West Seattle, Washington
09 Sunday
7:02 PM: Thanks for the tip about a water outage in High Point. The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map confirms SPU is dealing with a water break at 34th/Raymond, affecting more than 30 customers; it was reported less than an hour ago. This comes as temperatures are expected to drop into the 20s tonight, so be extra-careful in that area in the morning!
9:04 PM: Fixed fast. We went through the area around 8:30 pm and the crew was already gone; the outage map says service was restored by 7:40.
ADDED: Brad Wong from SPU tells WSB, “It was an 8-inch distribution pipe. The cause is unknown.”
(WSB photo from 2024 Loop the ‘Lupe)
Even as another near-freezing night begins, and as the possibility of snow lurks in the forecast, we have reason to think summer: Registration is open for this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe, with participation options including Seattle’s only 5K obstacle course! WSB has long been a community co-sponsor of Loop the ‘Lupe, and we’re sharing this announcement from organizers:
The early deadline for the BEST price on Loop the ‘Lupe, the only obstacle-course race in Seattle city limits, expires on Friday, January 31st! Register before midnight on January 31, use the coupon NEWYEAR5 at checkout, and save up to 40% off what you’d pay on race day. (Psst: Lock down even more discounts when you register 4+ people at a time!) Loop the ‘Lupe is Saturday, June 7, at Walt Hundley Playfield.
Sign up at loopthelupe.com.
7:08 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a sizable “scenes of violence” response to the Bridge Park complex in High Point (3200 block of SW Morgan), and police are headed there too. But so far this is NOT a crime situation – a person is reported to possibly have harmed herself with a knife.
7:11 PM: Police are reporting that the person “did not cut herself” so they’re dismissing the SFD response (which had staged a few blocks away), though an ambulance will be still called to take the person in for a mental-health evaluation.
If you or someone you know is considering self-harm, remember the 988 crisis hotline is available.
7:04 PM: For the second time today, police are investigating gunfire in West Seattle. This time it was in an alley near 31st SW and SW Graham [map]. Police have just told dispatch they’ve found “numerous shell casings” after multiple 911 callers reported hearing shots. No indication of injuries so far.
7:20 PM: Officers have told dispatch that a residence in the area has bullet damage to its garage.
7:27 PM: So far, officers just reported, they’ve found “36 9mm casings.”
8:11 PM: SPD has now caught up with what they’re describing as a “victim vehicle” that has multiple bullet holes.
ADDED SUNDAY: Police have released their summary, which includes:
At 1850 hours, officers responded to the 3000 block of SW Graham St to reports of shots fired. Officers arrived and located several shell casings and learned during their investigation an unknown group approached a parked occupied vehicle and shot in its direction. Several vehicles and homes were also struck by gunfire. The victim vehicle and owner fled initially but were contacted by officers and detectives later nearby. No suspects have been identified.
(WSB photos)
12:10 PM: A big morning at the West Seattle Food Bank‘s headquarters in High Point! Nucor Steel employees delivered the results of their annual WSFB donation drive – more than two tons of food, and $21,850 in cash, cards, and company match!
Monetary donations to the WS Food Bank go far (here’s how to do that), as they have extra bulk purchasing power, but all this food will also help fight hunger this winter – lots of protein, grains, soups, pasta, and more.
We asked the WSFB crew if there’s anything in particular at the top of their wish list for your donations as we get further into the holiday season. We’re told ingredients for holiday meals – “the fixin’s” – are especially welcome. And next Sunday (December 15), please bring new or gently used coats to the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market for the Hometown Holidays Cocoa and Coat Drive (you donate the coats, you get the cocoa), 10 am-1:30 pm, with the West Seattle Junction Association and Kiwanis Club of West Seattle.
1:25 PM: Full stats from Robbin Peterson at WSFB: “4,520 pounds of food donated – $4,864 in gifts from employees (cash, checks, and gift cards) – Nucor match: $16,986.”
Two days after 15-year-old Chief Sealth International High School student Sudaysi Ida was shot and killed in High Point, three updates:
INVESTIGATION: At last night’s Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Council meeting, precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair gave attendees a brief update on the case: “We don’t think it’s random,” adding that the “Homicide Unit has some good leads.” (We’ll publish a full report on the rest of the meeting later.)
FUNDRAISER: Several people have messaged to ask us to publish this link to a fundraiser for the victim’s family, set up by a teacher of the victim’s sibling:
The family is in urgent need of support to cover funeral expenses during this incredibly difficult time.
As teachers of the younger sibling, we have witnessed the strength and resilience of this family. Compelled to help during this unimaginable time, we are working with the community to raise funds for the family’s immediate needs.
Time is critical due to the family’s cultural and religious practices, and we are coming together to provide support as quickly as possible. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the financial burden and allow the family to focus on healing. All funds raised will go directly toward funeral costs, with any additional support assisting the family as they navigate this tragedy.
HIGH POINT MANAGEMENT LETTER: This has raised questions and concerns about neighborhood safety, so the High Point Open Space Association Board also wanted to share this open letter with the wider West Seattle community:
Dear High Point Community Members,
It is with a heavy heart that we acknowledge the tragic loss of a young life in our community this week. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the victim’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. We also extend our sympathy to all our neighbors who are affected by this loss.
In light of this event, we want to reassure you that we are committed to the safety and well-being of our community. We are actively working alongside the Seattle Housing Authority, Neighborhood House, and other partners to enhance community safety through various events and activities. These efforts are aimed at fostering a supportive and safe environment for everyone.
We maintain regular communication with the police to ensure a proactive approach to community safety. We encourage you to participate in the Seattle Police Department’s quarterly Crime Prevention Council meetings, as these are valuable opportunities for you to stay informed and involved, as well as ensuring SPD knows what is happening in High Point. Furthermore, we invite you to attend the regularly scheduled safety meetings led by SHA’s Community Builder. These meetings are a platform for you to share your concerns, ideas, and suggestions on how we can collectively enhance our neighborhood’s safety. Look for more information regarding the time and place of these meetings in High Point’s weekly newsletter and on the High Point Network Facebook group.
We believe that open dialogue and community involvement are key to creating a safe and thriving environment. Your voice matters, and we welcome any ideas or comments you might have. Together, we can work towards a safer and more connected community for everyone.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment.
10:38 PM: SPD and SFD are in the 6400 block of 30th SW in High Point with a person who is reported to have a gunshot wound to the abdomen.
10:44 PM: The victim is being taken to the hospital. We haven’t heard a suspect description yet; dispatch told police one person had called in to report they’d heard gunshots, possibly from the “sidewalk or street.”
12:20 AM: We’re still waiting to hear back from SFD on the victim’s condition when transported. Dispatch audio from early in the incident describes him as a “juvenile male.”
1:30 AM: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB the shooting victim is 15 years old and was assessed in critical condition when being transported to the hospital.
(SPD photo)
7:20 AM: SPD says the teen died at the hospital. No arrest so far.
Thanks to Cindi Barker for the photo. She shares a vignette from the ballot dropbox at High Point Library:
I stopped by the High Point box to see if there was any action. Here’s a picture of Jenny Hammer and her dog Kiba. She asked the voter attendant to take a picture of her as she cast her ballot, to get a selfie of the moment, as she put it. Taken about 12:15 today.
Voter attendant said that it was starting to pick up and wanted to make sure people knew to get to the box early. If someone arrives and gets in the car line, they have to be in line at 8:00 sharp, as they will have attendants with flashlights closing off the line at that point.
A lot of people, of course, have already voted – as of a short time ago, 65 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots are in.
P.S. We welcome other Election Day/Night photos – what are YOU seeing? westseattleblog@gmail.com
Think global, act local. You’ve probably heard that many times. It especially rings true for things you can do to help the environment – for example, catching rainwater with a cistern, like the one above that we saw last night outside Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. It was installed via RainWise, one of the programs and organizations you can learn about at this year’s West Seattle Eco-Fair, set for 10 am-2 pm Saturday (September 28) at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle). The fair also will feature a talk at noon by retired KING 5 TV meteorologist Jeff Renner; organizers say he’ll discuss “the impact that climate change and other environmental issues are likely to have globally and in the Pacific Northwest, and what he believes we are called to do in response.” The Eco-Fair is presented by the Care for Creation Ministry of Holy Rosary and OLG Catholic parishes, with assistance from Peace Lutheran Church and other congregations. Here’s the list of exhibitors – which might be even longer by Saturday, we’re told:
A Cleaner Alki
Climate Reality Project — King County
Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition
Earth Ministry
Nordstrom BEAUTYCYCLE
Plant Amnesty
RainWise
Ridge to River Project
West Seattle Bike Connections
West Seattle Food Bank
Wolf Haven International
Admission is free and everyone’s welcome. One of the organizers, Vince Stricherz, adds, “Our hope is to make this an ongoing event with an organizational base that grows well beyond our two Catholic parishes to involve other churches and possibly even civic groups. The environmental issues we see today aren’t going away any time soon, so we hope to keep everyone in West Seattle connected with good information and ideas of how they can make a difference.”
The first day of school began with a joyful tradition at West Seattle Elementary – the annual “Be There Rally,” with staff – that’s Akim Finch, above, who also DJ’d – and community members lining a red carpet to greet the students with high-fives, cheers, and applause.
Among the greeters was principal Pam McCowan-Conyers, for whom this “Be There” was bittersweet, as the hug from assistant principal Richie Garcia acknowledged:
She’s retiring after this year, so this was her final “Be There” – she spoke briefly, recalling what she has learned in 15 years at WSES, as well as sharing expectations and plans for the year ahead:
But meantime, there were many high-fives to be given – among those joining the principal and her staff this morning were West Seattle’s School Board Director Gina Topp (as mentioned in McCowan-Conyers’ remarks):
According to district documents, West Seattle Elementary had an enrollment of about 350 students last year and was forecast for about the same this year.
The addition/renovations completed last year gave it a capacity of 500, which will doubtlessly be a consideration when Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones announces his consolidation proposals next month.
One of West Seattle’s newest murals is adorning the restroom building at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), installed earlier this summer. We hadn’t heard about it until a brief Seattle Parks online mention this week; we went over for a closer look, and also contacted artist Juliana Kang Robinson to find out more.
She tells us the installation, commissioned by the city, is called “Pojagi Mounds.”
Pojagi Mounds is a landscape of belonging and togetherness. The design is inspired by pojagi, the historic Korean patchwork artform using scrap fabric to create cloths that were integral to a person’s daily life. They were used as tablecloths, to deliver gifts, to carry possessions on a journey, and protect valuables. Wrapping a gift in a pojagi communicated respect for the object and good will toward the recipient. Each patch added by the maker was like a prayer of good will that would enfold and carry the gift. For me pojagi represents how diverse members of a community can come together to enfold and carry one another. Pojagi Mounds underscores how the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A mountain is more than simply soil, plants and rocks just as we people in a society are greater when unified. My goal for this public artwork is to create a visual representation of this concept that spur viewers to ponder the beautiful and complex way that different parts can come together to unify and elevate us beyond the self.
She continues:
I used a traditional Korean color scheme called Obangsaek. Obangsaek means “Five Orientations” in balance with the universe – East (blue), West (white), South (red), North (black) and Center (yellow) to promote harmony while warding off evil spirits. In my work I like to incorporate animals with strong family bonds both in reference to the various creation myths and for the conjuring of strength, courage and belonging. In this mural I also wanted to honor our local “ecosystem engineers,” the beavers known for changing and maintaining ecosystems which significantly boost local biodiversity. I also love both creatures as a symbols for familial strength and working hard for one’s family and community.
You can see more of her work on her website.
(WSB photos)
As noted in today’s highlight list, the High Point branch of the Seattle Public Library is having a party right now! This summer marks the 20th anniversary of the branch, which opened in June 2004, funded by the “Libraries for All” bond measure that built or remodeled more than two dozen branches citywide. Treats and book raffles are part of it:
Voters passed “Libraries for All” in 1998, and as explained in this HistoryLink.org essay, it was supplemented by other funding, from donors including the Seattle Public Library Foundation. That’s who’s sponsoring today’s party, which features other partners including DNDA (screening tote bags, below) and the West Seattle Food Bank.
Visit the branch before 7:30 pm tonight to join the celebration – also a good time to get reacquainted with the library, now that SPL’s recovery is almost complete from the tech attack that hit just before Memorial Day.
The branch is on the southeast corner of 35th/Raymond.
For 30 years, the Seattle Public Library has welcomed volunteers to help local students with their homework during drop-in after-school hours. This year, they’re recruiting volunteers for free Homework Help tutoring at the High Point and South Park branches. Citywide, last school year, SPL says 1,100 students used Homework Help more than 4,400 times, aided by more than 180 volunteers. SPL says 60 percent of the students reported better grades as a result of the help they received. You can be part of kids’ success this year! Here’s what SPL wants prospective volunteers to know:
The Library requests a volunteer commitment for the school year, specifically from Sept. 16, 2024 through June 12, 2025. Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and each shift is approximately two hours.
Volunteers must be 18 or older. Having competence in another language, especially Amharic, Tigrinya, Somali, Oromo and Spanish, is also helpful. The majority of students served by the program are youth of color, with 90% of students reporting their parents speaking a language other than English at home.
Volunteer tutors receive an orientation and additional materials about working with youth and concepts such as social-emotional learning and growth mindset.
During Homework Help sessions, volunteers help students with homework, play learning games, read to students, or work with them on academic worksheets. Volunteers work with students individually and in small groups. High-school students can get help with not just academic subjects but with other priorities such as college essays.
Because Homework Help is a drop-in program, students can show up any day to receive help, and they do not need to have a Library card to attend. Snacks are provided at every Homework Help session, courtesy of The Seattle Public Library Foundation and the Hunger Intervention Program.
Can you help? Or, have a question? You can email SPL’s Volunteer Services Coordinator at volunteer@spl.org (and find more info here). They’re hoping to hear from new volunteers ASAP as the new school year approaches, but they do also accept volunteer applications throughout the year.
It’s a 27-year tradition for the West Seattle Big Band – the midsummer Concert in the Park. Here are some of the people who showed up tonight to enjoy the free concert at High Point Commons Park:
They were treated to more than an hour and a half of music from the WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, with vocalists tonight including the band’s newest singer, Sam Henry:
Longtime vocalist Jenaige Lane, too:
And a guest return appearance by former vocalist Jeff Carter:
The concert was sponsored by the West Seattle Grand Parade (this Saturday!). During the school year, you can catch the WSBB performing at fundraisers for student musicians; you’ll often see them at other big West Seattle events too, like the Fauntleroy Fall Festival in October.
(WSB photo, 34th/Morgan)
Though most of the attention has gone to the Alki Point stretch, West Seattle has two other “Healthy Streets,” and SDOT sent an announcement this week that it’s done with work on what was the first one announced in 2020, officially the “High Point Healthy Street” though it stretches into Sunrise Heights. After a downsizing decision last year, SDOT retained the designation for 34th SW between Graham and Holden. Most of what the “construction” entailed was the placement of permanent concrete-base signage, including some with planters, as shown above, and pavement markings around the signs. SDOT says it will decide by year’s end whether the other West Seattle Healthy Street, Delridge/Highland Park, will become permanent; community advocates have long been requesting that if it does, the Trenton stretch is removed, as that’s a major neighborhood connection street.
Thanks to Chris for the tip about no-parking signs in the 34th/35th/36th/Morgan vicinity. A close-up look shows they’re attributed to a production company for “filming” tomorrow (Monday, June 17). Detailed information on some of the signage pointed us toward the production manager, who tells WSB they’ll be filming a “TV commercial” tomorrow; he isn’t allowed to say what the commercial’s for, but insists it’s nothing “exciting.” He says passersby will notice production trucks and a motor home, and that what they’re filming will include a delivery truck rigged with a camera, “driving around the neighborhoods,” with a police escort.
If you can donate blood, Bloodworks Northwest hopes to see you at one of its West Seattle donation locations in the next week and a half. They’re offering an extra incentive, too. Here’s the announcement:
Water adventures await you this summer! Donate blood in June and ENTER TO WIN a BOTE Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board & Life Vest. Sail The Sound, Deschutes, Willamette, and beyond!
The lucky winner will be contacted between July 3-15, 2024. They will have 24 hours to accept their prize.
Bloodworks Northwest will be at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor Ave SW) for blood drives on June 3, 4, 10, and 11, and at Peace Lutheran Church, West Seattle (8316 39th Ave SW) on June 5.
Please sign up to give blood! Appointments are required. If you need help booking an appointment, please contact Bloodworks DONOR CARE TEAM at 800-398-7888 or e-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org
That was the most touching moment of today’s Memorial Day remembrance at Forest Lawn in West Seattle – the presentation of a U.S. flag to Gregorio Garcia, one of a dozen Filipino American World War II veterans honored with Congressional Gold Medals in 2017. This afternoon’s event had a special spotlight on Filipino Americans, as it was held in partnership with the National Federation of Filipino American Associations.
NaFFAA’s national president Mariela Fletcher spoke about being “united in remembrance and gratitude” for veterans, who “embody faith and resilience” as a “guiding light.” She also reflected on “these troubling times” and urged everyone present, “let us be peacemakers.” Also urging a peaceful resolution for current conflicts was Maricres Valdez Castro. who sang the national anthem and read a poem about her grandfather’s brothers, who died in WWII:
Other speakers included John Miller, with a brief tribute to those who gave their lives “knowing that our country is worth any risk.”
Here’s the event in its entirety, starting with the anthem:
The flag-handling was by members of the Seattle Police Honor Guard.
Flags in the cemetery were placed by volunteers Shawn Vogt and Vina Vogt:
This is the first year that Forest Lawn has held the previously annual ceremony since 2019.
(File photo, Forest Lawn on Memorial Day)
For the first time since 2019, Forest Lawn Cemetery is bringing back the traditional West Seattle Memorial Day ceremony this year. (Here’s our coverage of the last event, pre-pandemic.) All are invited to the remembrance event next Monday (May 27) on the green in the cemetery (6701 30th SW), 2 pm, for speakers, music, and refreshments.
(Thanks to Lora for the photos)
10:58 AM: If ever you’ve wanted to find out more about the West Seattle Bee Garden, today is THE day. The West Seattle Bee Festival is under way all day in and around High Point Commons Park (Lanham/Graham). The morning is devoted to walking and running activities, with the help of Emerald City Wanderers:
Then from noon to 4 pm, booths will be set up along Lanham Place, with a variety of organizations and vendors to visit, and you can check out activities and demonstrations – to learn about the bees, be at the Bee Garden at 1 pm for a hive demonstration. The full schedule of events is in this preview.
12:26 PM: Thanks to Lora for more photos – you can meet beekeepers and buy honey, of course, at the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association booth:
The Seattle Public Library hopes you’ll be abuzz about reading:
Seattle Police sent four-legged ambassadors from the Mounted Patrol:
The festival is on until 4 pm!
6:51 PM: After 911 calls reporting apparent gunfire near 30th SW and SW Morgan [map], police have arrived in the area and confirmed it. They have found at least three casings in an alley near that intersection. They also have found a vehicle with “two bullet holes in the windshield,” officers told dispatch. No report of any injuries so far; there are reports the gunfire may have involved multiple groups of people on foot and in vehicles.
6:54 PM: Now they’ve reported to dispatch that they’re up to 15 casings.
7:14 PM: Officers have also told dispatch about “possible gunfire damage” to the 2nd floor of a home in the area.
First big event of a lively West Seattle weekend starts at 9 am tomorrow – the West Seattle Bee Festival! Here’s how the day will unfold:
Commons Park runs north behind Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW; map) and the West Seattle Bee Garden is at its north end (corner of Lanham and Graham); Lanham is where you’ll find most of the booths during the community activities between noon and 4 pm (that street will be closed to traffic much of the day). It’s all free! The first Bee Festival was back in 2013, celebrating the launch of the Bee Garden itself.
| 3 COMMENTS