West Seattle, Washington
02 Monday
5:23 PM: Seattle Police are on the scene of what they say was a fatal shooting in the 9200 block of 29th Avenue SW. We’re en route and will update when we find out more.
5:35 PM: Our crew says the victim is in a vehicle near the north entrance of the Roxhill Park parking lot. (photo added above) Also, police on the scene include Chief Adrian Diaz.
7:05 PM: Chief Diaz talked with us and other media at the scene, though he didn’t have many details yet. He said a nearby resident called 911 and police/fire found the victim – described only as male, age not yet known – in the vehicle.
He said officers have been talking with neighbors and looking for video. (He had no specific description to offer, but radio recordings include one officer telling dispatch that one residence’s video showed a silver sedan with five people.) He also talked about trends in general, saying that the rate of shootings in the city had been dropping for a few weeks until an uptick in recent days. He said West Seattle mirrored that trend and mentioned an arrest of one suspect believed responsible for multiple incidents in South Delridge (likely a reference to this case). If you have any information, the SPD tipline is 206-233-5000.
8:14 PM: This is the second West Seattle homicide case in five weeks; no arrest announced so far in the previous one, a man shot and killed in a Puget Ridge house in early November. It also is the third one this year; the first was in June, when a man was shot and killed in a tent in Delridge. That one did result in an arrest, and the suspect remains in jail awaiting trial.
4:12 PM: In her weekly newsletter/blog post, West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold just announced, “I will not be running for re-election in 2023.” She is completing her second term as the first-ever District 1 council representative, elected in 2015 and then re-elected in 2019. Herbold explains her decision in part as follows: “The 2022 elections last month were good for progressives. I feel like it’s time to do my part to create an open seat election in District 1. I believe that an open seat can better drive turnout and deliver District 1 to another progressive. … I love and honor the work the progressive left has done in Seattle and I don’t want to do anything that makes it less likely for a non-progressive to be elected to represent the great District 1. I will continue to represent and advocate for District 1 over the next year. We’ve still got a lot of work to do!” Starting with next year’s election, D-1 covers more ground, such as Georgetown and SODO, because of the recent redistricting. (WSB photo from pre-bridge-reopening event, September)
8:02 PM: We should note that – even before this – we’d been watching the state Public Disclosure Commission website, where campaigns are registered in the early stages, and to date no one has registered a D-1 campaign. As for whether anyone is inspired to jump in based on Herbold’s early announcement, we’ll see next week. We’ve sent inquiries to the two men who challenged Herbold in the 2019 primaries, Brendan Kolding and Phil Tavel, to see if either is considering running again.
10:02 PM: We’ve heard back from Tavel, who says:
I have never lost my desire to serve this city, and even before Lisa’s announcement, this was a topic of conversation at our family dinner table. I truly wish the best for Lisa Herbold and I thank her for her service. I will say that I have been humbled by the number of people who have reached out to me today to ask if I intend to run, or to encourage me to run. At this point, I have not made any official decisions. Stay tuned. I do hope for a warm, safe and joyous holiday season for everyone.
In 2015, Tavel finished third in a nine-candidate primary, behind Herbold and Shannon Braddock; in 2019, he made it to the general against Herbold, with 44% to her 56%.
ADDED 11:56 PM: We’ve also now heard back from Kolding, who says:
I ran for City Council in 2019 because I felt called to lead. Seattle was experiencing crises in the areas of homelessness and public safety and I sought to introduce a new approach to these issues. During the campaign, I was inspired by the support I received. Although I did not make it out of the primary, I established myself as a viable candidate. There are people in this community who look to me for leadership, and that is something I take very seriously.
The issues that inspired me to run four years ago remain. I am frustrated by the glacial pace at which our region is responding to the homelessness crisis. I am saddened by the SPD staffing crisis and have taken great offense to the manner in which some members of the Council have treated police officers over these last few years. I am also sensitive to the struggles our small business community has faced. I am committed to doing what I can to solve these issues. Whether that be by running for office in 2023 or by supporting another reasonable candidate remains to be seen. Either way, I will be actively involved with the next election and vocal in local media.
I wish Councilmember Herbold all the best in her future endeavors. She and I do not see eye-to-eye on much, but we hold and defend our values with equal fervor. The solution to the problems our city is facing is for people of differing ideologies to seek to understand each other and to collaborate for the common good.
That’s the chair awaiting Santa Claus at My Three Little Birds in The Junction, one of five places in West Seattle that you can catch up with the Jolly Ol’ Soul himself in the days and nights ahead. From the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide, here’s the list we have so far:
SANTA HOUSE IN THE JUNCTION, DECEMBER 10: DIY photos with Santa on Saturday, 10 am-1 pm in the pop-up space on lower level of Senior Center of West Seattle
(added) Above is a photo of one of the three selfie settings from which you’ll be able to choose! (California/Oregon)
OUNCES, DECEMBER 10: Santa at Ounces, 3-6 pm on Saturday. Free DIY photos – people and/or pets. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS, DECEMBER 10 AND 20: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the famous light display for photos, 5-9 pm Saturday. Bring a donation of nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank. They’l be back 5-9 pm Tuesday, December 20th, with real reindeer. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
MY THREE LITTLE BIRDS, DECEMBER 11: 10 am-noon, Santa will be at this Junction shop. “No charge. Families can take their own photos. Please bring diapers for WestSide Baby if you wish to donate. We are also doing a diaper drive that day.” My Three Little Birds proprietor Jennifer Young adds, “Size 4, 5 and 6 diapers, and all Pull Ups sizes are needed most.” (4736 California SW)
HOLIDAY PHOTO POP-UP, VARIOUS DATES: Join Gail Ann Photography on six dates in December – two with Santa! – for holiday photos at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), including two with Santa Claus. Fee, part of which is a nonprofit donation. Full details and all dates/times are in our calendar listing.
Any others we haven’t heard about yet? Please email info so we can add to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The sign for Luna Park Café says “fall repairs and maintenance,” but that work will stretch into winter. Three months have passed since café proprietor John Bennett announced that the beloved restaurant would close temporarily for some work. This week a reader asked if we had any updates. So we checked in with Bennett, who replied:
Our original plan was to be closed for a couple of months to replace some equipment and do deep cleaning. Luna will be 34 years old in March and was in need of repairs. Once we got into it, one thing led to another and we are replacing more equipment and doing more repairs than we originally thought we would do (even the 1958 Seeburg jukebox had to go to the shop for a complete overhaul).
The good news is that Luna will stay the same with some improvements to the menu and upgraded tech systems. Even retro has to step into the 21st century eventually. The bad news is that it is taking a lot longer to get the equipment and do the work. We are estimating reopening in January or February 2023. We look forward to another 34 years!
Those three reasons are RSV, flu, and COVID-19. From today’s announcement:
Public Health – Seattle & King Health Officer Dr. Jeff Duchin joins other local health officers and health care leaders in recommending masking in indoor public spaces and other prevention measures given the high level of respiratory viruses circulating and stress on hospitals.
Communities across our state and around the U.S. are experiencing an unprecedented surge in viral respiratory illnesses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza and COVID-19. As health officers and health-care leaders working to improve the health of Washington residents, we recommend that everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.
We also urge everyone who is eligible to stay up to date on your vaccinations. Vaccinations are the most important way to protect against severe influenza and COVID-19 infections, including hospitalization and death. Everyone 6 months and older should be vaccinated against these diseases and those who are eligible for an updated COVID-19 booster should get it now.
Other necessary strategies include:
-Staying home from work and school and testing for COVID-19 if you develop symptoms.
-Having a plan for rapid treatment for COVID-19 and influenza for people who are at increased risk for severe infections.
-Improving indoor air quality through ventilation, filtration, and UV technology where appropriate.We expect the flu to circulate for months, so now is the time to get your flu shot!
You can see the full announcement – including the list of local health officers and health-care-organization leaders who have signed on to the recommendation – by going here.
No, that’s not leftover snow/frost in Rosalie Miller‘s photo. It’s “the plasmodium stage of a slime mold. You can just make out some of the circular structures which are the fruiting bodies and these will become more distinct and colorful over time.” So look closely in our forests – you never know what you’ll see! Meantime, on a larger scale, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Friday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide (where you’ll find lots of other seasonal info too):
CAT/KITTEN ADOPTION: 2-4 pm at Pet Elements (6511 California SW), Beloveds Animal Relief Rescue Foundation can introduce you to cats/kittens looking for their forever homes.
HOLIDAY NIGHT MARKET: 4-9 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
HOLIDAY MUSIC WITH TOM HUTYLER: At the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon), 6 pm, “the Voice of the Mariners” sings holiday music for you.
(added) LAFAYETTE CRAFT FAIR: At the school (2645 California SW):
Lafayette Elementary School invites the Community back to this spectacular event! From 6:30-8:00pm tonight, Friday, December 9th, the school will host its annual Craft Fair! 40 participants have signed up to sell their homemade crafts; there will also be a Gingerbread House making station, popcorn and hot chocolate, gift wrapping by the Lafayette Leopards, and festive decorations! New this year – Carolers! The Dickens Carolers will be outside the entry under the festive décor singing wintry tunes. Crafts will be mostly cash only, so please come prepared!! We can’t wait to see you, West Seattle!
WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: Third weekend begins for thousands of lights synched to music outside a home on 38th SW between Genesee and Dakota – 6:30-10 pm.
(added) SEATTLE METROPOLITAN SINGERS: Another concert tonight:
Seattle Metropolitan Singers Winter Concert
Friday 12/9 7-8 pm
Alki United Church of Christ/Kol HaNeshamah Synagogue
6115 SW Hinds
Treats to follow!
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: One more WSCO holiday concert, free admission (“donations gratefully accepted”) – Symphony Orchestra featuring cello soloist Alistair MacRae at 7 pm, at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).
THE STARRY CROWNS: Holiday concert at Our Lady of Guadalupe, 7 pm. (7000 35th SW)
WARTUX: Live at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), with Swinson and The Expedition plus The Loveless Building. Doors at 7, music at 8.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’: At 7:30 pm, it’s opening night for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of The Lux Radio Theater version of the classic 1947 film, performed at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – ticket info and other details on the TNP website.
ARTSWEST HOLIDAY SHOW: Tonight at 7:30 pm, it’s your next chance to see “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.
BURLESQUE/CABARET: “Morbid Curiositease” returns to 2 Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm. Info including the ticket link is in our calendar listing.
Have something to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:39 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are in central Puget Sound again today. Kersti Muul reports they’re “spread from Wing Point to the north tip of Bainbridge,” traveling southbound. Let us know if you see them!
10:13 AM: Kersti says the leaders are passing Alki Point; we’ve also just gotten a call from Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales who says they’re south of Alki Point and easy to see.
10:46 AM: More updates in comments – thank you!
11:20 AM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail called to say the second group is between Bainbridge and Blake Islands.
Just got word of another monkeypox vaccination event in West Seattle this weekend, for those who meet current eligibility criteria. Like the one in October, this is happening at Arthur’s (2311 California SW). First and second shots of the vaccine will be available 5-8 pm Saturday (December 10). No appointment needed – just show up. If you can’t get to this, watch here for other vaccination opportunities.
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, December 9th.
WEATHER
Today’s forecast is a lot like yesterday – some rain expected, high in the 40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is still down buses for repairs, so keep a close watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions. If routes are suspended again, here’s Metro advice on alternatives.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule this morning.
-WSF’s Triangle Route is too – check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
High Bridge – here’s the camera at the top.
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way).
Low Bridge: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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