By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

For nearly three decades, Harold Chacon has been a fixture at the Chevron station at California/Admiral in West Seattle, known for his big, bubbly personality and infectious laugh. As he prepares to retire and return to Puerto Rico to care for his aging mother, the community he’s served for years is reflecting on the impact he’s had.

“I only sell gas, I don’t buy it,” Chacon said with a laugh, noting that despite his long tenure at the station, he’s never owned a car.

Chacon’s journey to West Seattle began in 1998, when he moved from Puerto Rico to Olympia at the age of 29. After a year, he relocated to West Seattle, where a serendipitous turn on the West Seattle Bridge led him to fall in love with the area. He quickly found work at the Chevron station after noticing a “hiring” sign outside the store.

“I got lost on my way here,” Chacon recalled. “But I liked it. I stayed.”

For three years, Chacon worked the graveyard shift from 11 pm to 7 am. “You become like a vampire,” he said. The arduous hours allowed him to witness the changing dynamics of West Seattle, including the families who came in and out of the station.

“I know people who came here when they were minors on a skateboard, and I used to throw them out. Now their kids come, and I throw them out too,” Chacon said with a laugh. “The genes pass by.”

Over the years, Chacon developed a unique bond with the community he served. For him, the Chevron counter was more than a place to work — it was an equalizer.

“It doesn’t matter who you are,” he said. “It doesn’t matter your class. It doesn’t matter how big or small you think you are. Everyone’s equal in front of me at my counter.”

Chacon ultimately stayed all these years because he grew close to the family that owns the station, describing them as “really good people.” “I put roots down wherever I go … I’m like a tree,” he said.

“[Working in a gas station] you get confronted with the ugly side of humanity, but at the same time, you see the tender side,” he said.

Chacon has come to love Seattle’s ever-changing weather and the distinct seasons, a contrast to Puerto Rico, where only one season prevails year-round. He’s been particularly savoring the recent snowfall, aware that it may be the last time in his life he walks through it, feeling the flakes on his skin.

He’ll miss Seattle’s transformation into a “flower basket” in spring, the crisp shifts of fall, the harvest moon in October, and the ultra late-night sunsets.

“This community in West Seattle has been my home and so many people have touched my life, and I have touched them, I’ll take them with me in my heart and I leave part of me here too with all of them,” Chacon said. His exuberant community love was on display in the 2016 “group hug” photo for the neighboring moviehouse – in the cropped version below, you can see Harold in the back, at right, with his arms raised:

In Puerto Rico, Chacon looks forward to fully embracing retirement—relaxing on the beach, caring for his bonsai trees and taking care of his mother.

“It’s time to do my duty as a son … and take care of mama,” he said.

To honor Chacon’s retirement, the Chevron family is inviting the West Seattle community to a farewell celebration on Friday, February 28, from 10 am to noon, at the Chevron station, next to the Admiral Theater at 2347 California Ave SW–and there will be cake!

Another story of local Scouts’ giving spirit! Last night we reported on local Girl Scouts‘ diaper-donation drives at the start of cookie season. Tonight, we’re talking two other Scouting organizations’ popcorn presents – here’s the report they asked us to share with you:

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, West Seattle Scout Troop #282 & Pack #793 recently completed an initiative that ended with them donating more than two hundred pounds of packaged popcorn to a variety of local organizations and first responders. The popcorn, which was part of the troop’s annual fundraising efforts, was delivered to local food banks, police officers, firefighters, and veterans in the area.

A portion went to the West Seattle Food Bank, providing snacks for families in need. Another share was given to local fire stations, where firefighters were treated to a much-appreciated snack during their shifts.

The officers at the Southwest Precinct also received a portion, as did the families at the Fisher House (which supports the VA hospital).

The troop, Scouts ranging from ages 11 to 18, has long been committed to service within the community, and this donation continues their tradition of giving back. The popcorn, a popular product sold during the Scouts’ yearly fundraiser, was distributed to essential local service workers and community members who often go unnoticed, showing gratitude and appreciation for their hard work and dedication.

“It’s really important for us to not only raise funds for our activities but to also contribute to the well-being of our neighbors,” said Troop Leader Justin Kinch. “We know how much of a difference small act of kindness can make, and we wanted to give a small thank you to those who give so much to our community every day.”

For one of the Scouts, the donation also carried tremendous personal importance. Last fall his father suffered a rapid onset of severe septic shock caused by an infection. Firefighters arrived in the middle of the night and resuscitated him by rapidly stabilizing his blood pressure and then hand-carried him out of the house to the paramedics’ gurney. Thanks to their life-saving actions, he survived the journey to the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and spent several weeks recovering. After many months of healing, he is now fully recovered and looking forward to leading Scout outings again this year–including mountaineering training for safe use of ice axes in steep, snowy terrain. Sharing the popcorn was one more opportunity for their family to express their gratitude for the vital service firefighters provide to our community at a moment’s notice, 24/7.

The troop’s donation efforts are part of a larger mission to teach young Scouts the value of service and giving. Beyond fundraising, the troop regularly participates in projects like park cleanups, environmental conservation, and organizing food drives. The popcorn initiative has already sparked conversations about potential future collaborations with other community groups in the West Seattle area. For more information on how to support Troop 282’s initiatives or to see what else they have been doing, visit their website at troop282.net.

This icy-cold weather makes it all the more important that generous people in our area have donated lots of warm clothes this winter to people who need them. That includes all the donors for the Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (WSB sponsor) drive, which started during the holidays and ran all the way through January. They’ve just sent this report with words of gratitude:

(Team member Ty Hurst and volunteer Rodger Tanner)

The West Seattle Food Bank annual clothing drive has once again been a big success! This year’s donations from generous friends and neighbors allow the West Seattle Food Bank to assist local citizens at a critical time of year.

The clothing drive at Dave Newman State Farm Agency happens every year in December and January. This year we also included food donations.– THANKS, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS. And thanks to volunteers like lifelong West Seattle resident Rodger Tanner, who not only volunteers with the clothing drive every year but also assists the Helpline with facilities, maintenance and equipment, and thanks to West Seattle Recycling for providing the donation barrels.

Watch for the clothing drive at the end of this year – December and January are hard cold months for many.

If you still have. items to donate, two other drives are under way – we’ll have a reminder about those soon, likely later today.

Though most of that video was recorded off-peninsula, the star is Erik Bell, founder of the prolific volunteer-cleanup group A Cleaner Alki (which does its good work at many non-Alki spots too). The video was created by REI (West Seattle-founded!); Erik explains, “The actual Plogging video (running and trash pickup) was shot by REI’s Events Team at Lake Union last Fall to feature on their YouTube channel, and it just went live today. They wanted to highlight what A Cleaner Alki was about, so I provided them with a bunch of stills and a handful of drone videos I had shot at our cleanups” (you’ll notice some of that showing the Marginal pullout under the West Seattle Bridge). Want to get involved with A Cleaner Alki? They’re out pretty much daily – see where and when by going here.

SUNDAY NIGHT: The missing man that KCSO had been seeking has been found, safe.

Earlier:

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(WSB file photo)

After we published the reunion announcement for Chief Sealth‘s Class of 1965 earlier this week, we heard from the class that graduated 10 years later, trying to get the word out about their milestone reunion too:

Attention, Chief Sealth High School Class of 1975 Graduates!

The date, time and location for this auspicious occasion – our 50-Year Class Reunion, has been secured. Classmates have already begun registering for this epic event. Deposits are due, so early registration would be greatly appreciated. The registration form is attached. You can find detailed information on the flyer posted on the Chief Sealth High School Class of 1975 Facebook site. Below are a few of the details for our awesome event:

Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: The Museum of Flight, 9404 East Marginal Way South – Skyline Room
Catering: Buffet dinner catered by McCormick & Schmick’s
Cost: $90 per person (up to 150 attendees, then $98 per person); cost includes free entrance for a self-guided tour of the Museum day of the reunion
Attire: Casual
Parking: Free
RSVP: Advance registration only – send your registration form in now!

We anticipate this to be an affair to remember! Looking forward to seeing you May 17th!

Debra Zueger Taylor
d_taylor_97@comcast.net
Reunion Committee Chair

12:51 AM: The missing teen’s family reports she’s been found, and reports they are “indescribably grateful for the community’s help.”

Earlier:

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Thanks to Cinda for the photo and report about last Sunday’s monthly donation-dropoff drive at Alki UCC (previewed here):

The good people of West Seattle responded with generosity! They came in a steady flow on Sunday, bearing gifts of warm coats, blankets, boots, and food. … I delivered 20 blankets to Camp Second Chance Sunday evening. The remaining will go to unsheltered guests at Westside Interfaith Network’s Saturday hot lunch program. The coats will be given out too. Can’t wait to do so!

Alki UCC usually has similar drives, as noted in our West Seattle Event Calendar, on the third Sunday of the month.

Fundraising can be a challenge. A West Seattle Scout has managed to conquer that, big time. Jack R. emailed us to share the story:

Scouting Sales Sensation: Layton Stone’s Trailblazing Popcorn Journey

You may have seen this dashing Scout from Troop 282 around West Seattle and close neighborhoods hawking popcorn. You may have observed his great selling abilities and charming smile. What you may not know is that Layton is a popcorn-selling sensation and sold more popcorn in 2024 than all but one other Scout in the country, over $50,000. He sold so much popcorn that he’s throwing out the first pitch on at the Mariners baseball Scout Night game in April. So, that is your chance to say you saw Layton back in the day before he was famous.

You may be wondering, what is this popcorn he was selling? Popcorn is the way scouts raise money for their troop and Scouting activities. So if you were one of the great people buying popcorn from Layton, you helped support a great cause. If you see a Scout selling popcorn when sales start up again this summer, please stop by. A little hint – the caramel popcorn is the best.

For once, a package story that’s not about theft. From the WSB inbox:

We received a package that was mistakenly delivered to our home that has a very similar address to the intended recipient. Vida, if you are looking for a package from Michael’s, we drove over and dropped it at your front door, but I tucked it behind a small bush for safe keeping. I hope you have found it, and happy crafting!

(WSB photos)

Back on Tuesday night, we reported briefly on a driver going up onto a sidewalk in Upper Morgan and hitting a home’s streetfront stairs. We’ve learned only one thing about the crash since then: It took out the stairs’ railing (missing in the photo above, taken this morning). That left the home’s longtime resident unable to get to and from the sidewalk safely, explained the neighbors who decided to take action.

Above are Todd and Noah. Another neighbor texted us this morning (thank you!) that they would be working today to “weld a new handrail and repair other damage.” We went over and took the photo just as they were setting up, with plans to go back in the afternoon to get the “after” photo:

Todd and Noah were gone by then, but when we saw them this morning, they were low-key about their good deed – Todd said they’d been neighbors a long time, and just wanted to help.

One of the region’s first babies of 2025 was born to a West Seattle couple before the new year was even an hour old! Providence Swedish shared the photo and announcement with WSB:

Mary and Bill Belcher of West Seattle welcomed their second child – an 8.54-pound, 20.5-inch-long baby boy, named Wilder Oak Belcher – at 12:47 a.m, which earned him the distinction of being the first baby born at Providence Swedish First Hill in 2025.

The arrival of Wilder was preceded by 6,231 births at the 114-year-old, nonprofit hospital in 2024.

The Belchers, who have been married for six years, are also parents of a two-year-old daughter named Willow, who was being cared for by her grandmother, Sharon, while Mary labored and delivered in the hospital. The family shared that Mary’s 60-minute labor went smoothly and included a minute between contractions, which allowed them to experience a memorable countdown to midnight with their Labor and Delivery caregivers. The couple added, “We’re overjoyed with the birth and excited to introduce Wilder to his big sister, Willow.”

On New Year’s Eve, USA TODAY reported, “Babies born in 2025, and for the 14 years following, will make up the newest generation, called Generation Beta. Members of Gen Beta, for short, will be the children of younger millennials and older Gen Zers and by 2035, they are estimated to make up at least 16% of the global population. Additionally, many Gen Beta members will likely live into the 22nd century. Babies born in 2025 will be 76 years old when the year 2101 comes around.”

(Photos courtesy Dave Townsend and family)

By Anne Higuera
Special to West Seattle Blog

If you go to a tree nursery, they will often tell you that the best time to plant a tree is today. For one West Seattle family, the best time started 70 years ago, when their grandfather began purchasing regenerating timberland with an eye to the future. Just this month, Robert Wise’s vision and his family’s work stewarding that land led to his grandchildren and their spouses being named National Outstanding Tree Farmers of the Year by the American Forest Foundation.

(The family’s 2023 award paved the way for this year’s national award)

Wise settled in West Seattle almost a century ago, after finishing a business degree at the University of Washington. He came to Washington State from Iowa after serving in WWI, determined not to be a farmer, but he was wowed by the vast forests of the Pacific Northwest as rode the train westward. Summer breaks from college were spent at logging camps, and after graduating, Wise continued to work as a logger, and started a fuel business with his wife Beatrice from his property on Harbor Avenue SW.

(Robert Wise, 1960)

While the Wises were raising their two sons and daughter in the city, Robert wasn’t initially able to realize the dream of owning his own timberland.

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8:48 PM: The missing woman’s family says she’s been found. Photo and contact info removed. Earlier:

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Just by their nature, senior-living communities tend to see firefighters/paramedics often. But this encounter wasn’t an emergency, as explained by Quail Park of West Seattle (WSB sponsor):

In a show of appreciation for the tireless efforts of local first responders, Quail Park of West Seattle delivered a special lunch to the dedicated firefighters of Station 32 today. Residents and staff brought a hearty meal of brisket, ribs, and pulled pork from Jack’s BBQ in SoDo to thank the firehouse for their service to the community.

This gesture is a heartfelt thank-you to the team at Station 32, who have served Quail Park and the surrounding neighborhood over the years. The BBQ lunch was a small token of gratitude for the critical work they do to keep the area safe.

Station 32 is just east of The Junction, at 38th/Alaska.

By Eddie Westerman
Special to West Seattle Blog

Whether knocking on doors, writing postcards, donating money, participating in conversations, or simply being barraged by news and election ads, it would have been difficult not to experience some stress in the months leading up to Tuesday’s election.

That’s why folklorist and grief coach Tamara Kubacki led a Post-Election Grief/Relief Walk at Jack Block Park in. West Seattle this afternoon, open to people feeling either of those emotions, though the former seemed to prevail among participants. The rainy walk gave people the chance to be in nature while feeling and talking about grief or relief from the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s election. The peaceful walk also opened the door to other issues people feel they are facing in their own lives and the collective stress in the nation and world.

“We’re not meant to grieve on our own,” Kubacki says. “Being with others makes it feel less lonely.”

Participants shared their experiences through stories, poetry and conversation along the walking path. Kubacki, who runs a company called Listening to Grief, says she hopes participants of today’s walk felt a sense of community. She reminds people that it is healthy to talk about their grief.

One participant, Smith Sinclair, says he took a day off after the election and that he is still in denial.

“My grief is spilling over. I’m not participating in any media,” Sinclair says. “I was so hopeful.” He says he’s worried for immigrants and others and that he was deeply disappointed because he felt Kamala Harris ran a flawless campaign. He felt hopeful in the campaign work he did in Washington State, but despondent about what happened in the nation.

As part of the walk, Kubacki asked participants to ground themselves with breathing exercises, notice the sounds and the nature in the park and take time to genuinely listen to one another’s thoughts.

“I feel like fleeing,” Susan Holmgren says. She came on the walk, she says, to connect with her mother, who was a political activist when she was alive. Holmgren says her mother marched in countless anti-war demonstrations and that she would be so distressed to feel her children might have fewer rights than she had. While she does have dual citizenship because her mother was a United Kingdom citizen, Holmgren feels there are too many obstacles – especially financial ones — preventing her from trying to live in a different country.

Another walker at today’s event said it was heartbreaking to watch his 30-something children’s faces fall as the election results tumbled in. He was sad he couldn’t just “kiss the problem away for them.”

Kubacki says today’s walk, inspired by two Olympia-based organizations — Window Seat Media and Wild Grief – is a way for those in the community to come together when things feel awry. “Stories can be an anchor in uncertain times,” she says. The walk gave people the chance to think about what stories they were holding on to that they wanted to release.