West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
Police were called to the Rite-Aid store on California SW this past hour after staff detained two teenage boys who were initially reported to have tried to steal a cash register.
They were transferred into police custody. We’re looking into whether they are the same two teenagers reported in social-media discussions to have been wreaking havoc, particularly in businesses, for months; one reader emailed us about her family being harassed in a restaurant last night and finding out that the teens were known for similar incidents.
UPDATED MONDAY: We checked back with SPD. Here’s how they summarized the incident in response to our inquiry: “Two juvenile males, ages 14 and 16, were arrested for theft. Charges were requested and the juveniles were identified and later released to legal guardians. It appears the two suspects entered the business. One suspect asked a store employee for assistance while the other suspect attempted to steal cash from the register. Both suspects were detained prior to police arrival.”
7:45 PM: SPD and SFD have responded to a stabbing on Olson Place northeast of SW Roxbury. The victim is a 35-year-old man reported to have suffered a stab wound in the chest and is being taken to Harborview. We don’t have clear information on the status of his attacker – at first one person was reported to have been quickly detained, but a suspect description was then circulated. Radio exchanges indicate the attacker may be known to the victim.
8:24 PM: SPD says a suspect is in custody and the victim is in critical condition.
Thanks for the tips. A reader texted that photo after happening onto the scene of a collision that happened on West Marginal Way around quarter past 5 tonight. According to archived dispatch audio, this was a hit-and-run – a bicycle rider hit by a driver, whose vehicle was described only as a “red truck.” Early assessment of the rider was “up and talking, with a possible broken leg”; we just heard back from SFD, which says he is a man in his mid-50s, in serious condition when transported to the hospital. We don’t have any information on where the rider was when hit – as the photo shows, emergency responders were at/near the signalized Duwamish Trail crossing.
When we asked Seattle Parks about the construction fencing that signals the imminent start of the Lincoln Park South Play Area replacement, we also asked about the downed fencing around the planned pickleball-court site elsewhere in the park. We’ve received several reader photos like the one above sent by Ryan. Was it vandalism? Here’s how Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor replied: “The fencing should not have been removed. The project manager is working to get it re-installed and also fix the signage.” The fencing was originally installed to stretch into the grassy area west of the planned court project because of accessibility work Parks said would be included. The work is currently on hold until warmer weather. The Fauntleroy Community Association, which heard from project opponents at its last meeting in November, is tentatively scheduled to talk with a guest from Parks at its next meeting Tuesday (January 9th), 7 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
With the final major decisions for West Seattle light rail expected to be made this year – finalizing the routing and station locations – the Sound Transit Board will be down to just one West Seattleite. That person is King County Executive Dow Constantine, the current chair, who just nominated replacements for three King County vacancies: Succeeding former King County Councilmember Joe McDermott, the West Seattleite who did not run for reelection, would be County Councilmember Girmay Zahilay of South Seattle; succeeding former Seattle City Councilmember Debora Juarez, who also did not run for reelection, would be City Councilmember Dan Strauss of Ballard (which is also getting a light-rail extension), and succeeding former Kenmore mayor Dave Baker would be Redmond Mayor Angela Birney. They’ll all serve four-year terms on the board if approved by the King County Council. As the announcement explains, the board “includes 17 local elected officials – 10 from King County, four from Pierce County, and three from Snohomish County, and members are appointed by their respective County Executives.” Also on the board is state Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar. The ST Board will make those major West Seattle decisions after the Final Environmental Impact Statement comes out in a timeframe ST current describes as “the middle of” this year. The board also has to find a new CEO. Its first full meeting of this year is January 25th.
Police were dispatched to this crash on the westbound West Seattle Bridge right after we received this photo from a texter, who describes the location as “just before 99 onramp.” No report of injuries so far.
(November photo by Stephen King)
A month and a half ago, two new cargo cranes arrived at Terminal 5 in West Seattle, one of the last major events before ships can start calling at the new south berth. We hadn’t noticed any additions on the schedule that’s regularly published by the Northwest Seaport Alliance, so we asked for a status update. NWSA spokesperson Melanie Stambaugh replied, “The construction team is in the final stages of preparing the terminal to open and we expect vessels to begin calling the south berth within the next month or so.” Exactly two years have now passed since the start of cargo calls at T-5’s north berth, modernized in the first phase of the half-billion-dollar modernization program. The same tenant is operating both berths, SSA. The primary line calling at the north berth has been MSC; we have an inquiry out about which line(s) are expected at the south berth.
(Photo sent by Mike Dey)
Thanks for the tips and photos! That fence is a sign that work is about to start on Lincoln Park‘s South Play Area, 6 1/2 years after the original play structure was closed and removed for safety issues. Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells WSB, “We anticipate issuing the Notice to Proceed to the contractor next week, so it seems the contractor put up the fencing ahead of this notice.” We reported last September that a contractor had been chosen but wouldn’t be able to start work until early this year. The contractor is LW Sundstrom, whose winning bid was just under $1.2 million for this project and similar work at Westcrest Park (closed 2 1/2 years). Parks promises more information on the construction schedule next week.
11:09 AM: Orcas are in Elliott Bay today – Kersti Muul just texted with word that whales are currently in the “grain silos” area toward the north end of the downtown waterfront.
9:31 PM: Thanks to Greg Snyder for sending the photo!
ADDED EARLY SATURDAY: And thanks to Robert Spears for these pictures!
(Winter color – Sunburst lichen on dogwood branch, photographed by Rosalie Miller)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the lineup for the rest of your Friday:
TODDLER GYM: Free drop-in gym at Arbor Heights Community Church, 10 am-11:30 am. (4113 SW 102nd)
SCRABBLE CLUB: Play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
DIABETIC SUPPORT GROUP: Also at the Senior Center, 1 pm: “If you are diabetic or pre-diabetic, have a friend or family member who is, or are simply interested in the topic, join our monthly meetings that cover nutrition, foot care and vision care. To register, contact our social worker, Toni Ameslav: 206-932-4044 x9 or tonia@soundgenerations.org”
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
ASTRA LUMINA: Another chance to see the celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus continues tonight, 5 pm. Timed tickets and pricing info here.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Acoustic “Circle of Songs” at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, all ages, no cover.
SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
JAY FIDDY AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), Jay Fiddy headlines a night of hip-hop. $15, all ages.
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather January 19 to remember Steve Lacher. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now with his community:
Steven Joseph Lacher
July 4, 1957 – November 21, 2023Steve passed away peacefully with his siblings by his side after a very courageous, hard-fought 4½-year battle with cancer.
Steve grew up in West Seattle, graduating from Holy Rosary Grade School in 1971 and O’Dea High School in 1975, where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Steve toured Europe on his 10-speed Schwinn bike between his Junior and Senior year on his own. After graduation, Steve attended Washington State University. Steve’s love of the outdoors and fishing took him to Alaska, where he spent several summers crabbing in the Behring Sea. Steve joined the US Navy in March of 1985, where he went to school learning the skills as a Boiler Technician. After his medical discharge from the Navy in October of 1989, he continued his education at Seattle Central Community College, earning an AS in Mariner Engineering. Steve used his education to work in his field in both Alaska and Washington. Steve’s last position was with the State of Washington as a Stationary Engineer 2 at Fircrest DSHS, where he retired July 1, 2023.
Steve loved his family, his solitude, his dog Bella, the outdoors, fishing, and all things football. He was disappointed with where the Seahawks were when he passed and had really hoped to be around to see the Huskies play in the National Championship.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents Joe and Karlene Lacher and his beloved dog Bella. He is survived by his siblings Jean (Michael), Jolene, Jill (Mark), and Joe (Joy) and his nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:30 AM with reception following at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave SW.
Not being one who enjoyed dressing up, and with his love of football, one of Steve’s last requests was that everyone attending his service come wearing your favorite NFL or college football team attire or colors.
The family would like to thank Dr Henry Li and his staff at the Polyclinic Seattle for fighting Steve’s battle with him. We would also like to thank Providence Hospice of Seattle for the care and respect they gave Steve in his final months as well as the support given to our family.
Remembrances may be made to: Providence Hospice of Seattle Foundation, 2811 S. 102nd St., Suite 220, Tukwila, WA 98168, or Seattle Humane Society, or to the charity of your choice.
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, January 5th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More rain expected, breezy, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:57 am, and the sun will set at 4:32 pm.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
ROAD WORK
As previewed here, pole installation for the permanent Highland Park Way/Holden signal is expected to result in lane closures again today.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
(The video options on SDOT’s camera map still don’t work; SDOT told us they’re working on it, but they don’t know when the feeds will be fixed.)
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 – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide 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 applicable). Thank you!
Police investigating a report of possible gunfire have found evidence. They got a report from High Point around 1:55 am that someone heard suspected gunfire and the sound of a car taking off; about 10 minutes later, an officer told dispatch they found “a couple of casings” a few blocks east of the caller, in the 2600 block of SW Brandon. No reports of injuries.
(WSB photos)
In those bags were some of the 2,600 eyed coho-salmon eggs that hundreds of students and teachers in West Seattle are about to raise for the Salmon in the Schools program. Volunteer Phil Sweetland picked them up at the Soos Creek Hatchery this morning, and this afternoon, reps from the 14 participating local schools came to fetch their future fry.
Akemi Sakaida, for Alki Elementary, and Adrian Parke, for Highland Park Elementary, were among those retrieving eggs today outside the home of Sweetland and Judy Pickens, who also is a longtime volunteer with the program (among many other community roles).
Participating students this year range from preschool to high-school age. The eggs will be placed in tanks at schools, where, Pickens explains, “Students will rear their fish and learn about salmon, habitat, and stewardship until releasing their fry in Fauntleroy Creek in May.” (Almost 1,000 people participated in last year’s releases.)
Five notes for school-shopping season:
TILDEN SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Independent K-5 Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) is hosting its next open house this Saturday, 10 am-noon. Head of School Dr. Jorge Olaf Nelson and Tilden staff and families will be there to answer questions and talk about the school’s programs.
BRIDGE COOPERATIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Also ready to welcome prospective families 10 am-noon this Saturday is The Bridge School (10300 28th SW; WSB sponsor) – “Families will learn about our whole-child, hands-on approach to learning that includes multi-age small classes, an outdoor education program, and an emphasis on the arts.”
WEST SEATTLE PRESCHOOL FAIR: Next Monday night, it’s the return of this event bringing together representatives from more than a dozen local preschools. The Preschool Fair is set for 5:30-7 pm Monday, January 8th, in the Menashe Gym at Hope Lutheran North (4100 SW Genesee). Hope Lutheran and Westside School (WSB sponsor) are coordinating it and are two of the participants.
NEW PRESCHOOL: The Torah Learning Center of West Seattle has announced that it’s starting a Jewish Forest Preschool in the Alki area this summer, for ages 2-5. It’ll be a “nature-based preschool” featuring “exploratory play and learning.” They’re accepting inquiries at jewishalkibeach@gmail.com.
PUBLIC-SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES/TOURS: We’re starting to get announcements from individual West Seattle schools and are adding them to the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar as we get them. We’ve heard so far from Highland Park Elementary (dates here) and Lafayette Elementary (info here). The district website also is building a list here.
School-related info always welcome – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!
(WSB photo, last month)
The Westside Neighbors Shelter – West Seattle’s only shelter, powered by donations and volunteers – has “immediate needs,” its operator Keith Hughes tells WSB. If you can help, here’s what they’re asking for:
With the high volume of people being served, we suddenly find ourselves short on paper goods – Dixie Ultra 10″ plates, 6″ plates, 20 ounce bowls – plus powdered coffee creamer, pancake syrup, creamy peanut butter, sugar (5 or 10 lb bags), Splenda (the pink stuff), and store gift cards to buy eggs, milk, and butter.
Deliveries can be made every morning from 8 am – 10 am, and every evening 5 pm to 9 pm.
Thank you West Seattle community for your continued support of this vital service.
The shelter is in the Veteran Center/American Legion building at 3618 SW Alaska.
We’ve been working today on fact-finding regarding rumors about the future of the Fauntleroy YMCA, co-housed for more than a century with the Fauntleroy UCC church at 9140 California SW. We’ve spoken with leadership at both the Y and the church and have now received official statements from both. First, here is what the church is saying:
The YMCA of Greater Seattle very recently informed Fauntleroy Church of budgetary concerns that are affecting its Fauntleroy location.
At the request of the church and with respect to the 100-year partnership of the Y, the church, and the Fauntleroy community, immediate decisions are on hold while discussion is under way about how this partnership might continue.
Senior Minister Leah Atkinson Bilinski noted that, “In the years I have been here, I have witnessed the deep love Fauntleroy residents have for what has so long been the center of community engagement – the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, Fauntleroy Church, and the Fauntleroy Y. We do not wish to lose the Fauntleroy Y, and from initial conversation, we understand that the Y also does not wish to lose its connection or legacy in this community. As conversation continues, the Y has assured us that it will seek community input. We also plan to do so and have already briefed Fauntleroy Community Association President Mike Dey.”
And here’s the YMCA’s statement:
The Fauntleroy YMCA is open and operating as usual. We appreciate your patience and thoughtful messages.
Right now, we find ourselves at a crossroads with how we use our space at the Fauntleroy YMCA in a fiscally responsible and mission-impactful way – and we need our community’s input and support. We look forward to working with the Fauntleroy church and our community as we explore options. We will not make any hurried final decisions, especially considering our nearly 100-year legacy of serving the Fauntleroy community. We are currently in the process of reaching out to members for their collaboration and support.
January is the kickoff of our annual membership drive, leading into our Annual Fund Drive in February. Now is the perfect time for community to lean in to help revitalize our operations at the Fauntleroy Y. Please encourage your friends to join us on the road to our Annual Fund Drive kick-off as they begin their New Year’s resolution to take care of their health. Get involved with our upcoming fundraising campaign by emailing us at cking@seattleymca.org or by donating today to help us get started!
If you have any other thoughts or ideas, we would love to hear them. Please email us at pr@seattleymca.org.
The Fauntleroy YMCA has long been co-managed with the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) in The Triangle. According to the Y’s website, the Fauntleroy location is currently open three mornings a week. Along with the Y, the Fauntleroy Church campus is also home to a preschool that is not affiliated with the church or Y.
ADDED 3:55 PM: The YMCA also just announced a community meeting:
We will also host a town hall on January 19 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm at the Fauntleroy Church community gathering hall. We invite you to join us in an open dialogue about the Fauntleroy Y’s future, ask questions, and share your ideas and collaborative concepts for the space and how we can best serve the community sustainably.
(August 2023 photo by David Hutchinson)
Yes, that’s Blue Angel, singular, though our file photo shows them all. Just a heads-up, especially for the eastern West Seattle residents/workers who have eyes on Boeing Field, that one of the U.S. Navy demonstration team’s jets will be visiting next Monday (January 8). It’s the annual wintertime visit to look ahead to the Seafair Air Show (this year’s dates are August 3-5). The jet’s expected arrival on Monday is 3:45 pm, though a Seafair spokesperson notes that time is approximate.
(SDOT photo – new signage for Alki Point ‘Healthy Street’)
One month ago, we reported on the new design for the permanent features of the Alki Point “Healthy Street” – Beach Drive northwest of 63rd, and Alki Avenue west of 63rd. Much ensuing discussion focused on the parking situation. This week, SDOT sent a newsletter recapping the design plans and adding the finalized parking stats for those concerned:
# of ADA parking spaces: 3
# of speed humps: 3
# of parking we’re removing (on Beach Dr SW from 3300 Beach Dr SW to 64th Ave SW): approx. 61 spaces
# of parking spaces available (on Beach Dr SW from 3300 Beach Dr SW to 64th Ave SW): approx. 48 spaces
# of parking we’re removing (Cul-de-sac area: raised crosswalk to 64th Pl SW): approx. 6
SDOT adds, “Existing public parking has also been identified in the area for possible re-striping, improved signage, or other updates to better indicate its availability for visitors.” Construction of the permanent features is expected to happen this spring.
(Early-morning fishing at Seacrest Pier – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
From reading to running, here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
PRESCHOOLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), every Thursday morning!
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.
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 Llama Fusion.
FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 4-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – drop in!
VISCON CELLARS: The winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle. Starting tonight at 7, this is also a site for tonight’s Silent Book Club (see below).
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, starting at 5 pm. Timed tickets and info here.
WESTSIDE SCHOOL VIRTUAL INFORMATION NIGHT: 6-7:15 pm, online info night for prospective preschool through 4th-grade families to find out more about Westside School (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
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.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
SILENT BOOK CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: 11 locations for tonight’s gathering, from West Seattle Grounds in the north to Dubsea Coffee in the south – they’re all listed (along with some specials) in our calendar listing. 7-9 pm, choose where you want to be, BYOB(ook), and enjoy!
YOGA, BREATH WORK, GONG BATH, MORE: 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
Planning something that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If you have a new or little-used coat, or other warm clothing, that you can donate, the holiday drive at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) has been extended a few more days – here’s the update we received:
This has been a stellar year for donations, and we want to thank all of you for helping our community in need.
We are wrapping up this year’s collection this Friday. This is your last chance to bring us your gently used warm weather clothes to 3435 California Ave SW.
For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, January 4th.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More rain in the forecast, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:57 am, and the sun will set at 4:31 pm.
TRANSIT NOTES
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you’re wondering where the boat is.
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
ROAD WORK
As previewed here, pole installation for the permanent Highland Park Way/Holden signal is expected to result in lane closures again today.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
(The video options on SDOT’s camera map still don’t work; SDOT told us they’re working on it, but they don’t know when the feeds will be fixed.)
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 – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide 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 trouble 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 applicable). Thank you!
Two weeks after three teenage boys were arrested following three Alki/Beach Drive robbery/carjacking attempts and a police chase, two had detention reviews today. The one we labeled suspect #1, the 14-year-old allegedly driving the stolen car while leading police on that chase, will stay in juvenile detention at the Youth Services Center. The other 14-year-old, suspect #2, is now on electronic home monitoring. Today’s hearing for suspect #3, who is 16, was postponed until next Monday; his detention status will be reviewed then. Each of the three is charged with one count of first-degree attempted robbery and one count of second-degree robbery, plus one auto-theft-related charge. The robbery and attempts were reported to 911 within the span of eight minutes just before 10 pm on December 18th – first 2800 block of Alki, then 59th/Admiral, then the 5700 block of Beach Drive.
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