Maybe you are – or know – a veteran who could benefit from this event just announced by South Seattle College (WSB sponsor):

South Seattle College’s Georgetown Campus will host the seventh annual Seattle Stand Down on Dec. 14-15, where homeless and at-risk Veterans and their families will be offered free access to a wide array of resources and services.

Seattle Stand Down is a one-stop shop for resources and services available to Veterans who currently lack permanent housing or simply need a “hand up” in order to prevent homelessness. Representatives from local businesses, non-profits, educational institutions, and all levels of government will be on hand with volunteers to provide medical screenings, eye exams, dental services, legal aid, employment opportunities, housing assistance, case management referrals, haircuts, personal hygiene items and meals. The two-day event will offer employment assistance through a partnership with SSC’s on-campus WorkSource Office and the King County Veterans Program. Extensive legal resources will be provided by the NW Justice Project and Davis Wright Tremaine, LLP.

Seattle Stand Down is unique from other stand down events in that it provides designated areas for the safety and comfort of women Veterans. Providers will offer women-specific services including health care, advocacy, counseling, employment and personal care.

According to the King County Veterans Program, at least 1360 Veterans are experiencing homelessness at this very moment within King County. In 2016, the Seattle Stand Down provided services to nearly 350 homeless and at-risk homeless Veterans in need.

The Seattle Colleges District is the host of Seattle Stand Down for the seventh year in a row. The event was founded as a community service project of student Veterans at Seattle Central College, and is organized today by a group of dedicated Veteran volunteers from the colleges and community.

Major funding for Seattle Stand Down has been made possible through a Veterans Employment and Training Service grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. Additional support is provided by the King County Veterans Program, funded by the Veteran and Human Services Levy.

EVENT DETAILS

Location: South Seattle College’s Georgetown Campus as 6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108. Participants will check in at the Gene Colin Education Hall – Building C.
Please view our Georgetown Campus map
Directions to Georgetown Campus

Time: Running Thursday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Dec. 15 at SSC’s Georgetown Campus, the event opens for registration at 7:00 a.m. on Dec. 14 and services will be available from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. that day. On Dec. 15, registration begins at 7:00 a.m. with services available from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Parking and Transportation: Free parking passes will be made available to Veterans receiving services.

For both days of the event, King County Metro and Sound Transit have agreed to provide free rides for all Veterans. They must carry one type of four accepted forms of government ID, or the special bus pass Metro has printed for Veterans that lack identification (available at local social service providers). This means that Veterans with any one of the ID forms listed below can travel on any Metro and Sound Transit bus, and both the LINK light rail and the Sounder train.

Forms of identification accepted:
– Veteran Health Identification (ID) Card

– Uniformed Identification (ID) Card

– Veteran designation on driver’s license

– DD-214

Attendees should use “CORSON AVE S & EAST MARGINAL WAY” as their destination if using trip planners. Anyone with questions on the best transit route can call Hopelink Mobility at 425-943-6760.

Here’s the official flyer (PDF).

(U.S. Navy photo: EA-18G Growler landing on a carrier in 2014)

We don’t always get advance alerts about military aircraft in the area, but we just got one for tomorrow so we’re sharing it. This is in a media advisory from the Museum of Flight, which as you probably know is not far east of West Seattle [map]:

Three frontline Navy EA-18G Growler electronic attack jets will fly to the Museum on Oct. 12 to preside over the donation of a 10-foot aircraft carrier model to the Museum. The model will be presented by the officers of VAQ-130 Naval Air Station Whidbey Island to the Museum’s Education Office. The aircraft will arrive at 11 a.m. and depart at 2 p.m. One of the Growlers will be stationed in the Museum parking lot with crew members standing by to meet the public. The other two planes will be parked next to the Museum’s airport fence. The event is free.

The advisory included this background, if you’re interested:

The aircraft carrier model is of the crew’s ship, the USS Eisenhower (CVN-69). It was built by the officers from VAQ-130 for a booth at the annual NAS Whidbey Island Airborne Electronic Attack Ball, where each Growler squadron contributes a booth that includes interactive games or displays of squadron pride. This year, VAQ-130 squadron built the carrier, jokingly referred to as “Low Cost Trainer” for the pilots because it includes a zip line that allows a model plane to be landed on the deck. Lt. Cmdr. Kevin Jones, VAQ-130, said of its donation to the Museum, “We think it will be a great addition to the education department at the museum, and hopefully inspire some young future naval aviators!”

Thanks to Terry for the photo – when we received it a little more than an hour ago, we couldn’t find any info about a fire in the Kitsap area, but now there’s info via Twitter: It’s a fire covering about an acre in the Illahee Preserve area, according to Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue.

Meant to mention this in the daily preview list … that’s a post-game Mariners fireworks show you might have been hearing in the distance just now. They have one more planned this season, September 22nd.

We mentioned at the end of our Highland Park Find It, Fix It Walk coverage that the convergence of city reps had yielded information on other upcoming events. Here’s one: West Seattleite Irene Stewart, who works with the Age-Friendly Seattle program, tells us that there’s still time and room to sign up for a free all-day event downtown one week from tomorrow, on Saturday, June 3rd, “Aging the LGBTQ Way: A Forum on Respect, Equity, and Inclusion.” You’ll find out about research; you’ll help develop recommendations for Age-Friendly Seattle; and you’ll learn about resources for aging well. It’s free to attend, with lunch and dinner provided, 10 am-5:30 pm at City Hall downtown, but they’d appreciate RSVPs – go here to sign up online.

(Photo by Carolyn Newman – smoke visible from Seacrest area, looking north)

8:37 PM: Lots of calls and texts about smoke and/or a smoky smell in north West Seattle – it’s a Seattle Fire marine response all the way from the north side of Elliott Bay – 5100 block of Shilshole NW, in Ballard, according to the SFD log. Citywide news outlets are tweeting that it’s a boat fire.

9:32 PM: Via Twitter, KING says it was a 70-foot wooden boat and that it spread to some “smaller boats” too. SFD tweets that a structure also was involved.

11:16 PM: SFD update:

6:52 AM: Sad news overnight. Music star Chris Cornell has died in Detroit, just 52, after Soundgarden‘s sold-out concert there. His Seattle ties were strong, given his years with that band (and so much more). He lived in West Seattle long ago, as mentioned here in WSB’s early months, when he had a solo hit with the theme from the first James Bond movie starring Daniel Craig. Mr. Cornell also was a philanthropist, forming the Chris and Vicky Cornell Foundation with his wife, “to protect the most vulnerable children.” He is survived by three children of his own. His body was found in his hotel room; the cause of his death is under investigation. (2011 photo, via Wikimedia)

P.S. KEXP is paying tribute all day (90.3 FM/online).

12:02 PM: Authorities in Detroit say Mr. Cornell died by suicide.

There’s help for anyone thinking of self-harm … here in King County, the Crisis Clinic has a 24-hour hotline at 206-461-3222. And here’s what the American Federation for Suicide Prevention says.

11:23 PM: A view of tonight’s biggest tribute:

3:19 PM: Thanks for the tips. There’s a fire in the North Shorewood area, and that’s why smoke (and at least one helicopter) is visible from Arbor Heights. Colby says the fire is at 26th/109th [map], and that roads are blocked in the area, and tweeted this photo:

We’ll be there shortly for updates.

3:33 PM: Our crew has arrived at the fire scene. The house is on 26th SW south of SW 109th. As noted in comments, Seattle Fire has sent units as mutual aid (including Engine 11):

Big response overall – this area is served by the North Highline Fire Department.

One person has minor injuries, we’re told, and was treated at the scene.

3:45 PM: The fire (at 10907 26th SW) is out or close to it, our crew reports, and investigators are on the way to try to find out how it started. We’ll check back at the scene later in the afternoon.

6:12 PM: Just went back. The investigator hasn’t been able to go in because the fire has been flaring up. So firefighters will stay on scene TFN just in case they’re needed.

3:36 PM: We haven’t mentioned this downtown situation sooner (aside from comment discussions) because of the 35th/Morgan crash closure (updates here), but now that the pm commute is starting and the situation is not yet resolved: Some blocks in the heart of downtown are still closed for the investigation of a shooting that injured two Seattle Police officers after a store robbery downtown. Both are at Harborview Medical Center. SPD says it found two suspects and is seeking a possible third. The closures have been affecting Western, 1st, 2nd, from Spring to Madison to Marion, so if you’re trying to get through downtown, heading as far east as you can, before heading south, is a good bet.

3:50 PM: SPD tweeted that they are no longer looking for someone else, “all suspects in custody.” At about the same time, authorities briefing media at Harborview said one officer is in stable condition, one is in serious condition. No new updates on road closures/bus changes.

4:34 PM: Updated road closures downtown, per SDOT: “Western Ave between Spring St & Marion St.; Marion St between Western Ave & 1st Ave.”

4:48 PM: Now SPD says there might be a third suspect after all. Meantime, thanks in advance to commenters sharing any updates on how things are going getting from downtown to West Seattle – Mary took RapidRide and says “no issues.”

(Texted photo – added after incident ended)

3:05 PM: With pm commute time approaching, you might need to know about road closures and bus reroutes related to an ongoing standoff downtown with a man in crisis who is said to be armed with a knife.

Metro says that “buses are rerouted off 3 Av between Spring & Union Sts. Use stops on 3rd Av south of Spring St or north of Union St.” Updates to come.

3:31 PM: SPD says the situation is “static” but acknowledges its negotiators are working on it.

3:58 PM: SPD update:

Officers install fencing as an additional safety measure. If you work downtown, please be aware of traffic impacts during evening commute. pic.twitter.com/sNzP0FZVwt

— Seattle Police Dept. (@SeattlePD) March 28, 2017

4:22 PM: Standoff continuing. (We’re monitoring via scanner as well as via public channels such as Twitter.)

4:25 PM: And now … it’s over. SPD says the man gave up his knife and was taken into custody without incident.

4:33 PM: As police have barricades to remove, among other things, it’ll take a bit for the streets to get back to regular flow, so don’t rush out just yet.

4:55 PM: As of a few minutes ago, Metro says, buses are getting back to normal on 3rd.

5:43 PM: Here’s how the incident was summed up on SPD Blotter, including a photo of the man’s knife.

2:47 PM: If you are in, or headed toward, downtown, avoid 4th Avenue in/through the Yesler vicinity – a major Seattle Fire response has been dealing with a natural-gas leak from a four-inch line. The area is closed off and some nearby buildings have been evacuated. SFD reports the leak has been stopped as of moments ago but they are still monitoring to decide if it’s safe to allow people back into the area.

3:18 PM: SFD says the 100 people evacuated from nearby buildings are in the process of “re-occupying.”

3:30 PM: SDOT says all lanes of 4th have reopened.

9:33 PM: Just got a text from someone in the Alki area saying they felt an earthquake that hit about half an hour ago in the Hood Canal area. Preliminary info indicates it was magnitude 4.2, which is stronger than the mild earthquakes which otherwise aren’t so uncommon in the region. The epicenter is described as west of Belfair. (The US Geological Survey map puts it under Hood Canal.) Will add anything more we find out.

10:26 PM: No damage reported, according to authorities near the epicenter:

10:33 PM: Much further away, but still in our region, another quake tonight – 4.8 magnitude, off northwest Vancouver Island (here’s the USGS page). And we’re reminded that the 16th anniversary of the 6.8 Nisqually quake is next week. So we’re going to take a moment to remind you again of your Emergency Communication Hubs – memorize the nearest one, so you know where to go in case of something big:

10:09 AM: A few people have asked about the report of a person found dead after a fire under the east end of the West Seattle Bridge in SODO early today. Here’s the Seattle Fire Department news release sent to us and other media:

On Thursday, January 5, 2016, at approximately 3:20 a.m., the Seattle Fire Department responded to reports of a motor-home fire at the intersection of 1st Avenue S and S Spokane Street [map] after receiving notification from the Port of Seattle Police Department.

Firefighters arrived to heavy smoke under the [Spokane Street] viaduct and immediately began firefighting efforts. During the search, firefighters located a deceased adult inside the vehicle. A secondary search concluded there were no additional occupants and the fire was under control by 3:29 a.m.

Fire Investigation Unit members are currently investigating the cause and estimated damages for this incident. Seattle Police Department were also on scene.

This is outside the Southwest Precinct‘s jurisdiction; we’re checking with SPD media relations for any additional information on the death investigation.

10:39 AM: Just went to the spot where this happened; it is just east of the 1st/Spokane intersection. The RV (shown in a Seattle Times photo here) has already been towed, leaving behind only some debris and broken glass.

FRIDAY NOTE: The Medical Examiner’s list of cases for today includes what is apparently this one, an SPD-investigated death that has been ruled accidental, the result of smoke inhalation. The victim was identified as 37-year-old Daniel Jackson.

9 PM: Thanks to the readers who shared information that the missing boy has been found, including this note from Aviation High School‘s principal:

I am happy to report that Josiah Hokanson has been located in Portland, OR and safely reunited with his family. I know we are all very relieved that he has been found. As a parent, I can only imagine what the family was going through these past few days.

Thank you to everyone who prayed, pitched in, and helped in any small way. I know the family has appreciated everyone’s efforts. Parents and students, hug each other tonight – no moment is too small to take advantage of.

EARLIER – 9:47 AM: Read More

Thanks for the texted photo and tips. When we started hearing about a police presence at the east end of the West Seattle Bridge an hour or so ago, WSDOT would only describe it as “an incident” and said the ramp had cleared. Then scanner traffic indicated searching was continuing/had resumed. The Guardian One helicopter was involved for a while and described it as an SPD search for a possibly armed person. From what we’ve heard most recently, the officers were also looking at the hillsides by the I-5/Columbian/WS Bridge interchange. No word if anyone is in custody yet.

7:58 PM: Getting some questions about the dark smoke to the south – thanks to Aaron for being the first person to point it out, visible from the Southwest Athletic Complex where we’re still covering Band Jam: It’s a residential fire in SeaTac, in the 20400 block of International Boulevard.

8:19 PM: Now a 2-alarm fire, per fire agencies in the area. Reported to be at a mobile-home park.

11:51 AM: In case you are heading downtown sometime soon – you should know about a big power outage in the heart of downtown. It’s not even on the Seattle City Light map, but they’re definitely aware of it. SCL attributes it to “equipment failure at Massachusetts Street Substation” and says it might take “a couple hours” to fix. We know lots of West Seattleites work downtown – is this affecting you?

12:07 PM: Someone in comments asked if there are any West Seattle effects; not that we have heard. The substation mentioned by SCL is in SODO (shown on this map). Meantime, they’ve moved up the guesstimate for restoration to 12:40 pm.

12:17 PM: While this mega-outage is NOT shown on the Seattle City Light map, SDOT has come up with one based on the boundaries that have been announced:

12:20 PM: We’re listening to officers downtown via scanner, as they assist with traffic control downtown, and they’re saying some intersections have power back – a couple mentioned on 5th – but a few blocks away, they’re still out. Also, Councilmember Kshama Sawant – who chairs the council committee that oversees SCL – tweeted that City Hall (5th/Cherry/4th/James) has power back.

12:26 PM: More restoration – SPD channel indicates lights on 3rd are working.

12:34 PM: SCL has officially declared power back on (while saying they don’t know yet what caused it). West Seattleites in the city’s Municipal Tower and the county’s Chinook Building – not far apart – confirm they’re back on. But downtown will likely have lingering effects throughout the afternoon.

12:48 PM: City Light says it doesn’t know yet how many customers (businesses/homes, in this case apartments/condos) were affected, but “12,000 meters” were in the outage zone.

Today’s theme seems to be history. Here’s some aviation history, which you might have seen in the sky a few hours ago. In case you didn’t, thanks to Doug Branch for sharing photos of the first Boeing 727’s last flight, as it ended this morning at nearby Boeing Field (mentioned in our daily preview). He says it appeared to fly low over Elliott Bay as it came in, so it might have turned some West Seattleites’ heads.

United donated this half-century-old jet to the Museum of Flight 25 years ago – it’s been undergoing restoration so it can join the museum’s collection. Read more about it on the MoF website (which explains it’ll be in the Airpark throughout the summer, then moving to the museum’s new Aviation Pavilion).

Meantime, you can see Doug’s photos directly on Flickr – also shared in the WSB group there, here and here.
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The bus and “Duck” involved in the deadly Aurora Bridge collision 12 hours ago have both just been towed away, and Highway 99 has reopened both ways, SDOT just announced. The investigation into the crash that killed 4 college students will continue Friday with the arrival of a National Transportation Safety Board team.