid bangers… Alki in the summer is a pain in the ass!

  • justin@schlottman.us May 1, 2009 (8:14 pm)

    We just moved from Belltown to Alki and nothing has changed. People from outside the neighborhood causing trouble. Stupid nice sunny days, Seattle is much more peaceful when it rains.

  • Get Out May 1, 2009 (8:18 pm)

    There is no need for this kinda crap going down. It sounds like gang activity unless some business or organization requires emplyees or memebers to wear “Ho Dad’s”.

    Such a beautiful evening and then this nonsense.

    Hope they get em.

  • Michelle May 1, 2009 (8:19 pm)

    I also heard that a male was shot in the back.

    I’ve lived on Alki, just yards from the scene tonight, for three summers. This is the first incident I’ve seen. I’ve always had a lot of respect for the folks that come down here to hang out. Some of them are from gangs but they don’t bring the violence down here. Just a lot of parading around, revving motorcycles and cruising in custom cars.

    This is a sad, scary incident, but it could have happened anywhere in Seattle.

  • Get Out May 1, 2009 (8:21 pm)

    BTW, I can spell, it’s this stupid keyboard on my laptop and my refusal to preview. K den.

    Still hope they nab em.

  • Stephanie May 1, 2009 (8:22 pm)

    Gangs have become a huge issue in all of Seattle, and it manifests itself on Alki on these gorgeous days… It’s been getting noticeably worse over the past 3 years, especially…

  • Stucco May 1, 2009 (8:24 pm)

    We were riding bikes there and I saw cops racing both ways- the Pepperdock direction first, then toward the water taxi. I saw the taxi leave and it looked like it was hauling out of there faster than normal. Thanks to WSB for being on top of it.

  • therev5275 May 1, 2009 (8:25 pm)

    is it just me or has there been a rash of violence these past several months? The latest obviously being this shooting, but then you have all these other random things like the tuba man, the beating caught on video at the light rail station, the guy that was walking home from a bar in the Greenwood area.

    Seriously, wtf?!?!

    This place is going to pot.

  • maude May 1, 2009 (8:26 pm)

    Hello Get Out,

    What’s a “Ho-Dad”?

  • Get Out May 1, 2009 (8:29 pm)

    A sleeveless t-shirt or commonly known as a wife beater.

  • living in west seattle since 1985 May 1, 2009 (8:33 pm)

    dont forget the junction shooting and the Key bank robbery!

  • stayaway May 1, 2009 (8:35 pm)

    I am not surprised. Bummed, but not surprised. I never go to Alki anymore. I went once last year, it was my first time ever, that was enough.

  • stayaway May 1, 2009 (8:38 pm)

    Stephanie:
    Sunshine is free. Parks are free. Hence the congregation of losers at Alki :( Such a shame because this could be an awesome place for awesome people!

  • At the Beach May 1, 2009 (8:42 pm)

    My family and I were at Alki this evening – 50 feet or so from the shooting. It was very scary to hear the shots and see everyone either scatter or hit the deck. Obviously, the situation quickly ruined what had been a fun time with friends and family.

    While I realize the police can’t be everywhere at all times – how is it that 2 cars of teens can pull up and park in a zone “For Police Only” for about 10 minutes right across from the Pepperdock? Shouldn’t there have been at least more a police presence on a sunny Friday evening down at Alki?

  • soosan May 1, 2009 (8:46 pm)

    Anyone know why there isn’t a bigger police presence on Alki during the summer? (Or spring, I guess?) Seems like the sun comes out and so does the trouble. Might make sense to patrol a bit more…

  • soosan May 1, 2009 (8:47 pm)

    At the Beach–you and I had the same thought. I was running down there earlier this evening, before the action. Sorry you had to be there for it.

  • Stephanie May 1, 2009 (8:50 pm)

    Stayaway:
    Its just irritating for those of us who live down there… It’s a small community, many of us who are friends, who enjoy duke’s, the swell, cactus, etc. all year ’round… we’re the one’s who walk from our houses/apartments when it’s snowing out to have a beer from our favorite bartenders (who also live down here, mostly) at our favorite beach spots… and then summertime comes, when it is unbelievably gorgeous on the beach, and these a**holes ruin it for us!!!

  • cathy May 1, 2009 (8:55 pm)

    Remember that huge police RV, command center type vehicle which always seemed to be parked right across from Alki Auto? Haven’t seen it for a long time.

  • livin on 59th... May 1, 2009 (9:02 pm)

    My family often walks down after dinner and I’m sad to see this at the beach, not to mention so close to my home. I too would love to see more of a police presence, especially on nice evenings and Friday/Saturday nights.

  • Mr. Matt May 1, 2009 (9:03 pm)

    Wasn’t there a shooting around the Pepperdock two 4th of July’s ago? Or at least “shots fired”/brandishing?

    Welp, either way, I was wondering when this crap would come into my neighborhood.

  • Michelle May 1, 2009 (9:11 pm)

    So, I’m confused. How was the shooting at the Pepperdock and the victim at Seacrest Park?

  • Eaglewatch May 1, 2009 (9:12 pm)

    I have lived above Alki for 16 years and have seen the evening crowd on Alki gradually change from family groups to a crowd I would frequently characterize as “aggressive loiterers”, who block passage, use foul language, and in general intimidate others. Now we have gunfire. It’s a shame.

    I always stop and thank the police for their presence on Alki whenever I can. Like any other city service, they tell me they have only so much budget and have to allocate resoruces to where they are needed most, and there are lots of places they are needed. As things have deteriorated on the beach, we can attribute part of it to less money translating to fewer police and a “no rules” atmosphere.

  • west seattle-ite May 1, 2009 (9:15 pm)

    I was down there with my volleyball team, we heard cops and then saw all the lights, i had to then leave. We parked a little ways away from pepper docks. Then walked right passed, there was a car in the middle, maybe a undercover cop, but i heard that they were searching the houses around. Anyways, they were interigating anyone that knew anything. Let’s hope these guys are found, and stay out of the West Seattle Community.

  • Pam May 1, 2009 (9:19 pm)

    I wish they’d park the ‘pig pen’ down there more often especially as the weather improves. Spring Fever always brings out the worst in young men it seems, whether it is a fist fight between groups of boys back in the 70’s or a shooting now – sad.

  • gee what a surprise May 1, 2009 (9:20 pm)

    Tax revenue down so police presence down.
    Always the gang bangers causing the problems here. Will WSB take the lead on this issue? Of course not,look back to the junction shooting, they’re too afraid to speak the truth.

    Journalists brought down the President of the USA, but WSB can’t speak the truth about what is happening in OUR neighborhood.

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (9:25 pm)

    And what truth are we not speaking? Everything we know about what happened here, you can see in black and white in the running coverage over the comments. And in color photos. That’s all we got, sir/ma’am. As for the Junction shooting, there’s nothing we know that we haven’t reported. And as for taking a lead on something, that is not our role. We are journalists, not advocates. If there is something you want to advocate, step right up. – TR

  • Kristina May 1, 2009 (9:27 pm)

    This makes me sick. My daughter attends Alki Elem., and we headed to Whale Tail right after school for a couple of hours of play before we came home today. This is where we spend our lives – I don’t want visions of violence in such a peaceful place! Of course, nobody consulted me on what I wanted this time. :-( Glad for the reporting – horrified at the events.

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (9:27 pm)

    Michele at 9:11 pm – I have just posted what was said at the police public information officer’s briefing, which explains it – Police say the shooting victim’s “friends” tried to drive him away from the scene. They intercepted that car at Seacrest. So that’s where the medic unit picked him up and took him to the hospital.

  • stayaway May 1, 2009 (9:34 pm)

    Until we know who the shooters are, in the junction shooting, at this shooting, how can we assume they are “gang bangers”? It would be horribly irresponsible journalism to report that they are, since we don’t know who they are and cannot prove gang affiliation. We know these perps are scum, but to assume they are gang members without even knowing who they are is completely irresponsible.
    I think WSB is doing the right thing and keeping their integrity by not assuming anything they don’t know. Sure, ‘journalists’ brought down the President, but half of the news out there isn’t news, and you don’t need integrity to be a journalist on cable news anymore, obviously.

    But, on that note, gangs are a huge problem, and
    I personally have my opinions on what happened here on this and other issues, and I think I agree with this sounding like a gang issue. But they belong in the comment section, and not the actual copy of the article–until proven that gangs were involved.

  • soosan May 1, 2009 (9:34 pm)

    If someone shot my friend I’d try to get my friend away from the shooters, too!

  • BMC May 1, 2009 (9:38 pm)

    And I naively thought the gangs would be inspired by Obama and give up their hideous lifestyles…..

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (9:42 pm)

    When Patrick gets back here shortly, we will upload the entirety of the police briefing and you can listen for yourself.
    .
    As for gang or no gang – if you note the photo above, the gang unit was definitely called out, which happens when gang involvement is suspected.
    .
    And one last time, our role is to bring you as much information is available. Far more information than was ever available from neighborhood media before; whether you regard that as a good thing or a bad thing, it doesn’t matter, we’re going to bring you all the information we can.
    .
    There ARE advocacy groups and citizen leaders around here and they are DYING to have more people involved. We repeat over and over again when the Crime Prevention Council meeting is scheduled – with police leadership always in attendance – 7 pm, third Tuesday of the month, Southwest Precinct. Show up and ask the questions you think aren’t getting asked. Believe me, there is no filtering there. And there is no risk and no danger. Last time, some folks showed up who had never attended before, which is great – but I always wonder, where are the hundreds if not thousands of others who are clearly concerned about crime and questioning whether police are doing enough? Mark your calendar for next time.
    .
    You also can show up at your neighborhood council. There’s a list right on the right sidebar, close to this comment section. And if your neighborhood doesn’t have one, no one will stop you from starting one.

  • JM May 1, 2009 (9:43 pm)

    I can absolutely concur with ‘Eaglewatch’. I am rollerblading at Alki for the past 10 years very regularly and I have noticed a change in the past 3 or 4 years. All of a sudden there are kids and older teens hanging out and clearly acting out what they see on TV, with their little tuned chicken coops accelerating up and down the beach.
    I had some minor run-ins when they purposefully blocked my path, or even threw soda cans at me from a passing car. After a while it had really pissed me off and I talked to an officer. His response: shrugging.
    Last year, when I was on my way home, 2 kids were racing near Salty’s and both cars came towards me at high speed next to each other – the guy trying to pass made it and I only ended up being a little rattled.
    There was actually more police presence for a while. It was right after that biker mowed down a rollerblader, a sign and a park bench a while back. unfortunately, SPD cruisers lasted only for a couple of weeks.
    These days, the only way for me to avoid those losers and enjoy Alki, is either very early (might even see the eagle family) or very late at night…

  • Michelle May 1, 2009 (9:49 pm)

    Thank you, WSB. It is scary when you see all the police cars and don’t know what’s happening. I am grateful that you reported on it.

    I pray for the victim who was enjoying a sunny day on Alki just like we all were. Alki is one of the most beautiful places in Seattle and violence does not belong here. Bring your buddies, your new kicks and your fancy ride… but, please, don’t bring your gun. It’s summertime in Seattle. It’s time to celebrate. Everyone is welcome at Alki – but it’s a peace zone, OK?

  • Bob Loblaw May 1, 2009 (9:50 pm)

    At the Junction having pizza with friends, a young man is shot and killed. At Fairmount Park watching youth soccer while walking the dog — police chase suspects across the field, all parties have shotguns present and the children look on in horror. Having coffee in the junction, authorities swarm suddenly in response to yet another bank robbery. A lovely 70-degree evening at Alki, enjoying some fries with the family, gunshots ring out again and blood pollutes the sidewalks.
    .
    I am left to only pray home values go back up. West Seattle, the love of my life, you are a hell hole.

  • BanjoC May 1, 2009 (9:54 pm)

    I know it was controversial at the time, but if anyone went down to Alki late last summer when they closed it to vehicle traffic for the day – the dynamic was entirely different.

    If there is an increased presence in the thug-like element, might some form of this practice be a possible solution? I’d be curious to know the thoughts of others – seems there has to be something we who live here can do to discourage this kind of thing from happening.

    Additionally, just wanted to ‘vocalize’ my appreciation for everything the folks at WSB do to make this forum run the way it does – you all are great! Thank you.

  • gee what a surprise May 1, 2009 (9:55 pm)

    bob loblaw speaks the truth.

  • hutchbec May 1, 2009 (10:01 pm)

    I think you’re doing a great job, WSB. I think it’s an indication of how established & respected you’ve become as a news source that you’ve become a target for people who want to criticize “the media” or “the man.”

    I hate that. I really appreciate your reporting – I don’t feel like you’re biased – you provide information as you get it – and because you’re so involved and on the scene some of the information is chaotic at first – and you always note that and update people when the information changes and is updated. If you weren’t reporting information as you get it, you’d be criticized for holding back information. Some people are going to criticize no matter what. And the anonymity of the web makes it that much worse. Why people feel like it’s okay to say things to you or to others on websites in a way that they’d probably never say it to someone’s face really bugs me. You are members of our community, doing us a huge service, and you really deserve more respect.

    I personally hope you continue to do what you’ve been doing. I rely on your reporting to learn about everything from the new small businesses, to the lemonade stands, to the garage sales, to the breaking news about a shooting.

  • sunshine May 1, 2009 (10:06 pm)

    Hey Bob, as long as you’re praying, can you spare a minute for a prayer for the kid that got shot in the back tonight?

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (10:08 pm)

    Oh, we’ll continue, there is no question of that at all. And we’ll continue to cover the news around the clock, whatever the hour. (News tips always welcome at 206-293-6302.)
    .
    Meantime, co-publisher Patrick is back and I’m uploading the entire 4 and a half minute police briefing at the scene; it’ll take a little while for flash conversion so we can embed it here. Officer Jeff Kappel also acknowledged they have a lot of sorting out to do – TR

  • TheHouse May 1, 2009 (10:09 pm)

    In response to Bob Loblaw, I easily see your point of how you feel that WS is turning into a “hellhole”, but the fact of the matter West Seattle is an awesome place to live.

    I believe that the trash that blows through our beautiful community most of the time does not reside here.

    I was chastised 2 years ago on this blog for criticizing the type of people that have been creating issues during the July 4th celebrations, specifically calling those people “trash” and “ghetto”. Although calling them names does absolutely no good, it is exactly what they are. If I lived along Alki amongst million dollar homes, I would be outraged that this crap sits on my doorstep.

    Let’s take back WS…..

  • Erik May 1, 2009 (10:10 pm)

    No surprise it was in front of Pepperdock’s, I was down there with the 7yo last time it was warm getting ice cream.
    The crowd in front was a bit daunting, but I can out-crazy anyone, and they soon dispersed.
    It pays to look like a cop sometimes.

  • westie May 1, 2009 (10:27 pm)

    I agree with BanjoC—last summer when the road was closed there was a police car at every intersection (to stop the traffic) and the atmosphere was entirely different. “Family friendly” was what it felt like. I did not hesitate to tell my kids to ride and skate ahead of us as I felt a very safe difference from the normal edge.

    By the way, the next car-free day at Alki is coming up, on Sunday May 31st. There will be a 5K Fun Run at 9am, benefiting our local public schools. Check out the website:
    westseattle5k.com
    It sounds like fun!

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (10:33 pm)

    Just added the embedded video we shot of the police briefing, as well as a link to the SPD site where they post summaries of notable incidents.

  • trensuela May 1, 2009 (10:34 pm)

    What would be really nice would be to cut down on the amount of parking available on Alki significantly and have a trolly which runs on a regular schedule. Minimize the traffic as it is so bad that how awesome Alki is is mired by the stress of driving.

  • gee what a surprise May 1, 2009 (10:40 pm)

    Why did WSB not ask the simple question … it is a warm late spring night why wasn’t there more of a police presence on Alki tonight?

  • John May 1, 2009 (10:56 pm)

    What’s up with the Seattle Police dogs? It seems they never track the scent when this happens. Are they using Pugs?

  • WSB May 1, 2009 (10:58 pm)

    Asking why there “wasn’t more” is kind of a “when did you stop beating your spouse” question – we don’t know there was “less.” Don’t know how much there was or wasn’t, at all – we weren’t at the beach before this happened – we were both here on the other side of West Seattle when we got word of the shooting. You might surmise there were police somewhere nearby because they intercepted the car into which the shooting victim had been loaded, not that far away. We certainly will be following up on whether police presence, whatever it was tonight, will be increased because this happened. – TR

  • Keri May 1, 2009 (11:06 pm)

    I took my one year old down to the beach tonight to go for a walk pre-bedtime. We walked through Whale Tail and to our car about ten minutes before this happened. The preening and teenage / young 20’s attitude that goes on is incredibly frustrating but I know it will soon pass, but throwing gunshots into it and so close to where children are leaves little room for understanding and acceptance.

    I’m with BanjoC. I think there must be some solution out there that can divert traffic / discourage certain behavior. I know these kids were on foot, but you do have to wonder if the constant driving up and down the beach encourages the displays for attention and all that follows that. I also know there is a no cruising ordinance, but you can also open up a discussion about police time, ways to get around that etc.

    Many cities have these things in place because of past problems. Boston for example had problems in the back bay for years and ended up turning the streets into opposing one way directions; every other street went the opposite direction of every other… etc. Serious pain to navigate in a hurry, and definitely not a place you want to be unless you live there or want to visit for a nice stroll, with some nice businesses. Took away a lot of problems.

    As much as I (a runner, a biker, a shopper, a dog walker, a restaurant patron, a mother with kids, a beach lover, etc.) would love a no drive zone along the busy strip of Alki on a full time basis in the summer, I’m guessing it has it’s drawbacks.

    I don’t want to discourage the rest of Seattle from enjoying all that we have over here since we do get it to ourselves more or less 8-9 months out of the year. I’m sure it isn’t impossible to come up with something that would still support the businesses.

    Some suggestions might elicit protests, drawbacks and negative responses and I’m sure there isn’t the perfect solution, but perhaps together we can come up with something. Because as much as I’ve defended keeping my family in West Seattle, and I know this occurs elsewhere, I’m starting to feel like Bob Loblaw… frustrated and disenchanted.

  • Mike May 1, 2009 (11:11 pm)

    Glad I did errands instead of walking my dog tonight. I might have parked right there and been killed tonight. Hope the kid lives, hope they find the shooter.

  • Mike May 1, 2009 (11:16 pm)

    I hope it’s incredibly cold and rainy this spring / summer so all these kids won’t show up at Alki.

  • Stephanie May 1, 2009 (11:17 pm)

    BanjoC: when they close down Alki Ave, businesses suffer terribly. The city won’t allow them to increase outdoor seating, in order to possibly increase customers, and they lose a signifiant amount of money during these such closures.

  • Tyler May 1, 2009 (11:24 pm)

    sick of it

  • Lidia May 1, 2009 (11:26 pm)

    More highly visible police presence (the good old RV) = less problems on beautiful Alki.

    Anyone who lives on or by Alki (like myself and my family) will tell you that there is a VERY noticeable difference in the crowds.

    Why isn’t it there when it’s a warm, pretty day? That’s when we have problems. Most other days, its a lovely, quiet place to hang out.

  • gee what a surprise May 1, 2009 (11:30 pm)

    #
    Remember that huge police RV, command center type vehicle which always seemed to be parked right across from Alki Auto? Haven’t seen it for a long time.

    Comment by cathy — May 1, 09 8:55 pm #

    cathy knows there is less police presence even though WSB says they don’t

    Ask yourself why WSB won’t ask the police or, better yet, the mayor tough questions?

  • Kris May 1, 2009 (11:34 pm)

    yikes

  • Lidia May 1, 2009 (11:39 pm)

    As much as I would like to think that changing parking or traffic flow will change things, I feel like if you have teenagers/young adults congregating who have access to guns, you are asking for tragedy. The best way for these “kids” to not do stupid stuff like tonight is to have them believe they are being watched and will be held accountable for their actions. I want the RV back!

  • Doug May 1, 2009 (11:39 pm)

    The crowd on Alki in the summer months has become increasingly thuggish to the point that I no longer feel safe even during the day. Seattle Police simply have to make their presence known in that area 24/7. I no longer live on Alki, but hope residents there make their voices loud and clear that this type of crap will not be tolerated.

  • Kelly May 1, 2009 (11:45 pm)

    gee what a surprise, seriously? Are you joking? Um, there was a shooting and WSB covered it. They let us know what is happening in our community. Let’s not pretend that there is some conspiracy here. You seem to make the same comment no matter what the story. If you don’t like this blog, perhaps you should get your news elsewhere.

  • kc May 1, 2009 (11:49 pm)

    The wife and I were just saying this morning that summer is nearly here and the nice weather has arrived, which must mean one thing…its time for us to stop going to Alki. The thugs have made their way to Alki and their stench will linger all summer until they crawl back into their holes in the fall.

  • BanjoC May 1, 2009 (11:50 pm)

    So Keri, Westie, Stephanie, WSB, anyone – is there a specific existing community group/forum one of you might deem “most appropriate” for discussing possible solutions with fellow community members, local business owners, police, etc. to make Alki beach a good place for everyone?

    I understand the strain closing that strip to vehicles puts on our businesses – and I want our shops down there to thrive – I also imagine this makes it harder for some folks with certain disabilities to access the beach – which I don’t think is right – yet I know that if enough of us put our heads together to address the goal of “no more shootings on Alki” (or something along those lines) we could think up a solution that worked for all parties and wasn’t so resource intensive as having the entire SPD down there 24/7.

    Like Keri, I have a 1 year old who I look forward to raising in this neighborhood and, when things like this happen – when I have to consider that taking my child to the beach could actually result in him catching a stray bullet – it so deeply violates a sense of security that we should ALL be able to have down there that I either want to give up on Alki and West Seattle or take action to make our community as great as it can be – as great as it has been in the past.

  • gee what a surprise May 1, 2009 (11:57 pm)

    Kelly,

    Doug speaks the truth as well, he wrote:

    ‘The crowd on Alki in the summer months has become increasingly thuggish to the point that I no longer feel safe even during the day. Seattle Police simply have to make their presence known in that area 24/7.’

    Think about that …a WS resident doesn’t feel safe at ALKI during the DAY in summer!

    Did any of us feel that way even 5 years ago?

  • Kelly May 2, 2009 (12:09 am)

    gee,
    I am not disagreeing with your feelings or with Doug’s feelings. I am disagreeing with the idea that it is WSB’s responsibility to do anything but report on the happenings in and around West Seattle. If you don’t feel that the police are distributing their resources effectively, I think that they should hear from you, not from the blog. It just seems to be the simplest and most direct line of communication.

  • lidia May 2, 2009 (12:11 am)

    Sun testosterone guns alchohol&drugs = trouble. None of these ingredients are going away. I wish this were not the case, but this is our reality. A friendly police presence is the perfect deterrent to bad behavior and is expected in any similar situation around the city. I am always surprised that it seems as if the first couple of weeks of summer weather the police seem to be caught off guard by the crowds. Last summer all my alki neighbors really noticed more police presence and it was great. I hope they continue that this summer especially with gang activity on the rise.

  • West Seattle Art Attack May 2, 2009 (12:13 am)

    Shutting down the street and allowing families to walk safely along Alki is insane! The local businesses could never survive if people felt safe to go there. Now, having people shot in front of your ice cream parlor – that draws the crowds and helps the bottom line. I bet opening up a couple of crack houses along the beach might even provide some much needed traffic . . .that’s great logic.

    Keep up the good work TR and don’t let the kooks get you down.

  • Dis May 2, 2009 (12:17 am)

    Alki residents, take back your neighborhood. Mobilize. Act. Where is your community council? This is a perfect opportunity to be proactive instead of handwringing and blaming. You are looking to place blame anywhere:with the police, gangs, even WSB and/or the press. You need to let everyone know that violent behaviour will not be tolerated in your community. Belltown has organized neighborhood patrols. Take back the beach! Many people in Seattle love Alki and we will support you.

  • Dis May 2, 2009 (12:20 am)

    p.s. Closing the beach to cars, on a permanent basis, isn’t realistic. There are thousands of residents on a strip with neither access nor egress. There is no alternate route for these people.

  • d May 2, 2009 (12:29 am)

    gee –

    you’re putting the onus on WSB reportage for increased gang activity in the city of Seattle?

    You do not make sense to me. Go to the SW Crime Prevention Council; learn about the Youth Initiative; contact SW Youth Services or start and/or participate in a group of your WS neighbors to address the issue in whatever way you choose. But to slam WSB? What?

    Gangs are happening all over Puget Sound. You’re angry and a little paranoid there gee; you are fabricating and deferring frustration by pointing at the wrong target – it ain’t WSB reportage.

    You want someone else to rattle some cages? Classic. Be constructive and initiate something to change whatever it is that is causing this. But you are gonna’ have your work cut out for you. Big problem – these gangs. You want to make SOMEBODY else solve it? Educate yourself on the REAL issues and then participate with the groups who work to change the trajectory of our ‘hood and the city and the ENTIRE region, gee. Dissing WSB is NOT constructive use of your energy.

    I suggest that YOU take the lead. Why wait for anyone, WSB, or the Mayor or whomever? Get off your butt and do something constructive with other people who feel the same way. Some of us might even admire that in you, but right now you’ve irritating.

    More importantly, I hope the victim survives and the shooters are caught and prosecuted.

  • chowder slinger May 2, 2009 (12:37 am)

    I saw the cars passing in front of Dukes and was talking to Duke as the victim passed.before the shooting They weren’t even in the vehicle they were on top yelling, gesturing. General mayhem. Did he deserve to get shot, no. Was there any police presence,no. Put in parking meters we w. Seattle people can walk. Give tickets for booming radios and cruising. Be there police!!!! Where are you??

  • 206 May 2, 2009 (12:39 am)

    police presence does seem to help stifle (sp?) these young kids from getting too out of control. living on the westside for 28 years and growing up with everyone-who-knows-everyone makes me confident in saying 97% of the trouble makers down there aren’t from the west. When was the last shooting at the street fair, when it’s mostly locals? I wish these kids would stay the F out of my west Seattle.
    It’s definitely a better atmosphere down there when police are more visible, but it’s YOUR responsibility to protect YOU-not just the cops, so if a cop shrugs off the pop can throwing at rollerbladers, don’t be suprised.
    My mom always raised me with the lesson “let them someone push you around, all you get is pushed around”… Means stand up for yourself.

  • Iris Chamberlain May 2, 2009 (12:50 am)

    Re therev5275 and everyone else.
    I think there are a lot of reasons why we have problems like these, in Alki, Seattle, and every city on the planet. I think education and resources are two main things that a lot of people don’t have, and much less people have since the recession. Add on top of that desperation and confusion and you have a recipe for trouble.

    I really think it’s unfortunate, because all of us are in this together – we all work, we’re all suffering, so we should work together. Unfortunately I think the fact that some people are uneducated, impoverished, desperate, angry, confused, whatever – stops us from that realization, and instead of fighting the people that keep us down, we fight each other.

    In addition, I’m also confused about the police presence on Alki. Seems like with so many rowdy youths, there would be a higher presence. My suspicion is that these people bring in so much money to Alki that it’s more worth letting them have their fun than protecting the wealthy Alki residents (not that we’re all wealthy, it’s just that there always seems to be a great police force in wealthy neighborhoods – and this certainly is one, excluding some of the apartment market). That’s all I can think of besides a lack of resources, which wouldn’t explain years of violence before the current recession.

    Lastly! I just want to say that this site, WSB, and the people that get involved in the conversation are AWESOME. This is democracy, this is citizen journalism. I’m glad to be able to have a resource to get first-hand news.

  • Iris Chamberlain May 2, 2009 (1:00 am)

    One more thought – might be a bit too far for you guys but I’m not necessarily in support of more cops to solve the situation. That might be a good short-term solution but cops don’t fund schools.

    I think if you really want to change something, you should get involved with a movement that looks at the root causes of issues like gang violence and unemployment. Where’s the logic in closing schools and opening a new jail? This issue currently being discussed around town is totally applicable to this situation. It’s not (and never is) just about “a few bad apples” – it’s about a system that that creates these people and situations.

  • chowder slinger May 2, 2009 (1:27 am)

    I’m with you 100% Iris. Educate the uneducated reduce crime. Well duh?! Yes, let’s get the reason into these children. Get off of ghetto slang and lifestyle and start living. Theres so much out there besides radios, cars, clothes, music,being gangsta, or pimp. How about being carefull, generous, loving and joyous? Where is the respect for life?

  • WSB May 2, 2009 (1:27 am)

    BanjoC – the Alki Community Council next meets May 21st, 7 pm, Alki Community Center. Contact its leaders sooner – many of them joined the board in the past year after a few previous longtimers stepped down. They’re listed here:
    http://alkinews.wordpress.com/alki-links/
    .
    Find out if they have yet spoken with Southwest Precinct leadership about summertime Alki plans. Last year I seem to remember hearing about that first at the May ACC meeting.
    .
    But even before that – be at the May 19th West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting, 7 pm, Southwest Precinct. The group’s current slate of leaders is working hard to make it more relevant and responsive. I have covered this group for almost two years, however, and there is seldom anyone there from north of The Junction. Always a head scratcher – it’s not like crime doesn’t happen on the north half of the peninsula, and it’s not like it’s a major haul to drive to Delridge/Webster. The group has a new e-mail address so you can write there with ideas or questions for president Dot, vice president Kay etc. –
    westseattlecpc@gmail.com

  • Trisket May 2, 2009 (7:31 am)

    Kerlikowski did a lot for this city… more than any of his predecessors combined. His absence has created a gap in leadership that criminals, thugs and gangs will capitalize on. I expect this shooting to become the norm in our little community and like many others I will avoid Alki during the summer months.

    Of course everyone tries to be PC when talking about the increase in crime… we wouldn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. But let’s face it we all know the real reason and no one is going to talk about the elephant in the corner.

  • Under_Achiever May 2, 2009 (7:41 am)

    Zero tolerance.
    .
    If all y’all would let the Police do their job these problems would quickly go away. But, no, we idealists in Seattle would rather have our Police be counselors rather than enforcers of the law.
    .
    One thing I learned living in New York City — the unreasonable simply cannot be reasoned with.
    .
    Kinda like the line from Aliens when the Marines had their ammo taken away — “What are we gonna use, harsh words?”
    .
    No Police state for me — only Police taking care of the punks who make life unsafe and unstable for the majority.

  • Scott (no, the other Scott) May 2, 2009 (7:42 am)

    gee is not actually talking about “truth” he is talking about the hype he has bought into, no doubt from the irresponsible reporting of other media outlets (which I am grateful that WSB manages to avoid on most occasions, as they did tonight, by reporting what they actually knew rather than what some people are simply assuming). The real truth is that CRIME IS DOWN IN WEST SEATTLE since 2002 (the first year they collected separate statistics for the new SW precinct that comprises West Seattle). It has dropped every year through 2007, and although they have not finished processing the 2008 numbers yet, so far it is trending lower than 2007.

    In other words, gee might have felt safer down on Alki five years ago (2005), but in reality, he, and all of us, are safer down there now than we were then.

    These are for major crimes; I didn’t bother to crunch the numbers for the Part II but they are freely available for anyone who wants to pull them up right here:
    http://www.seattle.gov/police/crime/HISTORICAL.htm

    I applaud WSB for not attempting to play into these fears and for sticking to the facts. The hype has clearly taken hold of enough people as it is, which is both sad and counter-productive. We certainly have problems, real problems, that need to be addressed; snapping at shadows created by our fears doesn’t help fix those real issues, however.

    Crime reporting is complex and can be argued and parsed from dusk till dawn. These trends, however, are statistically significant and quite clear with respect to major crimes. The data is available down to census tract level, and I would really encourage anyone with a serious interest (or fear) to delve deeper than I have and learn more about what is really going on in the neighborhood. If you disagree with what I am saying, don’t come back with an opinion formed from a handful of spectacular, well-publicized incidents that skew your views… go dig into the numbers and bring back some facts. Then, at least, we will be talking about the actual “truth” and not a bunch of muddled individual perceptions.

  • BanjoC May 2, 2009 (7:55 am)

    Once again, thank you WSB and all the folks who contribute to this conversation.

    I’m getting involved starting today. I’ve had enough – anyone else feeling the same way?

  • Leroy May 2, 2009 (7:56 am)

    Is the kid who got shot going to be okay? I can’t seem to find this info. He is a victim regardless of his associations.

  • TeresaP May 2, 2009 (7:57 am)

    The first nice evening and out come the low lifes. I agree with Dis, take back your community. The police can help but it is up to the people who love this area to make it very clear to these gangsters and punks that are not welcome at Alki if they cannot act like normal people. They can go back to their own neighborhoods that they have already destroyed.

    I have my own ideas but will keep them to myself as they are not politically correct. Maybe a night of protesting, I do not know. Maybe if they saw they are not welcome and get the sense that they are being watched they will go away?? Not sure.

    Trisket, you are correct about the elephant in the corner.I beleive we are on the same page.

    LEAVE WEST SEATTLE ALONE!!!!!!!!!

  • TeresaP May 2, 2009 (8:17 am)

    And one more rant, does anyone but me think it is odd that the victim was put in a car and whisked away by his friends?

    Outstanding warrants or past troubles with the law perhaps?

  • Mike May 2, 2009 (8:22 am)

    When everyone that goes to the restaurants down there stops going because these rats have infested Alki so much. Maybe then we’ll have businesses forcing the city to place more patrols on foot, horse, car and motorbike along Alki.

    I’d love to see mounted police trot up to some of these rats with their fighting dogs they have with them down at Alki. One aggressive movement from the dog towards the horse and you’ll see some serious reaction from the police.

  • stayaway May 2, 2009 (8:36 am)

    Police Presence yes. I am afraid that education won’t be as effective as an answer in the short term, but we HAVE to keep trying to break the cycle.
    I lived somewhere with a MAJOR gang problem, and I believe these kids in Seattle who think they are gang members only flex their muscles when there are no cops around. When there are cops, they tone it down. I think that is proof that the gang situation hasn’t gotten too out of hand, if the cops can still control it with their presence. But there has to be presence! I really think most of this crowd is a bunch of poser who could stopped before the gang culture it too strong. It’s a growing problems, but still manageable. I lived somewhere where you couldn’t even drive in certain neighborhoods because of the gang presences, literally drawing guns if you turned down the wrong street. Correct me if I am wrong, but it hasn’t gotten that way in Seattle.
    BanjoC: yes! Good for you!
    I also think limiting traffic, with respect to the residents, would be a great idea. Alki is turning into a E. Oakland sideshow in the summer!

  • stayaway May 2, 2009 (8:38 am)

    clearly, my subject noun agreement above reflects my choice to give up caffeine in the morning…

  • Arlene May 2, 2009 (8:47 am)

    Friday Night around 7:30 or so, just getting ready to leave my house on Puget Ridge to go for a walk on Alki. Hear numerous police sirens going south on Delridge. Instead of leaving my house, I go to the computer and pull up the WS Blog. Within minutes I know that a walk on Alki isn’t a good idea tonight. Thanks WS Blog. You are a valuable resource for me and my family! Keep up the good work.

  • living in west seattle since 1985 May 2, 2009 (8:52 am)

    I am just so sad about this news. After I got home last night from a lovely Water taxi ride from down town, there were a bunch of sirens going to the Water Taxi landing. Its scary to think of all the stuff that has been happening in our little West Seattle. The shooting at the Junction near Husky’s Deli was bad. The bank robberies at Wells Fargo and, more recently, Key Bank were awful. Now this shooting on Alki is the Terrible news of the day! WHAT IS GOING ON? I do not ever want to not be surprised by these kinds of events in the home I know and love. Eventually though, if this kind of activity persists here, no one will be shocked anymore. I do not want this for our home. OUR West Seattle.

  • rykrite May 2, 2009 (9:14 am)

    WSB, I plan to attend the SW crime prevention meeting on May 19. Thank you for that update.
    .
    I refuse to give up my beautiful West Seattle, or to just accept that this type of activity is inevitable. We live in one of the most beautiful places in the world, and there is a STRONG sense of community here. I absolutely love going to Alki on a sunny day – when else can my daughter go wading? An ice cream tastes so much better in the sunshine! And a spontaneous end-of-day picnic provided by Sunfish is a day to delight in.
    .
    We live near the nursery, but Alki is our neighborhood, too, as our daughter attends school there.
    .
    I don’t know where blame rests, and I’m not interested in pointing fingers….I just want this problem solved.
    .
    I hope that many readers here will join me at the meeting – seems like it would be a great place to suggest more police presence, or car-free Alki, or parking meters, or one-way streets, or whatever. Isn’t it time we figured this out? Thanks, WSB, for pushing us toward a solution…in addition to giving us a place to vent. :-)

  • Tom May 2, 2009 (9:33 am)

    I demand to know what role WSB played in taking down the president! ;)

  • in perspective May 2, 2009 (9:47 am)

    West Seattle is not a ‘Hell Hole’ – give me a break!!! If you feel that way you should move. Crime is going to increase exponentally in this climate we are in. Of course its awful and we all wish it would not happen. We may not be aware of it but people are becoming absolutely destitude. So these kids never get the support they need and they turn to gangs as their ‘family’. No excuse for this behavior of course it sickens and angers me just like everyone else. It will get worse unfortunately in this economy. Always be aware of what is going on around you, always have a phone to call for help and know your location so you can report it. Support the Seattle Police as they too are trying to handle the increase in violence. West Seattle is a great community – look at the blog and all the participation. There is more good than bad – definitely not a hell hole.

  • cleat May 2, 2009 (9:50 am)

    BanjoC and others … I live in a tiny rental apt on Alki and know it was VERY nice last July 4 with the limited traffic … but I also know we have no other road in or out to use … I work early day shift, others work nights, swing, 7 on/7 off etc and it makes it a pain in the keester to get in and out for trips that must be made. Since we have such VERY limited bus service down here any more, there has to be a better plan than closing down the street to car traffic… hope someone comes up with that plan soon!!! THANKS WSB … again excellent reporting!!

  • BanjoC May 2, 2009 (10:22 am)

    cleat: loud and clear. I am with you on all points raised. I don’t know what the solution is but I’m sure there are things (note plural – multiple root causes -> multiple possible solutions) that we can come up with to reverse the current trend that, I get the sense, none of us like.

    No offense to the great folks at WSB (and I’m sure they agree), it’s time to take this conversation off-line and get face to face.

    Let’s look at the numbers, look at what other communities across the country are doing when faced with similar trends and whether these measures are working.

    Just this morning on Good Morning America – there was a bit on the “Atlantans Together Against Crime” group on the other coast…rallys, neighborhood patrols, and so on… We’re hardly trailblazing here – but I believe we’re missing an opportunity to change things if we just avoid the beach on sunny summer days because we know what happens… We can organize and stand together to keep Alki & West Seattle great for everyone who loves it here.

    Can you help represent your perspective at the forums WSB mentioned in their previous post? I hope so – It seems there are many differing views on what the possible causes/solutions are – but I believe we are all unified by the simple fact that we don’t like what we see happening.

    Thanks.

  • WSB May 2, 2009 (10:32 am)

    We have mulled trying to set up a standalone public town hall or town meeting but the fact of the matter is that the public forums DO exist, starting with the ones I mentioned, and are relatively poorly attended – so setting up something new/different doesn’t make sense if people won’t utilize what’s there now (and it’s not that they’re not publicized; we publicize them before, during and after, and at least 20,000 homes/businesses read this site at least once a week).
    .
    If the next WSCPC meeting is standing-room only, then move on to auditoriums, rallies, what have you – TR

  • trensuela May 2, 2009 (11:28 am)

    BanjoC,

    From my several experiences in Atlanta, I am not sure that “take no prisoners” approach to policing would fly here.

    In Atlanta there is almost zero tolerance for loitering. Police are highly visible on foot and will break up groups of youth who are gathered in one spot.

    In Addition to the intolerance of loitering, I witnessed on two occasions police waking people who dozed off on benches and told them to move on.

    I think such approaches here in Seattle would be too radical for this cities cultural DNA.

  • Options May 2, 2009 (11:40 am)

    Two words, too late: “gun control”. Citizens continue to clash on public policy related to gun control. And perhaps it really is too late for the US to establish a kinder, safer, culture – urban, suburban, or rural – as long as weapons are easily obtained, carried and used. Thankfully no one else was caught in the crossfire, or harmed during the resulting response. There has definitely been an “edge” to some of the crowds down at Alki over the past few years…more than the usual teen energy, ….Re: more restricted auto access/parking/etc. and resultant loss in business – if incidents like this one recur, Alki businesses will feel a pinch…those willing to spend the $$$ for a good meal are either walking there already, or driving in expectation of a lovely, beachside experience – not a random shooting. Though this might make it easier to get an outdoor table…..

  • Michelle May 2, 2009 (11:46 am)

    Remember when you were in your teens? For me, it was in the 80’s and I live in a small town. Guys wore sleeveless tanks, ripped up jeans and had mullets. The smoked, they chewed, they drank and they could be loud. And these were the nice guys from great families. We listened to loud rap, country and whatever felt rebellious. Again, these are the guys who mowed their grandmother’s lawn and earned scholarships to college. They looked rough and they could be mischievous at times, but they were good guys. We’d cruise on the weekends on our favorite strip. Most of the time it was good, harmless flirting and fun. Every once in a while though, someone would vandalize or someone would bring a gun. There’s always someone who ruins it for everyone else.

    Just because a teen wears a wife beater and listens to loud rap and talks loud – doesn’t make them a thug. I am saddened by the comment made that the victim “looked like a thug”. Really. I didn’t realize that you could tell a thug by the way they were dressed. I am also saddened by the comment that “Obama should have inspired them to a new life”. Just because a teen doesn’t dress like Bill Cosby doesn’t mean they are gang members. If you recall, teenage years are all about fitting in. Clothing was key to fitting in. I am deeply saddened by the lack of concern for the victim – which smacks of an unspoken accusation that he was a gang member and this was an act of violence related to his gang activity. I’m just going to say it, as a proud politically active West Seattlite, had the victim been white there would be much more concern. Even if he was wearing a “ho-dad”.

    I’m sorry that sunny West Seattle days aren’t filled with Leave It To Beaver types and their families, but this is a free country. We need to encourage integration of all communities. Casting a snobbish eye at ‘gangsta’ appearances, only pushes that community farther into isolation and anger.

    I have lived here for some time and I don’t see more violence or poor behavior than I did in Fremont or in the rural town I grew up in.

    I’d like to challenge folks to actually smile and say hello to someone who, to you, may look like a gang member. I think you’ll find, as I have, that these are just kids. Kids who pet my dog, smile and say hello and will open up to a friendly conversation just as easily as anyone else. Try complimenting their car. It might not be your type of car, but some of these kids put a LOT of work into these custom cars. I think you’ll get a suprised smile and thank you.

    I agree, that any large crowd of teens and drinkers (there are bars around here) need extra police work. I see police cars all over Alki, all the time. Going to meetings and being a squeaky wheel will help divert some of those funds our way.

    By the way, the only other violence I’ve seen since I’ve lived here is 2 white girls kicking the tar out of each other. And most of the loud cussing I hear is young, white adults leaving the Swell and the other bars and stumbling back home around 2 am.

  • Been here a long time May 2, 2009 (12:45 pm)

    I live here near Alki. I have always had to ask, does EVERY business on the beach front need an alcohol license? I don’t mind, I just think Alki is getting to the point where it will soon need to make a decision. Alki Elementary is great…. But it’s a school so close to many many bars. My nephews have scored a beer or two off people who don’t care. Yes their parent’s didn’t something. But, do we want to be Venice Beach… Which is money making and lots of people traveling in and drinking and having fun…. Or do we want to be a family community… Which has schools and small family oriented shops? Neither is wrong, it’s just that the two don’t usually mix.

  • TeresaP May 2, 2009 (1:06 pm)

    Casting a snobbish eye at ‘gangsta’ appearances, only pushes that community farther into isolation and anger????? Really???? I suppose it was us Leave it To Beaver types who pushed them to shoot each other as well.

    Where do you think these kids get all the money it takes to spend on their cars?? Do you think most of them work at the local McDonalds or Thriftways?? Probably not. Their funds are mostly supplied by gang members who deal drugs, illegal weapons and any other lazy way to make money without contributing to society.

    There are great kids out there but there are alot of really really bad ones. Do not be fooled that this type of lifestyle is in any way normal.It is not.

  • WestSeattleite May 2, 2009 (2:13 pm)

    I have to thank WSB for keeping us posted on current events and activites (good and bad) that are taking place in our community. Hearing this news is disappointing, especially when it ruined such a nice day for many. The folks that were impacted are certainly in my thoughts and prayers. The hubby and I frequent Alki and had planned on having dinner there last night; however, our friends suggested a slice at Talricos instead. Although I’m relieved that we didn’t go to Alki last night, I do recall a fatal shooting that took place at Talricos as well. These incidents are often close to home and are impacting our ability to enjoy all that WS has to offer. That said, I’m not going to let other people and their behavior dictate where I choose to go and spend my time. If we don’t want to be subjected to violence and crime forever, then we need to collectively take action and insert ourselves where we can to make a positive change in the community.

  • Michelle May 2, 2009 (2:14 pm)

    The sky isn’t falling. There was one shot from one clearly messed up kid. I think we all plan to leverage the heck of it to bring more police to the area by attending meetings and being active. We all know that’s how the system works. We all want a super safe Alki Beach where a mom and her one year old can totter around the whale tail in the evening and a family can enjoy a picnic. Where teens can hang out and talk to each other.

    But if you think kids that wear gangsta style clothing are “low lifes”, “losers” and are all drug dealers, then you should find another beach to hang out at. Because, the times, they are a changin’.

  • Iris Chamberlain May 2, 2009 (2:22 pm)

    @Michelle – I think it’s great that you spoke your mind about not judging people based on looks and stereotypes. I totally agree, 100%. But I also see why that can be hard for people, particularly in response to the “urban” (aka “gangsta”) crowd.

    To me it’s not a race thing, it’s a culture thing. I have no first-hand insight into that culture, so my only view in is through television, from which this culture (by which I mean the record companies representing this culture) project an image that is sexist, violent, money-obsessed and highly intimidating. Naturally people on the outside will stereotype and will be intimidated.

    @TheresaP has a point – the ideas that the urban culture glorifies (including killing people) do reflect reality to some degree. Gangs are real, drug-related violence is real. But Michelle is right too. Not everyone wearing pants that won’t stay up is a danger to society.

    On the other hand, I completely disagree with TheresaP that people who ascribe to this culture are lazy. No one chooses a violent and dangerous lifestyle out of laziness, they do it because they don’t have any other resources. Born into poor families in which the cycle of poverty feeds off of itself, and it’s very hard to get out without a hand (try reading “The Working Poor”).

    These are the people that have the cards stacked against them at birth, and exist in a system that’s not set up to support them (and by them I mean us). People sell drugs because it looks better than having to face a system that’s against you, because they don’t have any other options, and/or because it’s way more lucrative than working at McDonald’s, which doesn’t even offer a living wage so this isn’t really an option for people with families.

    I think Michelle’s point extends to mine, that stereotypes aren’t going to help us solve this or any problem.

    You all should check out videos and articles by Tim Harris, the founder of Real Change newspaper: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOJdxRgtXRs&feature=player_embedded

    We should understand that these issues are all linked – homelessness, incarceration, racism, poverty, gang violence, drugs, education, the economy. Because of this, it can never come down to something as simple as personal responsibility or laziness.

  • trensuela May 2, 2009 (2:34 pm)

    Thank you TeresaP,
    .
    I really think something that *may* work is to find a way to inject a healthy dose of shame into the environment where these kids grown up.
    .
    Having children while still children? Find a way to make this unacceptable. Right now amongst the disadvantaged having a child at sixteen is seen as a badge of honor. This could be a good first step.
    .
    A good second step? Find a way to spread the poverty much thinner. There is a ton of evidence that WHERE someone grows up may be the most important data point in determining their success in life. This is because of the peer group they are around.
    .
    These gangbangers are so because that is the expecation of their peer group growing up. Disadvantaged and otherwise troubled kids will most probably sink to the lowest cultural level available.
    .
    Anectdotally I speak as someone who grew up relatively poor along with seven siblings. While we were poor, we grew up in an affluent suburb where 82% of my graduating class went on to receive at least a four year degree. It was just assumed in HS that you were going to college.
    .
    I am not sure what the figures are from Chief Sealth HS, but I would guess that that percentage is probably below 20%. This has less to do with the quality of the school than it does with the cultural expectations.
    .
    Off my soap box now.

  • WSB May 2, 2009 (2:39 pm)

    Quick fact check on the last part.
    Per Chief Sealth’s 2008 annual report, available online (I looked at it in cache so the direct URL won’t work here) –
    55 percent of class of 2008 graduated

    77 percent of the graduates enrolled in postsecondary education

  • rykrite May 2, 2009 (2:53 pm)

    Did I read that right? 45% drop-out rate? Ugh. This problem is bigger than I thought. :-( And let’s see: 77% of 55% = 42.4% enrolled in post-sec education. Nearly the same number drop out as go to college….with a slim handful who graduate but do not go on to college.

  • Ex-Westwood Resident May 2, 2009 (3:03 pm)

    Options,

    Please tell us how “Gun Control” would solve this and other shootings that are committed by “gang” members???

    All gun control laws do are restrict and hinder those of us who OBEY ALL gun laws when we buy a gun.

    Remember these animals DO NOT CARE about OBEYING the law in ANY MANNER!!!

    You want to do some thing about illegal guns???

    1. Place a MANDATORY 10 YEAR sentence on ANYONE caught with an illegal gun.
    2.Add that to ANY crime committed with that gun, by that person.
    3. Try ALL who commit a crime with an illegal gun as ADULTS, NO MATTER THE AGE.

    I challenge ANYONE to show me the last time a gun committed a crime.

    Seattle is suffering, and has been suffering for a LONG time, from “Crainial – Rectal Imersion” when it come to crimes committed by teens/gangs/minorities.

    Mark my words…Nickles WILL use this as a point in trying to get the gun ban in ALL public places through. Nevermind that:
    1. It is UNCONSTITUTIONAL
    2. Does NOTHING to stop the ILLEGAL gun owner from bringing a gun to these places (remember these “people” have NO REPECT FOR ANY LAW)
    3. Removes the option of us LEGAL gun owners to PROTECT ourselves from the criminal element.
    I will say I do SUPPORT:
    1. Mandatory gun training classes for ANY ONE that LEGALLY puchases a gun PRIOR to them taking the gun home.
    2. Lock boxes/APPROVED gun safes for these guns, esp if there are small children/teens in the home.
    3. Background checks, local, state and federal to ensure that there are NO questions about the eligability of the potential gun owner.
    Remember….
    GUN FREE ZONES = KILLING FIELDS

  • trensuela May 2, 2009 (3:05 pm)

    Thanks WSB.
    .
    So of the class of 2008 say the class was made up of 600 students. Only 55% of those students graduated (330).
    .
    Of those 330 students 77% ENROLLED (let alone graduated) in a post-secondary institution so we are now down to 254 of the original 600, which is 42% of the class of 2008.
    .
    The rate of completion of a four year degree for students who start a college education is (if my memory serves me correctly) around 33%.
    .
    So with this example following the historical mean 84.7 or 14% of the Cheif Sealth class of 2008 will probably complete a degree.
    .
    What is most disturbing is that 45% of this graduating class has all but guaranteed themselves to a life of despair and poverty.
    .
    Of course there will be those outliers, but by and large we have a lot of kids going into the “real” world utterly ill equipped to do much other than work at McDonalds or turn to a life of crime.

  • Clayton G. May 2, 2009 (3:29 pm)

    For those of you concerned about the dropout rates and lost opportunities at local schools, there are a number of ways for members of the WS community to get involved to help solve these problems.

    For example, Community for Youth (http://communityforyouth.org) runs mentoring programs that connect area high school students with adult mentors. This particular program has proven to be very successful, and is always in need of volunteers, and especially mentors. Check it out!

  • Ex-Westwood Resident May 2, 2009 (3:36 pm)

    One does not NEED a college education to be successful.
    Nor is graduation from college a guarantee of success.
    I attending one of the better, if not the best high school in south King County.
    I DID NOT go to college, what I did do is join the US Navy. I learned a skill that even today, almost 27 years after I joined is STILL in HIGH demand, AND will get higher.
    There ARE options for these kids that do not go to college.
    But excuse me, I forget that here in Seattle, pointing out the advantages of joining the military is frowned upon. Just look at the movement to get military recruiters banned from ALL the high schools.

  • Thermo May 2, 2009 (3:39 pm)

    Where’s the Police Motorhome that has been parked right in that area in the past? All it takes is Police presence to quell this kind of behavior. In the 80’s, when people got sick of the “crusing” the Police stepped in and people went other places. Where are they now?

  • trensuela May 2, 2009 (3:54 pm)

    Ex-Westwood Resident,

    I am a huge proponent of the military. It paid for my college.
    .
    As far as college not being a guarantee of success, this is true. However, the probability of success if much much much higher for people with a degree than for those without. Of my college buddies (and I attended a fourth tier university mind you) none are making less than $60k.
    .
    I tend to think that kids in the 18-22 range should be in one of two places, the military of college. It would be nice to see other options for service to the country which teach discipline and service, but for right now the military is the only one.

  • Grizz May 2, 2009 (3:55 pm)

    Way to tell it Ex-Westwood Resident. Right away everyone is screaming gun control, that’s so BS. And if the Mayor uses this for his agenda than he’ll be dead wrong. The only people that will be packing are the social deadbeats that don’t have any respect for the law. I’m all for open carry, maybe some of these degenerates will think twice when doing something stupid. As for me, I’m a law abiding citizen and you bet your ass I’ll be packing. Remeber the Second Ammendment!
    Also if these kids were taught that they would have face the consequences when doing something illegal instead of just getting slapped on the wrist that would be a different story. But our legal system is si f#*ked up all you have are a bunch of liberal whinners saying that we can’t be too tough on the dirtbags, they have rights. Well your rights went out the window once you screwed up. Nuff said!

  • Ex-Westwood Resident May 2, 2009 (4:06 pm)

    Tren,

    Whole heartily agree. Some look at the military as a last ditch place, it was not or me and I would say 99% of those I served with. It is not for everyone, but it will teach you a few things and provide a skill that can keep you gainfully employed.

  • sassy May 2, 2009 (4:34 pm)

    Wow – this is plain scary.
    We lived in the Alki neighborhood a few years back, and hope to return in a month or so. Living in another West Seattle neighborhood at present.

    Solution?

    Two words : Zoned Parking.

    We lived on 61st, and it was a complete nightmare once the spring/summer began. Cruising, illegal drinking, drug use – and this is what we could see from our balcony on 61st. Not even on Alki.

    I don’t want to make Alki Beach ‘elitist’ in any fashion – everyone should have access, but limiting parking does make a difference. It is a deterrent, as of course is a Police + Undercover presence.

    That, and I agree with others that have posted abotu the Alki Community Council.
    Let’s get on it!
    People want to keep a sense of calm + enjoyment for all – stop thinking you live in Mayberry – Alki is a HOT SPOT for gang activity.
    This isn’t profiling, or whatever else you want to call it – it’s REALITY.

  • DrewWestSeattle May 2, 2009 (6:58 pm)

    ITS TIME FOR THE CITIZENS FOR ALKI AND WEST SEATTLE TO TAKE THEIR STREETS BACK.

  • Been here a long time May 2, 2009 (6:59 pm)

    As far as this idea of “leave west seattle alone”…Well; it’s too late for that. We have bars, clubs, events, The End radio station was here. We are getting more condos then houses. We are not sending out a signal that says leave us alone… We’re sending a signal that says, come to us, spend money, drink, have bon fires and party. We opted for that. We supported the closure of our markets. We’ve supported every bar we have. We’ve supported every beach concert and hip-hop concert and Summer Nights fest. If you really want to send out the “leave us alone” signal we have to change some of the ways we operate. OUR Alki is what we made it. Instead of saying it’s society’s fault and the schools fault, gun control’s fault and what ever else’s fault. Maybe WE are responsible for the place WE live in. Talk to the mayor about re-zoning or stronger curfew enforcement, or lobby for some protected green space and less condo sprawl. If YOU really WANT to change Alki, find way’s to do it. Do a take back the night march….. it’s more constructive then yelling about “Undesirable’s” and “damn kids today.” I’m 70 and you all sound older then my mom.

  • I. Ponder May 2, 2009 (7:05 pm)

    Guns in the street is part of normal life in America. You can’t have right to bear arms, easy and cheap available guns and not expect it.

    Do not run from Alki and other great public places. Regular people need to occupy it. Don’t allow the bad guys to take it over.

  • WSCPC May 2, 2009 (8:55 pm)

    The next meeting of the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council is Tuesday, May 19th, 7pm at the Southwest Precinct. Everyone is welcome! The police will be there to give an update on the Alki shooting as well as answer questions. This is your opportunity to speak directly with them. If you are unable to attend and have a question, please send us an email at westseattlecpc@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!

  • homesweethome May 2, 2009 (8:57 pm)

    I’m with the zero tolerance camp – unfortunately this will never fly in Seattle where everyone wants an opinion and for all officers to be friendly. We have a legal system – it will work if we work it, meaning enforcement of all laws. We don’t need to gab about it, we just need to pay adequate taxes to cover it and support our officers. And if there is not enough officers to go around, pay for private security. I have lived in several neighborhoods (east coast) where we paid extra community dues to cover the cost of private security – an excellent investment.

  • TC May 2, 2009 (9:02 pm)

    Last night during a beautiful Friday night, I was riding my bike with my wife when an African American teenager fell to the ground screaming that he couldn’t feel his legs…less than 5 feet from me. At the same time accross the street on the corner next to the Pepperdock a young African american teen popped of 5 shots…bang…bang,bang,bang…..bang. Bullets literally flying. WTF.

    Just before this happened, I was trying to manuever around groups of dudes who didn’t want to make it easy to pass…and we were in the bike lane. The energy was not WS. It was summer testoserone and bad juju.

    We immediatly called 911 and gave descriptions of the cars pulling u-turns and scampering away. It took way too lang to get police there. I am not surprised the shooters got away…they had lots of time to get away.

    For those of us who live in WS and love it, we NEED to demand that Alki is safe. The vibe on Friday was out of control before this happened…and it ain’t gonna change until a presendence is set that say’s Alki and WS will not tolerate this BS.

  • alki_2008 May 2, 2009 (9:24 pm)

    The Marine/Alki intersection, both the Pepperdock/Slices and beach side, seems to be a hub for troublemakers. Troublemakers monopolize the sidewalk outside of Pepperdock, and passing pedestrians have to weave between or around them. Last summer, I saw two different fist-fights break out on the beach side of that intersection…on two different days. The troublemakers cruise up and down Alki Ave, and often stop in the middle of the street for no reason to yell to their friends or to cat-call to girls. The stop the flow of traffic on Alki and also on the side streets, with no regard for other drivers or pedestrians. No apologetic ‘wave’ to the other drivers that have to wait for them to finish talking to their friends as they hang out of the passenger-side window to chat with friends/girls on the sidewalks. WTF!
    .
    There is an older group of folks that park and meet at Alki Auto with their tricked-out cars. The late night guys don’t cause much trouble, despite the noise when they play music videos (yes, video screens in their cars). The drinkers and bar-goers don’t cause much trouble, besides being loud and obnoxious. The potential of innocent bystanders getting hurt is miniscule at best (drunk-driving is the main risk, but most leave on foot). They’re not at all like the young troublemakers hanging out at Marine/Alki on sunny days. Everyone should be able to enjoy Alki, but those that endanger others or disrupt the right to enjoy the area should get the eff out.
    .
    The idea that coddling these troublemakers will change anythings seems idealistic and I honestly don’t believe it will change anything with the troublemakers that are currently coming down to Alki. These kids enjoy what they’re doing, they have enough money to buy gas and accessories for their cards, and they probably aren’t interested in ‘youth services’ that would steer them down the straight-and-narrow. I’m not saying we should give up youths that haven’t yet become troublemakers, but ‘youth services’ would only help to stem future generations of troublemakers…the current troublemakers need to face the harsh reality and be punished for their crimes. These troublemakers divert enough taxpayer dollars. There’s no reason we should believe it’s okay for them to divert even more, or to detract from the businesses that provide employment to many. I don’t agree with restricted parking or one-way streets on Alki Ave. We need a police presence that will be forceful with the troublemakers and make them stay out of Alki.
    .
    I’d like to see cameras mounted on the telephone poles along Alki Ave and at Whale Tale Park. It may not reduce crime at first, but at least we’d be able to identify and prosecute the perpetrators afterwards. After a while, the troublemakers would realize that they can’t cause trouble and get away with it…because of the cameras. Of course, the aclu/liberal types would probably complain about “lack of privacy” and such – even though there can’t be an expectation of privacy in public.
    .
    @Ex-Westwood Resident – I agree with both of your posts (3:03pm & 3:36pm). College degrees aren’t necessarily a sign of potential success, but the low rate of HIGH SCHOOL graduates is alarming to me. That only 45% of the 2008 class graduated is abysmal to me. Don’t kids spend time studying and doing homework anymore?

  • living in west seattle since 1985 May 2, 2009 (9:52 pm)

    Good heavens! LIMIT PARKING? Are you all kidding? There is never enough parking as it is! Even on a soggy Tuesday at 3pm in October, you may not be able to find a spot to park. Grabbing lunch at Sunfish or Alki Cafe is not something you can just do on a whim. It requires searching for a spot for eons. I think we need cops on hand at the beach year round. On bikes, on foot or just in their cars, just Police being there makes us safer. No one is going to get up to no good right infront of the police. We could also start a local neighborhood patrole of local people being extra eyes and ears for the police.

  • John May 2, 2009 (10:48 pm)

    If I lived in the Rainier valley, Id be pretty ticked to hear they put 5 patrol cruisers to keep an eye on your beach “24/7” when there is a shortage of cops all over the city.

  • the_tooth May 2, 2009 (11:48 pm)

    i wonder if this would’ve gotten as many comments had it been white teens? like why do we always have to single out the african americans and the hispanics? a lot of white folk have guns, too, you know…

  • UpthehillfromAlki May 3, 2009 (12:03 am)

    Does anyone know if they’ve found the shooter yet? Do they have a good description? If not, I wonder if Pepperdock has surveillance cameras inside their restaurant. I’m 90% confident that the shooter and his pals were in the restaurant right before the shooting. As I was walking into the door at Pepperdock, a group of 4-5 young teenage males were walking out toward the door. When they were a few feet in front of me one of them said to the others in an aggressive tone “Where’s that N—-er at?” (I quote exactly)as they were looking across the street and making their way out the door in that direction. I recall being disgusted at how he said this out loud, and then the group didn’t want to make room to let us pass (I was carrying my daughter), so I had to just push my way through them. I looked outside a couple of minutes later and saw the same group walking back toward the Pepperdock. Then a few minutes later we heard the shots fired and all had to hit the deck in the restaurant. The description of the suspects matches the group I saw in the restaurant, and it was evident to me they were clearly intent on checking-out someone who was across the street – in the location where the victim was ultimately shot. I can’t say I got a good look at their faces, but they certainly were dressed like gang-bangers.

    I can’t say how unfortunate it is that our two families – which included three pre-school age children – had to witness this. We were just hoping to have a nice Friday evening on Alki by doing something as mundane as getting an ice cream. I never would have guessed I’d be scooping my daughter up and diving on the floor with her due to someone popping off ten feet away.

    While the “Alki scene” has seemed to be a little too intense at times, I’ve never been very concerned for our safety. That’s certainly changed now. We definitely need more police presence down there on evenings and weekends. Not only were there no police in sight before the incident, it seemed like the response time after the shooting was unreasonably long.

    I would also like to hear feedback from some of the Alki business owners to see what the impact would be if they did close off the main drag to vehicle traffic during certain peak times. Any feedback on how this impacted business when they did it last summer? There’s a ton of traffic just cruising back and forth on the strip. While I can’t say this is the contributing factor to last night’s incident (evidently the shooters had parked back by the elementary school), I think this type of “cruising and loitering” environment is inviting to gang-bangers. I know there’s an anti-cruising ordinance down on Alki and I’d be interested to know how heavily this in enforced.

    I’m planning to attend the WSCPC meeting on May 19th.

  • alki_2008 May 3, 2009 (12:04 am)

    A police presence on Alki Ave itself would only be needed during the summer, or occasional sunny days in other seasons. A single police unit constantly out there with a pair of officers would do wonders. If an incident occurs, then police from throughout West Seattle would be called into the area, but we don’t need the entire department stationed out in Alki. There’s no need for an appearance of martial law.
    .
    The main thing is that any police presence needs to be forceful and not just let the troublemakers get away with things. Ticket everyone (“troublemakers or not”) for littering, blocking traffic, cruising, etc. Make it known that the police on Alki aren’t just for show and that crime isn’t going to be tolerated.
    .
    Give ’em an inch and they’ll take a mile. Some people will just take the inch, while troublemakers will push it and take the mile.

  • UpthehillfromAlki May 3, 2009 (12:11 am)

    One last comment:

    Why do police departments have to use the term “Gang Units?” I think this just tends to glorify gang participation.

    I think “Punk, Thug, and Jackass Unit” would be more appropriate. :)

  • WSB May 3, 2009 (12:12 am)

    No, nobody has been arrested. There also has not been an update on the victim’s condition. Even during the weekends, the police media unit offers updates a few times a day – and of the last one a couple hours ago, no new developments on either front – TR

  • UpthehillfromAlki May 3, 2009 (12:14 am)

    I agree with you, alki_2008

  • UpthehillfromAlki May 3, 2009 (12:16 am)

    WSB – It’s safe to assume that the Seattle Police already checked, but I’ll call Pepperdock tomorrow to see if they have surveillance cameras inside.

  • TRUTH May 3, 2009 (12:34 am)

    If Fox News was a liberal blog…

  • gee what a surprise May 3, 2009 (12:40 am)

    It is a good thing that WSB thinks they shouldn’t embarrass those in power. Look who else feels the same way …

    “Why should any man
    be allowed to buy a printing press and disseminate pernicious opinion calculated to embarrass the
    government?”
    Nikolai Lenin 1920

    As for those who have asked why I don’t lead … many of you have likely seen me down at the junction holding signs to protest the Iraq war or down at the beach singing protest songs. I do the things that my skills allow me to do.

    Further, I wasn’t there when the officer gave his briefing and I don’t claim to be a ‘journalist.’ I don’t run what I claim to be a ‘hyper local news site.’ You can call me what you will but I’d point those of you who would to a quote from an old newsman who said

    “The job of the newspaper is to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”
    F.P. Dunne (Mr. Dooley)
    American journalist and humorist
    [1867-1936]

    Ask yourself, why is WSB unwilling to afflict the comfortable?

  • Diane May 3, 2009 (1:39 am)

    gee what a surprise; all I would call you is incompehensible

  • Diane May 3, 2009 (1:45 am)

    thank you UpthehillfromAlki for sharing your experience and what you saw
    ~
    I was babysitting last night; otherwise, with the great weather, I would most likely have also been down there; just the day prior I was in Pepperdock putting my babysitting flyer on their bulletin board
    ~
    scary as hell, sad commentary on our youth; and I do hope, as Tracy has suggested repeatedly, that this may inspire more folks to get involved in community meetings and find solutions

  • Leroy May 3, 2009 (7:08 am)

    How is the kid who got shot?

  • been here a long time May 3, 2009 (8:59 am)

    Now were in to name calling and liberal/conservative finger pointing?????? ONE shooting and it’s “Damn kids to day…..”
    Use the neighborhood, use the parks, clean the parks, document and remove spray paint tagging. Get Active. How may live in Alki? How many of you do I see at the park cleaning day? 10. As far as high school graduation rates… That has NOTHING to with this one shooting. If it had been an adult who did then shooting then what? Don’t even tell me Adults don’t kill people. As far as education, I’m going for the extreme here; but I’m old enough to remember that a well educated Ted Bundy serial killer worked at the Queen Anne Safeway.

  • been here a long time May 3, 2009 (9:04 am)

    One more thought from the ragging granney…. Alki Beach could be kept watch on, by citizens who clean the beach and pick up the trash and adopt the streets. It’s a way that worked before when most of you weren’t even born yet and other “HOODS” wanted to use Alki for their “Turf”
    Again, how many live here? Thousands…. How many do I see at neighborhood meetings…75. How many do I see getting their hands dirty and actually picking up trash and doing the WORK that needs to be done????-Maybe 15-20.

  • WSB May 3, 2009 (9:35 am)

    Leroy, there is no information on his condition, unless someone personally knows him. Have to have a name to check at the hospital, and that’s not been made public.

  • Leroy May 3, 2009 (6:50 pm)

    Thank-you ‘been here a long time’- voice of reason.

  • Running that night May 3, 2009 (7:58 pm)

    Just have to post mt thoughts. I came back to Alki as I am training for my first 1/2 marathon. I figured Alki was great when I was in High School in the late 90’s, might as well go back and do my long runs on flat ground and beautiful scenery. On my way down to Harbor Ave, I noticed the people scene had changed quite dramatically for the scarrier since I was in high school, but kept pluggin along. Right as I reached the scene I heard some popping noise above the sound of my ipod and thought “Who would be lighting off fireworks, since no one would shoot a gun at Alki at 7:30 at night”, then I approched the victim on the ground and heard he was shot and kept running to get the heck out of there. When I got back to my car I went through all the what if’s, if my husband and kids would have come down to play while I ran, If I wouldn’t have waited a few more seconds at my turn around, what if it was me accidentally shot and taken away from my family. As of today I still can’t shake it. I LOVE ALKI, it has a lot of great memories, but it will be awhile before I go back. To let all the people who were asking about police presence know, they were just right around that spot when I started my run at 6:30.

  • Ginger May 3, 2009 (9:22 pm)

    Should a friend or relative of the victim happen to read this blog, know that my prayers are with you. I am truly sorry that this happened to you. It is truly awful. I hope that your loved one recovers in full and is able to enjoy another burger at the Pepperdock before too long. From the looks of this blog, it will be a much safer place than it was that night. We’ll make sure of it. Please take good care.

  • Ginger May 3, 2009 (9:27 pm)

    Also, I like alki_2008’s idea about the cameras.

  • alki_2008 May 3, 2009 (11:35 pm)

    Uhm, how does picking up trash in Alki stop the troublemakers? There isn’t a lot of trash on Alki Ave anyway.
    .
    The severity of criminal activities perpetrated by youths today is much more severe that what youths were doing 20+ years ago. The methods that worked 20+ years ago are not going to be as effective today. It’s a different world nowadays!

  • Mike May 4, 2009 (10:51 am)

    “The severity of criminal activities perpetrated by youths today is much more severe that what youths were doing 20+ years ago.”

    I don’t know where you lived, but this is almost identical to what was happening in 1989 in Seattle.

  • Ex-Westwood Resident May 4, 2009 (1:11 pm)

    You know something?
    Not to sound callus, but I could really care less how the shooting victim is doing.
    We know he won’t give up the shooter. They ALL hang on to a demented code of silence. Just look at the death of the “Tuba Man” and those that killed him.
    The way I look at it is that if he dies, well then there is one less gang-banger out there to shoot the streets up and put innocent men, women and children at risk.
    Do I feel sorry for his parent/s? No, not really. If they had been paying attention to their child there is a damn good chance he wouldn’t have gone the way he did.
    Same goes for the shooter and anyone covering up for this.

  • Paul Carr May 4, 2009 (8:17 pm)

    First, to the “Ex-Westwood Resident”–
    Yes, you do sound callous. To be kind, you also sound naive, as does anyone who thinks that they, as parents, have total control over their children past the age of puberty, no matter how “good” or “bad” the home environment.
    To everyone else–
    But that’s not the point. Here’s the point: We are getting the police protection we are paying for. As a matter of fact, last year the Seattle Police Department reported they spent more time on patrol at Alki Beach than would be warranted by the population spread simply because it IS Alki Beach.
    If more police presence would help, than we need to start PAYING FOR IT. I’m sure all you fine, upstanding citizens who are so worried about our local crime problems would be more than happy to pony up some more taxes. Failing that, how about hiring a private security company?
    If a lot of you are really concerned that this shooting is anything more than an unfortunate, but isolated, incident in relation to Alki Beach, I would invite you to come to the Alki Community Council meeting on May 21 at the Alki Community Center. When you do, please bring your $20 for dues. The ACC welcomes everyone, but you must be a member to vote. If you are concerned enough to want to actually do something, The ACC is, at least, a recognized community voice.
    The cheapest thing in the world is griping–maybe that’s why it’s so popular. But if you actually want to see some improvement in most things, it takes some time and some money. If you want this situation to improve–get involved.

  • alki_2008 May 4, 2009 (9:54 pm)

    @Mike – were youths 20 years ago really shooting each other, taking guns to schools and shooting their classmates, or even killing their parents with the same frequency as they do today? Maybe that happened in places where it was expected, but nowadays it happens in ANY neighborhood…not just the “bad” ones.
    .
    @PaulCarr – saying that we have to bring $20 to participate isn’t very inviting. With an attitude like that, it’s no wonder people don’t show up. I was thinking of attending after the info WSB presented about it, but it sounds like I won’t be welcome if I don’t bring my $20?

  • WSB May 4, 2009 (10:10 pm)

    Alki2008, in case Paul doesn’t return tonight, I have covered these meetings for a year and a half and to be clear, EVERYONE is welcome. But membership is required for voting on anything. And neighborhood groups do get frustrated at a low join rate – they put out newsletters, organize meetings and informational presentations, all on a volunteer basis, with no funds aside from trying to collect nominal membership fees. But those are NOT required for meeting attendance. And it’s not at all about the money – we cover every neighborhood council/association in West Seattle and they are led by people who work their butts off to try to help make their neighborhoods better, often with very few people showing up at meetings or volunteering to join in efforts that need help. Captain Kessler told us this morning that he will be at the Alki CC meeting and I hope that people with questions and/or concerns for him will be there too, in addition to the hardworking Alki Community Council leaders and core membership who are ALWAYS there … TR
    .
    p.s. I am back at the precinct tonight to check on some reports and have just reviewed the official report on the Friday night shooting, which has a few other details of note we will publish in a separate report a bit later.

  • Mike May 5, 2009 (5:05 pm)

    @ alki_2008

    Yes.

  • Mike May 5, 2009 (5:06 pm)

    I should point out I went to school on the eastside of lake wa and can point out numerous students that were drug dealers and even did cocaine IN class. Why don’t you hear about it? Parents are millionaires and have really really good lawyers. Poor kids don’t, so you hear about it.

  • Dave H. May 5, 2009 (9:10 pm)

    I don’t know what planet Paul Carr is on but we are paying more than our fair share of taxes in our fair city. Seattle and Washington State in general have a pretty high tax burden relative to other cities and atates and what are we getting for that? Unfortunately much of it get frittered away on many useless, costly programs and expenditures. Whenever there is a tough revenue environment, like now, the politicans immediately threaten to cut vital services first(i.e. police, fire) if they don’t get additional funds. With that said, I’d be glad pay for more law enforcement, if I knew I wasn’t going to be duped. Every area in Seattle needs more police. Compared to other major cities in the country, Seattle has a pretty low number of police officers per capita. That needs to change.

  • not sympathetic May 6, 2009 (1:25 pm)

    Ginger,
    While I appreciate your heartfelt wishes for the shooting “victim” you should know that this kid was a member of the Crips. I also heard (uncomfirmed) that he mentioned to the paramedics that this is the second time he’s been shot in two weeks.

    Do you think this is coincidence and just bad luck? I think he’s probably just as guilty as the shooter.

    Sorry, but I saw both groups that night and neither looked innocent. It was just a matter of who was going to take the first shot.

  • alki_2008 May 6, 2009 (1:29 pm)

    @Mike, doing drugs does not equate with shooting other people. And nice way to play the “class card”. Whatever!

  • Just Wondering May 18, 2009 (8:54 pm)

    How many of us work with young people? What are YOU actively doing to help young people who might turn to gang activity to survive other tribulations in their lives?? Who WANTS to be in a gang? Who gets forced in by circumstances?
    YES gang activity and youth on youth violence is up. What are YOU doing about it?

    I’m shocked at the attitude of: if it happens, who cares? It just shouldn’t happen in the happy upper-class beach neighborhood I live in.

    That’s not the Alki Beach I thought I grew up in. Dissapointing.

  • rykrite May 19, 2009 (7:55 am)

    160 comments on this thread. I hope that some of you will be joining me at the Southwest Precinct meeting tonight at 7…

  • rykrite May 19, 2009 (9:45 pm)

    Argh I didn’t make the meeting due to family commitments! Can anyone tell me what happened, or when the next meeting is?

  • WSB May 19, 2009 (9:53 pm)

    I’ve posted several reports higher on the page. Still to come, a more general wrapup which will include the next date, which I believe offhand is the same as usual, third Tuesday of the month, which makes it June 16 — TR

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