West Seattle, Washington
04 Saturday
10:03 PM SUNDAY: When Seattle Dive Tours sent us their vandalism report earlier today, they noted that police had mentioned a break-in attempt somewhere in Admiral. Via archived dispatch audio, we traced that to Admiral Pub, and have been waiting to hear back from proprietor Alex – now we have; he says it happened just after 6:30 am:
A man dressed in black tried to break into the Admiral Pub, but thankfully, our alarm system went off and alerted the police. SPD arrived within five minutes and arrested the suspect.
The damage was minimal — about $700 for a new front-door lock and installation.
A huge shoutout to our amazing neighborhood for looking out for us! The police said they received three separate calls from concerned neighbors who saw the attempted break-in.
We love and appreciate you all!
The SPD incident # for this is 24-364227. According to archived audio, the suspect was found in the nearby alley. We don’t know his status because we don’t have his name, but hope to get that from police tomorrow.
1:11 PM: The 32-year-old suspect is in jail; we’re checking with prosecutors on whether he’ll have a probable-cause/bail hearing today.
WEDNESDAY EVENING UPDATE: Jail records show the suspect was released late Monday night.
On the fifth night of Hanukkah, the mood at Kol HaNeshamah‘s annual pop-up in Junction Plaza Park tonight was definitely festive. Rabbi Allison Flash (above, with song leader Henson) wore a light-up sweatshirt and had two modes of menorah-lighting ready – candles (which as suspected wouldn’t light in the wind) and battery-powered. Those gathered sang songs including “O Chanukah,” with lyric sheets distributed to the crowd:
And once the backup menorah was switched on, blessings were sung:
Rabbi Flash spoke of a long-ago “rabbinic controversy” over whether the eight candles should be all lit to begin the holiday, then one fewer each night, or, as it’s now done, start with one and add another each night. She suggested everyone should always “be seeking to … add light to your life.” The half-hour celebration included a favorite Hanukkah treat, too – donuts:
Kol HaNeshamah, a progressive synagogue co-housed with Alki UCC at 6115 Hinds, has been doing this since 2018.
LOOKING AHEAD: Another local congregation, the Torah Learning Center of West Seattle, plans a public celebration on Hanukkah’s final night, Wednesday (January 1), lighting its 12-foot “Grand Menorah” at the beach (4:30 pm).
Reported via text:
This morning we had a car dumped in our front yard at 10 am [32nd SW a few blocks south of Roxbury]. With the ignition destroyed, the car was taken by Seattle Police Department. In the process of (dumping) that car, ours was stolen. This was the car that was dumped with the ignition rolling:
Here is my car that was stolen. Bright pink 2021 Hyundai Elantra:
The officer let us know to not approach the car if it was found and to immediately call 911 as there was a box of bullets found in the passenger seat of the dumped car.
The stolen car has California plates, 8SVT364. SPD incident # is 24-364291.
(Photos courtesy Dave Townsend and family)
By Anne Higuera
Special to West Seattle Blog
If you go to a tree nursery, they will often tell you that the best time to plant a tree is today. For one West Seattle family, the best time started 70 years ago, when their grandfather began purchasing regenerating timberland with an eye to the future. Just this month, Robert Wise’s vision and his family’s work stewarding that land led to his grandchildren and their spouses being named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Forest Foundation.
(The family’s 2023 award paved the way for this year’s national award)
Wise settled in West Seattle almost a century ago, after finishing a business degree at the University of Washington. He came to Washington State from Iowa after serving in WWI, determined not to be a farmer, but he was wowed by the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest as rode the train westward. Summer breaks from college were spent at logging camps, and after graduating, Wise continued to work as a logger, and started a fuel business with his wife Beatrice from his property on Harbor Avenue SW.
(Robert Wise, 1960)
While the Wises were raising their two sons and daughter in the city, Robert wasn’t initially able to realize the dream of owning his own timberland.
Late afternoon whale-watching alert – Kersti Muul reports transient orcas are southbound, mid-Puget Sound off the entrance to Elliott Bay. Let us know if you see them!
Most of our lost/found reports go in the WSB Community Forums, but this one is likely of great importance to someone’s quality of life:
About three weeks ago, I found this hearing aid on the corner of Northrop and Thistle. I did not know that you posted found objects until I saw a recent post about someone’s glasses. I’m happy to return the hearing aid to someone if they claim it’s theirs.
The note and photo are from Megan, and if we hear from the hearing aid’s owner – westseattleblog@gmail.com – we’ll connect you.
The photos and report are from Seattle Dive Tours (4217 SW Admiral Way) proprietor Scott Flaherty:
Seattle Dive Tours would like to take a moment to thank the Saturday night breakers of windows.
3 windows as well as power meter and other utility vandalism.
You really encouraged us to do a deep post-holiday store vacuuming and cleaning.
Suspect profile: Those that are very offended/afraid of light-up jellyfish or dry-suit mannequins.
Today, we’ll be a bit slower on the phone and email as we get some new wood grain windows.
But come on by, we are open!!
The police report # is 24-364301.
On behalf of the family of 31-year-old Riley Kestner, killed in a crash in Seaview on October 30, Al shares news of his Celebration of Life next weekend.
I am sharing this announcement of a ‘Celebration of Life’ for Riley Kestner: On January 4, 1-3 pm at the Alki Bathhouse.
The announcement includes “Riley LOVED food; bring what you love to eat or something that reminds you of him!”
(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)
(‘Gymnast’ squirrel, photographed by Arlene Rubin)
Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FERRIES: Washington State Ferries starts winter sailing schedules today.
GO HAVE A WAFFLE! Second-to-last day before Bebop Waffle Shop closes (as announced last month) – open 7 am-3 pm. (2600 California SW)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: No Sunday Funday run this week.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens!), plus beverages, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, yogurt, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
HANUKKAH STORY TIME: The Torah Learning Center of West Seattle hosts this 10 am story time at High Point Library (35th/Raymond).
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Closed until January 4.
MUSEUM POP-UP: You can experience a taste of the Burke Museum again today during the second of two drop-in pop-ups at South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.), 11 am-4 pm.
JUNCTION FC TRYOUTS: Free open tryouts for men 16-27, 1-3 pm, looking toward the second season of West Seattle Junction FC. At Delridge Playfield. (4458 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor); see our calendar listing for the book/movie(s) in the spotlight this month.
HANUKKAH POP-UP: Kol HaNeshamah will be in Junction Plaza Park with “love, light, donuts” on Hanukkah’s fifth night, 5 pm. (42nd/Alaska)
HOLIDAY LIGHTS AT OUNCES: Nightly after dusk till close (see Ounces hours here):
This Holiday Season, experience the magic of the Holidays every night at Ounces with Holiday Lights, Christmas Music, a 20 ft Santa, Festive Inflatables & Decor, Holiday Beer & Cider on Tap, FREE Candy Canes and more festive fun for all! Stop in any Tuesday-Sunday from dusk till close to experience the holiday magic!
(3809 Delridge Way SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, times vary. Tickets and info here.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: Bethany Community Church welcomes everyone, 5:30-6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall (8600 9th SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring – and/or in our Holiday Guide (which runs through New Year’s Day)? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
| 3 COMMENTS