West Seattle, Washington
11 Sunday
11:53 PM: Police checking out reports of gunfire in the Lincoln Park area have found casings in one of the parking lots and one person who is wounded, found just east of the park near 46th/Rose. Updates to come.
11:57 PM: They’re also reporting at least one house hit by gunfire, 8000 block of Fauntleroy Way (right across from the park). Officers have told dispatch they’ve recovered five .45 casings so far. Meantime, the injured person is reported to have been shot in the leg. (Update: Knee.)
(Added: SPD photo)
12:06 AM: Police are reporting a “second scene” in the park, finding shell casings by the baseball diamond.
12:15 AM: According to an SFD radio transmission, the shooting victim is a 15-year-old boy.
12:36 AM: Officers told dispatch that they were told several people in the park were “firing guns into the air.” The victim, meantime, has been taken to the hospital.
12:43 AM: Officers say they have collected six .45 casings from the north parking lot.
11:04 PM: King County Sheriff’s deputies are getting assistance from Seattle Police responding to a report of a shooting victim at or near Roxy’s Casino (28th/Roxbury). No other details yet.
11:26 PM: We don’t have information on the victim’s condition but per SPD, KCSO has one suspect in custody.
11:30 PM: A reader who says he was in the casino when it happened just called. He says three people were shot.
12:24 AM: Our photographer is just back from the scene. KCSO is not commenting, saying they’ll “issue a statement” at some point. Meantime, commenters who were there say one victim died at the scene.
3:30 AM: No statement yet.
7:55 AM: From KCSO Sgt. Eric White :
What we do know at this point is that around 2248 hours last night an unknown person came into Roxbury Lanes Casino located at the 2800 block of SW Roxbury Street in Unincorporated King County and began shooting. KCSO Deputies from White Center, Burien, Sea Tac, Metro and Sound Transit Divisions responded to the scene. As many as three victims were reported to have sustained injuries, and were transported to Harborview Hospital for their injuries. KCSO Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene. The suspect in this is still at large. This case is still an active and open investigation.
ADDED MONDAY: Though Harborview Medical Center usually won’t provide the media with updates on patient conditions without names, they are making an exception in this case. HMC spokesperson Susan Gregg tells WSB that 2 men are in critical condition and one woman is in serious condition. … Also, the casino, bowling alley, and restaurant plan to remain closed until Thursday.
(2013 photo – the lighthouse’s centennial year – by Dustin T. Smith)
Tomorrow’s the first day this year that you can visit a historic West Seattle gem – Alki Point Lighthouse. U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary volunteers are again there for free tours on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer. Just show up between 1 pm and 3:45 pm on Sundays (except July 2nd). You can learn about its history – going back 110 years! – and enjoy panoramic views of Puget Sound.
The family of Jon-Paul “JP” Sletten wants to be sure everyone is invited to his Celebration of Life this Tuesday (May 30th) and are sharing this remembrance along with the invitation:
Jon-Paul (“Jon”) (“JP”) Sletten passed away peacefully and unexpectedly in the early morning hours of April 27, 2023. He was 53 years old at the time of his death – gone from this world too soon for all who knew and loved him.
Jon-Paul was preceded in death by his brother, James Galen (Daisy) Sletten of Bozeman, MT, his grandparents Marvin and Margaret Sletten, Thomas and Dolores Barclay, and Orlano and Phyllis Palm, all of Anaconda, MT, his uncles Marvin “Red” Sletten of Seattle and John “Jack” (Eileen) Sletten of Anaconda, MT; and his aunt, Linda Sue Miller-Page, of Tacoma.
Jon-Paul is survived by his mother Cheryl Anne (Mike) Dunn of Anaconda, MT, his father Charles Edward Sletten of Laurel, MT, his stepfather Tony Wayne Palm of Anaconda, MT, his sisters Jessica Sletten (Joe) Daniels of Longwood, FL, Charlsie Jane Sletten of Billings, MT, and Korri Jane Palm Toll of Scotch Plains, NJ, and his brother Toby James (Stacy) Palm of Roseburg, OR, and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins from the Sletten, Barclay, Palm, and Miller families.
Born on February 26th, 1970, to Charles and Cheryl Sletten, Jon-Paul attended school in his hometown of Anaconda, Montana, graduating from Anaconda High School in 1988. He was a brilliant student and an avid reader who had a passion for world history. He was also a boy filled with a sense of wonder who loved to create imaginary worlds that transported the minds of his siblings, cousins, and friends. Later in life, his knowledge and creativity would help him bring acceptance and peace to others; many felt truly seen by Jon-Paul, even when others were unable to fully acknowledge them.
Jon-Paul was a hard worker who started his first job at 14 years old, bussing tables at Barclay II, a local Anaconda supper club. He went on to become a career server, working at multiple restaurants in the greater Seattle area and eventually settling at his final place of employment: Endolyne Joe’s. Jon-Paul was well-known in the Seattle service family for his engaging personality. He went to extremes to bring smiles to the faces of his customers and co-workers, relying on his signature sense of humor, and readily deploying a string of bad jokes if all else failed.
Jon-Paul’s primary passion in life was his love of people. He had a bright smile and an easy, cackling laugh, and he was always quick to share both with others. He loved his family and friends deeply. He could be both silly and serious, but he was always loving. And whenever Jon-Paul was nearby, the people who loved him crowded around to feel his light shining on them, while he joked in his quick-witted way and told animated stories.
A Celebration of Jon-Paul’s Life will be held at Endolyne Joe’s at 9261 45th Avenue SW, Seattle, on May 30th, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. We hope you can join us there to share your favorite story or memory of this wonderful man whose accepting nature brought peace to so many. If not, don’t worry – Jon-Paul would understand and would simply ask that you do something kind for another person to honor his time on this earth.
Please send family condolences or final personal comments to Hope Lutheran Church at hopeluchurch@aol.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital at give.seattlechildrens.org, an organization that Jon-Paul visited often to support one of his favorite people, his cousin Kaylor “Bean” Feeley, who received life-saving medical care there.
Special thanks to the staff at Endolyne Joe’s in Seattle, Emerald Cremation and Burial in Seattle, and Hope Lutheran Church in Anaconda, MT.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
(WSB file photo from Loop the ‘Lupe)
With relatively few scheduled events this holiday weekend, we’ll be previewing some of what’s ahead in June. First up, Loop the ‘Lupe is just one week away, on Saturday, June 3rd. This fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-service community work is the one and only event of its kind – with your participation options including an obstacle course! This time, two options are offered: An “elite wave” for participants 16+, with two extra obstacles, and the “family wave.” Other options: 5K fun run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash. It’s one big party, also with live music, BBQ, and a beer garden, at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle, next door to OLG). Event starts are staggered between 11 am and 1 pm. Not registered yet? Go here! (WSB is a community co-sponsor for Loop the ‘Lupe.)
P.S. If you also want to run/walk the July 22nd Float Dodger 5K, you can register for both together right now and get $5 off each event’s registration fee!
If your tap water looks like this right now …
… it’s hydrant testing again, according to what Garrett – who sent the photo – was told when he called Seattle Public Utilities. As we’ve been reporting recently, a procedural change in hydrant testing has led to more sediment disturbance in the lines than used to be the case. The sediment is mostly rust, and SPU says it’s not toxic, but certainly unpleasant to see – and definitely hold off on laundry until the water runs clear. Always report it to SPU – 206-386-1800.
Just in from Everett, the West Seattle High School baseball team finished another strong season as the #4 3A team in the state. For the second day in a row, they lost by just one run – today’s final was O’Dea 8, WSHS 7.
(WSB photo)
It’s a Memorial Day weekend tradition – West Seattle VFW Post 2713 is at Admiral Safeway (2622 California SW) with Memorial Day poppies, by donation. The poppies have a century of history. As explained, “The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to those who assemble the poppies, provides financial assistance in maintaining state and national veterans’ rehabilitation and service programs and partially supports the VFW National Home.” Post 2713 reps will be at the store until noon, and again 10 am-noon tomorrow (Sunday, May 28th).
(Seen on the Sound at sunset – photo by David Hutchinson)
Welcome to the holiday weekend! Quieter Saturday than usual, but here are some possibilities, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SALES: Three WSB sponsors are having sales today:
–Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW) – 20% off all winter clothing and select rods. Open 10 am-6 pm.
–Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska) – paddle-sports gear and accessories. Shop in-store to get 15 percent off one in-stock item, or buy online and use code MEM10N to get 10 percent off. Open 11 am-6 pm.
–Lauren’s Jewelry (Westwood Village) – online sale today only; use code FLASH20 to get 20 percent off online purchases (until midnight).
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 9:30 am-3 pm, the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center will be open, selling a vast variety of student-grown plants. (6000 16th SW, north end of campus)
BASEBALL: 10 am at Everett Memorial Stadium, the West Seattle High School baseball team plays for third place at the state 3A tournament.
(added) VFW POPPIES: VFW Post 2713 is at Admiral Safeway (2622 California SW) today and Sunday, 10 am-noon, with handmade Memorial Day poppies, accepting donations.
SOUTH DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Back for a third year, this farmers’ market on the grounds of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW) is happening weekly this year, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, prioritizing vendors of color and presented by African Community Housing & Development.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:15-10:45 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for kids 0-5 and their families.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Get info about Marco’s music here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
(added) SPRAYPARK OPENING DAY: Highland Park Spraypark will be open daily starting today, through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2234 SW Orchard)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: You’re invited to visit the home of West Seattle’s history noon-4 pm Saturdays. (3003 61st SW)
VISCON CELLARS: 1-6 pm, visit the tasting room at Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) – selling wine by the glass or bottle. Learn about their wines here! (5910 California SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Taste, sip, buy student-produced wine at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor; 6000 16th SW), 1-6 pm.
AUTHOR AT HIGH POINT LIBRARY: 3:30 pm appearance:
Join The Seattle Public Library for a reading and presentation with Burien author Joseph Sissón from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 27 in the meeting room of the High Point Branch (3411 SW Raymond). Sissón will read from and discuss his recently published book, “Down the Road a Piece,” a fictional historical memoir about a 13-year-old African American boy who travels in 1957 with his family to the Deep South. Sissón will be in conversation with Jacqueline Ware from the African American Writers Alliance. Copies of the book will be available for purchase.
CANDIDATE MEET-AND-GREET: Maren Costa, candidate for City Council District 1, will be at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) to talk with any interested potential constituents, 3:30-4:30 pm.
EVENING COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Also at C & P, Levi Said performs 7-9 pm.
THEATER: Final weekend for “Zach” by Christian St. Croix, directed by Sara Porkalob, at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Tickets here.
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, for the monthly drag extravaganza West End Girls, hosted by Cookie Couture. Tickets here! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
If you have a show, sale, event, meeting, seminar, reading, field trip, fundraiser, class, game, or ? for our calendar … please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
1:40 AM: Thanks for all the texts. We’re looking into the small plane that’s been circling various parts of the peninsula. Checking its trail on a flight tracker (Flightradar24), it’s been all over points from Olympia northward throughout the night, not just here.
(Screenshot from Flightradar24)
With its flight originating in Thurston County, and crosschecking the type of aircraft, it may well be State Patrol.
1:52 AM: As noted by a commenter, another flight tracker (Flight Aware) confirms that it’s a WSP plane. It’s headed back for Thurston County, too. … Checking WSB archives, we reported on almost exactly the same type of flight and aircraft Labor Day weekend last year, same time of the morning.
1:59 AM: A few commenters have mentioned officers at 45th/Juneau, and a phone caller says they’re State Patrol.
2:06 AM: That said, the Seaview incident has been described on emergency radio as a suicidal person … Meantime, looking further into our archives, we covered another State Patrol circling/looping situation in 2021, and learned later that it had to do with a stolen car.
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