Myers Way ‘monstrosity,’ crime-fighting emphasis, and Mental Health First Aid @ West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
For the fourth time in two weeks, the big headline in a community-meeting update from Southwest Precinct police leadership was the Myers Way east-side cleanup – now under way.
This time, the update was at the first West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting since the group’s summer hiatus (most community groups skip at least a month of meetings in the summer). The meeting also included a briefing on Mental Health First Aid training. But first:
POLICE BRIEFING: Precinct commander Capt. Pierre Davis said they’re trying to “not spend a lot of time reintroducing ourselves to old problems … there’s a lot of frustration with problems that pop up over and over again.” He said RVs and encampments are a recurring concern and insisted “we go after them very vigorously until we get them gone.” He said they have been “dismantling that monstrosity,” referring to the illegal encampment on Myers Way where a major city-led cleanup is in its second day – we went by again this afternoon and saw 29 city vehicles large and small, including SPD’s Mobile Precinct.
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Police called, letter sent to families after student brings pellet gun to CSIHS
No weapons means no weapons. That’s the reminder from Chief Sealth International High School principal Aida Fraser-Hammer in this letter sent to families this evening after an incident on campus today:
We have had a strong and focused start to the school year and been excited to see our students and families. We continue to work with students to ensure that we have a positive school culture and a welcoming environment for all students.
We also want to ensure that our schools remain safe, therefore I am updating you on an incident at Chief Sealth today. Although no one was threatened or hurt, the situation raises concerns. Today, a pellet gun was found in one of our student’s backpacks. Because of the zero-tolerance policy around weapons, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) was called. Our investigation, in conjunction with SPD is complete, and the involved parents have been contacted. Additionally, the student has been disciplined consistent with district procedures.
As you are aware, adolescent students have complex social dynamics. Ensuring that students know appropriate behavioral expectations and that all students are safe is our goal. We occasionally hear from students that they feel unsafe in the community and therefore maintain carry weapons for protection. Our staff continues to discuss personal safety with students as well as district rules and state laws.
Most importantly, I wanted to let families know about these conversations and ask families to help all our students understand the importance of keeping schools weapon-free as well as the importance of sharing critical safety information immediately with adults at school. I am providing a link to some additional information that might be helpful during these discussions. seattle.gov/police/community-policing/youth-safety-tips
Please be assured that the safety and security of our students is a top priority at Chief Sealth International High School. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Aida Fraser-Hammer, Principal
Chief Sealth International High School
Thanks to the Sealth parent who shared the letter. We appreciate tips and info about all schools’ news and events of all types – good and not-so-good – editor@westseattleblog.com or 206-293-6302, text or voice, any time.
BIZNOTE: The Plant Store opens in South Delridge
Miles has a master’s degree in plant physiology and a passion for ornamental plants, so he has just opened a business to put his interests to work: The Plant Store is at 9428 Delridge Way SW, a little shop with a big selection of indoor plants. Some are familiar – cacti, succulents – some are exotic:
Miles also plans to use the shop as a hub for classes and consultations, and might offer a few outdoor plants – herbs, for example – by the time the next warm season comes along. The Plant Store is planning a grand opening event on Saturday, October 20th, but it’s already fully open – you can stop by 10 am-6 pm Tuesdays-Saturdays, noon-4 pm Sundays. (The Plant Store is closed Mondays.)
Want to be part of history? First-ever National Coming Out Day celebration @ Hiawatha Community Center
Next month, for the first time, Hiawatha Community Center is organizing a celebration for National Coming Out Day. It’s happening October 11th – still more than two weeks away – but they’re circulating word early not only for calendar-marking, but also because community/LGBTQ-focused organizations are invited to have a presence at the event, according to Hiawatha’s Andrea Sisco. She shared the event announcement:
Join the Hiawatha Community as we celebrate National Coming Out Day. Whether it’s coming out as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ) or as an ally, we come together in celebration and advocacy of equality and living openly. Come on over to Hiawatha Community Center on October 11th from 5-7 pm in the Hiawatha gymnasium for activities, live music, performances, food and access to resources to learn more about and demonstrate support for our LGBTQ community.
Those already planning to participate are the Give Back Brass Band and Boom Dance Studios, plus other providers of “activities and resources for all ages,” Andrea says. If your organization wants to be part of it too, you can e-mail Andrea at andrea.sisco@seattle.gov.
FOLLOWUP: Plea bargain for Gregory Thompson in fish theft and other cases
We’ve reported multiple times on Puget Ridge resident Gregory L. Thompson, but the case that drew the most attention was the June theft of thousands of dollars in seafood that had just been delivered to Seattle Fish Company, caught on security video.
You might recall that police found the fish when at Thompson’s home in connection with another case. Thompson, who is 28 years old, has been back in jail since mid-June. And now court records show that he has pleaded guilty in that case and others, in one big plea-bargain deal. Among the other cases it covers: The witness-intimidation charge mentioned here, in which he went to the house of the owner of a vehicle he had stolen – after it was returned – and shot out its window. Other cases involved firearms and drug violations. Thompson is scheduled for sentencing on October 5th; court documents say prosecutors will recommend 15 months in state prison, including drug treatment as part of the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative option.
UPDATE: Vault fire on Alki, 3,000-customer power outage in West Seattle
8:07 AM: Thanks for the texts/tweets/etc. Getting multiple reports of a power outage in multiple areas. Almost 3,000 customers per City Light map.
8:10 AM: There’s a “vault fire” call in the 1100 block of Alki.
8:15 AM: First crews on scene there are seeing “small amount of smoke” from a grate, per SFD.
(Added: Photo sent by Wendy)
8:20 AM: Alki Avenue is blocked by the fire response (here’s where that’s happening).
8:25 AM: Our crew is en route; we’re monitoring the fire per scanner in the meantime. The vault is underground in front of a five-story Alki condo building. Crews report the smoke has dissipated.
(WSB photos from here down)
8:42 AM: Our crew has arrived and reports that traffic is blocked for about 100 yards either way. The fire scene is by Luna/Anchor Park. City Light is on scene too.
Per scanner, meantime, the SFD response is being downsized.
8:59 AM: Getting reports that at least some have their power back.
9:03 AM: Alki Avenue has reopened; SFD has completely closed out of the call. SCL map says the outage is down to 100 customers.
P.S. SCL blamed the fire on “a failed underground cable, which burned some of the insulation.”
TRAFFIC/TRANSIT TODAY: First Tuesday of fall
(SDOT MAP with travel times/video links; is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE)
7:15 AM: Good morning! No incidents so far outbound from West Seattle.
STADIUM ZONE: 7:10 pm Mariners game tonight at Safeco Field.
8:30 AM: Just a note, we’re covering the power outage/Alki vault fire separately here. Remember that if you happen onto a nonfunctioning traffic signal, it’s a four-way stop.
UPDATE: ‘Scenes of violence’ call in High Point
2:41 AM: Just checked this out after a tip. SFD and all but one Seattle Police officer had already cleared the scene in the 7100 block of 29th SW. SPD says it was a “person in crisis” situation and that the person has been taken to the hospital. We’ll add any followup information we get later.
12:53 PM: Update from SFD: The person who was transported was taken to the hospital in stable condition with what was determined to be a self-inflicted wound.
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