CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Man arrested outside U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s West Seattle home is out of jail

| Arbor Heights | Crime | West Seattle news

Tonight the 48-year-old man arrested outside U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal‘s Arbor Heights home last Saturday night was released from jail. We first noticed his release on the county inmate roster and confirmed with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office that he was released as required because he had not yet been charged. The KCPAO says that doesn’t mean he won’t eventually be charged – they are still working on the case: “The suspect’s alleged language and actions, coupled with his possession of a concealed weapon, deserve the full attention of the justice system. Presently, the investigation is ongoing and our office is working with police investigators to make sure we understand the full extent of the suspect’s actions to build the strongest case possible.”

A different action has been taken against the man, also an Arbor Heights resident. As first reported by The Seattle Times – SPD obtained an Extreme Risk Protection Order (explained here) to keep him from possessing a gun. We have obtained those court documents. They say that in addition to the handgun seized from him the night of his arrest, the suspect “expressed an intent to purchase an AK47 for protection” while talking with police Saturday. The documents also say that he admitted to police “that since June 29th he has driven past Pramila’s residence three to seven separate times while yelling obscenities toward Pramila and her political party.” Two of those times were on Saturday. The first time, police say, he admitted to driving there with his adult son and exiting the vehicle and shouting ‘F— you, Pramila’ (but) denied making any statements about her ethnicity/race (and also) denied making statements telling (her) to kill herself and stated he did not know if his son made that statement.” Police say the second time he drove there, he got out of his vehicle and yelled “Hey a–h—, I’m your new f—ing neighbor.” The documents say a neighbor’s security camera recorded that but also recorded a voice saying other obscenities and “Tell Pramila to kill herself.” The recording also includes what police described as “a sound that sounds like something metal being manipulated,” and they speculated it could have been a handgun being racked, or the metal poles for the tent the man was trying to set up.

The documents go on to say that the man had demonstrated “escalating behavior” toward Rep. Jayapal, including email sent to her in January “stating his dislike toward her due to her perceived political wrongdoings.” The documents also suggest that even if the behavior does not qualify as a hate crime, stalking charges are possible. They say the Glock handgun found in his waistband on Saturday night was the only gun he was known to have, so that’s all that’s listed in the order, though it also prohibits him from possessing or seeking to possess any other guns. King County Superior Court Judge Matthew Segal granted the Extreme Risk Protection Order on a temporary basis; a hearing will be held July 26th on whether to extend it.

Share This

BIZNOTES: Tails To Astonish anniversary sale; Alair ‘West Best Seattle’ T-shirt arrival, Lucky 5 no more

July 13, 2022 7:38 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three more biznotes tonight:

TAILS TO ASTONISH ANNIVERSARY SALE: The comics-and-toys shop just south of The Junction (4850 California SW; WSB sponsor) hopes you’ll stop by while in The Junction for West Seattle Summer Fest this weekend – because they’re having a sale! Tails To Astonish is turning 1, and to celebrate, “We will be doing a bunch of comics ‘buy 1 get 1 free’ … 25% off all toys … and 25% off all DC hardcover books.” Hours those days are 11:30 am-7 pm Friday and Saturday, 9 am-2 pm Sunday.

ALAIR T-SHIRT ARRIVAL: One week ago, we mentioned Alair Gift Shop’s plan to create “a love letter to West Seattle” with community members’ positive stories, in connection with a new design they’re launching. The “~~West~~ Best Seattle” T-shirt is now available, Alair proprietor Shandon Armstrong tells us – see it (and order it if you’re interested) here. (Two colors!) The stories they’ve received so far, she says, will be compiled starting later this month.

LUCKY 5 NO MORE: Thanks for the tips. Less than two months after commenters mentioned the Lucky 5 gas station/mini-mart at 35th/Henderson has new owners, it also has a new look – rebranded as Shell.

We stopped in to ask about the change. The clerk told us the only thing that changed besides the branding is the hours – it’s now open 24/7.

Share This

BIZNOTE: Nacho Mama opening soon in South Delridge

July 13, 2022 5:40 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

A new restaurant will open next month in the former Hoang Kim space at 9418 Delridge Way SW [map]. No, not Phorale – that apparently didn’t work out. Now the space is slated to become Nacho Mama. After its liquor-license application appeared online, we talked briefly to Nacho Mama’s proprietor by phone this afternoon. She told us she’s opening as soon as August 1st, with a menu that will include tacos and frybread, hours 7 am to 11 pm.

Share This

THURSDAY: Your chance to comment on next six years of Seattle Park District spending

July 13, 2022 4:26 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle politics

One-fifth of Seattle Parks‘ funding comes from a supplementary source – the property-tax-levy-funded Seattle Park District, created with voter approval in 2014. Tomorrow at 5:30 pm (Thursday, July 14th), the City Council, meeting as the Park District Board, will have a public hearing on a spending proposal for the district’s next six-year funding cycle. With so much park space in West Seattle, you might consider commenting, so we want to be sure you’ve heard about it. The proposal includes “pre-committed” spending for so-called landbanked parks including the three in West Seattle (The Junction, Morgan Junction, 48th/Charlestown) – here’s the high-level breakdown; the proposal results from work by the Board of Park Commissioners, as detailed here. Tomorrow’s public hearing comes before elected officials propose potential changes, as outlined in this post by Councilmember Lisa Herbold last month. It’s a hybrid meeting, at City Hall and online, and you can comment either way – the agenda explains how.

Share This

ROXHILL PARK: 7 free summer events from bird-watching to dancing

July 13, 2022 2:38 pm

| Comments Off on ROXHILL PARK: 7 free summer events from bird-watching to dancing

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | Wildlife

(WSB photo: Roxhill Park, this morning)

Seven events have been announced for Roxhill Park (29th SW and SW Barton) over the next month – starting this Saturday. They’re all in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, too, but here’s a quick FYI: The first event is for bird fans – this Saturday (and two weeks later, on July 30th), be at the park at 9 am to meet two Seattle Audubon Master Birders for a walk to learn about local birds and how/where to see them. Details are here. If you’re interested in the longer walk on July 30th, preregistration is requested – go here.

Then starting a week from today, at 10 am July 20th and for each Wednesday thereafter through August 10th, the park will be the site of watercolor-painting sessions geared toward people 50 and up. And on July 30th, you’re invited to an afternoon-long dance festival, both as a spectator and a participant, 1-5 pm – the “Dare to Dance” festival will feature performances and workshops by dance groups and choreographers.

All of these events are free.

Share This

ELECTION 2022: Your primary ballot is on the way

July 13, 2022 1:35 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

King County Elections just announced that the ballots for the August 2nd primary are in the mail – so voting is about to begin. No ballot measures for our area, but there are races to narrow down – including U.S. Senate, U.S. House District 7, Secretary of State, 34th District State Senator and 34th District State House Position 1, which has no incumbent as longtime State Rep. Eileen Cody is retiring. You can see all the candidates listed, with links to their websites, here. You can send your ballot back by postal mail, as long as it’s postmarked by August 2nd, or take it to an official dropbox (here’s where to find them). Not registered? It’s not too late – go here.

Share This

Rick King of Caliber Home Loans in West Seattle: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

July 13, 2022 12:24 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, Rick King with Caliber Home Loans in West Seattle. New sponsors are offered the opportunity to tell you what they offer – here’s what he wants you to know:

After 34 years in the financial industry and 20 of them in the mortgage business, I have found that the best way to win a client and keep a client is to just be very honest and have integrity – both characteristics I learned at a very early age. I set the expectations as to what I and my team can accomplish for our clients, and then we do everything possible to exceed those expectations which in turn helps relieve stress on their part. I make sure new clients know this is supposed to be a fun experience as it will likely be the largest investment they make. Being available outside of banker hours also helps clients as they can’t always wait until tomorrow or Monday morning to get questions answered.

What most clients should know is that getting pre-approved or even credit-approved strengthens their offer as well as helps them understand exactly what payment range they can expect and afford without later disappointments. While at least providing a pre-approval figure, clients will know their maximum purchase price so they can shop within that range.

With the massive investment that Caliber has made in our infrastructure and today’s technology, a client can complete the entire application and loan process from the comfort of their home or office. Our platform allows a client to click and drag their supporting documents right into their private file, which in turn gives them the freedom to complete the task as soon as possible so they can return to their daily routine; not having to schedule an appointment and take time out of their busy day.

To contact Rick King with Caliber Home Loans in West Seattle, you can email rick.king@caliberhomeloans.com or call 206-602-3737.

We thank Rick King with Caliber Home Loans 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.

Share This

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Chevrolet pickup

July 13, 2022 11:23 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Chevrolet pickup

| Crime | West Seattle news

Maybe you can help find Christopher‘s stolen pickup truck:

White 2007 Chevrolet 1500 extended-cab pickup
Deluxe steel tool box… tinted windows
Chrome wheels, perfect condition
Arizona license plate ALS6058
Stolen from 51st Ave SW early Tuesday morning.

SPD incident # is 22-179787.

Share This

4 trivia options and more for your West Seattle Wednesday

July 13, 2022 9:40 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(This morning’s moonset, photographed by HD)

Here’s what’s up in West Seattle for the hours ahead:

LOW-LOW TIDE: The tide is out to -4.0 feet at 11:06 am, so Seattle Aquarium beach naturalists are out today (now until 1 pm), at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) only, because of the ongoing beach closures south of Alki Point.

BASTILLE DAY: Celebrate today at the Brocante Beach House on Alki (2622 Alki SW) with a special shopping event, French and Vintage, noon-8 pm.

WADING POOLS OPEN: A sunny and warm afternoon is expected, so the city says wading pools will be open – in West Seattle, that’s Delridge (noon-5:30 pm) and Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm). (Also, Highland Park Spraypark at 1100 SW Cloverdale is open 11 am-8 pm.)

COLMAN POOL: The outdoor pool at Lincoln Park will be open today as its 7-days-a-week schedule continues, noon-7 pm.

POSTCARDING POP-UP: From the organizers of the weekly Postcards to Voters events:

As we approach midterm elections in the midst of devastating gun violence and extremist attacks on fundamental rights, it’s easy and predictable to become immobilized.

But there are things we can do. One, though seemingly insignificant, can have enormous impact: writing postcards to register more Democratic voters, to remind voters to request mail-in ballots where applicable, and to get out the vote.

Come write some postcards at C&P Coffee every Tuesday, 10:30-12 or at a popup event: 4:30-6 pm Wednesday, July 13th.

This too is at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

NETWORKING: Wind Down Weekly networking at Junction Plaza Park, presented by Work and Play Lounge, 6-8 pm. (42nd/Alaska)

LIVE AT LOCOL: Locöl Barley & Vine (7902 35th SW) spotlights live music 6:30-8:30 pm Wednesdays, no cover, 21+, rotating artists.

KUNDALINI YOGA, MEDITATION, SOUND BATH: New night and location – Inner Alchemy now presents this weekly event at Jet City Labs, 7 pm Wednesdays. (4546 California SW, upstairs)

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups @ West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – no cover to watch. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA x 4: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm; also tonight at 7:30 pm, you can play trivia at the West Seattle Brewing Mothership (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW); trivia starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); at 8:30 pm, trivia is back at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.

Calendar event to add? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Share This

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Wednesday

July 13, 2022 6:01 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning; welcome to Wednesday, July 13th.

WEATHER

The forecast is for another sunny and breezy day, high in the 70s (85 was Tuesday’s high).

BUSES, WATER TAXI, FERRIES

Metro buses are on their regular weekday schedule; watch @kcmetroalerts for word of reroutes/trip cancellations.

The West Seattle Water Taxi is, so far, back on its regular schedule.

Ferries: WSF continues on the two-boat schedule for Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth – and WSF says that probably won’t change before next spring. Check here for alerts/updates.

LOOKING AHEAD

West Seattle Summer Fest road closures/bus reroutes start earlier than past years – California north of Oregon will close at noon Thursday for stage setup, while California from Oregon to Edmunds, and SW Alaska from 42nd to 44th, will close at 4 pm Thursday. Closures then continue until everything is cleared post-festivl Sunday night. (Watch here for bus-reroute info.)

BRIDGES AND DETOUR ROUTES

843rd morning without the West Seattle Bridge.

Low Bridge: Automated enforcement cameras remain in use; restrictions are in effect 5 am-9 pm daily – except weekends; the bridge is open to all until 8 am Saturday and Sunday mornings. (Access applications are available here for some categories of drivers.)