UPDATE: 2 hurt in Alki drive-by shooting

Anonymous August 2, 2020 (4:54 am)

Drivers/Shooters vehicle was a lifted Chevy Black Silverado with all black tinted windows. Looked to be late 90s or 2000’s Silverado. Would be easy to spot

WSB August 2, 2020 (4:59 am)

Hopefully you have told police that? If not, they are asking for tips at 206-233-5000.

JL-Alki August 2, 2020 (5:36 am)

The beach has gotten completely out of control at night. There are so many fires — typically 15 to 20 — that no effort is made to clear them out. The loud speedy cars are all there, as well as many other unrelated groups. Firetrucks, which are usually the ones in charge of dousing illegal fires, drive by several times a night without stopping. They probably think it’s too dangerous to walk in and confront the people, and they’re probably right. On Friday night my guess was that it would take a shooting to get the police down here to Alki, and on Saturday night that was proven to be correct. Thank you for coming down.

Gokargirl August 2, 2020 (12:09 pm)

Go to Governor Inslee’s twitter account and FB page and post a comment about it. No social distancing or masks were worn by any of the crowds I saw at 10:30 p.m. It was as if Covid-19 didn’t exist.
- Real West Seattleite August 2, 2020 (2:42 pm)
  
  CLOSE ALKI BEACH OR ENFORCE A CURFEW I am a 30 year old West Seattle Native and I have never seen Alki so out of control…! The crowds are ridiculous and dangerous for us being in a pandemic situation! I cannot believe the City has not done anything about it… I have lost faith in our City’s Governance and this is coming from a left leaning bleeding heart liberal! How do you remove the fire rings…then not enforce the new law you have now created? I have called the police multiple times and nothing is being done about the 6+ fires being set each night. Someones child is is gonna get third degree burns the next day when they walk through one of Mayor Durken’s illegal fires! PLEASE ENFORCE the city’s laws and do something about this problem down on Alki that is completely out of control and going to end in people getting hurt.
WestSeaRes August 2, 2020 (12:17 pm)

Would this deteriorating situation not make Alki a good candidate for several of those mobile surveillance trailers/masts, such as those seen at Westwood Village or elsewhere? I personally dislike the big brother/police state optics, but it would seem this is the ideal situation for these devices – an alternative and ever-present method to curb activity in specific areas where criminal activity is rampant. Unfortunately, summer evenings at Alki have become exactly just. Obviously it has to be coupled with actual enforcement, but I have to believe it would has some deterrence effect, and also aide with evidence for prosecution if/when events like last night occur.
Pam August 2, 2020 (11:11 pm)

I moved out of WS after 60 years here! That is my whole life! Tired of panhandlers, extreme noise from Alki & fireworks all the time. Our city is out of control. Thanks for the memories. This gal has moved on!

22blades August 2, 2020 (5:38 am)

Close. The. Beach. We don’t need anymore drama & distraction right now in a pandemic.

Candrewb August 2, 2020 (10:55 am)

Who’s going to enforce it? Police? Not anymore.
Beach Teach August 2, 2020 (12:27 pm)

I agree… CLOSE THE BEACH…. and CLOSE ALKI AVE. I live down here, and I am simply disgusted by the hundreds and hundreds of people NOT wearing masks… several of the restaurants are totally ignoring the restrictions on seating and should be severely warned…. (I won’t name them…. but c’mon guys…) And now, South King county is showing signs of being a “hot spot” for Covid spread….. and a lot of those kids are coming to Alki Beach, as they always do…… Do the math…. CLOSE ALKI BEACH AREA.
Rhonda A August 2, 2020 (2:27 pm)

I have been requesting by email with both parks and recreation as well as the city council/mayor to close the beach, but they won’t. Parks and recreations says It’s up to the city and the city says it’s up to the parks and recreations .. so you see how this is going?!!

Me August 2, 2020 (5:55 am)

If people think this won’t continue to get worse with the defunding of the police, you’d be wrong. As someone with degrees in criminal justice theory, it’s all about deterrence. As it is right now, there is no deterrence for criminals. We aren’t prosecuting criminals in this city/county and the police have their hands tied. If you think criminals are too dumb to understand this, go out and see how many have been arrested 10+ times and are still on the streets. I’d like to see more deterrence in our communities. Somehow there’s this train of thought that if we take money from the police and all of a sudden invest it into other programs, crime will magically disappear. I think we should be funding mental health programs better, but at the state level they’re awful. We need more funding not just within the city. And while taking 50% of the police budget will be critical to our public safety, it won’t even make a dent in helping those with mental illness, addiction and homelessness, and investing in BIPOC communities. And I surely don’t trust our city council to be managing the allocation of these funds and management of the programs. How much money have we wasted as a city over the past decade with a booming economy?

heartless August 2, 2020 (9:18 am)

You are correct in that deterrence hinges on the perception that someone will be caught and punished. When police are currently not enforcing the laws that leads to a perception that other laws might not be enforced. So police ignoring the illegal fires, or ignoring illegal fireworks (or–not much better, telling people to stop and then turning their backs while people continue) might result in higher levels of other crimes.

However, you have no evidence that defunding police will result in the worsening changes you claim. I feel like I have to point this out quite often, but here it is again: Police currently not enforcing laws is NOT a reason to fear defunding. Police currently not enforcing laws is a problem in and of itself. It is quite silly to point out that police are not enforcing laws and then worry that with defunding police will…continue to not enforce laws?

I agree with most of your points–there is an unhealthy gap between the laws and what is actually enforced/prosecuted. We don’t need to increase the severity of punishment–as that does NOT deter crime–but we do need to actually enforce the laws–citing people, having them spend the night in jail, etc.
- HowAboutNow? August 2, 2020 (11:42 am)
  
  The criminal evaluates the risk/reward of an act and makes a conscious decision to act. This decision is based on the “expected value” of the outcome which would, in simple form be the odds of getting caught plus the odds of being prosecuted multiplied by the likely punishment. Increase any of those three – policy availability, conviction rate, severity, and you do increase deterrence.It doesn’t take a lot of police or enforcement to deter drug trafficking in Singapore and Malaysia when the punishment is death. While obviously extreme and likely unconstitutional here, it does reinforce the point.
  - heartless August 2, 2020 (2:13 pm)
    
    “ Increase any of those three – policy availability, conviction rate, severity, and you do increase deterrence.”
    
    Nope. You are wrong.
  - Tony August 2, 2020 (6:21 pm)
    
    I was scared of being arrested and going to jail/prison when I was younger….That fear kept me out of a LOT of stupid situations…especially doing break and enters with my peers (who are now mostly dead or in prison, different state BTW)….The fear of police/prison also stopped me from trying heroin even though I was curious (young people do not think rationally)If I was a young person in Seattle NOW,…I would see the Police let you get away with almost anything and defunding and less cops will lead to MUCH MORE crime, addicts, drunk driving, assaults etc. CRIMMINALS KNOW THIS & THEY WILL FLOCK TO SEATTLE….I do not understand this City Hall at all
    - heartless August 2, 2020 (8:10 pm)
      
      Sure, the fear of getting caught reduces crime. So if you are within eyesight of a cop, you’re less likely to commit a crime. Beyond that, the type of punishment levied doesn’t matter. Hell, studies have shown that the death penalty doesn’t even deter crime–so if that’s not going to stop criminals, I mean…
- B.W. August 2, 2020 (12:46 pm)
  
  You ever stop to think that maybe police don’t enforce low level crimes anymore because the prosecutors office doesn’t hold most misdemeanor crimes accountable? So your illegal fires and alchohol on the beach fit that bill. Imagine when a cop tries to tell someone to put out that fire and they refuse? Why would a cop want to get into a confrontation for an illegal fire that a prosecutor will probably toss out anyway. This isn’t only on the police, this is on us as citizens of what we want from our criminal justice system. And right now, we are actually fine with what’s going on at Alki because the main thing most of us do is complain on a blog.
- Erithan August 2, 2020 (6:48 pm)
  
  The police aren’t ignoring things, they are not allowed to be pro active, nor come out for anything that’s non violent right now. :/Just a note, as their hands are being tired.
  - heartless August 2, 2020 (8:11 pm)
    
    I don’t suppose you have any evidence that the city of Seattle is preventing people being fined for, say, illegal fires?
Vincent August 2, 2020 (9:29 am)

Police presence at Alki, especially after hours has a been a consistent no show for decades even with large increases in budget for officers.The rest of your post is current events word salad, the reality is the police have never been interested in dedicated presence or enforcement at Alki despite the flagrance of crime and the pleas of residents.
G Burns August 2, 2020 (10:05 am)

I’m surprised that your degree taught you that deterrence works, I learned otherwise.
- heartless August 2, 2020 (4:53 pm)
  
  I mean, it’s an undergrad degree, probably from Seattle U, so take it with a grain or three of salt…
Elton August 2, 2020 (10:11 am)

This is an honest question: defunding aside, are the police really doing a very good job on Alki right now? I see plenty of the troublemakers, but I’m not seeing much of a police presence on these busy weekend nights. Maybe it’s there and I’m just not seeing it?
- Lou August 2, 2020 (11:46 am)
  
  No. The police are not doing a good job on Alki right now, with their current funding. It’s a problem every summer. This year, the parks department (or whoever) removed the fire pits to stop gatherings, they clear the beach at sunset (9:30 ish) and then the crowds come back and stay late into the night with illegal fires, banned gatherings (pandemic!), fireworks, and guns. The police should be patrolling and enforcing the rules. The beach is supposed to be closed at night.
AMD August 2, 2020 (10:15 am)

If there’s no deterrence now, what are we paying for and why should we keep paying for there to be no deterrence? I think you just illustrated WHY defunding makes sense. Your post basically says “police work is fruitless because the rest of the system is broken” so shifting money away from SPD to other parts of the system is a good, logical answer.
WSMom August 2, 2020 (10:25 am)

ME:Thank you for your comment. I agree 100%.BTW- have you considered running for City Council? Please?
- Me August 2, 2020 (11:48 am)
  
  WSMom- ha! Somehow I don’t think I’d ever get elected in this city. Being pro enforcement and holding people accountable doesn’t seem to be the most popular opinion in Seattle.
  - WSC August 2, 2020 (3:00 pm)
    
    Seriously!!
  - LocalAlki August 2, 2020 (3:01 pm)
    
    I’d vote for you!!
Me2 August 2, 2020 (10:32 am)

Yes, let’s blame the idea of reforming the police because LITERALLY every year they have managed to stop this BS each summer, right?. They are doing such an amazing job preventing this that in no way should we challenge the police needing new training, better educated police and god forbid creating dovetailed roles of people who are actually educated and trained in handling mental health, drug addicts, gang specialist be considered.Seriously, wagging your finger at pushing for reform when, to date, the police have FAILED to not only prevent these acts but to actually proactively identify what is causing these issues, makes you look foolish. Definition of insanity is continuing to do the same thing and expecting different results, and just throwing more money at a problem never solves the issue either. REFORM is needed.
- Me August 2, 2020 (11:33 am)
  
  There hasn’t been deterrence taking place for a while. This is nothing new. It has gotten worse in our political climate however and that shouldn’t be too hard to understand. Police contacting someone over something minor (fireworks, burning illegally, etc) leads to a potential use of force if the person resists arrest or fights with the officer. Worst case scenario, if the person is killed during this encounter, the sentiment will be, “wow, this person was just lighting off fireworks and was killed by police! How terrible”. People can’t seem to think logically about the numerous actions that took place between the police contact and the use of force. That’s not to say every use of force is justified, but we’ve somehow gotten to the point where we assume every use of force is unjustified. I would like a larger police presence as a form of deterrence. And to my earlier point, I’d also like people to actually be held accountable to the laws on the books. Our prosecutors in this city/county don’t charge on a lot of crimes or their filing standard is so high people aren’t being charged with the crimes they committed. If you don’t like the laws on the books, change them but it shouldn’t be up to prosecutors as to which laws we should and shouldn’t hold people accountable for.
W SEA Res August 2, 2020 (12:33 pm)

I agree. Change policing where needed but defund? No!
Zark00 August 2, 2020 (2:35 pm)

Weird that your criminal justice theory degree would not have included “there is no evidence that the deterrent effect increases when the likelihood of conviction increases.”Seems like since the National Institute of Justice Office of Justice Programs published it as fact, it should have been in your curriculum.
- Greg August 2, 2020 (3:43 pm)
  
  Conviction is pretty deep into the process after arrest, charging, bail, arraignment, etc. I wonder which part of the process acts as the deterrent?
  - heartless August 2, 2020 (8:12 pm)
    
    Look it up, Greg.
Mrs M August 2, 2020 (10:27 pm)

Thank you!
Beach Teach August 3, 2020 (11:24 am)

Normally, I would probably agree… I’ve always supported the SPD, and have several friends on the force. However, I noticed two police officers on Alki Beach Several days after July fourth….It was 11:30 pm, and the beach was completely out of control….Fireworks exploding, way too many beach fires, hundreds of young people without masks, partying…. even drinking. I asked the officers if they were by themselves, and they stated there were other officers in the area…… and yet, NONE of the officers were doing ANYTHING. They simply shrugged their shoulders and continued leaning against their squad car…… WITHOUT masks. If this is how they protect & serve, of course they need to be defunded…. they were serving no one, and did nothing.

Eric on Alki August 2, 2020 (6:13 am)

Alki is the new nightclub. Drinking in the open, double parking on the streets, fires everywhere, no police presence. Maybe with this shooting that luckily didn’t kill anybody, we will see an uptick in police rounds at night (not during the day when it is not needed!). Look, we get that y’all are upset that there are talks to defund (poor term, btw) SPD but this tactic of ignoring public safety to prove a point must end. SPD is losing support among those who want the system restructured but also consider the officers jobs as essential to an overpopulated city during a pandemic. Don’t wait until somebody gets killed to do the right thing and protect and defend the public.

Peter S. August 2, 2020 (9:55 am)

@Eric: I don’t think the police are trying to make a point. They’re stretched thin, over-worked, and as noted elsewhere, have their hands tied when it comes to handing out deterrence. The problem is at the city and county leadership level.
- Agree with ya August 2, 2020 (12:05 pm)
  
  I watched the shooting from my front porch. Took cops maybe 5-10 mins to show up and when they did, it was at least 10 SPD suvs, 2 fire trucks, and an ambulance. They were taking it extremely seriously.
Xman August 2, 2020 (9:58 am)

Interesting theory and if true it’s a bit shocking. If I were the police I would be trying to prove my worth rather than try to prove a point. Police in India don’t play though, they go about beating people with sticks when they get out of order.
Me August 2, 2020 (10:35 am)

Seriously? Do you know how many officers are on at any given time in West Seattle? It’s not nearly as many as you think. If they’re responding to other calls, they can’t just sit down at the beach. This is what I was talking about above- deterrence. Whether people want to admit it or not, more of a police presence does lead to deterrence (as does actually prosecuting people for the crimes they commit). It’s not that SPD just isn’t doing their job. There aren’t enough of them.
- heartless August 2, 2020 (11:31 am)
  
  You’re incorrect. Even when police are at Alki, and they often are, they are not enforcing what they should be.
  
  Once again, police, who ARE at Alki, are not enforcing the laws.
  - Beach Teach August 3, 2020 (11:28 am)
    
    …EXACTLY.
- Zark00 August 2, 2020 (2:42 pm)
  
  You are wrong. More police on the street where people can see them does deter crime in a very local area, it’s about 2 blocks in any direction from the police presence. Increased prosecution rates have zero deterrent impact. Increased sentences have zero deterrent impact. Your assessment that a criminal makes these calculations as to the likelihood of prosecution and severity of punishment before deciding to commit a crime directly contradicts criminal justice theory. This is CJ theory 101, like first year, basic, stuff.
  - heartless August 2, 2020 (3:43 pm)
    
    What Zark said is correct, even simple internet research could tell anyone that. Anyone that cares to look and learn, that is.
Erin98126 August 2, 2020 (10:46 am)

I don’t believe the police are intentionally ignoring public safety because there are talks to defend them. They’ve lost all authority with this all or nothing movement that all police are evil. Any attempt the police makes to uphold the law in a crowd could provoke an uprising or riot and the police have no power to protect themselves right now. They are having to walk on egg shells. And therefore are probably having to weigh the risks of clearing a large group illegally hanging out on Alki versus the risk of letting them stay.

Gini Jobnson August 2, 2020 (6:25 am)

And the City Council wants to defund the Seattle Police Department!COVID-19 is making people crazy more now than they’ve ever been. We are going to need more police. More Police, not less. It makes me MAD/SAD that our beautiful Alki was once again in the news for a SHOOTING. This madness has to STOP.

Ryan August 2, 2020 (9:31 am)

But police presence is markedly down at Alki and none of the usual rules are being enforced this year. I wonder why? Could it be that SPD is retaliating against citizens for Council’s defund proposal by refusing to police, in a very visible way?Sounds sort of like an organization that should be defunded.

WorstSeattle August 2, 2020 (6:30 am)

Shut. Alki. Down. Now.So much coronavirus spread happening. The mixing pot of Alki is not what this city needs right now.

flimflam August 2, 2020 (6:34 am)

just another lovely evening at the beach…”This happened during what already was a busy night at Alki, as residents were telling us around midnight – from multiple illegal beach fires to fireworks to stunt-driving in the street “if only the authorities knew about this secret hot spot of illegal activity and dangerous non-observance of social distancing, maybe they could do something about this?

heartless August 2, 2020 (9:22 am)

“if only the authorities knew about this secret hot spot of illegal activity and dangerous non-observance of social distancing, maybe they could do something about this?”

Made me laugh. Yes, if only…
Anonymous Coward August 2, 2020 (11:34 am)

I love the reference! “If only…. knew!” It’s funny, ’cause it’s true.

Cogburn August 2, 2020 (6:45 am)

How will having no West Seattle precinct and half as many officers here help this situation? You could oppose the defund, sign the petition, and continue to have only this level of crime in WS. Which will you have?

Kulak August 2, 2020 (7:24 am)

This is so sad!Well, I’m sure glad we’re on the path to defunding the
police. While we’re at, let’s get rid of all our privileged rules;
such as the curfew at the beach or any rules and regulations. And why not
let anyone with a tent live there too. We are a privileged people wanting the beach
to a safe place for everyone, don’t you think?

Kulak August 2, 2020 (9:12 am)

BTW, this comment was meant to be as preposterous as the idea of defunding the SPD is
- heartless August 2, 2020 (11:16 am)
  
  No worries, we’re all aware of how preposterous your comments are.
1994 August 2, 2020 (9:57 am)

Roxhill Park across the street from Target has had a tent camper for 4 or 5 months! The parks people even mow the grass around the tent. The street by the skate park has 3 vehicles parked forever! that are full of GARBAGE! Those vehicles attract rodents and are a health hazard. I have seen rodents in vehicles full of garbage. Our tax dollars are not working to keep the city clean and safe.

El' Jefe August 2, 2020 (7:33 am)

I missed the memo that I can now park my vehicle on the beach. Here in Gatewood you can drive your car into our parks, the wading pool. I guess the city council is right, we don’t need police just do as you please.

OneTimeCharley August 2, 2020 (7:50 am)

Getting super tired of these entitled 20 somethings and teens. Time for some of them to start getting fines for being on the beach after hours. Maybe after a few get saddled with that relatively benign punishment, of $500, then they will begin to behave as responsible citizens. Yes, I fully blame their parents for their crap attitudes towards one another and all of the rest of us. Stay at home until you can reliably not pass on a disease that may well kill someone one or two or three infections down the road. Maybe it’s time to start the draft again? It sure would teach some hard lessons in responsibility that they missed at home while they were being coddled.

Alki resident August 2, 2020 (7:52 am)

Our West Seattle council members must take note. We need to keep the Southwest Precinct open.

Parker August 2, 2020 (10:05 am)

Agreed! And we need the presence of the police who will actually start enforcing. The City sends a Parks Dept. employee to drive a “Parks Dept.” car with lights to move people out at sunset but no one leaves! How about if the Mayor and Governor come to Alki on a summer night?
Parker August 2, 2020 (10:06 am)

We need to remove the City Council! They just damage our City and neighborhoods!

Mark August 2, 2020 (8:04 am)

Thank goodness we have a police department still. I’m sure this type of thing will stop after we defund the police though.

Parker August 2, 2020 (10:05 am)

How about if we refund and remove City Council? They aren’t helping matters.

Duwamesque August 2, 2020 (8:29 am)

How about turning all of Alki Ave into a Stay Healthy Street? Ban all cars except local access, open up the street to walking, biking, jogging. No more loud motorcycles, drag racers or drive-by shootings. Just a thought.

Resident August 2, 2020 (9:28 am)

Good idea to explore further.
Parker August 2, 2020 (9:28 am)

Exactly! Where are the police and why aren’t they enforcing the rules? No safe social distancing on Alki and large groups of people with no masks. Residents no longer feel safe walking on Alki. There isn’t room! The noise from loud cars, music and fireworks is unbearable despite an apparent noise ordinance that is never enforced!.Fireworks for a month now often until 4am! Despite a burn ban, and a notice that parks close at sunset, the fires and parties continue on the beach. Folks disrespect the environment as trash is left behind that ultimately ends up on the beach and in our neighborhood. It is unbearable.Also overgrown foxtail weeds that are dangerous to animals. What happened? We used to take pride In our landscaping at Alki but the Parks Dept. employees have been instructed not to maintain it? Is this all due to our City Council deciding how to reprioritize our tax paying funds? They want to close the SW police station making it impossible for police to get here (even if they do come) so more thugs can hang out at Alki knowing they won’t get caught or nothing will be enforced?
LocalAlki August 2, 2020 (9:37 am)

Please let’s start a movement/petition to revert Alki to a safe place free of street racing, drag racing, open drinking and drug use, past curfew social gatherings, and all other illegal happenings from non-locals. Yes, close it down. Much like Golden Gardens. Allow parking and handicapped access but make the beach a walk up and walk through only. I’ll bet you’ll get a lot of support!
wetone August 2, 2020 (9:42 am)

Great idea….not. All that would do is move problems elsewhere. This is not just Alki issue, it’s city, county issue. Until we have proper leadership it will only get worse. Police need ok from mayor to ticket or arrest those breaking laws. Prosecutors need to start prosecuting law breakers. Judges need to properly sentence whether mental heath, rehab or jail. Most of city council needs to go. I have no problems paying more taxes if it was being prioritized correctly, but the way this city is going now we’re looking to most likely move sooner than later……
Alkilocal August 2, 2020 (9:46 am)

Yes. Thank you. Make a petition and I’m sure you’ll have lots of support. Alki has gotten out of control every night. Open drug and alcohol use, street racing and drag racing, fireworks, beach fires, litter, many closed park curfew violators; many from non locals. Make it like Golden Gardens. Walk up and walk through. It’s gotten way out of hand and it’s now dangerous every night.
beachsteve August 2, 2020 (9:47 am)

this is a no brainer. should have done this months ago. there is no reason for that street to be open to cars. plus the locals know how to get where they need on alki without driving along the beach and have lots of practice avoiding driving on alki avenue when it’s busy.
Duffy August 2, 2020 (9:52 am)

I’m all for this. I’m sick and tired of our community being taken advantage of.
Patrick August 2, 2020 (10:06 am)

+1

I think it would be good for us residents and visitors alike.
Anonymous August 2, 2020 (10:06 am)

I wish they would do this.
Sue L. August 2, 2020 (10:37 am)

Great idea, Duwamesque! I’ve been wanting that to happen at Alaska Junction too. But Alki is the first priority.
Brian Feusagach August 2, 2020 (10:55 am)

Good idea – I am sure others have been thinking about this as well because “closing” the beach would likely need more resources than dealing with scofflaws now requires. I do think turning Alki Ave into a Stay Healthy Street brings its own set of challenges: * Blocking off both ends of Alki could be relatively easy (say at 63rd Ave SW and at SW California Pl). * But what about the 15 or so streets that intersect Alki Ave between Bonair and 63rd Ave SW? Those might need to be blocked off as well. * Finally, the impacts to the nearby neighborhoods and businesses on Alki Ave would have to be considered. I hope this idea does gain traction ….
Frog August 2, 2020 (11:20 am)

To make this work, the city would need to eliminate all parking on Alki Ave. and also limit the rest of the neighborhood to parking by resident permit only, 24-7. If they just make Alki Ave. a closed street, the effect would be to move the illegal parking, stunt driving, violence, and vandalism to the side streets of the neighborhood.
Anonymous Coward August 2, 2020 (11:37 am)

You’re saying that all we need to do is put out a sign at either end of Alki stating that it’s only open to local traffic? ’cause no one is going to drive around it? No, siree! If we put up another sign, then people are absolutely going to obey it! I’ve got an idea! Why don’t we put up some signs telling people to go home at, say 10p?
Anne August 2, 2020 (12:00 pm)

So the answer to those groups that abuse/ignore rules -is to make it harder for rest of WS to enjoy beach & restaurants? What- turn Alki into private beach boardwalk for those that live nearby? Wonder how the businesses/restaurants along Alki feel about that idea? Would those that stroll this new ALKI AVE-be enough to keep them in business?? What about those that live in the neighborhoods around Alki-they are already jammed with cars- if parking along Alki is gone how much worse would that be??
Beach Teach August 3, 2020 (11:33 am)

I LOVE this idea….. let our city have a huge example of a “Healthy Street”!!!!

Doug August 2, 2020 (9:11 am)

Will this get the attention of Lisa Herbold? Wake up City Council!

PatWS August 2, 2020 (9:14 am)

Is that a vehicle (or two?) parked ON the beach sand in the last photo? Yikes.

Jason August 2, 2020 (1:06 pm)

There were FOUR vehicles on the beach at one point!

Alki Rene August 2, 2020 (9:18 am)

What is the point of using Alki as an example for being against defunding the police? I live here. The Southwest precinct isn’t dealing with Alki activity now. These fires, noise … aren’t getting police attention. Prior to the Pandemic a group came for coffee at Starbucks. I think that was our morning patrol. Sometimes I see them eating lunch by the water. Bike Police and patrol cars are pretty absent by the early evening. Alki won’t see any difference if the police department has budget cuts.

heartless August 2, 2020 (11:29 am)

Agreed…

Vanessa August 2, 2020 (9:22 am)

Too bad the cops are busy on capital hill attacking peaceful protestors instead of patrolling an area that is well known to have higher rates of violent crime in the summer. Ignoring spots like Alki is a ploy by the police to make us fight about the budget cuts. They are defending their ego, not citizens. DefundSPD

Alki resident August 2, 2020 (12:16 pm)

Vanessa, exactly when was the last time police had to deal with protesters in Capital Hill? It was this week.

heartless August 2, 2020 (9:23 am)

In this comment section:

People worrying that if defunded the police currently not enforcing laws will continue to not enforce laws.

Brilliant!

Greg Sprinkles August 2, 2020 (10:57 am)

You seem to have very limited knowledge of the things you like to lecture people here on.

The lack of enforcement, which drives the lack of deterrence the other poster referred to, is driven by the DA refusing to prosecute anyone and the council hamstringing SPD. They’ve been rendered largely powerless when it comes to petty crime.
- heartless August 2, 2020 (1:21 pm)
  
  Gotcha, so it’s not the number of cops, it’s a problem with the DA. Reducing the number of police won’t change anything, then. Good to know.
Anonymous Coward August 2, 2020 (11:39 am)

I think they’re saying that with the current budget, police are not able to enforce all the laws we’d like them to enforce. If we take more money away from law enforcement, it’s not likely that MORE laws will be enforced, but less. Do you envision a more likely scenario? What scenario do you envision?
wscommuter August 2, 2020 (12:02 pm)

In this comment section:People worrying that since Alki can’t currently be policed with finite police resources argue that defunding SPD, so there are even less police resources, makes sense.Brilliant!
- heartless August 2, 2020 (1:23 pm)
  
  Nah. Police are frequently at Alki. Police are there and not enforcing the law. This is not about police resources. There are cop cars parked across the street from illegal fires every weekend. Nothing to do with lack of resources. Pay attention.

Mark August 2, 2020 (9:26 am)

Herbold and the rest of the moronic city council will blame this on Amazon. She could care less about the people of West Seattle. The time has come to recall her. How much more of this needs to happen before we wake up and do something.

heartless August 2, 2020 (11:18 am)

I, for one, am glad she could care less. And you should be too!
West Seattle Mad Sci Guy August 2, 2020 (12:03 pm)

I think you mean could not care less.

Barb August 2, 2020 (9:27 am)

Just try and get a letter or a call back from Lisa Herbold on defunding. She is silent to the community responses. I have tried and no response. I have suggested a community town hall to hear from the WS community, no response. Just think of our police precinct gets closed. You think it is bad now wait until police have to come from across town. On the other hand would you want to be cop now with the lack of support the the City Council ?

Al August 2, 2020 (9:38 am)

I’m a bit baffled by some of the defensive comments here. I swear some of them read more like indictments of our current policing and yet they say they’re against defunding. This Alki situation has been bad for years. The police have known and failed to effectively deal with it for years. So far we’ve only tried throwing more money toward policing with no improvement. They have yet to be defunded and yet still fail to deal with it. Why would anyone argue against trying a new strategy? My hope is that if the police didn’t have so many non-confrontational cases on their plate we’d see them more effectively focus on things like this. As a victim of numerous property crimes over the years (none of which have ever been solved or even reasonably investigated in my opinion) I for one am ready to try some new tactics in addressing crime in this city. Including diverting funds to newer departments with more specific responsibilities (and accountability).

Kim August 2, 2020 (11:24 am)

Agree totally.
heartless August 2, 2020 (12:08 pm)

Well said.
B.W. August 2, 2020 (1:12 pm)

Do you understand why your property crimes don’t get solved or the attention you think it deserves? Let me answer that for you..Car prowlers, shop lifters, burglars and auto thieves in the city of Seattle DO NOT get charged often with those crimes. Thus they are free to continue their jobs as property crime experts. The cops used to arrest them but then see them out on the street before the report was done. Hmmm as someone stated in here, doing the same thing over and getting the same result is the definition of insanity. So arresting the same people for property crimes and seeing them released immediately probably means the citizens of Seattle do not care much about it. So if you don’t like your property crime not taken seriously, why don’t you put pressure back on politicans to start holding criminals accountable again.
- heartless August 2, 2020 (8:18 pm)
  
  “Do you understand why your property crimes don’t get solved or the attention you think it deserves?”
  
  Because the police in Seattle have ridiculously low clearance rates for property crime? Truth is, they just never catch them. Check it out, property crime is solved about 10% of the time. One in ten!!!
  
  https://www.npr.org/2015/03/30/395799413/how-many-crimes-do-your-police-clear-now-you-can-find-out

InvestInCommunity August 2, 2020 (9:43 am)

@ME, I’d love to know what white supremacist propaganda you were taught in school, that you think it’s all about deterrence. That’s a peculiarly American take – other countries don’t invest in deterrence as heavily as we do, and somehow they have lower rates of crime than we do. We’ve said “more police” for forty years now and guess what? Shootings still happen. Maybe it’s time to try something else.

Laughing-at-crying-babies August 2, 2020 (9:57 am)

People here complaining about the same things that happen every summer on Alki and trying to make it political. Cry me a low tide and get over yourselves or better yet MOVE OUT. Nobody forcing you to live near a tourist trap that will always have incidences like these. Every summer – let the pearl clutching commence!!

Alki resident August 2, 2020 (11:59 am)

So residents should have to sell their homes & move because punks & thugs can break the law do whatever they want turning a beautiful area into an unsafe trash-ridden cesspool? Brilliant responsible attitude. I’m betting you wouldn’t appreciate someone drag racing in front of your parents house & dumping trash on their lawn. Grow up.
- bluefalcon August 2, 2020 (5:17 pm)
  
  Thank you for saying that its all truth
Cbj August 2, 2020 (1:31 pm)

Hey laughing, I’m laughing at your silly comment that lawful residents should sell their homes if they don’t appreciate the law breaking behaviors, I hope you were kidding if not I’m rather embarrassed for your stupid comment
Patrick August 2, 2020 (1:34 pm)

There were no „tourists“ here, last night, buddy.
JL-Alki August 2, 2020 (6:00 pm)

We’ve been here for 26 years, enough to earn a Ph.D. in the dynamics of Alki. It’s 10x worse this year. I could say more, but will leave it at that. They effectively kept Alki cleared at night for during numerous summers. They know how to do it. They had a process and it worked. They are just sluffing off now. It’s usually important to set the tone at the beginning of the summer, which was totally ignored this year, but it’s not too late.

Kevin August 2, 2020 (10:00 am)

This is crazy! And to think the police do not respond to calls in the WS Junction in the summer unless it’s a shooting, because all resources are diverted to Alki.

TK August 2, 2020 (10:07 am)

I live a block from Alki Ave and drove by around midnight and there was a group of 50 or more around multiple fires on the beach. There was loud music with people drinking and dancing on Alki Ave. Soon after I returned home the fireworks started and I called 911 – they transferred me to a non-emergency line and after about hearing stay on the line your call is important to us about 10 times I hung up. Disgusted, I called 911 again as the fireworks continued and our dogs were shaking, but they said officers were busy on other calls.

Kindred Spirit August 2, 2020 (12:07 pm)

And this is the before we defund police. Frustrating.
- bluefalcon August 2, 2020 (5:19 pm)
  
  exactly
Matt P August 2, 2020 (1:15 pm)

Tell them you heard gunshots not fireworks.

delsouth August 2, 2020 (10:08 am)

Sounds like gang activity. Crazy. Nice area but totally gone chaotic.

WS Longtimer August 2, 2020 (10:15 am)

I think Duwamesque’s idea is a good solution to these ongoing issues with Alki to make it “Stay Healthy Street’s”. I don’t live on Alki, but it sounds like a nightmare with all the fires, smoke, fireworks, late night crowds, loud, racing cars, trash, burnt logs. The racing cars are all over WS, but it seems Alki and Beach Drive are hotspots. On Seattle.gov site shows Email: StayHealthyStreets@Seattle.gov. The site has a survey people can take until August 21, 2020 to input your desires or opinions. Maybe WSB can verify more on this issue. I hope we can keep Alki beautiful and safe.

WSB August 2, 2020 (10:58 am)

Thanks for the mention that the SHS survey is still open – that was not announced after the first extension, but the website indeed says it’s open until 8/21. Linked here:
https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/stay-healthy-streets

Lagartija Nick August 2, 2020 (10:21 am)

To the above commenters; SPD hasn’t been defunded yet and the SW Precinct is still open. This shooting still happened. Judging from the pictures at least a dozen cars responded so the argument that “their hands are tied” doesn’t have merit. Alki is a known hot spot and doesn’t get patrolled unless and until someone gets shot. What were those dozen or so cars doing prior to this shooting? Where were they? Why weren’t they there patrolling to begin with? This seriously comes across as SPD deliberately not doing their jobs to scare citizens from supporting the defund movement.

Boo! August 2, 2020 (11:43 am)

Good luck making any sense to these fear mongers. You are exactly right the police haven’t been defunded yet and these things happen every year.

1994 August 2, 2020 (10:42 am)

Doesn’t the beach park close at 11:30 PM? It doesn’t have a gate like other parks but the parks staff or police should be enforcing the closing time.

WSB August 2, 2020 (10:54 am)

9:30 pm.
https://parkways.seattle.gov/2020/05/14/seattle-parks-and-recreation-amenities-whats-open-and-whats-closed/

Rhonda Ayala August 2, 2020 (10:57 am)

It has been insane for weeks. I have been down here the last 4 years, I live right next to whale tail and it is by far the worse year yet. There was also gunfire at whale tail park on Friday night and on Stevens that same night. I am not sure what they were shooting at but definitely gunshots. The police will not clear the beaches anymore or be present, they were instructed not to. They were also instructed to only answer calls involving criminal activity. They will no longer answer noise complaint calls, parties on the beach after midnight calls and or do anything about the fires. They won’t even enforce parking tickets anymore down here so if people illegally park in front of your property blocking you in or in a no parking zone.. it’s left to you. I have written the mayor and our city council member weekly but they just don’t care. I have called the police and they say they can’t help. Here it is Alki…. we pay a load of taxes living here in this beautiful space and high rent in this beautiful area and we have no support from anyone.

Tom August 2, 2020 (10:58 am)

The SPD have ignored Alki and other hot spots around town for years despite a huge budget and tons of military-grade equipment. Why would defunding them make things any different? The police as an organization ignore actual crime hiding in plain sight but they sure are great at using excessive force during routine arrests or non-violent offenders! This City has seen better days…

Lispector August 2, 2020 (11:00 am)

It’s hilarious that every time a crime happens, especially when there is zero police interaction, a group of you all exclaim “this will get worse if we defund the police…” As if the police are doing squat now.Defunding the police is about taking the funds that are wasted on thinly spread and thus inept police force and reallocating those fund into social programs. Not all police will disappear, and if the cops don’t have to be dealing with things like clearing homeless encampments, drug overdoses, and mental health crises then they might actually be able to do detective work on drive-by shootings.

Me August 2, 2020 (11:45 am)

You do realize with the defunding we could lose half the dept potentially? Those on patrol in WS are not the same officers clearing homeless encampments (and surely not at 2am). What people don’t realize is that yes, we do need more funding for mental illness, but how many social workers will we have to handle all of those calls? Where’s the plan for that? 17,000 crises calls last year in seattle alone that SPD responded to. How many of those would still require an officer to secure the scene first as they already do for fire and medical calls? If they do and we have half the officers, surely you can see how’d response times would be even slower. There are many logistics to be figured out that no one is considering. This is not black and white and defunding the police in the back half of 2020 is not going to result in a positive outcome for our communities. That doesn’t mean things couldn’t be different in the future and as I said I think we do need more support for mental illness. But there’s no plan in place right now! Also, if you think SPDs hands aren’t tied right now, you need to think about that. So while they haven’t been defunded yet, their is no deterrence as I’m sure officers second guess making contact with a lot of people for fear of what the situation could lead to.
wscommuter August 2, 2020 (12:06 pm)

Ok … let’s try it your way. You say “Defunding the police is about taking the funds that are wasted on thinly spread and thus inept police force …” Please provide facts and details. Which funds are wasted … and how much? Just give me some data about which part of the police budget you want eliminated and how much is it? Crickets chirping …
heartless August 2, 2020 (12:11 pm)

Yes. Defund and restructure so that the police can focus on the work they want to do, the work they were trained to do, the work it is imperative they do. Defund and restructure to get a leaner and more focused police that aren’t distracted by work they were never meant to do, never trained to do, and don’t want to do. Stop spreading the police so thin–defund so they can focus on crime.
- B.W. August 2, 2020 (1:25 pm)
  
  Do you know the size of a police force needed for a city the size of Seattle? They claim to have 1200-1300 now. You think reducing it to 500-700 will work on a city with 750,000? Just recently the police department claimed they had approximately 600ish officers on patrol. So if we reduce an already strained and thin police department, how many cops will be on patrol? 200-300? Yes, I’m sure those people will be laser focused to respond to calls with maybe 1 other cop as backup
  - heartless August 2, 2020 (2:10 pm)
    
    Why don’t you look up the numbers and let me know. I’m tired of doing homework for other people. Look up some European cities as well. Let us know what you find!
Alki resident August 2, 2020 (12:12 pm)

Who is “a group of you”?!? WS residents tired of the neighborhood being turned into a war zone every summer? In what world does living in a beautiful area entitle people to come & break the law? Is it really that hilarious & unrealistic for people to enjoy Alki without making it a drug & alcohol fueled drag strip? It’s very prejudiced & not at all hilarious for you to assume that anyone who disagrees with an ill-planned 50% slashing of police budget are “clutching our pearls”.
Anne August 2, 2020 (12:17 pm)

Who says they aren’t investigating drive by shootings? Didn’t see that anywhere.

LAG August 2, 2020 (11:26 am)

We drove by early Saturday morning. Two BLAZING and HUGE fires, a cop car across the street. People were still partying at 5am. Cops weren’t engaging.

kj August 2, 2020 (11:34 am)

If the problem is illegal fires, why doesn’t the fire department come along and put them out. They would if it was anywhere else in Seattle and not the beach.

HowAboutNow? August 2, 2020 (11:46 am)

Alki needs to be treated like a bar in the phased reopening program. Distancing, shut it down at 10pm. Plus make it a stay healthy street. Otherwise Alki will be a hotspot and will keep us from reopening further.

heartless August 2, 2020 (3:45 pm)

Makes sense to me.

Jeanine sherry August 2, 2020 (11:47 am)

All responses on this post seem to agree that defunding the SPD is the wrong approach to improving public safety. I just sent an email to Lisa Herbold (Lisa.herbold@seattle.gov) expressing my disagreement with this move for all of the obvious reasons already addressed above. In my opinion the city council has mistaken the chants of protestors to defund SPD as the voice of the majority. Police reform is desperately needed but is not going to be achieved by a random 50% reduction in police funding. This is a serious issue that needs intelligent thoughtful resolution – which is not what’s happening with the knee-jerk defunding recommended by city council. Please consider contacting Lisa Herbold to express your opinion as residents of WS. This seems like a classic case of the “squeaky wheels” getting all the attention & I think those of us who have not made our opinions known are in for a big surprise when the defunding really happens because we were busy working & taking care of our families/friends/community.

BW August 2, 2020 (12:07 pm)

Chiming in to agree with those saying police presence/enforcement has ALWAYS been a problem on Alki. I lived on 60th ave for 10 years and finally moved up to Admiral to get away from the craziness of the beac h during the summer. There was one night the year before I moved that I called the police repeatedly about late night/early morning activity that was going on and concern that it was escalating. Despite being told multiple times that officers were en route over the course of a couple hours no one showed up. Ultimately there was a shooting in that group and then probably 15 police cars showed up. It was, and is, incredibly frustrating that things need to escalate to violence before police show up/enforce the laws on the beach.

Wsguy123 August 2, 2020 (2:47 pm)

I feel the same way.

WS Longtimer August 2, 2020 (12:24 pm)

One of Governor’s Safe Start Plan – Group sizes not bigger than 5 people. Alki day or night requires safety measures just by the Governor’s orders. I hope West Seattleites and others who are interested in reducing the spread of Covid and Alki’s environment peaceful place to enjoy will voice to get Alki Beach designated as a Stay Healthy Street. It definitely would deter the noise, litter, racing cars, maybe reduce SFD resources, fires, hopefully fireworks too. Maybe if effort is placed here some improvement can come before the entire Beach is closed. City leaders took action on July 30th to close Kirkland beaches due to large gatherings because of safety of community. I’m sure Alki would qualify for closure with all these big gatherings day and night. It’s truly unfortunate many of us respect we are in a pandemic and do the right things and then others are just plain disrespectful to others and the environment. Let’s take a stand while we have an opportunity.

Anne August 2, 2020 (1:22 pm)

Stay Healthy street only for those living there-or who can walk or bike there.What about everyone else??Guess we’ll just inundate the neighborhoods with parked cars-even more than usual.Will definitely take the survey to oppose this & say Alki is for everyone.
- heartless August 2, 2020 (2:08 pm)
  
  Anne,
  
  That’s not true. You are more than welcome to drive to a Stay Healthy Street! You are even welcome to park on one to reach a local destination.

sorry August 2, 2020 (12:52 pm)

I’m sorry this happened, all of it…but the main thing that comes to mind when I see stuff like this is why in the heck is it 2000+ for a crappy apartment in this neighborhood?

David Hutchinson August 2, 2020 (12:55 pm)

The official closing time for Alki Beach is currently 9:30 PM due to COVID restrictions. This is announced by a Parks employee, who drives along the walkway. I have not observed any enforcement of this. In past years an SPD car would drive this same route around 11:00 PM announcing the 11:30 PM closure, and instructing everyone to put out their fires and leave the beach. At times they would even announce that parking on the beach side of Alki was closed and that if cars were not removed, they were subject to towing. This does not seem to be happening this summer. There were particularly large gatherings last evening, both on the beach and on the walkway.

Medium August 2, 2020 (1:03 pm)

I’m curious what the strength of the Seattle Police Department is currently. I’ve seen over 100 have left, or are in the process of leaving already. They were understaffed before being threatened with layoffs. They should focus on important things like park closing times, fires on the beach, fireworks, and speeding. Check your white privileged because those don’t sound too bad. Every summer there are emphasis officers placed near Alki. That was canceled for budget cuts. Yes, there has already been cuts and things will get worse with more cuts. If you were smart you would sell your house before the mass exodus. Nobody’s going to buy a beach house you can’t safely sleep in.

Alki Mothership August 2, 2020 (1:09 pm)

https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/projects-and-programs/programs/stay-healthy-streets If you think detouring the ability to cruise Alki in a car will help with the overcrowding and violence, take the survey to make Alki a healthy street. The survey has been extended to Aug 21.

Kathy August 2, 2020 (4:10 pm)

This is would be a great idea, but what about the struggling businesses (restaurants)? Would they be OK with limiting people coming in by car to patronize their business or pick up takeout food? Probably not. I guess people could still try to park nearby on the side streets, but that would probably discourage business or cause a traffic mess in the neighborhoods. If we had unlimited manpower we could have people stationed at the entrances checking if cars coming in are residents or have a specific time reservation or food pickup appointment. I don’t see that happening. But restricting traffic on the roads around Alki Point has worked great at reducing drag racing, traffic jams, large car parties and has reduced workload for police in that area.

Howard August 2, 2020 (1:19 pm)

Alki violence has been a problem for years. I wonder if the majority of WS homicides happen there…..seems like it. Humanity are just animals wearing nice clothing.

WSB August 2, 2020 (2:08 pm)

No, not at all. Last homicide was two years ago, the stabbing in which charges weren’t filed because it seemed to have been a case of self-defense. This area has very few homicides but the ones in the meantime were all over – The Junction, High Point, South Delridge, southeast WS…

Matt P August 2, 2020 (1:19 pm)

Can the neighborhood band together and hire some private security to keep the beach clear once ti closes? The police are obviously never going to do it defunded or not.

Community Member August 2, 2020 (2:46 pm)

No, Matt, the neighborhood cannot legally or morally do that.
- Matt P August 2, 2020 (10:25 pm)
  
  Legally, I don’t know, but what would be immoral about neighbors helping to enforce closure times to keep their neighborhood safe?

tk August 2, 2020 (1:44 pm)

Vote the city council out.

Seattlite August 2, 2020 (4:34 pm)

YES!

I feel bad for the victims August 2, 2020 (1:51 pm)

I feel bad for the people who were shot and their loved ones. I can not imagine what it feels like to get shot or have a loved one shot.

Hannah G. August 2, 2020 (5:22 pm)

@I FEEL BAD: Providing you continue to live in the United States of America you might (but let’s hope not) know what it’s like to be shot. Walking on a sidewalk near the beach on a summer night. Sitting in a movie theater. In your workplace. While inside of a high school or even a pre-school. There is no safe place from gun violence. Everyone seems to be talking about police reform but absolutely no one is talking about citizen reform. With more firearms in this country than people, no wonder the police are armed to the teeth. It’s because we are.

Save Alki August 2, 2020 (2:22 pm)

Why can’t the fire boat cruise by a couple times each night and soak the entire beach? No fires, no visitors, no COVID.

uncle loco August 2, 2020 (3:31 pm)

That would probably start a riot.
Just wondering August 2, 2020 (4:18 pm)

Good idea!
OneTimeCharley August 2, 2020 (4:57 pm)

MMMMMMMM me likey! Would have to be super gentle to not cause ecological issues, but maybe a few days per week would be enough to disrupt the diseased beach party.

WS Longtimer August 2, 2020 (2:56 pm)

@Anne. Anyone can walk on Stay Healthy Street’s.

Alki resident August 2, 2020 (3:53 pm)

Anne,Stay Healthy Streets specifically promote usage by all. I GUARANTEE that if you walked down to beach drive before the street was closed on one of the nights that the thugs took it over smoking dope, drinking & keeping their car doors open to block sidewalks & intimidate walkers then speeding away through crosswalks & doing donuts in the intersection you wouldn’t want to walk there – it was unsafe on many levels. Come down now & enjoy the closed street with others from all over Seattle who respect the beauty of the area by biking, walking, sitting … without threatening others & leaving garbage all over. The difference between beach drive now & prior to being closed is a dramatic improvement for all but the thugs.

ILiveOnTheBeach August 2, 2020 (3:03 pm)

So many people are making this out to be related to a wish by many to defund the SPD. Both shootings and crazy numbers of illegal bonfires happen every year. There are clearly more fires this year, mostly because other beaches and parks have had their parking lots closed… until they close Alki to traffic there will be more people here. Neither SPD, SFD, nor the parks department are doing much. Parks come through and tell people the park is closed (via their intercom system) but don’t interact, FD sometimes approach people and tell them to put fires out, it’s 50/50 if they do or not. The PD doesn’t really do anything, and tbh I’m not sure they really should. It’s not an arrest-able offense, but it is ticketable. They should ticket and fine every burn, and a second citation should be an increased fine. There are ways for the city to deal with the problem but they haven’t in the past and they still don’t now.There were at least 20 fires last night at 10:30 that I could see, I’d think the city would like that $ even more than that of a $48 parking ticket.

2A convert August 2, 2020 (3:49 pm)

A universal truth is that you’ll get what you tolerate. If you tolerate people ignoring signs that say ‘Park Closed at 9:30pm’ you’ll get people ignoring signs. If you tolerate people sleeping in tents on sidewalks, you’ll get people sleeping on sidewalks. Since the court of public opinion has already acted as judge, jury and executioner of the one body slated to enforce any of these things (the SPD), and the city leadership (council, mayor, prosecutors) has taken away any desire to support the enforcement of regulation, is anyone surprised? I can see the argument for defunding (terrible marketing for whomever came up with that name though), but since there doesn’t seem to be anything that resembles a plan or strategy for going forward other than a 50% reduction in budget, then I’ll bet it gets far worse before it gets better.

alkiperspectives August 2, 2020 (3:56 pm)

Time for West Seattle to secede from Seattle. Who wants to be part of such dysfunctional leadership and decision-making at every level? Seattle is a failed brand.

WS Longtimer August 2, 2020 (3:57 pm)

I reached out to King 5 news who will be reporting today on the shootings, and relayed the ongoing issues on Alki; lack of enforcement of all the issues discussed here today, impact on area, residents a need to hear from the residents on these issues. I am a resident of WS, and just because I don’t live on Alki, I feel their pain. I asked King 5 to reach out to WSB to hopefully coordinate so sort of residential meeting/ representation of these issues. Maybe plan a meeting with Gov. Inslee to find some resolution for all these issues with King 5? 1) Violations of Orders- Exceeding public gatherings; jeopardizing public health- Covid 2) No enforcement on Anything; Beach closures, No fires, Noise ordinances, Fireworks, Speeding, Racing, Disturbance to the Peace 3) No police presence 4) Non- Emergency 911- lack of response, etc. I hope helps.

Alki Local August 2, 2020 (4:03 pm)

@Anne, people still drive and park daily on the Alki section of this Keep Moving Street, and walk, jog, and bike throughout the whole Beach/Alki area. Kids come weekly for stand up paddle board lessons, and the skin divers are back. In fact, today there’s a gelato cart that set up in the parking strip and is doing a brisk business. Just some facts.

Alki Patriot August 2, 2020 (4:04 pm)

Please post and send video of Alki lawlessness to local media, Governor, Mayor, City Council (esp. Lisa Herbold) and SPD. Request formal reply/statement acknowledging the mayhem and how they propose to address the ongoing lawlessness before another class action lawsuit is filed against the City by businesses and neighbors in Federal District Court or law abiding citizens revolt against the lawlessness.

AD August 2, 2020 (4:11 pm)

PLEASE! CLOSE THE BEACH!It’s obvious everyone knows there are no consequences and it’s on display right here in West Seattle. Pick any one of the long list of reasons to close. Global Pandemic, lack of social distancing, blame Trump(everyone can agree on that) Have a press conference and make a stand to care about the very people that elected you. Don’t pander for votes. Do something that will make difference. Would be nice if we did not roll back to the made up Phase1.5 or actual, Phase 1. Also, would be nice not having illegal car racing, drinking, shooting, and I can’t believe I’m writing this in August….nightly fireworks. Come on, that was illegal and tolerated 29 days ago on the 4th. How is it possible that still continues EVERY night? Please send my well wishes and thoughts for a speedy recovery to those who were shot last night, and for the those that will be negatively effected by the lack of city response in the future.

Seattlite August 2, 2020 (4:28 pm)

Herbold along with the rest of Seattle’s city council want to defund Seattle’s police officers. None of Seattle’s city council have as of today, this minute, this second given Seattle’s citizens a rational, reasonable answer of why they want to put all of Seattle’s citizens in more danger by creating unsafe streets, neighborhoods, communities, school zones. Why would any sane-responsible-elected official want to put citizens’ safety last by taking away its first line of defense?

WS Big Dog August 2, 2020 (4:35 pm)

I have lived on Alki beach for the last 5 years across the street from the bathhouse. And I can tell you definitively that this summer has been BY FAR the loudest and most lawless I have seen. I am no stranger to fireworks considering where I live, but M 80s going off every night at 3 am for a month have proven too much. I just moved farther south this week to get away from these shananigans. In the past we were able to put up with the minimal nonsense, but the levels of debauchery have gotten to a breaking point for local residents. I can’t blame SPD because this is a new problem in a time when police aren’t much cared for and the city won’t enforce any laws unless someone gets shot. I love Alki and the neighborhood, but with the recent behavior of people past midnight combined with the bridge closure made it impossible to stay

Frog August 3, 2020 (8:46 pm)

I wonder how much is the pandemic, which is after all causing huge distortion to our society. Young people must be going a bit crazy being shut in all the time. Dance clubs are all closed. Where would they go to cut loose? (Which, realistically, they will always do somewhere, somehow.) I realize that people living on Alki Ave. suffer the most from it, but Alki beach is perhaps not the worst place for them to party. (Speaking as someone who lives far enough away to only faintly hear the noise.) I also understand the anxiety that once people become accustomed to ignoring all the rules, they will never go back. But still, maybe it’s possible to consider it part of the city’s coping with COVID, and have some optimism that this worst year ever won’t repeat once life returns to normal someday.

sgs August 2, 2020 (4:58 pm)

Does anyone think the people there at that time would comply if the police tried to enforce the rules? NO WAY – It’s the thing now to stand up against police. The level of police response corresponds to the climate on the city council. Blame them, not the police. Can you imagine what the council would say if the police tried to enforce crowd control at the beach? “They used excessive force! It was perfectly peaceful!” The police are not responsible for promoting lawful behavior among the citizens. Our city leaders must lead and model what it is to be a good citizen in the city they represent. They are woefully absent.Slippery slope. If we don’t already, pretty soon we’ll have laws that there should be no police response to crimes with a value of less than $500. Anything under that, steal away with our blessing! Unless law breakers are held accountable, their behavior gets worse. But our “progressive” culture wouldn’t want to judge.&nbsp I’m all for poverty, education, mental health, addiction assistance and don’t believe enforcement is everything, but this behavior at the beach reflects the lowest part of ourselves.

Me August 2, 2020 (5:48 pm)

I couldn’t agree more! The police have theirs hands completely tied.
CLee August 3, 2020 (12:49 pm)

Thank you!!!! Those who think the reduction in funding is somehow a good idea have no idea what they’re in for; I would assert that the lack of prosecution at the city and county levels are the root cause of a lot of this, the criminals know it’s a revolving door, even if they do get arrested.

WSB August 2, 2020 (5:41 pm)

The Southwest Precinct’s new commander has sent a community message more about the state of local policing than about this specific incident- we’ve published it separately here:
https://westseattleblog.com/2020/08/followup-after-alki-shooting-precinct-commanders-message-to-the-community/

west seattle dad August 2, 2020 (5:58 pm)

I’d love to see how many of the people here upset by the lack of enforcement and response from the city council voted for Herbold. I will just say i told you so. You think Brendan Kolding (ex-cop) or Phil Tavel would be letting this stuff happen?

Smokey August 2, 2020 (6:06 pm)

Given limitations on policing how about getting more support and action from the fire department?…….turn high pressure hoses on both the fires and the crowds setting them. Could be an effective short term solution……the lack of support from elected officials has been an ongoing problem and the combination of Covid craziness plus hostility has handicapped the limited policing resources we now have. Fire hoses used to be effective crowd dispersal tools….this time they could accomplish two goals.

WTF August 2, 2020 (7:54 pm)

I suggest ALL citizens do a ridealong with a police officer. Perhaps get your perspective 1:1 vs. from YouTube or Facebook. You may learn more about the profession, the people behind the badge, and a lot about yourself. Introspection is a good thing. https://www.seattle.gov/police-manual/title-16—patrol-operations/16030—citizen-rider-program. And, while you’re at it: https://stopdefunding.com

Alki local August 2, 2020 (10:13 pm)

Given Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Kevin Grossman’s response. I guess it’s KMAG YOYO (kiss my ass guys, you’re on your own). Initially I was against defunding the police because it just seemed like giving into an ill advised trend. However, now that the lunatics are running the asylum I don’t really see the reasoning behind funding the police if they can’t do anything. Might as well give me back the money I put towards local taxes so that I contribute to hiring some full time security to monitor Alki.

WS Guy August 3, 2020 (4:04 am)

You’re not getting the money back. They will spend it on their favorite social service providers. Like they plan to do with a big chunk of the $86 million rainy day fund.
Mel August 3, 2020 (10:28 am)

The only lunatics running the asylum here are the city council and the prosecutors who never file on charges. Police used to be able to get into pursuits but due to liability that has stopped as well. They really do have their hands tied. Somewhere along the line people became so sensitive to the police actually enforcing the laws on the books. How about this- don’t break the law and you won’t have run ins with the police! Where is everyone’s personal responsibility? We’ve become a society of victims.

DiverLaura August 3, 2020 (6:15 pm)

Shut down PARKING along the beach after 10pm (or some arbitrary time), ticket the cars that are parked along the beach. That is something most -any- cop could do without engaging with the recently emboldened public. but make them 100$ or whatever tickets.Yes, i know a lot of folks park along the side streets (I live a block or so off the main beach) they use all our parking and are always parking illegally, in people’s handicapped spots, and overhanging corners so i can barely make it down my street at times. They shoot off the big fireworks in the middle of the streets too, after hours. It really sucks. So taking it to the next level, send a couple parking stickers to all the houses in a few block radius to the beach, and then ticket the cars that are not stickered if they‘ve been there for more than X number of hours (hey, its covid-19 time, we shouldn’t be having big house parties anyway) after beach closure time ;) They could even send out a couple rear view window tags for folks who have visitors regularly so that legit folks wouldn’t get ticketed. Parking enforcement could be done by the bike cops or parking cops or even trainees. Now, i realize this would take resources. And i realize it might be a stupid idea. BUT it addresses a few of the issues stated above (cops not engaging, etc..). AND wait for it, we could use the funds generated by the tickets to PAY FOR POT HOLE/ROAD MAINTENANCE!!!! ;)

melissa August 4, 2020 (6:22 pm)

Great idea, DiverLaura. Your solution is a logical one that would help solve the problem, make some revenue for the city, and could be administered by a non-police traffic enforcement body.

T August 4, 2020 (11:54 am)

Due to COVID-19, and all the limitations on socializing, the closing of Alki will make the situation worse. Alki is like a pressure relief valve or like a volcano and without it open the whole system will backup explode. People have extra energy due to the lack of socializing and having to stay indoors. Ultimately Alki should be strictly commercial and non residential. Although quiet culture is appreciated, tourism and entertainment pay the bills baby. Times change we have to adapt to these changes. Wearing mask encouragement and hand washing needs to be everywhere, along with 6 feet distancing. (New signs, new billboards)T.B.2018 UW foster Grad

Connie August 4, 2020 (5:28 pm)

Othello St. – down/up Lincoln Parkway – Beach Drive has become a noisy dangerous freeway for residents, walkers, bikers. The new 25 mph signs have had no effect. Maybe speed bumps would help deter those racing to/from Alki Beach or those using Lincoln Parkway as a short cut for access to I-5 during the closer of the West Seattle bridge.

NWE August 5, 2020 (4:27 pm)

Connie, I like your thinking. Seattle should use design to help adjust behavior. Speed bumps are annoying but they do the trick. So do those median planters, big bike lanes, etc. And, once they are in you don’t have to pay them overtime.