West Seattle, Washington
26 Wednesday
Got questions for/about local police/crime/safety? Two events are ahead in West Seattle.
Wednesday Update: Canceled. HOPS WITH THE COPS: This was just announced today – a drop-in event Wednesday, September 4, at Elliott Bay Brewing in The Junction, though SPD‘s flyer clarifies that the officers will not be imbibing:
As noted, the Seattle Police Foundation – a non-governmental nonprofit that supports the department – is picking up the tab for the bites. Elliott Bay is an all-ages venue.
SOUTHWEST PRECINCT CRIME PREVENTION MEETING: As previously announced, the SW Precinct Crime Prevention Council – which has no fixed membership, just whoever shows up – meets on Wednesday, September 11, 6:30 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). In addition to crime updates from the precinct command staff, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka is scheduled to speak. These meetings are a prime time to bring questions about anything from specific incidents to trends.
Three more Crime Watch reports:
SKYLARK BURGLARY: The music venue/restaurant/bar at the north end of Delridge was broken into again on Sunday, proprietor Matt Larson tells WSB:
We were hit…again. Suspect pulled into the parking lot at 6:37 AM Sunday morning. He checked out the front then went to the back, where he used a crowbar to open the back door.
He entered and removed both cash tills and their enclosures, then exited and left within a few minutes. There was $700 worth of equipment and cash stolen as well as damage to the cables and the door, which might have to be replaced (we just had to replace the front door a few months back when they broke in and got into our ATM – good times).
The truck is rather unique and has been seen around West Seattle so hopefully somebody is familiar with it, or at least can be aware of it. If anybody sees some dumped tills – let us know!
The temporary police-report # is T00008584.
Meantime, SPD posted two 2-week-old case summaries on SPD Blotter late today – neither was previously on our radar so here they are, for the record:
MAIL-THEFT ARREST: SPD says this began with 911 calls just before 1 am on August 7 reporting a ski-masked man breaking into mailboxes in the 7900 block of 35th SW – eventually, they say, with seven victims. They found a 28-year-old man nearby, saying he “was in possession of multiple pieces of evidence, including stolen mail, suspected stolen bank cards, a metal pry bar, and he was concealing a loaded firearm. The man had an expired Concealed Pistol License and was prohibited from carrying the firearm in that manner. The Beretta APX 9mm semi-automatic handgun was seized as evidence.” He was booked into jail. We won’t be able to check on his status until tomorrow, as we don’t know his name and this was released too late in the day for us to check with prosecutors.
BURGLARY-ATTEMPT ARREST: This too happened early the morning of August 7, according to the SPD Blotter post. Around 2 am, police were checked out reports of possible gunfire in the 9400 block of Delridge Way SW. They found the shooting scene was a block south, in unincorporated King County. They found a shell casing and a blood trail. Then they got a report of an attempted burglary at a house in the 8800 block of 16th SW and arrested a 32-year-old man nearby. He was carrying a 9mm handgun that police say was linked to the shooting scene in unincorporated King County (and also linked to a homicide victim in Federal Way). He too was booked into jail, and we hope to find out his status, and that of the case against him, tomorrow.
The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project – on the West Seattle Bridge extension between Highway 99 and I-5 – continues, and SDOT has provided this week’s closure schedule, starting tonight, and including another full-weekend closure:
Monday Night – 08/19/24
WB Full Lane Closures – 11:00 pm to 5:00 amWB S Spokane St Viaduct – Closed from I-5 Interchange to SR 99.
S Columbian Way Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open.
SB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed. Ramp to S Columbian Way will remain open.
1st Ave S Off-Ramp – Closed.
1st Ave S On-Ramp – Closed.
Port of Seattle Terminals 5-18/Harbor Island/11th Ave SW Off-Ramp – Closed.
EB S Spokane Street Viaduct – All Lanes OpenTuesday Night – 08/20/24
No ClosuresWednesday Night – 7 pm-6 am 08/21/24, Thursday Night – 7 pm-6 am 08/22/24, & Friday Night -7:00 pm-10:00 pm
EB Left Lanes Closure1st Ave S Off Ramp Open
4th Ave S Off Ramp OpenWeekend – EB Full Closure – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday
1st Ave Off Ramp Open
4th Ave Off Ramp Closed
EB to NB SR-99 Ramp OpenWeekend – WB Single Left Lane Closure – 10:00 pm Friday to 5:00 am Monday
NB I5 Off Ramp to WB Spokane Viaduct – Closed
Ramp to Lower Spokane St will remain open
We asked project spokesperson Dr. Matthew Howard about a progress report; so far, he says, the work’s gone well, but last weekend’s weather may have set the schedule back a bit; he expects to find out more at a meeting Tuesday.
Last month, we briefly reported on changes at Hegge Chevron as the service station at 35th/Holden was being sold. Now the deal’s about to close – signage was removed today – and the family that’s operated it for 55 years wants to thank the community. Here’s their message, sent by Linda Gunderson, daughter of station founder Ted Hegge:
I would like to share with the West Seattle community that the Hegge family has sold Hegge Chevron, located at 35th Ave SW and Holden St. We would like to thank all of you in the community for your loyal patronage over the years.
(Ted and Sharon Hegge)
Some of you may remember our dad, Ted Hegge, who started the business with our mom by his side in 1969. Our dad loved working in the community, serving all his customers and making some very good friends along the way. Sadly, Ted passed away in 1989 after a battle with cancer. Our mom decided to keep the station running after his death, with the help of our brother Mark, who took over the day-to-day task of running the business.
(Mark Hegge)
As did our dad, Mark also had a real connection with his customers and employees. Very painfully, Mark passed away unexpectedly in 2010. Our mom had a huge desire to continue to provide service to the community and keep the station running.
With our mom’s passing in April 2023, the family made the decision to sell the business. Our family would like to extend an enormous thank you to all the employees and customers who have been a part of Hegge Chevron. We could not have done it without your loyalty and commitment. The new owners will continue to employ the current workers. So you will still see the familiar faces of Karen, Alan, Sue, and Chris. Once again, a heartfelt thank you to all of you who have taken part in the history of Hegge Chevron.
The new owners plan to rebrand as Space Age, a family-owned regional chain. Permit files indicate they’ll turn the former repair area into convenience-store space.
Sent by Lexy:
My red 2011 Hyundai Sonata was stolen sometime between Saturday night and this morning in Highland Park. It has a large dent on the driver’s side door. California plates – 6NRR428 – case # 24-233302.
Call 911 if you find it.
A 36-year-old man is expected to be booked into King County Jail after treatment at Harborview Medical Center following two break-ins in The Triangle early this morning – at Fire Station 32 and at The Grove. According to the report summary and incident audio, police say he first came to their attention around 3 am, when someone reported a man near the fire station, yelling for help. He then was reported to have gone into The Grove a few blocks east, claiming he was being followed, and starting “to barricade the entrance of (the hotel).” What happened after that isn’t explained (update: he left before police arrived) but at 4:30 am police got a report that the same man had gotten inside the fire station. Dispatch audio indicates he first was in the apparatus bay (where the SFD vehicles park), “refusing to leave,” and then went into a tool room and locked himself inside. There, he was reported to be “setting off fire extinguishers.” After about 20 minutes, officers talked him into emerging, and they arrested him. He was transported to Harborview after he, according to the summary, “admitted to taking meth prior to the incident and was hallucinating.” The summary also says he got into FS32 “through an unlocked basement”; we’re waiting to hear back from SFD about the extent of the damage done. (Thanks to Aaron for the tip on this.)
ADDED: SFD spokesperson Kristin Hanson tells WSB, “We are currently conducting an inventory of items that need to be replaced or repaired due to damage in the tool room.”
Today we welcome a new WSB sponsor, Seattle Strength & Performance, now open in West Seattle at 2942 SW Avalon Way. Businesses joining our sponsor team get the opportunity to tell you about what they offer – here’s what Seattle Strength & Performance would like you to know:
We believe in the benefits of strength training AND community. In the first six months of training with us, we’ve shown our members increase their strength on average by 114%! Plus, when they’re in the gym, they meet and develop strong relationships in their neighborhood and community.
Seattle Strength & Performance members often seek us out to begin strength training, and our personal-training programming is personalized to the individual and is done in a progressive way, meaning our members see and feel the results of training with us relatively quickly. We often get feedback that the activities they are doing in day-to-day life become easier, and they feel stronger and more capable as a result of their training.
We also hear that people are seeking a gym environment with expert coaches that keep them accountable to their routines and progress. All of our sessions are appointment-based and many members develop relationships with others in the gym, and coming to SSP becomes something they look forward to!
Ready to improve your strength? Sign up for a FREE workout class at SSP!
We thank Seattle Strength & Performance for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news via WSB; find our current sponsor team listed in directory format here. You can email patrick@wsbsales.com for info on joining the team!
(Busy bees at West Seattle Bee Garden, photographed by Steve Bender)
Here’s the list for your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LOW-LOW TIDE: Out to -2.4 feet at 11:12 am.
BABY STORY TIME: Bring little ones up to 2 years old to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), noon-12:30 pm, for story time!
COLMAN POOL: The outdoor heated-salt-water pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open to the public today, noon-7 pm – session times are on the Colman Pool webpage.
LINCOLN PARK WADING POOL: Elsewhere at Lincoln Park, you’ll find this 7-days-a-week city wading pool, noon-7 pm, in the central upper part of the park near the north play area.
SOUTHWEST POOL CLOSED: West Seattle’s city-run indoor pool is closed for maintenance and repairs until after Labor Day.
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: The council is on its two-week end-of-summer break.
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, Monday brings “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too.
COMEDY! Two headliners tonight at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) for the monthly show presented by Cozy Comedy, 7 pm – tickets still available as of this morning – get yours here.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three places to play tonight – 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander); 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: All welcome at free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MEDITATION IN ALKI: The Alki Dharma Community hosts meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 7-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Though Bonjour Vietnam in front is closed for remodeling, The Alley in back is open – tonight you can listen to live music from The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
SING TONIGHT! 9 pm start for Monday night karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
If you have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar, please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
“Thank you for being a friend!” The board of Friends of Roxhill Elementary offers those words of gratitude in advance for help with the first fundraiser of the year – here’s their message:
Kick off the new school year by giving to the Roxhill Field Trip and Classroom Fund!
Did you know schools and families cover the cost of field trips? This creates a disparity between field trip experiences across schools in our district.
With your generous donations, Friends of Roxhill provides each teacher at our school with money for field trips and to equip their classroom with much-needed supplies, like educational games, toys, and books. Last year, donations helped send Roxhill students to the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Children’s Theater.
Last year, each teacher received ~$15 per student. We’d like to increase the amount to ~$20 per student this year!
100% of funds will go to teachers to benefit our RoxStars.
Roxhill Elementary is a small but mighty Title I school with about 250 students, located in the south end of West Seattle. Friends of Roxhill Elementary supports the education and enrichment of our multicultural public school in Seattle. Over 70% of our students are from BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, Person of Color). Our nonprofit focuses on building equity for students through fundraising, community building, and other important projects for our kids’ school success.
You can help by going here. School starts two weeks from Wednesday!
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, August 19.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
After the wild weekend weather, today’s forecast is relatively calm: Partly sunny, high in the low 70s, chance of rain tonight. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am, while sunset will be at 8:13 pm.
SPOKANE ST. VIADUCT CLOSURES
The Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project continues; we expect to find out this week’s closure schedule this morning.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule for both routes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedules; check for advisories here.
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, and the unscheduled third boat may be available. Check that link before you sail.
ONGOING ROAD WORK NOTES
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project is in progress. Fairmount Avenue is closed under the bridge for the duration of the project, at least into early 2025. Lane closures have begun on the top deck too.
*The East Marginal Way S. project continues, with a temporary routing change for bicycle riders.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Beach Drive: Gas-pipeline work continues at spots along the southern stretch. Watch for no-parking zones and steel plates (many on northbound side right now), plus flaggers.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
High Bridge – The Fauntleroy-end camera is working again:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low bridge: Here’s the main view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
South Park Bridge – This camera is working again:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
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 open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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