West Seattle, Washington
27 Sunday
In addition to what’s on our West Seattle list for today/tonight, here’s an event downtown with West Seattleites in the spotlight! From Heather Pilder Olson:
We wanted to let you know about a new TV pilot written and produced by West Seattle women! It’s called A Broad Abroad and it’s a comedy about the making of a travel show. It’s Rick Steves’ Europe meets Waiting for Guffman, with an irreverent female host.
A Broad Abroad is a broad comedy. Former A-list actress Vera takes a D-list job as a travel show host to resurrect her career after a public fall from grace. But while shooting the pilot in Italy, her irresponsible nepo-baby director is arrested, and Vera must step in to save the show, her job, and her budding romance with her cameraman.
Written and produced by Heather Pilder Olson, starring and produced by Angela DiMarco, two West Seattle women! Directed by Debra Pralle, this pilot was filmed in Italy in 2023 and has been making the rounds at film festivals in the US and abroad. Our dream is to turn it into an episodic TV series.
We have a special screening coming up at the Post Alley Film Festival in Seattle on March 29 (tonight). Hope you can join us for a good laugh! You can view the trailer here.
Screening and ticket information here: siff.net/cinema/in-theaters/post-alley-film-festival-x39141
The screening of “A Broad Abroad,” plus Q&A, is set for the end of the one-day festival, around 6:25 pm, at SIFF Film Center(167 Republican St., on the Seattle Center campus).
Thanks to the reader who provided heads-up on this – a laser light show from the Space Needle on Friday night, likely visible here across the bay. Here’s the alert sent by Needle management:
On Friday, March 14 the Seattle skies will be full of color and light, as the Space Needle will host
GuideStar, a laser light show from 7:30 PM-9:30 PM.30 primary-colored laser beams will shine from the top of the tower for an evening of cosmic exploration and wonder. GuideStar draws inspiration from astronomical guide stars—laser systems used in observatories to create artificial stars. This immersive installation is created by visual artists Mendi + Keith Obadike and supported by Seattle arts non-profit Wa Na Wari.
The event will begin at 7:30 PM and end at 9:30 PM. The best viewing is from Seattle Center’s International Fountain Lawn, or anywhere you have a clear view of the Space Needle. The beams are complemented by slow-moving, ambient music that can be simulcast here.
You can see a video simulation here.
ADDED: The artists tell us it should indeed be viewable from here – visiting Alki to gauge that possibility was part of their planning.
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3:54 PM: Many texters wondered about a large law-enforcement response headed toward the Fauntleroy ferry-dock vicinity a while ago. Nothing on SPD radio, so we went down to look around – nothing visible at ferry dock or Lincoln Park. Finally someone told us they’d heard it involved an incident on Vashon Island, so we inquired with KCSO about that – they would have to send extra responders via ferry. Their response: “There is an evolving domestic violence incident on Vashon and a weapon involved. No further information to share at this time as investigation is under way.”
3:57 PM: Tuned into KCSO radio to try to find out more. They are talking about a residence and gunfire heard from inside; there was also a mention of “one victim.” It’s in the Wax Orchard vicinity, according to both radio exchanges and an alert sent to Vashon Island School District families.
4:08 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is there assisting and says the suspect has left the house with hands up. … They’ve taken him into custody.
4:12 PM: Now that deputies have made an arrest, radio indicates the helicopter will be leaving the island and the reinforcements that were going to catch the next ferry are being canceled.
5:34 AM: Minutes ago, Seattle Police announced that they’ve arrested Richard Sitzlack, suspected of stabbing Metro bus driver Shawn Yim to death Wednesday in the U District. No other details on the arrest yet, and he’s not yet on the King County Jail roster. Police had put out a bulletin for him on Thursday.
9:49 AM: SPD Blotter has since added:
Seattle Police officers were flagged down by a King County Metro driver near 3rd Avenue South and South Main Street, who informed them that Richard Sitzlack was believed to be on board. Police could see him asleep in the back of the bus.
Additional patrol officers were dispatched to the area, and he was arrested at 4:51 a.m. this morning.
Sitzlack was transported to Seattle Police Headquarters and interviewed by Homicide detectives. He will be booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Murder.
2:11 PM: More info has since come in from SPD and prosecutors. First – SPD has provided this video of the arrest on board a bus. Second, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says he’s not expected in court before Monday, but because a person can’t be held more than 48 hours without a determination of probable cause, a judge will make that decision sooner. The KCPAO notes that he was booked into jail at 9:43 am, about five hours post-arrest, and that Thursday (December 26) is the deadline for charges to be filed, assuming a judge decides today there’s probable cause to keep holding him.
THURSDAY: A Metro driver and WSB reader asked us to share the photos of the man being sought in the murder of one of their co-workers in the U-District: “Do you mind posting on WSBlog the image and news release of the suspect in the murder of our coworker Shawn Yim, killed yesterday on the job? He is a known transient and rides the buses, so he can be anywhere (not just downtown Seattle or U-District) or as our WS neighbors ride into downtown and other areas they (may) recognize him. They can silently text 911 or they can tell their bus driver (they’ve been instructed how to safely handle notifying our dispatch). He needs to be caught and more eyes out there. Supposedly 6’5 in height – that could help sort out and distinguish in wondering if ‘him.’ Our coworkers are hurting and our whole city and communities are still in danger with him out there.” Here are two of the photos (see two others on SPD Blotter) and the police announcement:
Seattle police homicide detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating Richard Sitzlack, who is believed to have stabbed a Metro coach driver in the University District Wednesday morning.
Sitzlack is a 53-year-old white male with brown eyes, brown hair, 6’5” tall, weighing 195 lbs. He was last seen wearing a navy-blue hooded sweatshirt, dark gray/blue jacket, black beanie, yellow backpack, blue camouflage pants, dark sneakers with white soles, carrying a red shopping bag.
Sitzlack is transient and frequents the University District and Downtown Seattle.
Do not attempt to approach Sitzlack, he is considered armed and dangerous. If anyone has information regarding his identity or location, please call 911 immediately.
SATURDAY MORNING UPDATE: As reported separately, SPD says Sitzlack is in custody.
Lindsey sent that photo and wondered what was burning in the Bremerton vicinity. We found the explanation posted by the Brinnon Fire Department:
We wanted to let you know that Rayonier will be conducting a permitted burn in our area today, near the base of Mt. Jupiter, close to where the 2620 Road Fire took place this summer. We understand the concern that many may feel after experiencing such a significant fire season, so we’re sharing this to keep everyone informed.
The burn is set to begin at 7:30 AM, and DNR plans to be on-site during their operations to keep a close eye on things and make sure all remains safe.
Here’s what we reported about the 2620 Fire back in August.
If you think you’re hearing fireworks in the distance … you are. Way in the distance. Tacoma, to be specific. The Seattle Times says that’s where what appears to be this year’s edition of the September “mystery fireworks” = seen and heard from a barge between Bainbridge and Blake Islands last year – has popped up. (We were watching for central Puget Sound alerts earlier this month, but didn’t see this as we don’t monitor the South Sound. Thanks to the texter who pointed out the story.)
FIRST REPORT, 4:22 PM: Highline Public Schools – the district serving communities including White Center and Burien – will be closed again tomorrow. It’s the third day without classes since the district disclosed it was dealing with “unauthorized activity” in its technology systems. Highline is an out-of-district draw for its Raisbeck Aviation High School and Maritime High School, so the closure’s effects reach beyond the district’s borders. Today’s announcement is here.
7:41 PM: As noted by K in a comment, Highline says it’s expecting to reopen schools on Thursday because they’ve “taken steps to allow us to restore certain segments of our digital network in a secure manner.” Details of how they’ll reopen are on the district website.
Thanks for the tips. Highline Public Schools, the district immediately south of here, has announced its schools will remain closed for a second day tomorrow:
All schools will remain closed on Tuesday, September 10. All school activities, athletics and meetings are canceled. Central office will be open.
Our investigation into unauthorized activity on our technology systems is ongoing, and critical systems are still offline.
The message sent to Highline staffers, as forwarded to us, also says “We have not seen evidence of staff, family, or student information compromised.” The district so far is not commenting on the nature of the “unauthorized activity,” first disclosed on Sunday afternoon.
(From kingcounty.gov)
Boeing Field – aka King County International Airport, “one of the busiest non-hub airports in the nation” – is just over the ridge from West Seattle, with much of its operations within earshot if not always within view. So you might be interested in this announcement:
King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) invites community members to attend an open house on Sept. 4 to learn about the Part 150 Study purpose and process. The Part 150 Study is a voluntary Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) process that identifies the level of aircraft noise in an airport vicinity and identifies potential measures to reduce the effects of noise on surrounding neighborhoods.
The open house will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the KCIA Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Ave. S. in Seattle. Free parking is available in the building’s parking lot and on nearby streets. A King County Metro bus stop at Ellis Avenue South and South Warsaw Street, across from the KCIA Flight Service Station, serves the 124 and 60 lines.
Community members can stop by any time between 6 and 7:30 p.m. to meet and talk with the project team and share their feedback. No registration is necessary, and there will be no formal presentation. Language interpretation will be available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Tagalog. For those unable to make this event, the study team will host additional open houses and engagement opportunities throughout the study, which will continue through 2026.
KCIA is undertaking two important studies to plan for the future of the airport: the Vision 2045 Airport Plan and the Part 150 Study. King County owns and operates KCIA, a public-use airport. Both the county and the FAA have authority over different parts of the airport’s operations, management, and future development.
“Public input is critical to the successful outcome of Vision 2045 and the Part 150 Study,” said John Parrott, KCIA airport director. “We invite the community to join us Sept. 4 to learn more about the Part 150 Study and talk to us about airport noise. Both technical information and community input will inform the process as we move through this study and identify measures to reduce noise.”
The Part 150 Study will be completed according to FAA guidance and will inform aspects of the Vision 2045 Airport Plan. The Part 150 Study will include the following:
-Study existing and future flight corridors.
-Develop aircraft noise exposure maps for current and future flight conditions.
-Evaluate air traffic control procedures that could reduce noise exposure over residential areas.
-Consider land use controls that the cities of Seattle and Tukwila, and King County, could introduce to reduce future incompatible land uses (such as residences, schools, and churches) from being developed within high noise exposure areas.
-Evaluate ways to reduce noise impacts within high noise exposure areas.To learn more or provide input online, visit the project website at KCIAPlanning.com.
Tonight was opening night for “Come On, Get Tappy!”, a new musical that’s been 20 years in the making, co-written by West Seattle resident Stacie Hart (photo at right). The musical is playing at SecondStory Repertory in Redmond. Hart, a longtime theater artist, worked with creative partner Harry Turpin to bring it to life. The theater’s announcement of the production says it “promises a delightful blend of humor, music, and dance,” elaborating:
“Come On, Get Tappy!” follows Tappy McCrackin, the pint-sized star of the “Tappy McCrackin Variety Hour,” as she fights off the bad guys on the night of the show’s 25th-anniversary broadcast. Aptly described as ”Annie meets Carol Burnett meets Scooby-Doo,” this campy, family-friendly production is poised to captivate audiences of all ages. Vibrant sets, crackling comedic dialogue, lots of sequins, and big dance numbers will make it a truly unforgettable spectacle that’s great for kids and adults. Plus, the team has some surprises in store that will make the show feel truly immersive. The “Come On, Get Tappy!” experience will be luxe, and it will begin as soon as theatergoers enter the lobby, before they’re in their seats.
The announcement quotes Hart as saying, “We’ve worked on this show through life, marriage, kids, a pandemic, and more – and it’s held together. It is stronger than ever and I can’t wait to see it come to life.” The backstory from the musical’s origins to this premiere run is here, dating all the way back to an offhand joke and a made-up nickname. A spokesperson for the production notes that these aren’t easy times for original theater, so “it’s nothing short of a miracle that this show has found funding, is fully orchestrated, and is currently being produced with an all-star cast of respected theatre artists in our area.” The musical has 16 more performances at SecondStory Repertory, including weekend matinees; tickets and showtimes are here. (The theater is at Redmond Town Center, 7325 166th NE in Redmond.)
Before 17-year-old Ellen Rikhof returns to West Seattle High School when classes start in two weeks, she hopes to welcome you to an event she’s presenting as part of her Girl Scout Gold Award work. Her “Deep Sea Conservation Festival” happens this Sunday (August 25), 10 am to 5 pm at the UW Fisheries Science Building – not in West Seattle, but Ellen is hoping to help people from all over the area learn more about the deep-sea ecosystem!
She says that the festival – free to attend – will feature “booths, speakers, crafts, live music, food, and much more … Everyone, regardless of age, background, and expertise, is invited to explore the complexity of the deep sea, the intersection between a healthy ocean and a healthy community, and solutions to current threats to this vibrant ecosystem.” Her project includes “local and global partners such as the Sustainable Ocean Alliance, Seattle Aquarium, and Marine Conservation Institute” with the intent “to swirl together education, inspiration, and action to preserve the deep sea.”
The Fisheries Science Building is on the UW campus at 1122 NE Boat Street – here’s a map.
9:47 PM: Thanks for the texts and photos. Across Puget Sound, what appears to be a new wildfire is burning on the Olympic Peninsula, visible from West Seattle (as shown above). We’re still looking for specifics. Fred sent this photo from friends in Seabeck [map], looking west across Hood Canal:
UPDATE: Just a moment after we published this – this fire-watching X/Twitter user says it’s fire 2620 and that DNR (the state Department of Natural Resources) is on it.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Texter notes that the Brinnon FD was the initial responder on this. They describe the fire as being on Mount Jupiter and report that DNR has taken over.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Thanks to Lorabeth for that photo of the view from North Admiral last night. Meantime, DNR has sent its first news release about the “2620 Road Fire,” including this:
State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the 2620 Fire located in Jefferson County, near the town of Brinnon. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 15, 2024, at 12:45 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Tim Manly, Brinnon Fire Department.
The 2620 Road Fire started on August 14, 2024, at approximately 5:00 p.m. This fire is estimated at 150 acres and growing. It is burning in slash and timber and is threatening homes. Level 1 and 2 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.
The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the 2620 Road Fire. Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered two strike teams to help aid in containment efforts. State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.
10:44 AM: Thanks to the readers who have sent word that if you’re braving the bridge or alternate routes to try to get to Costco on 4th Avenue, don’t do it right now – they’re closed because of a power outage. The City Light map shows a small outage adjacent to a planned-outage area.
1:01 PM: The outage map now shows the unplanned part of the outage resolved. But we weren’t able to get through to a live person at Costco to ask if they’ve reopened.
1:48 PM: Commenter J says they’ve confirmed with employees that the store has power again.
With a month left in the school year, many are looking ahead to next year. In addition to Seattle Public Schools, West Seattle has public-school students in neighboring districts, primarily Highline to the south and Vashon Island to the west. VISD’s superintendent Dr. Slade McSheehy asked us to publish this reminder for any family interested in their district:
Did you know that the Vashon Island School District is currently accepting non-resident applications for students in grades K-12? This is a wonderful opportunity for families in our neighboring communities to become part of an exceptional school district. At Vashon Island School District, we take pride in small school environments where every student is not just a name on a roster, but welcomed, known, and treasured.
Join over 200+ students, K-12, who commute daily to be a part of our close-knit island community.
Apply for admission using the VISD Non-Resident Student application, Non-Resident Application
Questions, forms, and other information can be received for each school from the following people:
Chautauqua Elementary: Caleb Johns, CES Registrar – cj****@******sd.org 206-463-8540
McMurray Middle School: Kelly Murphy, McM Registrar – km*****@******sd.org 206-463-9168
Vashon High School: Deb Franson, VHS Registrar – df******@******sd.org 206-463-8684
Choice Transfers, District Contact: Kareem Greenidge – kg********@******sd.org 206-463-8530
From the ‘in case you wondered too’ file: Jamie sent the photo, wondering about the plume of dark smoke visible in the south, as seen from the Genesee Hill vicinity. We found a callout indicating that South King County firefighters are responding to a residential fire in the 2100 block of SW 162nd in Burien [map].
Two years after closing in the West Seattle Junction, the owners of Kamei Japanese Restaurant have justopened a new location in Tacoma. They contacted us today to ask us to share that news with their West Seattle fans. They sent a few photos, too.
You’ll find Kamei Sushi Restaurant at 10435 Pacific Avenue South in Tacoma, Tuesdays-Sundays 11 am-2:30 pm for lunch and 4:30-8:30 pm for dinner. It opened earlier this month. (The West Seattle building that replaced the former locations of Kamei and Lee’s Asian restaurants, at 4508 California SW, is nearing completion, but its commercial space will be taken by an urgent-care clinic, as we reported in December.)
Several readers asked about a major sighting of police vehicles in the Fauntleroy ferry dock vicinity in the past few hours. They were King County Sheriff’s Office vehicles, including SWAT, heading to/from Vashon Island, and a story from the Vashon Beachcomber explains why: An incident on Cove Road [map] involving a domestic-violence suspect. The Beachcomber reports that the suspect is in custody.
Midway through the 2023-2024 school year, families are finalizing their plans for 2024-2025. So we’ve been showcasing open houses and tours for various West Seattle schools of all types. A nearby district is raising its hand for your consideration, too. Vashon Island School District superintendent Dr. Slade McSheehy asked us to share this announcement with you:
Vashon Island School District Still Accepting Non-Resident Applications
(Photo courtesy Vashon Island SD)
Did you know that the Vashon Island School District is currently accepting non-resident applications for students in grades K-12? This is a wonderful opportunity for families in our neighboring communities to become part of an exceptional school district.
At Vashon Island School District, we take pride in small school environments where every student is not just a name on a roster, but welcomed, known, and treasured.
Join over 200+ students, K-12, who commute daily to be a part of our close-knit island community.
Apply for admission using the VISD Non-Resident Student application, Non-Resident Application
Questions, forms, and other information can be received for each school from the following people:
Chautauqua Elementary: Caleb Johns, CES Registrar- cj****@******sd.org 206-463-8540
McMurray Middle School: Kelly Murphy, McM Registrar – km*****@******sd.org 206-463-9168
Vashon High School: Deb Franson, VHS Registrar – df******@******sd.org 206-463-8684
Choice Transfers, District Contact: Kareem Greenidge – kg********@******sd.org 206-463-8530
We asked the superintendent for a few more specifics about their current “commuter” student population: “We have 257 off-island students who commute. Approximately 25-30 are from Southworth and the remainder from Fauntleroy. Approximately 25 are K-5 with the remainder grades 6-12.” The total district enrollment is just over 1,500, so that means one in six students is from off-island.
We’re continuing to go through court files of cases we hadn’t checked in a while, and found another one has been resolved – the shooting death of a West Seattle man near the SODO Costco store in July 2022.
68-year-old Bob Jensen, described by friends as a longtime West Seattleite, was shot and killed after getting out of his vehicle on 4th Avenue South to confront a driver who reportedly refused to let him merge at a spot where two lanes narrowed to one. Police said the man who shot him, then-38-year-old Angel A. Valderrama of Kirkland, told police he shot Mr. Jensen because he was holding something that might have been a weapon. None was found on Mr. Jensen’s person or in his pickup. Valderrama was not arrested at the time but was charged with second-degree murder a month later. Court documents show that Valderrama was found not guilty by a King County Superior Court jury last month, after a trial that lasted less than two weeks. Jurors had the option to convict him of manslaughter but found him not guilty of that too; the trial minutes show they deliberated for a day and a half. Jurors also had to decide an extra issue, whether the defendant proved that the use of force was lawful; a “yes” verdict would have entitled him to compensation for lost wages while jailed. The jury’s decision was “no.”
(Added: Photo sent by Shawn)
9:35 PM: There’s one heck of a fireworks show under way – according to the peek we could get from the end of our street, looks like it’s off south Bainbridge Island. Trying to find out whose!
9:44 PM: On Twitter/X, @westseawx unearthed an announcement from the Bainbridge Island Fire Department that there would be a “private fireworks show” tonight.
(Added: Photo by John Skerratt)
9:54 PM: The BIFD announcement said it would be “south of” the island and out of their jurisdiction, but within the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction.
10:05 PM: The BIFD announcement, and a KUOW story some have linked in comments, note that there was a similar show on the corresponding third Saturday night in September last year. We just checked our archives and it got only a fleeting mention because at that moment on that night (9/17/22) the West Seattle Bridge had just reopened.
10:23 PM: The dogs in our neighborhood are still barking. … We checked the latest Coast Guard Notice to Mariners, but it gave no hint of fireworks – the notation was just “Private Party, 2130-2200, IVO (in vicinity of) Blake Island.”
11:10 PM: For comparison, 10 years ago there was a private fireworks show off a barge off Beach Drive. The local company producing the celebration that included the show circulated an alert three weeks ahead of time.
SUNDAY EVENING: The Seattle Times identifies the fireworks company involved, and the various goverment agencies nominally involved, but still no enlightenment as to who the show was for and why.
5:10 PM: A texter sent that photo as several other readers were asking if we knew anything about that dark smoke from downtown. It’s a fire response logged to Fairview and Mercer, in the South Lake Union area, just re-coded on the 911 log to “encampment fire.” Firefighters are still working to extinguish it, according to radio exchanges.
6:06 PM: SFD says the fire is under control and that no one was hurt.
ADDED TUESDAY: Regional media has long since picked up on this – our initial basic item was published because they were slow on the uptake and we were getting lots of questions. But for the record, here’s the SPD report summary posted today:
At 1654 hours, officers responded to assist SFD with a fire that occurred in an encampment located near Minor Ave N / Mercer St. The encampment was in a vacant lot near an apartment building. SFD put the fire out before it could damage the apartment building. No one was in the encampment during the fire and the only losses were tent structures and personal property inside the encampment and plant life. Witnesses described a suspect who may have started the fire. Officers located that suspect in the area. The suspect provided information indicating that he lived in the encampment and accidentally started the fire. The suspect was taken into custody for Reckless Burning 1st degree.
10:17 AM: Thanks to everyone who sent pics/questions after a large, dark plume of smoke started billowing from Bainbridge Island. According to an alert from Bainbridge Island city government, it’s from a “working structure fire” in the Falk Road area (map). No other details.
12:42 PM: The Kitsap Sun has since published a story saying the fire was at a two-story house and is blamed on oil-soaked rags.
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