West Seattle, Washington
24 Wednesday
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:
GUNFIRE IN UPPER MORGAN: Thanks to those who texted to report hearing possible gunshots around 7:30 tonight in Upper Morgan. Police did respond and search for evidence; we couldn’t get there in time to talk with them, and we haven’t been able to reach SPD for confirmation, but one neighbor said officers told her they did find evidence of gunfire, and Tweets by Beat now shows the call was classified that way too, with 37th SW/SW Morgan as the general location.
HOME BURGLARIES: From Erin:
FYI- our home, and our neighbor’s home, in the 8000 block of 5th Ave SW were broken into this afternoon between 2 and 3 pm. Both doors were kicked in, and the perps took financial documents, electronics, and jewelry. Unfortunately, they also stole my engagement ring and wedding ring which I forgot to put on this morning – Merry Christmas to me!. A neighbor caught video of the vehicle entering and exiting our dead-end street. It looks like it was a purple Scion. Please warn neighbors to be extra vigilant – we have a great block watch system in place, but this was the perfect storm situation where it didn’t protect us.
GARAGE BURGLARY: From Jane:
Sadly we were the victims of property theft sometime last night. Someone came up our driveway, entered our gated backyard and then entered our garage through an unlocked side door (which is now locked) and stole my husband’s chop saw and blades worth about $1800. Normally, our work trailer and both cars are in the driveway, but last night my husband unloaded his trailer and moved it into the street along with my car because we are having tree work done today and I suspect that someone saw him unloading his tools and came back later to take advantage. We live on 55th between Dakota and Andover and I just wanted to get the word out to our neighbors to be aware this is happening. We have lived here 30 years and have had cars prowled and tools stolen from our vehicles a couple of times but this seems very brazen to walk into a private backyard and enter the garage.
SUSPICIOUS VISITOR: Another reader report:
We are near the intersection of 41st and Oregon. We had a man wearing a very dirty dark brown hoodie ring our doorbell at around 1 am. We looked out our windows and saw he had a very nice bicycle that seemed out of place given his appearance. He continued to ring the doorbell and knock for a couple minutes before leaving. About 10 minutes later, someone we think was the same person tried to open our back door and then left through a vacant lot next door. This incident freaked out our cats and our neighbor’s dog and we’re pretty sure he went to their door as well.
We did call 911 and spoke to a couple officers that responded and checked out the surrounding area and patrolled a few times. That seemed to scare off whoever was snooping around. We live near the vacant house that was cleared by police earlier this week, they suspected it might be related. We’ve had other issues with squatters in some of the other vacant properties nearby that our neighbors have called in.
No reindeer in sight, but Santa posed with the sleigh that was filling with food-drive donations right before Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s “Light Up the Night” gathering tonight. Out in the street between the OLG Parish Life Center and church, “The Starry Crowns” led caroling:
OLG parishioner and Seattle Channel host Brian Callanan emceed again this year, which also meant leading the countdown to switching on the lights now shining bright outside the church:
Though the church no longer hangs lights on the towering evergreen at the corner of 35th and Myrtle, you could argue the lights close to the ground, including smaller trees, are even brighter:
A cheery crowd, hundreds strong, joined in song, including the traditional keyring-shaking during “Jingle Bells” – listen!
P.S. An extra meaning to this year’s “Light Up the Night” – checking around as we finish this story, looks like what we and other semi-early arrivals saw in the northwest sky, heading east to west, around 6:50 pm, really WAS a meteor, noticed from B.C. to Seattle, according to this report. OLG pastor Father Jack Walmesley was among those who saw it, and mentioned it before his opening prayer.
One more reminder with the biggest holiday breakfast event of the season just hours away – the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will be serving you a pancake breakfast 7 am-11 am at the Masonic Center in The Junction. Looks like you can still save $2 by buying advance tickets online – the link is on this page – $8 advance, $10 at the door on Saturday morning. Kids under 10 eat for free if they’re with a paying adult, and they get free photos with Santa Claus. This is the 68th year the Kiwanis Club is presenting this benefit breakfast; if you can, bring a new unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots. It’s bound to be festive and a great way to start a great holiday Saturday in The Junction (looking ahead to the 5 pm tree lighting). The Masonic Center is at 40th SW & SW Edmunds.
(Reader photo from Thursday)
One day after King County Sheriff’s Office deputies served arrest and search warrants at a home north of The Junction, we’ve learned that one of the people arrested is a murder suspect. KCSO spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West says the 39-year-old man is wanted in connection with a homicide near SeaTac Airport. He appeared in court this afternoon and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says bail was set at $1 million. Probable-cause documents say the case involves the shooting death of a man on October 29th. The suspect arrested in West Seattle yesterday is accused of chasing the victim and firing the deadly shots into his car, after the victim allegedly stole marijuana he was supposed to be buying from the suspect during a meetup in Burien. Prosecutors will decide early next week whether to file charges against the suspect, whose “last known address” is listed on court documents as the house where he was arrested yesterday.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As soon as next week, you’ll see the Southwest Precinct‘s long-awaited new Mobile Precinct out on the street – actually, most likely in a lot at Westwood Village.
That’s where precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis says he’s planning to send it first, with a visit to South Park not far behind, and then, if all goes as planned, The Junction. Here’s a :15 video look around the outside:
He showed us the van today, after we contacted him to ask for a photo op, once we learned – while covering this week’s Westwood-Roxhill-Arbor Heights Community Council meeting – that the Mobile Precinct had finally arrived.
It’s been mentioned during SPD briefings at so many other community-council meetings this past year or so, you’d have thought it was here by now, but it arrived just days ago.
It’s significantly smaller than the precinct’s old one – which was destroyed in the firebomb attack on the Charles Street yard downtown six years ago. West Seattle is supposed to have its own, according to this page of the SPD manual, which also specifies what vehicles like this are supposed to be used for.
If you’ve seen one in this area since then, it was borrowed from another part of the city. Now, no more borrowing. Whether it’s Alki Beach in the summer or Westwood Village in the holiday season, the precinct has one to deploy. “It’s a definite force multiplier for us,” says Capt. Davis.
Before it can officially head out, he has to get some staff trained to drive it, and that’s expected to happen within a week or so.
It’s about the size of a TV live truck, with a camera-equipped mast on top, flat display screens inside, even a small compartment in the back with a toilet.
It’s painted with the distinctive new white lettering-on-dark blue SPD look.
Unlike its predecessor, it’s clearly labeled MOBILE PRECINCT on the sides and rear, though you wouldn’t have mistaken the old RV for anything else.
“We’re really excited about it, and we want to get it out there ASAP,” Capt. Davis said as our mini-tour concluded. What we don’t have yet are the van’s specs/cost – we have a request out to the city’s Finance and Administrative Services department, and will add them when we get them.
(Boeing photo: KC-46A’s first flight, September 2015)
You can expect more military jets in the nearby skies soon. Boeing Field says two Navy F-18 aircraft will be based there for about nine months, starting this month, while Boeing is testing its new wide-body KC-46A tanker jet. From the Boeing Field website:
During the tests, the new tankers will refuel several models of military “receiver” aircraft during flights over western Washington. In addition to several of its KC-46A tanker jets, Boeing plans to base two Navy F-18 aircraft at Boeing Field during this time. Plans call for two F-18 takeoffs and landings per day (including evenings), a few times per week.
While the advisory on the airport website says, “Boeing is working to minimize the noise impact of this testing on the airport’s neighbors. The company will comply with all state, county, and city codes, and with Boeing Quiet Hour procedures as well as King County International Airport’s Fly Quiet Program,” a letter to the community from King County Transportation Department director Harold Taniguchi spins it a little differently. The letter, which appears to have been sent to community groups/advocates in the area (we are checking with KCDOT), was shared by local advocate Joe Szilagyi:
To our Friends and Neighbors around King County International Airport:
King County owns and operates the King County International Airport (KCIA), also known as Boeing Field. Commercial aviation activity at KCIA supports over 16,000 jobs and generates $3.5 billion in annual economic benefit to King County and its residents.
Recently, you may have heard in the news the Boeing Company will soon begin testing the new KC-46A Tanker military aircraft out of KCIA. The KC-46A is capable of refueling other aircraft in mid-air, requiring the testing of additional high-performance military jet aircraft, some of which will be landing and taking off from KCIA. The Boeing Company is still refining details on timing and scope of the test program for the KC-46A. However, they believe testing of support aircraft will commence as soon as January or even later this month.
As testing of the KC-46A Tanker begins, there may be increased noise impacts in the community from high-performance military aircraft related to the KC-46A testing. Although King County will continue to work with Boeing to reduce these impacts, the County has no authority over military aircraft operations. Under federal rules, all military aircraft are exempt from standard operating requirements related to sound and time of day limitations, potentially resulting in a significant increase in aircraft noise in the surrounding communities at any time of day or night.
King County has requested on multiple occasions that Boeing reach out to impacted communities well in advance of the upcoming test program. At the Airport’s November 9 Round Table meeting, Boeing’s outreach contact, Mr. Rich White offered to meet with any interested parties and community groups to discuss the Tanker Program and address potential concerns.
Questions regarding noise or high-performance aircraft related to the Boeing KC-46A Tanker testing program, as well as requests for you or your organization to learn more about the program, should be directed to Rich White (cc’d) at The Boeing Company:
Mr. Rich White
Manager, Local Government Relations
The Boeing Company
P.O. Box 3707, MC 21-76
Seattle, WA 98124
206-856-6305King County supports the success of the Boeing KC-46A Tanker program, and I believe that Boeing will successfully mitigate impacts from the testing program through a comprehensive community outreach program. I look forward to supporting and working with the community and Boeing on an outreach program that addresses the sensitive needs of impacted residents and businesses as part of this testing program.
Sincerely,
Harold S. Taniguchi, Director
King County Department of Transportation
The Boeing tanker made its first test flight – out of Snohomish County’s Paine Field – in September, according to this Seattle Times report. According to the Everett Herald, Boeing developed this tanker for the U.S. Air Force but also has orders from Japan.
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Elite Sports and Spine, whose newest office is in The Admiral District:
(Dr. Nathan Moore, DC, and office manager Bobbie Willden)
Elite Sports and Spine has an offer for you – after your first exam at our West Seattle clinic with chiropractor Dr. Nathan Moore, DC, you can enjoy a complimentary one-hour massage. As a new WSB sponsor, here’s what else Elite Sports and Spine wants you to know:
Elite Sports and Spine provides health care from a multifaceted approach. Its reputation is built on providing quality, comprehensive care for patients. We actually form a partnership with our patients to get them back to fully functioning and achieving their desired goals.
We often hear how impressed people are with how thorough our examination process is, as well as how quickly they see results from the treatment. They usually seek us out because they have either heard about us from a friend or loved one, or they have tried other treatments that simply didn’t achieve desired results. Because we typically see results quickly, patients tend to come back to us with any new injuries because they appreciate how quickly they were able to return to their normal, active daily lifestyle.
In West Seattle, Elite Sports and Spine is at 2743 California SW, next to West Seattle Runner, for whom it’s the preferred health-care provider. We oversee and are sponsors for many athletic groups as well as being preferred providers with Swedish Hospital.
In addition to chiropractic care, Emily Blurton, CES, CPT, SFG, is now offering physical rehabilitation and one-on-one and small-group fitness training at our West Seattle clinic. Introductory Special: 35% off. Space is limited; call the clinic to schedule today – 206-556-4324. That’s also the number to call to schedule your first checkup with Dr. Nate and the complimentary one-hour massage.
We thank Elite Sports and Spine for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here, and find info on joining the team by going here.
9:54 AM: King County Elections confirms this morning that the actual counting has concluded in the by-hand recount of the first-ever Seattle City Council District 1 race. 
“The tallying portion of the recount is done, but there is still additional reconciliation work to do,” KCE’s Kim van Ekstrom tells WSB. By multiple accounts, the “tallying” left Lisa Herbold on top; you’ll recall that she had a 39-vote lead over Shannon Braddock when the official results were certified a week and a half ago. That was a close-enough margin for a mandatory recount by hand, and the vote counting started, and finished, yesterday. Publicola reports that Braddock already has called Herbold to congratulate her. KC Elections says the final certification is still scheduled for Monday, and promises an update on that later today. (WSB photo from Herbold’s Election Night party)
10:28 AM: From KCE via e-mail: “An official announcement on the outcome of the recount will be made on Monday, Dec. 7 by 2:30 p.m. following the Canvass Board meeting at 1:00 p.m.”
Happy Friday! Two sets of previews for you – first, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide:
WYATT’S OPEN HOUSE: Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor) open house @ Westwood Village, 10 am-6 pm. (2600 SW Barton)
POTTERY SHOW AND SALE: Brace Point Pottery‘s 18th annual Holiday Art Show and Sale, 4 pm-9 pm (continuing Saturday and Sunday, 10-5). This year Loren Lukens brings in four additional artists in an exhibition of pottery, wearables, jewelry and prints. A Seattle Sampling event – follow the link for other local participants. (4208 SW 100th)
HUSKY DELI OPEN HOUSE: One of The Junction’s most-anticipated events every holiday season – Husky Deli‘s holiday open house, 6-8 pm. (4721 California SW)
‘LIGHT UP THE NIGHT’: Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish & School invites you to “Light Up the Night: An Evening of Caroling and Community,” with Christmas caroling, arts and crafts, cookies and hot cocoa, and of course, lights! “Please bring non-perishable food items (for the West Seattle Food Bank) to fill our sleigh and help our community.” 7 pm, in the Parish Life Center as well as in the street north of the church’s main building across the street. (35th/Myrtle)
‘WONDERFUL LIFE’: Night two for the holiday show at ArtsWest in The Junction. Curtain at 7:30 pm. (4711 California SW)
‘CHRISTMAS CAROL’: Opening night for Twelfth Night Productions‘ holiday show, “A Christmas Carol: A Live Radio Play.” 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall; buy your ticket(s) online at this Brown Paper Tickets link or an hour before showtime at the venue box office. (7904 35th SW)
HOLIDAY LIGHT SHOWS: All three of West Seattle’s brightest displays continue tonight:
–Menashe Family Lights (5605 Beach Drive SW) – WSB coverage here
–West Seattle Lights (3908 SW Charlestown) – WSB coverage here
–West Seattle Yuletide (38th SW north of Genesee) – WSB coverage here
We’ve added a lot to the Holiday Guide in recent days, so browse it when you can, to plan ahead! Now, from the regular year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
PAUL SCHMID AT WORDS, WRITERS, WEST SEATTLE: 5-7 pm at Barnes & Noble/Westwood Village, author/illustrator Paul Schmid will not only talk about his work, including “Oliver and His Alligator,” but will also demonstrate how he draws:
Details in our listing. (2800 SW Barton)
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY DANCE: Announced by the HPE PTA: “Families are invited to spend the evening on the dance floor with music provided by DJ Spinderella. There will also be a bake sale, raffle, and Yuen Lui will be on site to take free family photos with an option to purchase an upgraded package. Cost is $2/person, or $5/family. 6-8 in the cafeteria” (1012 SW Trenton)
CORNER BAR AT HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: First Friday means fun at HPIC’s pop-up bar. It opens at 6 pm with DJ Dr. Lehl, changing at 7 pm to High Wired NoNet, and then Danny Newcomb and The Sugarmakers at 8:30 pm. (12th SW & SW Holden)
BASKETBALL CLOTHING DRIVE: Again at tonight’s home basketball games at West Seattle High School, warm clothing is being collected for homeless women and their kids helped by the YWCA’s shelter: “We are asking for new or gently used hats, scarves and gloves. Other items that would be helpful are 2016 calendars so they can keep track of their appointments, as well as bus tokens and diapers in any size.” Tonight’s opponent is Roosevelt, girls’ varsity at 6:30 pm, boys’ varsity at 8 pm, all at the WSHS Gym. (3000 California SW)
FIVE-BUCK BAND: Pop-rock at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The first of the winter concerts by the West Seattle Community Orchestras features WSSO with “Dvorak Symphony no. 8,” 7:30 pm, conductor Kim Roy, admission free, donations appreciated. Auditorium @ Chief Sealth International High School. (2600 SW Thistle)
(Six WS-relevant views; more cams on the WSB Traffic page)
One problem in the area as we head for the start of the commute – the aftermath of a crash on the northbound 1st Avenue South bridge is reported to have backed up traffic for miles.
WEEKEND PREVIEWS: Another reminder about Saturday night – SW Alaska will close between California and 42nd for the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays Tree Lighting, 4-8 pm tomorrow. (Here’s our update with the tree-lighting lineup.) … Work is scheduled to start tomorrow on dock upgrades at Seacrest to get it ready for new, larger Water Taxi vessel M/V Doc Maynard.
Start your Saturday with a neighborhood good deed. Admiral Neighborhood Association president David Whiting says the quarterly Adopt-a-Street is on:
This Saturday, December 5th, is our final Adopt-A-Street cleanup for the year. I’ve heard back from the manager of Metropolitan Market and they will be ready for us with coffee and snacks at 9:00 am in front of the store. We should be done by 12:00 noon.
If you’ve never participated before, ANA provides gloves, safety vests, bags and long-handled tools to grab litter. All you need to do is show up and sign up. We divide up into small groups and cover the streets around the junction. In case you need to ensure you’ll be on Santa’s “nice list,” volunteering this Saturday is a timely opportunity to make a good impression.
The market’s on SW Admiral Way between 41st SW and 42nd SW.
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