West Seattle, Washington
29 Tuesday
According to the Twitter log that automatically updates on the WSB Crime Watch page, two burglaries were reported in West Seattle today. We’ve heard from one of the victims, Tom, who tells the detailed story, and hopes you will watch for the distinctive items that were among the loot:
We live on SW Cloverdale Street off 35th, between Thistle and Trenton…
I left my home this morning to take our baby to day care at 7:15. I returned home from work for lunch at 11:30. I found that our front door was open. Nothing was broken on the door so I proceeded in thinking it was odd that it was wide open. Our dog was in the living room, visibly upset. I went into our bedroom and found that our pack-n-play was on end and our nightstand drawers were ajar. All of the jewelry we kept there was gone. Now knowing that we had been broken into, I grabbed the dog and headed outside, not knowing if someone was still down in the basement or garage. THANKFULLY, our dog was unharmed and still in the house.
I called the police. They arrived and swept the house. All was clear. They found that a window had been broken in our basement guest bedroom for entry. It is a really small window, so whomever broke in is either very small, or very limber.
Aside from all of our jewelry being taken, they took our Apple laptop, video camera, Canon Camera, iPad, Bose wireless speakers, our daughter’s baby monitor, a Red Gibson SG electric guitar, and red sunburst Fender electric guitar, a record player, a number of records, power tools, a very unique set of military-issued binoculars in a very worn case issued to my grandfather during WWII, and medication from our bathroom pantry. They had to have had a vehicle for this haul. There are marks in the front yard that look like they had a bin of some sort. Another very telling piece taken was a gold and onyx ring from the 1800s that belonged to the then-Gov. of the Philippines. It’s been in the family for over 100 years and should stand out if someone tries to hawk it. A gold engagement band with two baguette diamonds was also taken. The center diamond is not on this ring, so it too may stand out.
They jostled about through our entertainment center and it looks like the tried to unplug our equipment, but due to the weight of things and the location of the plug, the appear to have given up.
The police were able to lift a number of prints, so we hope that helps.
If anyone reading this happens to own or frequent any of the local pawn shops, we appreciate folks keeping an eye out for some of the more obvious stuff taken.
These fellows were quite brazen as this happened during the daytime. I have notified our neighbors and it appears that they did not see anything. My wife mentioned that she did see a white van parked out front of our house about a week ago…she made eye contact with the guys in side and they sped off. Not sure if someone has been casing the neighborhood. I did learn today that the house across the street and down a bit was broken into last month.
Just wanted to let folks know.
All that aside, Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
Tom
In a followup note, Tom added, “Both electric guitars have the wiring broken where the plug in is. So they are not currently functional, so to speak.”
The other burglary logged today was in the 8400 block of 20th SW. Haven’t heard from the victim(s) in that case, and detailed reports take up to a week to show up in the SPD online system, so we don’t have details.
Southwest Precinct police have begun the holiday-safety plan they previewed at recent community meetings, starting with the West Seattle Crime Prevention Council in October. We talked this week with Community Police Team Officer Jon Flores about the plan; he said you can expect to see stepped-up presence, including foot patrols, in areas that are busier than ever this time of year, particularly The Junction and Westwood Village.
As always, taking safety precautions is a vital part of the equation, too, and toward that end, the precinct has shared advice from Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon:
Seattle Police Safety Advice for Holiday Season
Even if you think you’ve heard it all before – take a few minutes to read it. Make sure other members of your family know.
P.S. While the document touches only briefly on preventing package theft, Officer Flores said the most important thing is to avoid having a package left in plain view from the street. So if you have to have something delivered, they recommend:
-Signature required on delivery
-Pick up from local carrier hub
-Leave the package with a trusted neighbor if delivery window is within time you know the neighbor will be homeAnd if all the above fail, at the very least:
-Placement of the package in as a discreet a location as possible
We’d add – if crime DOES happen, even if it seems “minor,” please report it to police so they can track trends and redeploy the “emphasis patrols” as needed. (And once you do, consider letting us know, so we can share it in West Seattle Crime Watch reports and keep others informed – police reports take up to a week to get through the system, so unless we hear directly, we don’t necessarily get the information in a timely manner.)
King County Sheriff’s Office investigators are pleading for the public’s help in solving an early-morning murder in White Center. We reported the deadly shooting earlier on partner site White Center Now, but now, KCSO is casting a net far and wide in hopes of getting tips, so we’re publishing the latest update here too:
The King County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the shooting and killing of a man in the White Center area … and is asking for the public’s help.
On 11/27/13 at about 2:15 AM, deputies were dispatched to the area of SW 108 St and 2nd Ave SW after a caller reported hearing at least one gunshot and said there was a man down in the middle of the street. Deputies arrived at the scene to find a young adult male lying in the street suffering from at least one gunshot wound. They attempted life-saving measures but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detective Sergeant Tony McNabb said, “Two young men were walking along SW 108 St. minding their own business when they were confronted by the two suspects. The suspects accused the innocent victim and his friend of being in a rival gang to which they both denied. As the victim and his friend began walking away, one of the suspects pulled out a handgun and began firing at the two, hitting and killing one of them.”
Deputy Charlie Akers is asking for the public to “Put themselves in the shoes of this innocent young man’s family. As we are entering the holiday season, this family is grieving the senseless loss of this young man. If this was one of your loved ones, you would want answers, you would want justice. A young man has lost his life because he was mistaken to be in a gang.”. Deputy Akers added a message to the suspects: “You took the life of an innocent young man for no reason; turn yourself in.”
If you know anything about this senseless crime, please call 206-296-3311.
Way up on a steeply pitched roof across from the Charlestown water tower, Jim Winder was hard at work today with finishing touches on the 5th edition of West Seattle Lights / Helmstetler Family Christmas Spectacular, which debuts with a ceremony Saturday night.
We dropped by to catch him in action after he sent the official announcement about what’s new this year:
On Saturday, November 30th, West Seattle Lights will have their 5th Annual Lighting Ceremony at the home of Corey and Taylor Helmstetler at 3908 SW Charlestown. The public is invited free of charge, but attendees are asked to bring a food or cash donation for either West Seattle Food Bank or The Northwest Parkinson’s Foundation.
This year the Helmstetler Christmas Spectacular will have a NEW Master Of Ceremonies … a talking and singing 8 Foot Tall Snowman!!! Along with his two talking/singing Christmas Trees, Jaeley and Jaxton!
Earlier in the year we had a Name The Snowman Contest and we will be announcing the winner and the Snowman’s new name!
2:02 PM: After a pilot project that included part of Highland Park, the Seattle City Council is now ready to talk about whether to extend every-other-week trash pickup to single-family homes citywide. That’s according to the text of this proposed council bill on the council’s next Introduction/Referral Calendar; it seeks to amend the Waste Management and CleanScapes contracts to permit the “option,” and it declares that the council will decide by March 1st of next year whether to “exercise its earliest option” for every-other-week service. Text further into the bill appears to indicate that “earliest option” would be April 1st, 2015, but a separate bill would have to be passed.
ADDED 6:47 PM: In comments, Admiral Neighborhood Association president David Whiting says a Seattle Public Utilities rep is booked for ANA’s January 14th meeting (7 pm, Admiral Congregational Church, California/Hill) to talk about this.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: The city’s report on last year’s pilot every-other-week-pickup project is here. It says that while 89 percent of people reported satisfaction with weekly service, 63 percent reported they were satisfied with every-other-weekly service (52 percent in the Highland Park test zone).
Just out of the WSB inbox – DESC has announced the public grand-opening event for its almost-done Cottage Grove Commons at 5444 Delridge Way SW:
Tuesday, December 17th – 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Enjoy self-guided tours, light refreshments, and a 3:00 pm Welcome Ceremony
4:30 pm – 7:00 pm: A community open house to provide neighbors the opportunity to see the building and meet the staff …
Cottage Grove Commons will provide 66 studio apartments with 24-hour on-site staff support for men and women who have been chronically homeless, disabled, and highly vulnerable.
Here’s video from the advisory committee’s recent tour. The $14 million project has been under construction for about a year.
If you’re planning on a Santa photo with your kid(s) this season – note that the plan for West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays (co-sponsored by WSB) is different this year:
The West Seattle Junction Association is hosting ONE Santa Photo fundraiser for WestSide Baby this year.
On Sunday, December 1, from 11 am – 3 pm, Junction Plaza Park will be transformed into Santa’s Workshop. With professional photography by Donna Ryan of City Mouse Studio, a suggested donation of $15 will go directly to WestSide Baby and help local families. Digital photos will be available and perfect for your holiday cards or calendars. Additionally, neighborhood businesses will host arts and crafts booths. Thank you to Curious Kidstuff, Hotwire Coffee, and Young at Art for being Santa Helpers!
Santa will also be in The Junction on December 21 and 22 for a casual meet and greet at City Mouse Store from 11 am – 3 pm. There will NOT be a photographer on site, but a special Santa moment awaits your child. WestSide Baby elves will be hosting a diaper drive, so come prepared to receive holiday cheer and give holiday help.
See the complete Hometown Holidays calendar by going here; you’ll also find it in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide, along with other local Santa photo ops around West Seattle this season, and a sleighful of other holiday info to help you plan (and enjoy!).
Two quick weather-related notes: First, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has canceled the burn ban in King County. Second, the National Weather Service is still predicting much-colder weather to sweep in toward the end of the weekend, and the Special Weather Statement alert remains in effect, but they’re still being cautious about any possible lowland snow. Mountain snow, however, does seem like a sure thing for Sunday, so if you are eastbound for the holiday weekend, an early return might be in order.
(Photo credit added! By Flickr member old desolate, via the WSB Flickr group)
Hours until Hanukkah (starting at sunset tonight), one day until Thanksgiving, exactly four weeks until Christmas, five weeks until New Year’s Day … but before we get too much further into this sunny Wednesday, a few quick notes from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and our Holiday Events and Info Guide:
SCHOOL’S OUT EARLY: Seattle Public Schools get out one hour early today, with the four-day holiday weekend to follow, back in session Monday.
DONATE TURKEYS TODAY, DESSERT AND WARM CLOTHES TOMORROW: Last call for last-minute turkey donations to local food banks – and a reminder about dessert and warm clothes donations welcomed for tomorrow’s free community dinner in Fauntleroy. Details on all of the above are here.
THANKSGIVING EVE PARTY: Special event just getting under way at The Beer Junction:
Before you stuff yourselves with turkey, come join us as we tap on the bartop a firkin of Sierra Nevada’s Celebration Ale (one of only a few sent to the state). We’ll also be tapping our very last keg of the year of Southern Tier’s Pumking, as well as their Warlock Imperial Pumpkin Stout. In addition we’ll be tapping our last keg of the custom beer blend Elliot Bay Brewing Companydid for our Pumpkin Junction fest (a blend of 50% of their 2013 Smashing Pumpkin, 35% 2012 Bourbon Aged Imperial Stout, and 15% 2012 Bourbon Aged Barleywine). The 3 pumpkin beers (Pumking, Warlock, Pumpkin Junction) go on tap at 11 AM. The Sierra Nevada firkin will be tapped at 4 pm.
(4511 California SW)
THANKSGIVING EVE MUSIC: 9:30 tonight at Feedback Lounge (WSB sponsor):
Jonny Smokes’ annual Thanksgiving Eve show is one of the more popular live music events we do here. A one man band, Jonny brings an entire production built around his bottomless catalogue of old and new classic rock, the Seattle sound and a few surprises.
(6451 California SW)
AND AS FOR TOMORROW … The WSB Holiday Guide includes, for Thanksgiving Day:
*Where to get coffee
*Special morning charity-benefit workouts
*What hours the grocery stores are open
*Which restaurants are open if you’re not cooking
*Holiday church services (for tonight, too)
The Thanksgiving information is right at the top of the Holiday Guide page. Not too late to let us know about changes/additions for tomorrow – but please send to ed****@*************og.com ASAP! Thanks!
10:27 AM: Perfect day to put up a sign! That’s what a crew from City Lights Sign Company is doing this morning at the new location of The Bridge at California/Graham, where six months of renovation work have made the old Chuck and Sally’s exterior a distant memory. Next Monday (December 2nd) – featuring the Seahawks on Monday Night Football – is the final day/night of operation at The Bridge’s current location at 4439 35th SW, making way for a 150+-apartment mixed-use development, and they’re inviting patrons and friends present and past to commemorate the closure with a group photo, set for 3 pm Sunday (December 1st). No exact date set for opening the new location but The Bridge’s Jenny Almukhtar describes it as “shortly after” the old one closes.
12:37 PM UPDATE: Went back for an “after” shot:
P.S. Back at the current location, per Jenny: “Starting today, we are offering an Open-Faced Turkey Sandwich with cranberry cream cheese, piled high with mashed potatoes, stuffing & gravy. Served with a side of green-bean casserole or a traditional Turkey Dinner with all the aforementioned sides, gobble, gobble. While supplies last!”
(East-facing camera on the West Seattle Bridge; see other cams on the WSB Traffic page)
It’s not only Thanksgiving Eve and, at sunset, the first night of Hanukkah, but we’re also looking ahead to a POSSIBLE blast of wintry weather by weekend’s end – so if you’re leaving town on a holiday getaway, be sure to check on conditions before you come back! We are here 24/7/365 and will be updating with whatever’s happening weather-wise. Also looking ahead:
HOLIDAY TRANSIT CHANGES THURSDAY/FRIDAY: For Metro, it’s a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day, “reduced weekday/no UW” on Friday. No West Seattle or Vashon Water Taxi either day. If you have to go downtown Friday morning, remember the holiday parade, which closes off a chunk of central downtown until about 10 am, and features local participants. Washington State Ferries will be on its normal weekday schedule for the holiday.
OTHER HOLIDAY INFO: If you’re looking for Thanksgiving info – including which grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops are open on the holiday – that’s part of what you’ll find in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Events and Info Guide. (Plus lots of Hanukkah, Christmas, New Year’s Eve/Day info too.)
10:35 AM: RapidRide C Line might be experiencing delays because of a D Line reroute following a car crash in the lower Queen Anne area, Metro warns.
4:43 PM: Update on those downtown bus stops that were closed for a while:
The bus stops eastbound on Seneca St just west of 3rd Av and westbound on Columbia St just east of 2nd Av have reopened after being closed due to earlier construction.
The RapidRide C Line, routes 21 Express, 55, 56, 57 & 120 to downtown Seattle, the RapidRide D Line to Ballard and routes 16 & 66 to Northgate have resumed normal operation on eastbound Seneca St and will serve the stop on Seneca St just west of 3rd Av.
The C Line and Route 125 to Westwood Village, and routes 21 Express to Arbor Heights, 55 to the Admiral District, 56 to Alki, 57 to the Alaska Junction and 120 to Burien have resumed service at the stop westbound on Columbia St just east of 2nd Av.
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