With overnight temperatures expected in the 30s this week, the Westside Neighbors’ Shelter in The Triangle is getting ready to open. Here’s the update from shelter manager Keith Hughes:

I will be opening the Overnight Cold Weather Shelter for Wednesday and Thursday nights this week.

Hours are 5:00 PM till 11:00 AM the next day. We will serve a hot dinner at 6:30 pm each day and a hot breakfast at 8:30 AM each day as well as provide cots and blankets inside. We serve adult men and women without exception.

Westside Neighbors Shelter is a 501c3 private nonprofit at 3618 SW Alaska, co-housed with American Legion Post 160 and the West Seattle Veteran Center. We’re checking to see if they have any current donation needs as they get ready to ramp up operations.

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: Here’s how Keith replied:

Top of the List needs are: dry pasta (spaghetti, egg noodles) and pasta sauce, rice in 1 and 2 pound bags, peanut butter, salted butter cubes, store gift cards so we can get eggs, milk, fresh veggies. Non-food items needed are: socks, stocking caps, gloves, men’s boxers L and XL, winter coats.

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Snow season has yet to begin, so it’s the right time to be sure you’re geared up for it. This weekend’s West Seattle Ski Swap has a bigger selection than ever – skis, boards, boots, apparel, more.

You’ll find all this at the West Seattle VFW Post 2713 Hall (3601 SW Alaska) until 5 pm today, and again from 10 am to 4 pm tomorrow.

The Ski Swap is presented again this year by Mountain to Sound Outfitters, whose storefront is across the street from the Ski Swap site.

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If you have skis, snowboards, and/or other gear to sell at this weekend’s West Seattle Ski Swap, but you’re not registered yet, hurry and get it done – 6 pm tonight is the deadline for signups. Here’s where to go to do that; the window for dropping off your item(s) is 3-7 pm today. The dropoff, and Ski Swap, location is the VFW Hall at 3601 SW Alaska (across the street from Ski Swap sponsor Mountain to Sound Outfitters); sale hours are 10-5 tomorrow and 10-4 Sunday (October 12-13).

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Two days after 32-year-old Laupule Talaga was shot and killed, a memorial of flowers and candles sits outside a door at Distinguished Foods, which rented space to his employer, Seattle Soul Kitchen. Police have nothing new to report publicly in their search for the person who entered the building at 4611 36th SW around 4 pm Wednesday and shot Mr. Talaga multiple times.

(WSB photo, Wednesday)

Seattle Soul Kitchen remains closed, but otherwise Distinguished Foods is open, according to a spokesperson for the kitchen-rental business, which sent this statement today:

… Our hearts go out to the victim’s family and friends as they navigate this unimaginable loss. In moments like these, words fall short, but we offer our sincerest condolences and unwavering support to those affected by this senseless act of violence.

We are incredibly thankful that no further injuries occurred, and we extend our gratitude to the first responders and community members who acted swiftly in the face of tragedy. The safety and well-being of our community are our highest priorities, and we stand with West Seattle as we collectively heal from this event.

To that last point, we asked if any security measures were planned; the spokesperson replied, “We are actively evaluating measures to enhance the safety of the building. This was a targeted incident, and while we continue to prioritize the safety of our tenants, customers, and employees, it appears there was little we could have done to prevent it.”

Seattle Soul Kitchen said via social media that Mr. Talaga was a father of three, and pleaded, “We call for peace in our streets and an end to the violence. It’s time to heal, time to put down the guns, time to live for our family and friends.” We asked Distinguished Foods if they knew of any crowdfunding to help the victim’s family; so far, no.

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3:57 PM: Police and fire are responding to a reported shooting in the 4600 block of 36th SW [vicinity map]. The victim is reported to be a man, with multiple gunshot wounds. The person who shot him is described as a Black man, late 20s to early 30s, all black clothing, white face mask, last seen running toward SW Snoqualmie. The victim is reported to be at the commissary kitchens across from the YMCA, though we don’t yet know if that’s where he was shot. Updates to come.

4:06 PM: The victim is reported to be in his (updated) 30s and conscious. SFD medics are treating him.

4:14 PM: He’ll be taken to Harborview Medical Center; medics say he was shot four times. The description of the shooter has been updated to add thin, tall, black hoodie and jeans, blue surgical mask.

4:25 PM: Our crew has confirmed the shooting happened inside the building at Distinguished Foods, which houses multiple small food businesses. We don’t know what if any relationship the victim has to any of them. Meantime, readers have pointed out that the West Seattle YMCA across the street went into lockdown as a precaution.

5:40 PM: Awaiting media briefing. SFD says the victim was in serious condition when transported.

7:11 PM: Finally just got media briefing. Sgt. Patrick Michaud says the victim has died. Description of his killer is the same as we mentioned above. The shooting happened in the building. We’ll upload full video of the briefing as soon as our crew is back at HQ.

7:41 PM: Here’s what else Sgt. Michaud told us (video added):

The (updated) 29-year-old victim was an employee of one of the businesses in the building, though he didn’t know which one. They’re not sure yet if this was random or targeted; there were other people in the room when the killer came in – entering through “the back kitchen door,” which was open – and shot the victim. The killer left on foot but as for whether he then got into a vehicle and left the area, they have “conflicting information,” with “several different car descriptions” – he said detectives are reviewing video from buildings in the area to find more clues. They have not found the gun that was used. If you have any information, call the SPD tipline at 206-233-5000.

12:36 AM: Thanks to the texter and commenter who report that the last police at the scene left before midnight and 36th reopened.

SIDE NOTE: This is the fourth homicide of 2024 in West Seattle, after 15-year-old Mobarak Adam‘s shooting death at Southwest Pool/Teen Center in January, 22-year-old Luis Solis Lara‘s shooting death on Duwamish Head in June, and 53-year-old William Tappe‘s beating death in the east Junction area in June. No arrests to date in either of the first two; in the third, as we first reported when the case came to light belatedly in July, 30-year-old Kyle Castillo is charged and out on $2 million bail.

THURSDAY 3:38 PM: The King County Medical Examiner’s Office identifies the victim as 32-year-old Laupule Talaga. (added) A commenter points out that one of the businesses that rents space at Distinguished Foods, Seattle Soul Kitchen, has posted on social media that the victim was an employee of theirs, a father of three, and that they believe he was targeted.

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Volunteers and donations power the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle, and some of the latter are running low. Here are the items that shelter operator Keith Hughes says are most needed right now:

Granulated Sugar – 5# or 10# bags prefered
Coffee Mate powdered coffee creamer
Ground coffee – 2# / 3# cans – Folgers is fine.
Herbal Tea Bags
Krusteaz Pancake Mix – Family size (5# /10# bags)
Pancake syrup
Cornbread mix
Vegetable oil – plain and simple, nothing fancy
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Kitchen dishwashing soap
Laundry detergent soap pods

8 am-11 am daily is the best time to drop off donations at the shelter at 3618 SW Alaska – the building that also houses the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160.

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West Seattle Y members who have received postcards for Aquarium tickets will now be eligible for tickets to Bumbershoot Arts and Musical Festival. Aquarium tickets are no longer available due to high demand, and Bumbershoot tickets will be distributed on a first-come first-serve basis.

Come into the West Seattle Y by Sunday the 25th to inquire about the tickets and your eligibility!

The WS Y branch is at 36th/Snoqualmie in The Triangle.

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ADDED: SFD spokesperson Kristin Hanson tells WSB, “We are currently conducting an inventory of items that need to be replaced or repaired due to damage in the tool room.”

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When we were in The Triangle earlier, we stopped next door to check on the Westside Neighbors Shelter, currently open as a morning “warmup center.” Manager Keith Hughes was in fact assembling a “midsummer restock” list of items that are running short and subsequently sent it to us:

Coffee Mate powdered creamer
Instant Oatmeal Packets
Instant Hot Chocolate Packets
Pop-top canned soups
Beef Stew and Chili
Pancake syrup, jelly
Top Ramen, Cup o’ Noodles

Thank you all very much for continuing to support those in need.

The shelter at 3618 SW Alaska – the building that also houses the West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160 – remains powered by donations and volunteers. If you can donate any of the aforementioned items, Keith says the best time to drop them off is 8 am-11 am seven days a week.

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A new mural is up inside the building that’s home to American Legion Post 160 and the West Seattle Veteran Center (as well as the Westside Neighbors Shelter). The 4′ x 8′ mural was presented and hung by Jimmy Knapp and Heather Buggee from a New York-based organization called Splashes of Hope. The mural “is called ‘Take a Vet Fishing‘ and is part of a national campaign to encourage giving a helping hand to disabled veterans,” explains Keith Hughes, who leads the post/center/shelter. Look closely and you’ll even see him painted into the mural!

The donors also brought painted tiles, created by Vietnam veteran Gerald Fox:

Keith plans to take them to another local veterans’ organization, the DAV hall on Delridge, soon.

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More volunteering on this Memorial Day! Outside the West Seattle Triangle building that is home to American Legion Post 160, the WS Veteran Center, and Westside Neighbors Shelter, a mini-park centered on Peace Poles is taking shape, and an Eagle Scout’s project is adding to it today.

That’s Troop 282 Eagle Scout Lincoln Saad, there today to install – with helpers – benches built for the mini-park:

Lincoln planned the project along with Keith Hughes, who runs the center/post/shelter and is creating the mini-park. Thanks to Don for the tip about today’s installation, noting that it honors “the war heroes’ contribution to preserving our freedom we hold so dear to all of us.”

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If you can help, Keith Hughes at Westside Neighbors Shelter – which continues to operate year-round, entirely donation- and volunteer-powered – sent this list of donations that would be useful right now:

Here is a list of some essential supplies that we are running very short on.

Top Ramen packages
Cup-O-Noodles
Coffee Mate Creamer
Pancake syrup

8 oz paper cups (cold cups)
12 oz hot cups (without lids)
mens size large boxers and T-shirts

Thank you so much for continuing to supports our efforts to help the homeless in WS.

The center is at 3618 SW Alaska, co-housed with West Seattle Veteran Center and American Legion Post 160.

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Greetings Fellow Snow and Paddle Sport Lovers,

We have some updates as we plan for summer that we wanted to share with you all. Effective May 12th, Mountain to Sound Outfitters will temporarily close to regular store hours for the summer season and pivot to appointment only. This decision reflects our commitment to improvement, as we seek to restructure our operations for the betterment of our community and to set up for a fantastic 2024-2025 winter season. We will remain open at Alki Kayak Tours, and will keep staff busy at the beach running on-water operations and facilitating by appointment sales and services at Mountain to Sound Outfitters.

During this hiatus, we will be working behind the scenes, refining our offerings and updating some systems to help the operations run smoothly. When we return for the launch of the 2024-25 winter season we look forward to reconnecting and dialing you in with the best winter gear.

Your support during this transitional period means the world to us. We invite you to visit us over the weeks, whether to stock up on summer essentials or gear up for the snowy season ahead. Your patronage now will help sustain us through this period of reimagining. If you are in need of paddle gear, please order and buy online, or make an appointment and we will be your personal shopper during our appointment hours.

We want to express our gratitude for your support and understanding during this reset. Rest assured, we remain committed to serving you. We still have a great selection of stand up paddleboards, kayaks, and accessories as well as vehicle racks. Most of what we sell will be available for demo at our sister business Alki Kayak Tours, which will be open 7 days a week beginning in June, and is currently operating weekends and by appointment. Please check our website for updates.

Sincerely,
Greg & the M2S Crew

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When that Peace Pole was installed last November outside the building that holds the Westside Neighbors Shelter (currently in operation as a warming center), West Seattle Veteran Center, and American Legion Post 160, future plans were described for more. If you can spare some time tomorrow morning, you can help – Catherine sent the announcement:

(Here is) a request for volunteers to show up this Saturday April 27th at 10 AM at our WS Warming Center, 3618 SW Alaska St. (American Legion Hall) to help Keith Hughes with a special project. He is removing sod and installing a gravel path and Peace Poles in front of the center. Keith has plans and materials; he needs helping hands. Interested folks can show up at 10 am Saturday or contact me for more information: catherinemann (at) comcast.net

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