West Seattle, Washington
25 Saturday
For those asking – the SFD/SPD response on 31st SW in High Point is for a person in crisis reported to have injured themselves. SFD categorizes calls as “scenes of violence” when they are suspected to involve a weapon (a label that in turn can apply to many things, not just guns or knives). Remember that if you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self-harm, help is available at all times via the 988 hotline.
If you couldn’t get to yesterday’s free shredding event at Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – good news – there’s another one coming up this weekend, this time at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). Between 10 am amd 1 pm Sunday (April 26), you can bring up to four boxes of personal shreddables to the library.
P.S. And if you have other recyclables, remember the Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy on Saturday!
After multiple 911 callers reported what sounded like gunfire, police have found shell casings in a High Point alley. The location so far sounds like the alley between 34th and 35th, north of Morgan. No report of injuries; the dispatcher told officers that some of the callers reported seeing someone running in the alley after they heard the shots.
Late last night, 911 reported “a lot of calls” about possible gunshots in the High Point area. They dispatched officers to look around the areas the calls came from. One officer radioed in that he found “evidence of fireworks.” We don’t usually report on “possible gunfire” reports that aren’t verified, unless we get questions about it; multiple people have asked us about it this morning, so in case you wondered too – that’s what they found. (Police consider gunfire verified if they find a victim, shell casings, property damage such as bullet hole(s), and/or if someone actually saw a person firing a gun.)
Thanks for the tip! A reader points out that this recent announcement of Seattle Public Schools All-Star “Beacon of Hope” awards includes a West Seattle Elementary staff member:
Maryan Khalif, Instructional Assistant – West Seattle Elementary
Maryan Khalif is an extraordinary instructional assistant whose presence strengthens every part of the West Seattle Elementary community. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, building deep, trusting relationships with students through compassion, patience, and a culturally responsive approach that ensures every child feels seen and valued.
Maryan’s ability to connect with students is evident in her day‑to‑day actions. She pays close attention to students’ emotional needs and often notices when a child needs extra care or encouragement before anyone else does.
A native Somali speaker, Maryan plays a vital role in bridging communication between the school and families. She frequently welcomes Somali‑speaking families in their primary language, helping them navigate school routines, building strong partnerships, and ensuring parents feel genuinely connected to their child’s learning.
“Each day is meaningful, and I value the positive relationships I have built with students, families, and colleagues. I believe in fostering positive vibes in the workplace, and that sense of respect, support, and collaboration is what makes my work truly fulfilling,” Maryan said.
Maryan is also known for stepping in wherever help is needed, even without being asked. Whether it’s assisting a teacher who suddenly needs coverage, supporting new students as they adjust to school routines, or noticing a logistical need and solving it on the spot, she brings initiative, reliability, and a truly team‑centered spirit. Her work ethic and genuine care make her an irreplaceable part of the school family.
See all the “Beacon of Hope” winners here.
Stefanie reports finding stolen mail, some opened and some not, dumped in her trash bin – just before it was scheduled for pickup today. At least some of it was from the north side of High Point, not far from her neighborhood. So if you’re in that area, be aware a mail thief has been busy.
11:21 PM: Police and fire are on their way to the 6500 block of High Point Drive, where at least one shooting victim is reported after word of gunfire. The shots may have been fired from a “dark SUV.” Updates to come.
11:27 PM: Updated location is the 6500 block of Sylvan Way, where the westbound lanes are being blocked for the investigation. Initial assessment of the person shot is that their wound(s) are serious but not life-threatening.
(Reader photo, from comments)
11:35 PM: Officers told dispatch that witnesses say the vehicle might have been a Highlander, with five people inside, teens to early 20s, black clothing, black face masks. Meantime, officers are finding some bullet damage to parked vehicles.
1 AM: Sylvan Way has reopened.
ADDED 8:56 AM: Here’s what SPD has released:
Seattle police detectives are investigating a shooting that injured a 42-year-old woman in the High Point neighborhood last night.
On Jan. 14 about 11:15 p.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting in the 6500 block of Sylvan Way Southwest. There, officers found a victim shot in her arm. Police and firefighters treated the woman and medics took her to the Harborview Medical Center in stable condition.
Detectives in the Gun Violence Reduction Unit (GVRU) responded to process the scene and interview the victim. Police determined that multiple suspects shot at the victim’s vehicle, striking her inside of it. Multiple vehicles and at least one occupied home were also struck by gunfire. Approximately 60 rounds were fired.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle before police arrived and officers did not make any arrests.
This is an open and active case assigned to GVRU. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted. Incident Number: 2026-13556
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
This year, Nucor Steel (WSB sponsor) and its workers literally outdid themselves with their annual holiday-season gifts for the West Seattle Food Bank, delivered this morning to WSFB HQ in High Point.
A truck from Certified Hydraulics served as Santa’s sleigh to transport the nearly three tons of donated food from Nucor’s mill next to the West Seattle Bridge:
From cans of Ensure to flats of Sriracha, cases of soup cans and mac-and-cheese boxes, WSFB says all this will help them provide a variety of food to the growing number of people in need of their services.
WSFB’s development director Robbin Peterson explains that this is Nucor’s biggest gift yet: “This year they looked up what every department had raised in the past and found the highest for each department and requested they beat that number” – and, she says, they did! 5,900 pounds of food, and $31,201 worth of cash, checks, and gift cards:
That includes a company match of $1 for every pound of food and dollar donated – here’s a closer look at the ceremonial check, with WSFB’s Robbin and executive director Fran Yeatts:
We asked them what the WSFB is most in need of right now, if you’re able to give. Obviously money remains big – they can buy more food with your dollar – but they also need baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula. Many places have WSFB bins this season; more donation information is on their website. Also note that the WSFB clothing bank Clothesline is the beneficiary from the Cocoa and Coat Drive coming up Sunday (December 14) at the south end of the WS Farmers Market (California/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm).
Windy night for a Christmas tree lighting, but Our Lady of Guadalupe went on with the show tonight. Brian Callanan emceed the festive “Light Up the Night“ ceremony in which OLG lit the city’s highest-elevation Christmas tree, as you can see and hear:
OLG student singers and The Starry Crowns led caroling before and after the tree went on, with classic carols including “Joy to the World,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”:
(photos added) Another favorite, “Jingle Bells” with participants invited to jingle their keys:
(This photo, next 2, and tree above – WSB photos by Oliver Hamlin)
The tree lighting and caroling were just part of OLG’s annual community celebration:
Indoors, it was story time with Santa, and the fill-the-sleigh food drive for St. Vincent de Paul:
West Seattle’s other big tree lighting is at 6 pm tonight in The Junction.
Now that December has begun, January is in view, and it’s not too soon to think about resolutions for 2026. If you’re thinking about volunteering, here’s an option: Volunteer to talk with adult English-language learners who want to practice conversation skills.
A new conversation circle is starting up at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), Friday afternoons, 12:30 pm to 2 pm, January 9 through March 13, in partnership with Literacy Source. If you’re interested in volunteering, email carolines@literacysource.org (and if you’re a beginning/intermediate English-language learner interested in participating, just show up on January 9).
You’ve seen them on Duwamish Head in Alki, and now they’re on the east edge of High Point too: Bollards atop a raised concrete median on Sylvan Way. After a reader tip about the installation, we asked SDOT for the official explanation, and finally got it today from spokesperson Amy Abdelsayed:
SDOT identified Sylvan Way SW between High Point Dr SW and SW Sylvan Heights Dr as a high collision location last year due to the frequency of crashes that occurred at the intersection involving drivers crossing the roadway centerline and running off road. To address these crashes, SDOT’s Vision Zero program recently added raised pavement markers and centerline curbing in areas along Sylvan Way SW to improve visibility of lane lines and approaching roadway curves.
The SDOT collision map is not particularly conclusive, but we searched our archives for and came up with 74 results mentioning Sylvan Way and crash.
(WSB photos/video)
Some students walked into West Seattle Elementary this morning; some ran; one boy even danced his way through the doors.
All crossed a red carpet lined with staff, parents, and community members cheering and offering high-fives – one student even reached out with both hands:
It was also the first day of Ritchie Garcia‘s first full year leading WSE, and he welcomed the students before the doors opened, telling them this was more than simply “the first day of school”:
Those on hand to welcome the students also included West Seattle’s school board rep Gina Topp, who is the board’s president (she’s toward the right edge of the clip below).
The red-carpet tradition at WSES dates back to 2016!
(WSB photo, September 2024: WSES staffer Akim Finch welcoming students)
Again this year, the first day of school will begin with the exuberant tradition of a red-carpet welcome for students at West Seattle Elementary. You’re invited to join other community members and WSES staff for the welcome. Just be at the school’s main entrance (on the north side of the campus at 6760 34th SW) 7:15-8 am on Wednesday (September 3). It’s the first red-carpet event for Ritchie Garcia as principal; the longtime assistant principal is leading the school this year after Pamela McCowan-Conyers‘ retirement.
With less than a week and a half until most students will be back in school, summer activities are wrapping up – including Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association‘s Summer Youth Program:
The program’s participants included one dozen paid teenage interns who worked ten hours a week for the past six weeks, taking on a variety of tasks. With them in our photo is DNDA art program specialist Claire DeBenon, who says their last task of the summer was litter pickup in the area near Neighborhood House High Point on Friday afternoon, shortly before we took the picture. Claire also showed us another beautification project carried out over the summer – this mural on the Neighborhood House basketball court:
The interns got to free-style some touches:
Other work spanning DNDA’s art and environment focus included stenciling storm drains to remind people that fish are She explained, “The youth has done a lot for their community by working with kids and families to facilitate an educational, fun, and safe summer for West Seattle residents.” The interns are ages 13-17 and got a stipend for their work – for most if not all, their first experience drawing a paycheck, added DNDA’s Yeggy Michael, with whom we also spoke while there for the photo op. “This is a starting point for them,” he declared. He and Claire explained that getting into this program is “very competitive” – they had 40 applicants before narrowing it down to the dozen participants.
(Google Maps Street View image)
The parking lot shared by High Point Library and the Neighborcare Health clinic has been a hub of trouble and concern for years – with incidents like this – and it’ll be the subject of a community-safety meeting in two weeks. We were asked to help get the word out, so here’s the announcement:
Community Safety Meeting : High Point Neighborcare & High Point Library Parking Lot
Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
High Point Seattle Public Library – 3411 SW Raymond StCommunity safety meeting with the hopes of hearing from community members in the High Point area about concerns related to this parking lot. All are welcome.
Organizers hope to have representatives from not only the library and clinic, but also SPD, High Point community groups, the Seattle Housing Authority, and City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office.
7:05 PM: No A/C? Get out of your warm apartment/house/townhouse and hang out at High Point Commons Park with the West Seattle Big Band, whose Concert in the Park has just begun!
Free, great music; the park is just north of Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) and the concert will be on at least until 8:30 pm.
9:04 PM: The concert ran about 10 minutes past that! We are back at HQ now and will add video and more before the night’s out.
10:52 PM: We’re adding the clips as they’re ready. WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, opened with Glenn Miller‘s classic “In the Mood”:
Jenaige Lane was featured vocalist on Michael Bublé‘s “Sway”:
Sam Henry was featured vocalist on Frank Sinatra‘s “Come Fly with Me”:
This instrumental number had a ’60s TV vibe going, predominantly the “I Dream of Jeannie” theme:
Another song featuring Jenaige Lane, ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen”:
The vocalists sang a duet on “Slow Boat to China”:
Between songs, Jim Edwards explained both the band’s background – rooted at West Seattle High School, supporting music education, well past 350 performances in its nearly three decades – and this concert’s ties to the West Seattle Grand Parade: Edwards himself coordinates safety and communication (and is a past parade coordinator), his daughter Michelle Edwards – WSBB keyboardist – is current parade coordinator, wife Barbara Edwards – parade judging coordinator – was at the show in support, as was parade chair Keith Hughes from the Rotary Club of West Seattle (which presents the parade). Also seen at the concert: Make-A-Wish super-volunteer Lou Cutler, this year’s Grand Marshal!
MORE CHANCES TO SEE THE WSBB: As its director told the crowd, you’ll see them at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 19), holiday gig(s) TBA, and the annual Big Band Dinner Dances supporting the music programs at WSHS and Madison MS.
(Bee Garden photo: Volunteers, earlier this year)
If you have some spare time on Sunday, the West Seattle Bee Garden could benefit! Here’s the announcement that Lisa asked us to share:
This Sunday the 6th is our July work party, 10-12 pm. Our big focus is weeding! Some areas of the garden have gotten pretty wild so I’m hoping we can make a big dent and give our intentional plants much needed space and sunlight.
In the spirit of the holiday weekend, I also encourage you to bring your social side and join us for a break with lemon raspberry cake (homemade! homegrown raspberries!) and sparkling water. If you’d like to bring something to share, you are welcome to, but no pressure.
As usual:
-dress for the weather: it’ll be warm and sunny – hats and sunblock encouraged
-wear close-toed shoes
-we have tools but bring a favorite if you have one
-no experience necessary, all levels of garden-curious folks are welcome
-this is a family-friendly event, kids are welcomeAdditional volunteer opportunities
In July and August, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2-4 pm, a youth group from the High Point neighborhood will be gardening and stewarding in and around the Bee Garden. The group has leaders, extra hands are appreciated. If you have interest and availability in supporting this community work, please reach out to Abbie at: abbiec@nhwa.org.
The Bee Garden is at the north end of High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham).
(WSB photo from April’s Firefighter Story Time at Delridge Library)
Last time a library in West Seattle hosted Firefighter Story Time, a reader lamented not seeing an announcement sooner – so in case you haven’t seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, the next one is this Friday. This time, Firefighter Story Time is set for 11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). As always, it’s meant not only for kids to learn about fire safety but also to see firefighters and their gear up close, so that they might be less scared in an emergency situation. No preregistration needed – kids and parents/caregivers can just show up.
P.S. If you miss this one, you can also hop over the ridge to South Park Library (8604 8th Ave. S.) for Firefighter Story Time at 10:30 am August 5.
ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:46 PM MONDAY: Police are investigating confirmed gunfire in High Point. Someone said they were shot at while driving home from High Point Library, and wasn’t sure where it had happened, but police told dispatch they have found both several bullet holes in the car and several casings on 35th near the library. No injuries reported so far.
ADDED 11:34 AM TUESDAY: We’ve just obtained the narrative from SPD (they are responsible for the XXX redactions):
Two different residents reported the sounds of the shooting, one resident in the 5900 block of 34 Av Sw, and another resident in the 3100 block of Sw Raymond St.
At approximately 2226 hours, I arrived in the area and began looking for signs of a shooting, when Radio advised that a new caller was reporting that their brother had been shot at. I responded to the caller’s residence (elsewhere in High Point). … XXXXX and his younger sister … were returning from a family member’s house in XXXXXX. XXXXX was unable to name the streets but was able to describe his route home once he exited SR-99.
XXXXX took the hill on Highland Park Wy Sw to Sw Holden St, and then up another hill on Sylvan Wy Sw, which turns into Sw Morgan St as it approaches Sw 35 St. XXXXX made a right-hand turn onto 35th St and had passed the Walgreens located at 6330 35 Av Sw. Prior to making a right-hand turn onto Sw Raymond St, XXXXX thought he heard fireworks. It wasn’t until he felt broken glass on his neck that he realized someone was shooting at his vehicle.
XXXXX told his sister to duck down in the front passenger seat while he quickly drove off eastbound on Raymond St. XXXXX has no idea why anyone would target him or his sister, and believes that it was a mistaken identity, possibly based on his vehicle … a 2022 green Dodge Charger with tinted windows. Neither XXXXX or XXXX were able to provide a suspect or vehicle description.
XXXXX returned home to their residence where he told his older sister, XXXXX XXXX, what had just occurred. Neither XXXXX or XXXX recall anything out of the ordinary on their drive home (and neither) have had any recent conflicts with anyone.
XXXXX and XXXX did not sustain any injuries from the shooting. XXXXX’s vehicle had numerous areas of damage from the shooting. The damage was mostly to the driver’s side of the vehicle, which appeared to have at least four points of entry: two on the driver’s side rear quarter panel and two on the driver’s rear passenger side window.
It appeared two of the rounds that entered the vehicle may have exited thru the front passenger side windshield.
Officer XXXXX took photographs of the vehicle and recovered a slug from the driver’s rear quarter panel and two fragments located just below the front passenger side windshield. Officer XXXXX also recovered three shell casings that had been located in the street near 35 Av Sw and Sw Raymond St. … It is unknown if anyone witnessed the shooting and no cameras were observed in the area.
Plenty of reasons to cheer at this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe today at Walt Hundley Playfield! Organizer Brian Callanan verified it’s the biggest one ever – 770 people registered before and at the four-event fun(draiser). The signature event is the obstacle-course 5K, only one of its kind in the Seattle area – photographer Oliver Hamlin captured the spirit for WSB:
The obstacle course started with “elite” entrants taking off in waves so there wasn’t too much of a traffic jam.
(WSB photos and videos from here down, by Tracy Record)
Three-quarters of an hour later,the “family waves” headed out:
If you didn’t want to climb, jump, or get muddy, a 5K fun run was the perfect option:
And if you wanted a simple walk, the “Senior Saunter” was perfect:
The last of the events was a Kids’ Dash. Even if you weren’t running, walking, dashing, jumping, etc., Loop the ‘Lupe offered both a party atmosphere and a chance to learn about the local businesses and organizations who were community co-sponsors, including some WSB sponsors – here are Kemberly and Alison from Lake Washington Physical Therapy West Seattle:
And Charlie and Hsi Yen from Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction:
(WSB was media sponsor again this year.)The West Seattle School of Rock provided a lively soundtrack, and the Knights of Columbus grilled up lunch. Loop the ‘Lupe proceeds support Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s community and social work.
(WSB file photo from Loop the ‘Lupe)
Seattle’s only obstacle-course 5K happens right here in West Seattle, and it’s one of four events comprising tomorrow’s Loop the ‘Lupe (along with the 5K Fun Run, Senior Saunter, and Youth Dash). If you’re already registered, you can pick up your packet 1-6 pm today at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW). If not, you can sign up online right now! The Obstacle Course 5K starts at 11; the Fun Run 5K at noon; the Senior Saunter at 12:15 pm; and the Youth Dash at 1 pm, all at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), just east of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose community and social programs benefit from the proceeds. While you’re signing up, if you’re at least 16 years old, you have a new add-on option this year – the first-ever Penalty Kick Soccer Shootout with West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC players.
Walt Hundley will be a fun place to be on Saturday even if you’re not Loop-ing – you can do some volunteer work (sign up here) or just be a spectator! There’s music, food, and beverages too. Plus health care – as previewed here, the Care-a-Van will be on site, offering vaccines and screenings. WSB is media sponsor for Loop the ‘Lupe, and we’ll see you there!
11:28 PM: The second West Seattle gunfire investigation in 12 hours is happening right now. 911 callers have reported a bullet through a residential window near 34th/Raymond and shell casings found near 35th/Findlay. Police are in the area. No injuries reported, so far.
11:32 PM: There’s also a report of another residence with bullet damage near 34th/Graham.
11:35 PM: Police are closing at least one southbound lane of 35th at Findlay while they investigate. (Side note, the commander and a sergeant from SPD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit were guests at tonight’s Southwest Precinct Advisory Council meeting, held in High Point – our story, with video, will be out tomorrow.)
12:45 AM: As noted in comments, more casings turned up along 35th further north. There also was a later report of possible gunfire in Upper Fauntleroy/Fauntlee Hills – one caller heard something from 39th/Henderson – but we haven’t heard of evidence/confirmation in that one.
(WSB file photo)
This year’s Loop the ‘Lupe is four days away! It’s the Seattle area’s only 5K obstacle course – one of four events that comprise Loop the ‘Lupe – and it’s raising money for community and social work done by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which is headquartered steps away from Walt Hundley Playfield, where you can Loop the ‘Lupe this Saturday (June 7). We checked in with Loop the ‘Lupe leader Brian Callanan about last-minute reminders. For one, he reminds you that you can sign up all the way until race day, so there’s room for procrastinators too. And whatever you’re signing up for if you’re 16 or older – the obstacle 5K, the fun run 5K, the Senior Saunter – here’s an extra option, Brian reminds us:
We still have 15 slots open for our inaugural Penalty Kick Soccer Shoot-Out with West Seattle Junction FC and the Rhodies. This is for registrants age 16+. For only $25, you’ll get to compete with other Loop athletes to see if you can score on some of West Seattle’s top goalkeepers! All entrants will receive 2 tickets to a Fan Appreciation Day for one of the teams later this summer (6/28 for Rhodies, 7/8 for WSFC). Our champion (we’ll do a playoff between our contestants to see who makes/who misses) will receive a pair of tickets for BOTH Fan Appreciation Days, plus a scarf and t-shirt.
Look for that as an option when you’re registering. And last but not least:
If people are looking for some volunteer hours, we have slots available, and especially could use help on obstacle teardown and general cleanup: runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/WA/Seattle/LoopTheLupe
Lots of other reasons to Loop the ‘Lupe too – it’s a party, a health fair, more.
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