West Seattle, Washington
25 Friday
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
In West Seattle’s High Point neighborhood, 81 percent of youth say they have witnessed or heard gun violence near home or school in the last six months. Additionally, 70 percent of parents and caregivers keep their children inside and limit activities out of fear related to gun violence.
These findings came from a survey of 42 youth and 20 parent and caregiver respondents conducted by Fahima Mohamed, a High Point resident and student at the University of Washington. On Tuesday, Mohamed presented the results, alongside responses to other prompts, as a way to gauge community sentiment surrounding increased gun violence.
Neighbors, friends, and strangers filed into High Point community hub Neighborhood House on Tuesday, prepared to discuss current efforts and actionable plans to address the increase in recent months. The well-attended gathering, titled “It Takes a Village,” was organized by Mohamed.
“One of the big reasons I wanted to have this space and for everybody to come together is so that the leaders in the community can talk about the work they’re doing.” she explained.
The meeting lived up to its name. Panelists from the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Housing Authority, Neighborhood House, and parent representatives established a sense of collaborative accountability. They acknowledged their individual responsibilities in preventing future gun violence and responding to those already affected.
Mohamed presented questions based on her survey findings to the array of panelists, who conveyed their responses to the audience.
Police Response and Violence Prevention
Southwest Precinct commander and panelist Capt. Krista Bair emphasized plans for “directed patrol” (as she had at last week’s Our City, Our Safety meeting). She shared that research suggests 20 minutes of police presence in hot spots generates 90 minutes of deterrence. High Point was already on the calendar for directed patrol prior to the August 10th murder; Bair promised that these plans would be enacted.
SPD’s response tactics were discussed iafter a question posed by Mohamed about consequences for repeat offenders in gun-related incidents. Panelist and Officer Matthew Roberson explained that the department shares information about offenders with community organizations that try to interrupt violence.
He mentioned a partnership with Southwest Youth and Family Services, which conducts followups with individuals, and SPD’s Community Service Officers, who connect offenders and those affected with additional resources.
Another SPD initiative highlighted by Capt. Bair: Twice-weekly “gun calls” on Mondays and Thursdays. The meetings are held in collaboration with city attorneys, other precinct captains, youth prosecutors, and the Department of Corrections to discuss gun violence occurring since the last meeting, and to share information about repeat offenders.
Ted Howard, Seattle Public Schools’ Chief Accountability Officer, introduced another preventive tactic, specific to SPS: A new protocol rolling out this school year called “SaferWatch.” The app is a federally funded platform that offers medical reporting, anonymous tips, and schoolwide communication. Tips are routed anonymously to trained professionals who then forward them to appropriate responders, according to Seattle Public Schools’ website.
Howard explained that the app will allow students to report potential instances of planned violence or threats, preventing dangers like fights or weapons on campus, before these events occur.
Infrastructure Fixes
Another preventive inquiry conducted by Mohamed involving the Seattle Housing Authority, which manages the High Point area, regarded lighting and camera installation on 30th Avenue as well as other hotspots for activity. SHA explained that 3 of their 100 lights in the area are currently out and said they are in the process of repairing. As for increased surveillance cameras, they would like to implement more, but need funding to ensure added cameras could fit in their budget.
Mental Health Resources for Students
Ted Howard explained that SPS works to identify students who may be in need of mental health resources through surveys, “tell a buddy” prompts, academic writings, and journals.
“One of the things we try to do at SPS is to be a conduit to bridge those supports in place. We don’t hire teachers or counselors to do mental-health counseling, but we try to make sure students that need help, that they get identified and get that resources to them.”
West Seattle Elementary’s new principal Stephanie Barragan built upon this sentiment. She highlighted the school’s renewed partnership with Atlantic Street Center behavioral-health services and two in-house therapists: “As much as our families are saying it starts with home life, the reality is once school starts, students are with us for seven hours a day. We have that responsibility too.”
Community Response
Throughout the meeting, emphasis was also laid on how the aforementioned organizations can work together to ensure the future safety and well-being of High Point’s children and families.
“All the organizations in the room, I think it’s our next step, our inspiration, to be more connected, for our youth so that things line up for our kids, so they’re not disjointed, and I think that we have the opportunity to do that in Seattle in ways that could be truly transformational,” said Jeff Clark, former principal of Denny International Middle School.
This notion of collaboration was extended not only toward organizations represented amongst the panelists, but to community members as well.
“Your community is not going to change anything if you come and have these community meetings and walk out and don’t take action. You got to get to know not only your students, but you got to get to know each other as you hold each other accountable, then you’ll start to see your community shift and change,” said Howard
As for what’s next, Fahima Mohamed laid the groundwork for a future of camaraderie and progress. She suggested a quarterly check-in hosted by Neighborhood House, monthly parent gatherings involving youth activities and a parent group advisory on safety, and a Friday tea time for community members to gather and discuss.
“I really have hope in the collective troubleshooting and the collective solution finding,” concluded Shak Sanders of Neighborhood House.
After 911 callers reported hearing up to 15 gunshots in High Point, responding officers found a group of people who told them someone shot at them and they shot back. This happened less than half an hour ago around 32nd and Myrtle. Police told dispatch they’ve found some casings in a field (at Walt Hundley), but no injuries and no damage; they checked out a gun that records show as legally owned by one person in the group. The only description of the alleged instigators is that they were in a dark-colored vehicle.
Among the many recurring events on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar is free drop-in Homework Help at the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library. They’re currently seeking adult volunteers for next school year, starting in September, on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons. Here’s a flyer with a few more details, including the email address to use if you’re potentially interested.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The city of Seattle’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) will be back this season beginning tomorrow (June 24). For more than 50 years, the program has existed as a means of filling the gap in the period when children lose access to lunches provided throughout the school year.
“At a time when groceries and other living expenses are on the rise, the Summer Meals Program helps take pressure off families and makes sure children and teens can get healthy food during the summer. No child in Seattle should go hungry because cafeterias are closed,” said Mayor Katie Wilson in a news release.
The announcement of the program’s return this summer comes after a late April announcement by the Mayor’s Office that Wilson will be implementing free school meals for all Seattle Public Schools students this upcoming fall. The initiative will be funded with the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise levy which passed last year.
SFSP is led by the Seattle Department of Human Services in collaboration with Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Parks and Recreation, and United Way of King County. It is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Last year, the program provided more than 80,000 meals to children aged 1-18 during the summer months in the form of breakfast, lunch, and snacks. This year, 50 sites across the city and 8 in West Seattle and vicinity will be serving food. No ID, proof of address, application, or paperwork is required to receive a meal.
Here are the closest locations, dates of operations, types of meals provided, and service times:
High Point Community Center
6920 34th Ave SW
Monday – Friday
June 24 – August 21
Lunch: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Snack: 3:00-3:30 p.m.
Closed July 3
Highland Park Playground
1100 SW Cloverdale
Monday – Friday
June 29 – August 20
Lunch: 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Snack: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Closed July 3
Roxhill Park
2850 SW Roxbury St
Monday – Friday
June 29 – August 20
Lunch: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Snack: 1:00-2:00 p.m.
Closed July 3
Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) @ Salish Landing
6955 Delridge Way SW
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
June 24 – August 21
Snack: 3:00- 4:00 p.m.
Closed July 3
Dick Thurnau Memorial Park
11050 10th Ave SW
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
June 29 – August 21
Lunch: 12:30-2:00 p.m.
Closed July 3
South Park Community Center
8319 8th Ave S
Monday – Friday
June 24 – August 21
Lunch: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Snack: 3:00 – 3:45 p.m.
Closed July 3
Southwest Boys & Girls Club
9800 8th Ave SW, #105
Monday – Friday
June 24 – August 21
Snack from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Closed July 3
Steve Cox Memorial Park
1321 SW 102nd St
Monday – Friday
June 29 – August 21
Lunch: 12:00 to 1:30 p.m.
Closed July 3
The return of the program will be commemorated with a celebration on Friday, July 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Highland Park Playground. A bouncy house, kid-friendly activities, and free food will be provided, according to the Mayor’s Office news release.
For questions about the Summer Food Service Program you can email sfsp@seattle.gov. Additional meal resources near you can be found using the USDA’s summer meals site finder.
That’s the start of the first wave of the first event in today’s record-setting 10th annual Loop the ‘Lupe at Walt Hundley Playfield – the “Elite Wave” taking on the only obstacle-course 5K in Seattle city limits, with bonus obstacles. The “Family Wave” of the obstacle course featured high-profile participants – here are two of them:
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
Mayor Katie Wilson and her daughter Josie joined in. City Councilmember Rob Saka told us he had invited her – we photographed him with Loop the ‘Lupe director Brian Callanan:
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
One more elected official ran in Loop the ‘Lupe – state Attorney General Nick Brown (unfortunately no photo). In all, 781 people were registered for today’s event, the most ever. Now some scenes from the main event, the obstacle course itself:
(OBSTACLE COURSE PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN)
Also along the way – runners got squirted by Scouts:
Top two Elite Wave finishers were 17-year-old Lute Williams and 18-year-old Blake Thomas:
Loop the ‘Lupe features two non-5K events – a short walking course geared toward seniors, the Silver Saunter:
(PHOTOS FROM HERE BY TORIN RECORD-SAND)
And the events concluded with the Kids’ Dash:
Medal presentations, too – including this team whose name got a callout from emcee Seaver Radovich earlier, as the first team name in which he’d ever encoutered alliteration with the letter “U” – the Uterus Unicorns:
(They’re in women’s medicine, you might have guessed.) You can see all the results here. One more note – as always, Loop the ‘Lupe was one big party, and that included a barbecue, reason enough to have come to the field even if you weren’t running:
Loop the ‘Lupe benefits community and social work done by Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is just west of the field where all the fun unfolded today. WSB was media sponsor again this year; you can see all the sponsors here, including four that are also WSB sponsors (West Seattle YMCA, The Mount, Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, and O’Neill Plumbing).
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
The rain did not deter a larger-than-usual turnout today for the traditional Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn in High Point, some with umbrellas, others under a canopy in view of the cemetery flagpole:
We recorded it all on video:
After Scouts from Troop 799 brought in the national and state flags, speakers expounded on the theme of gratitude.
Lou Vargas from Dignity Memorial, which owns Forest Lawn, welcomed attendees, and introduced the first guest speaker, Elizabeth Orvis of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations:
She spoke of the sacrifices made by many to protect our freedom, and the importance of supporting the families they left behind. Gratitude for Filipino Americans’ contributions was a theme for both this service and one that the Dignity team had led earlier in the day at another cemetery in Tukwila. The National Anthem singer was Sofia Nigro:
Dignity’s Carrie Burgess observed that Memorial Day is “a sacred time” for gratitude and remembrance.
And if you wonder whether it’s OK to say “Happy Memorial Day,” guest speaker West Seattle VFW Post 2713 Commander Steve Strand said yes:
The U.S. Army veteran explained that it’s important to enjoy life – including holidays – because of those who fought and died for our right to do that. Among them – the thousands of Filipino and American prisoners-of-war in World War Two forced by Japanese captors onto what became known as the Bataan Death March.
A flag was presented to Michael Hayes, descendant of a soldier forced onto the Bataan Death March:
In addition to that act of gratitude, another followed, with certificates of appreciation presented to many of those participating in the event:
The service concluded shortly thereafter, and as attendees headed out, flag-decorated graves throughout the ceremony underscored the words of many speakers:
Kim is hoping for help solving this hit-run:
(The) hit-and-run occurred early Saturday the 23rd at Midnight (3300 block of SW Morgan).
I was asleep during the time that this incident occurred, and my neighbor had expressed to me that he heard a loud crash around midnight and saw that a dark gray Prius hit my car (which inherently hit his) and drove off. I’m assuming based on the impact the Prius has a badly dinged up passenger side and their headlight must be smushed in.
My main goal is to locate any kind of camera footage that can help identify the car or license plate for the police report. Any kind of information or video helps!!
If you have any info or video, email us and we’ll connect you.
(WSB file photo)
Before we get to today’s full list of what’s happening, one spotlight for families who have yet to register incoming kindergarteners and preschoolers for next school year. A registration/information event is happening at West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW), 4-6 pm today. This flyer (PDF) explains what you need to bring if you want to register.
1:19 PM: Haven’t been to the Bee Festival yet? You have until 3 pm to get to the north side of High Point Commons Park (north of Neighborhood House at 6400 Sylvan Way SW), home to the West Seattle Bee Garden.
It’s a low-key festival but lots of opportunities to get info not only about bees, but about gardening in general.
5:04 PM: Adding more photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand – the rain and hail held off until right after the festival! Yes, of course there were bees at the festival, both around the hives:
And up close if you were interested:
Bee education, too, with the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association (who brought honey):
And the Washington Bee Atlas:
A chance to dance:
And/or to admire the Bee Garden:
We need bees – and they need us to help them thrive. The Bee Garden website has advice on how.
You can’t have a “bee garden” without bees. So these bees showed up just in time for the heart of spring, and beyond, at the West Seattle Bee Garden in High Point. Thanks to Amy for this update (with video and photo):
Meet the new neighbors!
We’ve recently installed new honeybee hives at West Seattle Bee Garden. The bees are settling in to their new home, and the garden is starting to come alive for spring.
We are also gearing up for the annual Bee Fest, May 16th from 12-3 pm, where the community can come for some bee demos, local honey, enjoy some family friendly activities, and get some gardening advice.
For anyone interested in volunteering, please contact wsbeefest@gmail.com.
It’s been 13 years since the West Seattle Bee Garden was launched on the north side of High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham).
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.
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