(WSB photo, early Sunday)

“The facts of this case are terrifying.” That’s how the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office opens the charging-document summary for 29-year-old Ethan McConaghy, charged with first-degree burglary and fourth-degree assault, accused of breaking into a home near 48th/Charlestown early Sunday morning and attacking the family who lives there. (Here’s our original report.) Even more than the narrative in the charging document, that assessment is borne out by the family telling their story in their own words – including their children’s bravery. Here’s what they sent:

It was around 6:45 am and my husband and I had just woken up when we were startled by the sound of breaking glass. Thinking that our china cabinet shelves had collapsed, we went downstairs and were confronted by an intruder entering the house via our broken dining room window. We demanded he leave our house but he didn’t respond and instead, came at us. My husband stopped him physically and they began to wrestle. I yelled for our children to call 911.

I proceeded to help my husband by opening the door so he could force the intruder outside. Once out, he was again told to leave. He ignored us and came at my husband again; they wrestled, moving onto the lawn while I called out for help. The man then ducked out of his shirt and jacket, allowing him to elude my husband and run at me while I was standing in the doorway. I defended myself but was ultimately dragged down the front steps to the lawn. The man then ran back into the house; he made it to the foot of the stairs before my husband caught up with him.

I had followed my husband inside and we tried to hold the intruder back, but he was able to struggle up the stairs. He then managed to break free and enter our younger daughter’s room, but he came back out immediately. She was not there because she had locked herself in our bedroom and was on the phone with 911. He then broke down the door to our bedroom and rushed our daughter, knocking the phone out of her hand. At that point, my husband was able to stop him by jumping on top of him. I grabbed our daughter and took her downstairs, yelling to our older daughter to call 911 and that we needed to leave immediately. When we caught up with her, she was on the phone with 911, and we were all able to get out of the house together.

Our children ran for safety while I ran to the neighbor’s house to get help. When I returned to our house with my neighbor, my husband had the man pinned down. I then left to locate our daughters. While I was looking for them, the police arrived, and I directed them to the scene. Our daughters had hidden themselves safely out of sight and were soon found by the police. Eventually, the police brought the man out of our house, and he was taken away in their custody.

We appreciate the help and kindness of our neighbors and the police response. We are proud of our daughters. They reacted quickly and effectively; they got the police to our house, took care of each other, and found safety. My daughters and I are in awe of how my husband handled the situation. Through this ordeal, we are closer as a family. We can only hope that as we heal mentally and physically from this experience, the person who caused this trauma is also getting the help he needs so we all can grow from this terrible experience.

The suspect remains in the King County Jail, held in lieu of $50,000 bail. The charging documents list his “last known address” as several blocks south of the crime scene; the family had never seen him before. His only listed prior conviction is for DUI, 13 years ago; he also has a recent DUI case that is not yet resolved.

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West Seattle Art Walk, all around the peninsula! Our 3 stops

March 14, 2024 5:44 pm

| Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk, all around the peninsula! Our 3 stops

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

5:44 PM: Until 8 tonight – and beyond, at some venues – the West Seattle Art Walk is on!

That’s Rance Holiman, showing his paintings tonight at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor), our first stop of the night.

6:40 PM: Second stop of the night – Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), hosting painter Michael A. Knutson:

See his new work, “lone portraits of common natural creatures set to vast backdrops.” Also while at the winery – tasting fees are waived on Art Walk night!

7:20 PM: Continuing south, it’s a group show tonight at Alki Arts (6030 California SW; WSB sponsor):

Above, that’s Rob Roy Chalmers; below, Reeve Washburn:

If you don’t get out tonight, many of the venues (and definitely Alki Arts!) show art all month … find out about tonight’s displays by going here!

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BIZNOTE: The Swinery announces it’s closing

March 14, 2024 3:37 pm

| 25 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

After 15 years at 3207 California SW, The Swinery is closing. Its proprietors asked us to publish this announcement:

Dearest customers, it breaks our hearts to announce that the Swinery will be closing March 24th, 2024.

The economy has made it impossible for us to continue.

Since 2009 we have had the pleasure of getting to know you, and watching your families grow.

We will not be leaving our beloved West Seattle, so hopefully we’ll see you around town.

Follow us on Facebook, you never know when or where the Swinery may pop up next for your Cassoulet, sausages etc…

Thank you all for everything,

Kim and Danny

The Swinery’s original ownership founded the butcher shop/eatery in 2009; it’s had much acclaim, and even national-TV spotlights – along the way. Kim – who has worked there since that first year – and Danny bought it in 2018. They’ve turned to community help in recent years, and have had The Swinery on the market, but have now decided to close their doors.

ADDED: Kim says she’d like to build an email list to notify people if they do a pop-up, community BBQ, etc. – if you’d want to be on that list, kimanneleveille@gmail.com is the address.

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If you see what looks like a motorcade …

March 14, 2024 2:07 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

… it’s training, according to a notification given to dispatchers and heard on police radio a short time ago. They were planning to head into West Seattle from the southeast, toward Lincoln Park.

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BIZNOTE: Mashiko adds lunch

March 14, 2024 12:46 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Another option for lunch in West Seattle! After many years of serving dinner only, West Seattle Junction Japanese restaurant – with a focus on sustainable seafood – Mashiko has added lunch. Proprietor Allison Hill emailed to share the news that they’re open for lunch 11:30 am-2:30 pm every day but Tuesday. They’re offering online ordering too: “We have Bentos, Donburis, and so much more!” Mashiko is at 4725 California SW.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Mini-mart break-in

March 14, 2024 11:56 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Another business burglary early today: Just after 1 am, we heard police dispatched to a suspected burglary at the gas station/mini-mart on the northwest corner of 41st/Admiral. Little subsequent information was exchanged over the air, so we followed up with SPD’s media office today. They confirmed the mini-mart was burglarized: “Officers found a broken front glass door at the business and an employee outside. No one was found inside. It appears (the burglar) used a rock to break in and steal items.” The description provided by SPD is “short white man in his 30s to 40s with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a dark jacket, gray hoodie, dark pants, and black shoes.” If you have any information, the incident number to reference is 24-070026.

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West Seattle Art Walk with scavenger hunt, museum quirkiness @ Southwest Stories, dog-park hearing, much more for your Thursday

March 14, 2024 10:51 am

| Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk with scavenger hunt, museum quirkiness @ Southwest Stories, dog-park hearing, much more for your Thursday

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Tonight is West Seattle Art Walk night, with a scavenger hunt, and that leads off our event lineup – first, this month’s list of where to find art and/or artist receptions and/or food/drink specials:

To get specifics about tonight’s events, browse the previews on the Art Walk website; here are two highlights:

SCAVENGER HUNT: Starting at 5 pm, go on a St. Patrick’s Day-theme scavenger hunt for a pot of gold – well, next best thing, for a chance to win prizes from local businesses! Our preview explains how.

JET CITY CAULDRON: Pop-up shopping with multiple artists/vendors will be awaiting you 5-9 pm inside Jet City Labs (4547 California SW),

Now – here’s what else is up today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.

FREE CHEESEBURGER: Duke’s Seafood on Alki (2516 Alki Avenue SW; WSB sponsor) continues celebrating its reopening with a new offer – free cheeseburger with any entree, through Tuesday (March 19). Open 11 am-10 pm.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Wine bar and tasting room open 1-6 pm at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Just four days remaining for in-person cookie-selling season – use this search tool to find a “cookie booth” near you.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Original Philly’s.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 4-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH – CLOTHING EQUALITY: 4:30 pm presentation at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), learn about the fight over pockets! Free admission.

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

WONDERFUL, WEIRD, WORRISOME … What might you find in Washington’s museums? Harriet Baskas will reveal the secrets during this month’s Words, Writers, Southwest Stories online presentation, 6 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering to attend.

MAYOR’S PUBLIC SAFETY FORUM: As previewed here, the mayor and the city’s public-safety chiefs open a series of forums tonight about how to make Seattle safer, 6-7:30 pm, to be streamed live.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

DOG-PARK HEARING: The proposal for a second official off-leash area in West Seattle, at a city-owned site south of WS Stadium, gets an official public hearing tonight with the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners, 6:30 pm. Our preview has information on how to comment, either remotely or by going to the meeting downtown.

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

OPEN MIC: Express yourself at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Mariner Moose in Morgan Junction

March 14, 2024 9:48 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

We’re just back from the Morgan Junction Starbucks, where the Mariner Moose has arrived. As announced last month, this is the latest stop on the Mariners’ “March to Opening Day” regional tour, starring the team mascot. You can stop by the shop (southwest corner of California and Fauntleroy) until 11 am to see The Moose. They’re giving away T-shirts, hats, and Starbucks gift cards, plus a drawing for tickets. The Mariners’ home opener is two weeks from today – Thursday, March 28, vs. the Boston Red Sox.

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OPEN HOUSE: Tour Village Green’s independent senior-living residences Friday

March 14, 2024 8:46 am

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| West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

If you, or family members, are considering a senior-living move, and interested in independent living, you’ll want to visit Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) to tour the Parkview Senior Residences tomorrow (Friday, March 15). 2-6 pm, you are welcome to visit for an open house and tours, with light refreshments and entertainment. Village Green says Parkview offers “comfortable community living … private, spacious residences in an independent setting, complete with full kitchens and in home laundry.” They’re at 2615 SW Barton. Questions before you go? 206-937-6122 or WSinfo@villagegreenretirement.com.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Welcome to Thursday

March 14, 2024 6:00 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, March 14th.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Getting warmer! Mostly sunny today, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:23 am, sunset at 7:14 pm.

ROAD-WORK ALERT

One more reminder about work starting on the north section of the East Marginal Way project.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Per WSF alerts, “Due to some unplanned bridgework maintenance at the Fauntleroy terminal, single-lane loading and off-loading will be occurring until further notice.” Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

Low Bridge:

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene). Thank you!

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