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One day, many ways to care for Seattle’s only river during fall Duwamish Alive!
October 3, 2024 2:20 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | How to help | West Seattle news


(WSB file photo)

The twice-yearly Duwamish Alive! day for cleanup and restoration work on the Duwamish River and in its watershed is almost here. Four West Seattle opportunities are part of the list for the fall edition of Duwamish Alive! Here’s the announcement we received today from Sharon Leishman of the Duwamish Alive! coalition:

Saturday, October 19th 10 – 2 at multiple Sites

Join Duwamish Alive! this fall as our salmon are returning in our Duwamish River and Longfellow Creek, with this watershed wide effort in improving the health of our salmon by restoring their habitat which provides food, shelter and cool, clean water that salmon need. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces by removing invasive weeds, planting native plants, removing debris, and learning about healthy habitat. This is a family friendly event, all ages welcomed and encouraged.

To volunteer, visit www.DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice, or email info@duwamishalive.org

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FOLLOWUP: Crowdfunding for family of Triangle murder victim
October 3, 2024 12:07 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | How to help | West Seattle news

A little over a week has passed since 32-year-old Laupule Talaga was shot and killed at his workplace in the West Seattle Triangle. Police have yet to release any additional information about the case. Mr. Talaga’s employers at Seattle Soul Kitchen described him as a father of three, and his family now says his partner is expecting twins. For those who have asked if there’s any way the community can help Mr. Talaga’s family, they just let us know that they have set up a crowdfunding page – you’ll find it here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police chase after another 7-11 robbery
October 3, 2024 10:08 am
|      42 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Another West Seattle 7-11 robbery early today, but this one played out differently. An officer was on “directed patrol” focused on the Harbor Avenue 7-11 around 1:30 am when, according to the early summary, “The officer saw two suspects enter the 7-11 and grab the till. The officer interrupted the robbery, and the suspects entered a white Kia SUV. The officer recognized the robbery suspects being the same from the night prior at the 7-11 on SW Admiral. The officer initiated a pursuit, and other officers joined.” The archived audio indicates the robbers were chased across the bridge and onto northbound I-5, above 100 mph, at which point “it was terminated due to speeds” around Exit 168, north of downtown. Eventually, SPD tells us, the vehicle was dumped “in the East Precinct’s area and it was recovered.” Turned out to be stolen. The robbers, however, remain at large. They did not get away with the till, which police say was left at the scene when the robbery was interrupted. The Harbor Avenue 7-11 was the fourth one in West Seattle targeted in the past week, as detailed here.

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West Seattle Book Club, Piano Bar, park walk, more for your Thursday
October 3, 2024 9:45 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Black Turnstone visiting Alki, photographed by Rainer Klett)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Presentation at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) “to get a clearer understanding of how it all works,” 11 am.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop fall plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

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 yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

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 Isidro’s Tacos.

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!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm weekly run from The Good Society (California & Lander).

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!)

PIANO BAR: Monthly music/dancing event at The Center for Active Living, 7 pm. $10 at the door. (4217 SW Oregon)

WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 7-9 pm, first gathering since West Seattle’s biggest book club changed its name! Bring your own book to any of the locations listed here.

VOLLEYBALL: One home match tonight, Chief Sealth IHS (8-1) hosts Rainier Beach, 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community coalition for White Center and vicinity meets in person for the first time since pre-pandemic, 7 pm, North Highline Fire District HQ. (1243 SW 112th)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Final week for the “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.

COMEDY: Jokes in the Junction (Great American Diner)
Local headliner Greg Beachler will be closing out this monthly show at Great American Diner. $10! Tickets at CozyComedy.com.

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

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STUDENT VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Fairmount Park Elementary PTA request
October 3, 2024 9:00 am
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 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Local students have another opportunity to get an early start in volunteer work! The Fairmount Park Elementary PTA asked us to share this request with you:

Fairmount Park Elementary PTA is hosting the annual Falcon Fest on October 18th from 6-7:30 pm. This is a fall festival with family friendly games. The PTA is need of Middle and High Schoolers to help run the stations. If you are a past Fairmount Park student, this is a fun way to earn volunteer hours and support your alma mater. Please sign up here.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday watch
October 3, 2024 6:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, October 3rd.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

One more day of sun before rain revisits. Mostly sunny today, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:12 am, while sunset will be at 6:43 pm.

(Wednesday sunset – photo by Jen Popp)

ROAD WORK

*No dates yet from SDOT about any possible lane closures ahead 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.

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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Our area’s only law-enforcement helicopter, Guardian One, gets upgraded
October 2, 2024 11:56 pm
|      19 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | West Seattle news

(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.

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CRIME WATCH: 2019 West Seattle raid leads to 30-year sentence for woman found guilty of child sex abuse
October 2, 2024 9:50 pm
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.

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FOLLOWUP: Highland Park Improvement Club site cleared
October 2, 2024 7:20 pm
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 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

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.

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FOLLOWUP: Woman shot and killed at West Seattle house identified as Dr. Tammy Towers Parry; police release more details of shooting
October 2, 2024 5:18 pm
|      97 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(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.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen Scion, belonging to business
October 2, 2024 4:59 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

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.

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WATER TAXI: Both routes to continue midday service through fall and winter
October 2, 2024 3:09 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

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.

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In case you wondered too: That’s a Seattle Kraken tentacle
October 2, 2024 1:44 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

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).

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HALLOWEEN 2024: Got decorations? Share photos!
October 2, 2024 1:08 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Halloween | West Seattle news

(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!

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FOLLOWUP: Survey opens, meeting set as design continues for playground north of new Alki Elementary
October 2, 2024 11:29 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle schools

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.

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WEST SEATTLE WEDNESDAY: 15 notes
October 2, 2024 9:36 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(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!

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YOU CAN HELP: Library volunteers welcoming book donations
October 2, 2024 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

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.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
October 2, 2024 6:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

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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CRIME WATCH: Another West Seattle 7-11 robbery, likely connected to other holdups, and possible attempt (Wednesday update)
October 1, 2024 11:59 pm
|      40 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL REPORT, 11:59 PM TUESDAY: Thanks for the tip. This time the Admiral Way 7-11 has been hit by robbers. The clerk was held up less than an hour ago. Initial information from police was only that there were two robbers, both masked, and a gun was held to the clerk’s head. This is less than 24 hours after the Avalon Way 7-11 was held up, which in turn was less than 24 hours after a would-be robber tried to shoot his way through a locked door at the Highland Park 7-11. If you have any information about the Admiral robbery, the SPD incident # is 24-279573.

ADDED 12:44 PM WEDNESDAY: Here’s the SPD preliminary summary:

At 0131 hours, the suspects walked in the 7-11 located at the 4300 BLK of SW Admiral Wy. The suspects were driving a possibly dark sedan. The suspects entered the store, and one jumped over the counter. The second suspect walked around the counter. The suspects punched the clerk in the back twice and jabbed the back of his neck. The clerk felt pain. The suspects took approximately $200 in cash and left in their vehicle. The manager responded to the scene and video footage was reviewed. Possibly the same car was seen at a 7-11 located at the 9000 BLK of Delridge Wy SW. The two suspects attempted to walk inside the 7-11 wearing masks, but the clerk locked the door (Case# 24-279550). The SPD Robbery Unit was notified about both incidents.

There have been multiple recent robberies in South Seattle and West Seattle that appear to be connected to the same robbery crew (see many recent [incident reports]). Detectives with the Robbery Unit are working tirelessly on these investigations. No arrests have been made at this time. We will be releasing more information soon.

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SCHOOL CLOSURES? Seattle superintendent now says he’ll propose five for next year, and none will be K-8 or option schools
October 1, 2024 6:00 pm
|      28 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Another development in Seattle Public Schools‘ winding road toward possibly closing schools to save money. Last month, West Seattle/South Park school board director Gina Topp suggested that the superintendent come up with a Option C – closing a handful of schools for starters, rather than the 20+ in the officially unveiled Options A and B. Late today, superintendent Dr. Brent Jones did just that, saying he’ll propose five schools for closure in the 2025-2026 school year – though he didn’t say which five, though he did say the list will NOT include K-8 or option schools. Here’s his full message:

Dear SPS families, staff, and community,

Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts about our plan to develop a system of well-resourced schools. I heard you loud and clear, and I understand the many valid concerns you have about the plan in its current form.

We know we need the support of our students, families, and staff to uplift a large-scale change such as this. My hope is that we can work together to re-establish a level of trust that allows us to move forward in a way that honors our school communities.

After taking some time to reflect on your feedback, I have developed a revised plan that will support addressing the budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year while taking steps to right-size our school system. Under this revision, I intend to propose consolidating five schools for the 2025-26 school year. What we learn from this initial set of schools will guide our future action.

It is also clear our families value many of the offerings we have in our district. Under the revised plan, K-8 and option schools – including those with specialized service models like Deaf and Hard of Hearing and Dual Language Immersion – are not under consideration for the upcoming school year.

Like many districts, SPS is facing declining enrollment and very real budget challenges. This new approach aims to reduce disruption while helping us balance budgets in the coming years. We are working hard to close an approximate $100 million budget deficit for the 2025-26 school year. Each consolidation will moderately lower this deficit, contributing to our long-term financial stability.

Selection Criteria for Consolidations
Over the next few weeks, the Well-Resourced Schools team and I will determine the five schools recommended for consolidation for the 2025-26 school year. A third-party expert will validate the evaluation process to ensure transparency and accountability.

The selection process is based on the following criteria:

-Building condition: Physical building safety and health levels
-Learning environment: Facility’s design in support of all types of learning
-Analyzing enrollment and capacity: Facility’s ability to hold 400+ students, including space for intensive IEP services and preschool classrooms
-Minimizing disruption for students and staff: Facility’s ability to keep as many students and families together as possible
-Maintaining student access to specialized service models: Facility’s ability to house the resources students need to thrive

What’s Next
We expect to share preliminary recommendations with the Board by the end of October.

We encourage you to stay engaged and share your thoughts as we navigate this important decision together. We will be hosting community gatherings for both general information purposes as well as to share specific plans and transition supports for impacted schools.

We are listening, and we value your input — it is critical in shaping a stronger future for our students.

Please submit your questions or feedback through our Let’s Talk form.

Thank you for caring so deeply about the future of our schools and for your continued support.

This means two West Seattle schools that were under consideration for closures or changes – Boren STEM K-8 was on both closure-option lists, and one list would have changed Pathfinder K-8 to a regular elementary school – have a reprieve, for now. But two other West Seattle schools will have to wait and see if they are still being considered – Sanislo Elementary was on both closure option lists, and Lafayette Elementary was on one. Meantime, while trying to address a $100 million budget gap, the district was meeting today to consider a contract extension and raise for Jones, and is scheduled next week to consider sending $2.4 billion worth of levy renewals/expansions to voters (as reported here last night).

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UPDATE: Woman shot and killed south of The Junction
October 1, 2024 1:15 pm
|      174 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

1:15 PM: Police and fire have arrived at the scene of a shooting in the 4400 block of SW Hudson [vicinity map]. A woman is reported to have multiple gunshot wounds. Updates to come.

1:27 PM: SPD confirms one victim. No other details yet.

1:45 PM: Police do say there’s “no current risk to the community. … There are no outstanding suspects.” And they say the victim has died.

2:37 PM: Just received an initial briefing from police. They say the woman who was killed was 57. (added) They also say three people were involved, and (corrected) would not confirm that an eviction played a role, but they aren’t saying who did the shooting or whether anyone is under arrest, only that, for now, they’re investigating, and not looking for anyone. Video to come when uploaded.

3:26 PM: Here’s the video, from WSB contributor Christopher Boffoli. The SPD spokesperson is Det. Brian Pritchard:

Det. Pritchard also has posted a short summary – with no additional details – on SPD Blotter.

NOTE: This is the fifth non-vehicular homicide of 2024 in West Seattle, after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Center in January, 22-year-old Luis Solis Lara‘s shooting death on Duwamish Head in June, 53-year-old William Tappe‘s beating death in the east Junction area in June, and 32-year-old Laupule Talaga‘s shooting death in The Triangle last week. So far Mr. Tappe’s death is the only one in which an arrest has been reported.

3:19 PM: As we just noted in comments – pending a separate followup story we’re writing right now – the woman who died has been identified as 57-year-old Tamara Towers Parry. SPD says in an update this afternoon that she “presented a shotgun” when two people “arrived at the home to serve paperwork” and that one of them, a 40-year-old man, ” fired his handgun, shooting the woman in the torso.” Police say no one is under arrest and that “all firearms were recovered.”

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ORCAS: Whales in view off West Seattle
October 1, 2024 1:03 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

1:03 PM: Orcas are heading southbound off Constellation Park, reports Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them! (And if you don’t – check out the video and photos of whales in that area over the weekend.)

1:13 PM: Update from Kersti: “Leisurely SW travel. Now visible from Me Kwa Mooks.”

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HELPING: Lou Cutler’s next big walk for Make-A-Wish – on a legendary running route
October 1, 2024 11:35 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo from 2018 Laps With Lou)

For 20 years, now-retired PE teacher Lou Cutler led an annual daylong running/walking event on the field at Pathfinder K-8, raising money for Make-A-Wish, for which he’s volunteered even longer. The event – during which Lou celebrated his birthday by circling the field once for every year of his life – was held during a school day until last year, when it had to move to a Saturday. That just wasn’t the same, so 2023, marking his 72nd birthday, was the last Laps With Lou. But his Make-A-Wish support continues, and he’s found a new way to do it on his feet: This week, he’s going to Boston for a big walk Sunday on the legendary Boston Marathon route. We asked him to tell us – and you – about his plan:

At this time next Sunday, I will have finished the Boston Marathon walk and will no doubt be fully exhilarated that I followed the same path as all the great Boston Marathon runners over the past 100-plus years. The only difference is that instead of finishing where the Marathoners finish, we will finish at Boston Common and I assume that might be due to a traffic issue. The good news is that our course is slightly longer, so I can proudly say that I did a Marathon plus several extra tenths of a mile!!

I haven’t done the recommended amount of training in terms of longer walks, but rather will rely on the inspiration that I receive from my regular interaction with the Make A Wish kids, who are the bravest people in the world who meet daily health challenges head on with maximum effort and a minimum of complaint and through it all are incredibly resilient and superstars!!

As much as I will enjoy myself next week walking the Marathon and raising money for MAW, nothing will ever compare with the joy and thrill of running with the entire Pathfinder student body to benefit Make A Wish for the past 20 years.

As was the case for all the years of Laps With Lou at Pathfinder, there’s a Make-A-Wish link where you can donate directly to Lou’s fundraising campaign to help kids’ wishes come true – just go here.

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