West Seattle, Washington
03 Sunday
(King County Sheriff’s Office photo)
That’s the new Guardian One, the helicopter operated by the King County Sheriff’s Office but also used to support Seattle Police (which have no helicopter of their own) among others. Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall and King County Executive Dow Constantine introduced the new helicopter today at the Renton airport, where it’s based. It’s a Bell 407GXi, which the KCSO announcement says “is designed for quick, smooth landings in unpredictable conditions and will support a wide range of missions, including law enforcement patrol, search and rescue, wildfire response, and more.” Its predecessor was more than 50 years old. KCSO says the county spent almost $6 million on the new helicopter and the state added nearly $1 million. The KCSO Air Support Unit includes the Guardian Two more often used for search and rescue, plus 30+ drones; the county says it’s flown more than 300 missions so far this year, and 480 last year.
A child-sex-abuse case that began with a West Seattle raid five years ago led to a 30-year prison sentence today. Sentenced was 40-year-old Shabnam D. Pilisuk, found guilty by a federal jury a year and a half ago. Federal prosecutors say that a Seattle Police detective “uncovered information about a website that included discussion of incest and child abuse” and learned that Pilisuk was its operator; investigators then found out she “had traveled with an 11-year-old and sexually molested the child.” In March 2019, the news release about the sentencing says:
Seattle Police and Homeland Security Investigations served a judicially authorized search warrant on Pilisuk’s West Seattle home. They seized her electronic devices. The devices were forensically examined and determined to have images of child sexual abuse.
Then in November 2021, prosecutors say, the aforementioned victim disclosed that they had been abused; Pilisuk has been in custody since then and was found guilty on five felony counts last year. For today’s sentencing, federal prosecutors asked for a 45-year sentence; U.S. District Judge Tana Lin ordered Pilisuk to serve two-thirds of that.
Two days after demolition began at the 12th/Holden site of the historic Highland Park Improvement Club building, what remained of it after the 2021 fire is gone. Thanks to HPIC trustee Kay Kirkpatrick for these photos.
The foundation that you see in the photos will be reused for the new building. Fundraising for that continues. And the site will be used for community events before construction starts – timeline for that depends on how the fundraising goes.
(WSB photo from Tuesday)
The woman shot and killed at a house south of The Junction on Tuesday was identified this afternoon, and police have released more information on what they believe happened. We’ve already added the new details to our original Tuesday report, but are also publishing this separate update.
First, according to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, she was 57-year-old Tamara (“Tammy”) Towers Parry, and she died of “multiple gunshot wounds.” She was a longtime physician who gained notoriety in 2021 for a video indicating she was at the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot.
Police said in the hours after her death that the shooting involved her and two other people. Today they confirmed those two other people had come to her house with “papers.” (Her house was listed here as being in “pre-foreclosure/auction” status for $225,000 “unpaid balance”; a “notice of trustee sale” filed with King County in May says it was scheduled for auction two weeks ago.) Police say Ms. Towers Parry “presented a shotgun” and that one of those people, a 40-year-old man, shot her with his handgun. After the SPD update was published, we asked police to clarify that she did not fire her shotgun and SPD spokesperson Det. Brian Pritchard replied, “The shotgun was not fired.” Police also say they recovered both guns involved and that no one was under arrest, but the investigation continues.
That’s Steve‘s work vehicle, stolen Monday night in the Alki area: 2008 Scion XB, license plates CGU6932, marked with Revive Pro Services logo/info. No police report number yet, but if you find it, call 911.
Again this year, the King County Water Taxi‘s West Seattle service will continue middays year-round as well as am and pm commutes, Metro confirms today; the shuttle buses will continue too. And Metro says the new Vashon service’s midday runs also will continue throughout fall and winter. The only notable changes taking effect with the “fall schedule” on October 11 will be the suspension of Friday/Saturday later-evening runs on the West Seattle route until spring. Metro’s full announcement about all this is here.
Thanks to Conwell for the photo. If you see that unusual protrusion outside Easy Street Records – it’s an inflatable “tentacle,” part of a Seattle Kraken promotion. We got a note from the team saying they were placing various promotional curiosities around West Seattle and the rest of the region, looking ahead to the hockey team’s home opener next week. The Kraken also had planned to place another “tentacle” at Admiral Pub, and there’s an inflatable bobblehead outside The Westy (added after comments: on Alki too).
(Photo sent by Janelle Otterholt, ‘skeletons sunning themselves in Genesee Hill neighborhood’)
Just four weeks and one day until Halloween. Who’s counting? West Seattle’s many devoted Halloween fans, some of whom already have decorated their yards, windows, decks, balconies … If you’re among them, we’ll be showcasing Halloween decorations again this year and would love to receive a photo! You don’t have to provide your exact address as long as it’s a vicinity where people who want a firsthand are likely to find the display (“in the xx block of xxth Street,” for example). It’s also helpful if you indicate whether the display’s more intended for night – lights? – or day (or spooky any time of day). westseattleblog@gmail.com or text to 206-293-6302 – and thanks to the people who’ve already sent photos. P.S. Business displays welcome too – past years have shown that some go all-out with the seasonal spirit!
Part of the Alki Elementary rebuild project is an overhaul for the playground on the north side of the school/south side of Alki Playfield. The city has announced a community meeting and survey to update the design process. From the Seattle Parks-circulated announcement:
Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Public Schools invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Alki Beach Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave SW, to share your input on the Alki Playground Renovation project design!
During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to see how your input from earlier this summer was incorporated into the new playground design. This event will provide a platform for the community to engage with the design team, review the proposed layout for the play area, and provide input on your preferred play equipment option. Your participation will help shape the final vision for the Alki Playground renovation …
Please take a moment to complete the Alki Park Improvements – New Play Equipment Survey and share your preferences for the play equipment options. Your feedback is needed to ensure the new playground meets the needs and desires of the community.
For more information on the project please visit seattleschools.org/departments/capital-projects-and-planning/school-construction/projects/alki or contact Brian Fabella at brfabella@seattleschools.org or (206) 252-0702.
The new school is expected to open in fall 2026. The playground may be ready earlier that year.
(Steve Bender photographed this Chorus Frog at White Center Pond)
Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview the days and weeks ahead – we add to it frequently – and you’ll find even more events than we spotlight in the list):
ROSH HASHANAH: The Jewish New Year begins at sundown and continues until sundown Friday.
CITY BUDGET BRIEFING: Happening right now (started at 9:30), the City Council, meeting as the Select Budget Committee, is continuing to get department-by-department overviews of Mayor Harrell‘s budget proposal. Today: the Office of Housing and Seattle Fire Department. Documents are linked to the agenda here; live stream is via Seattle Channel.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am. Details in our calendar listing.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SOUND TRANSIT DROP-IN MEETING #3: 11 am to 1 pm, Sound Transit reps will be at Gallery B612 (1915 First Ave. S.) in SODO for the last of three drop-in meetings to answer questions about the West Seattle light-rail project, now that its Final Environmental Impact Statement is out and the ST Board has to finalize routing and station locations. Sstrictly drop-in, no presentation planned, no open-mic commenting, etc.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Second of four days to bring your work to Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, as explained in our preview. Library hours today are 12 pm-8 pm.
TODDLER STORY TIME AT THE LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two games! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
KUNDALINI YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm with Inner Alchemy at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35; ticket link is in our calendar listing.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The spotlight is yours! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Got books you don’t want/need any more? Many donation-accepting organizations aren’t interested in books … but here’s an exception: The White Center Library Guild. In addition to their sale events, guild volunteers maintain a “for sale” shelf at the WC Library. The guild says, “We accept old books, new books and everything in between. Just take your donations to the library front desk. Contributions help fund children and adult programs at the White Center Library!” It’s at 1409 SW 107th; days/hours are here.
6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Wednesday, October 2nd.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny today, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:10 am, while sunset will be at 6:45 pm.
(Tuesday sunset – photo by Carol Ann Joyce)
ROAD WORK
*Still no news from SDOT about any possible lane closures this week for the Spokane Street Viaduct resurfacing project.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides later this month. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues too, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*The Highway 99 tunnel will close for maintenance and inspections 10 pm Friday to 6 am Saturday (and again the following weekend, for longer – 10 pm October 11, to 6 am October 13).
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, plus the “unscheduled third boat.” Check for alerts here, where you’ll also find information on the fare increases that started Monday – Fauntleroy-Southworth, for example, full passenger fare rose from $7.70 to $8, while “small car and driver” rose from $10.95 to $11.45.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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.
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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