West Seattle, Washington
14 Thursday
(Photo by Peter de Lory, courtesy HPIC)
“Things are now ready for this big step in our rebuilding process.” So said Highland Park Improvement Club trustee Kay Kirkpatrick, announcing that the long-awaited demolition of what’s left of HPIC’s century-old building will finally start tomorrow (Monday, September 30). It’s now been three and a quarter years since the fire that ravaged the community-owned building, an epicenter of events for decades, even a community food hub during the pandemic. Back in July, HPIC held a farewell event, planned before they had discovered they’d face unexpected delays, “some additional asbestos found that had to be removed by Eco Environmental Services,” Kirkpatrick summarizes. But now they’re ready to get going with the teardown at 7 am Monday: “Metis Construction is our general contractor, and Fed Excavation is handling the demo.” HPIC is still raising money to pay for the replacement building, so the construction timeline isn’t finalized yet. (A city grant is helping with demolition costs and “site preservation” so the 12th/Holden site [map] can be used for events before construction.)
One day after a close pass caught on video and in photos, you have another chance to see orcas from West Seattle. Kersti Muul texted to day some are northbound passing Alki Point right now.
(Reader photo, Mounted Patrol at Alki Beach, 2023)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
As city councilmembers dig into Mayor Harrell‘s budget proposal, they have a West Seattle-specific cut to consider:
14 years after the Seattle Police Department last tried to disband its Mounted Patrol Unit, the last one in the region, based next to Westcrest Park in southeast West Seattle, the unit is on the chopping block again, as a way to save just under a quarter-million dollars from an SPD budget that is proposed to jump from $395 million this year to $457 million next year.
A reader called our attention to this by forwarding a letter that Mounted Patrol members have drawn up, pleading for help to save what’s left of “the last Mounted Patrol Unit in the Pacific Northwest.” More on that in a moment. First, here’s what we found in the budget itself: The proposed cut is on page 362 of the mayor’s full citywide budget plan, sent to the City Council last Tuesday:
Remove Support For SPD’s Mounted Patrol Unit
Expenditures $(230,030)This item eliminates General Fund support of the department’s Mounted Patrol Unit (MPU), including 1.0 FTE Equipment & Facilities Coordinator, three unbudgeted part-time temporary maintenance laborers, and associated operating costs. Sworn positions currently assigned to the MPU will continue to be funded by the General Fund but will be reassigned elsewhere in the department.
(WSB photo, 2023)
The unit has only two sworn positions assigned to it; as explained to us during an “open barn” at MPU HQ last year, if they need more help, officers are temporarily reassigned from elsewhere in the department. At the time of our visit, the unit had six horses plus mini-horse Li’l Sebastian.
In the new budget proposal, this is the only SPD service/unit specifically called out for cutting, The increased spending in the SPD budget (page 359) includes $10 million more for overtime to fund “emphasis patrols” (no geographical specifics but in the past these have included extra officers for summer nights on Alki), $2 million for the “Real-Time Crime Center,” $2 million for “scheduling and timekeeping software,” and $1.2 million to add more school-zone speed-enforcement cameras (of course eventually expected to pay for themselves).
(WSB photo, Morgan Junction Community Festival this past June)
The Mounted Patrol’s mission has changed over the years; when the unit was proposed for disbanding in 2010, its crowd-control attributes were discussed; more recently, its major function has been community relations. That’s pointed out in the support-seeking letter that was sent to us. See the full letter here; the text is as follows:
Loyal Supporter,
We need your help!Horses have been a cherished part of the Seattle Police Department for almost 150 years; with the modern inception of the Mounted Unit being established in 1973 with eight horses, seven officers, and one sergeant. Today it is diminished to 1 dedicated sergeant and 1 full time Officer with civilian support barn staff, and it is the last remaining Mounted Patrol Unit in the Pacific Northwest.
In its early years, the Unit’s primary mission was to patrol the 5,000 acres of City parks. Its secondary mission was crowd control and management during largescale events. In the 1980s the unit further evolved, with patrol duties expanded to include the downtown waterfront business districts and residential areas, in addition to the 5,000 acres of City parks.
Today the Unit’s heart and soul is its commitment to the communities of Seattle and beyond, helping build a bridge between community members and law enforcement by not only patrolling neighborhoods, parks and the downtown Seattle corridor, but also through its participation in countless community events and celebrations. As a secondary, but no less important mission, the Seattle Police Mounted Unit is an integral part of honoring fallen law enforcement officers for a myriad of surrounding agencies, providing a longtime, honored tradition of the Riderless Horse for all line of duty death memorials across the Pacific Northwest.
To the point of our letter, we are having a moment of de ja vu. The Seattle Police Department has announced its intention to close the doors of this treasured piece of heritage. It is with a heart-wrenching plea that we write to you today, begging you to help rally the troops, warm up your voices and help us save our unit, the last Mounted Patrol Unit in the Pacific Northwest. Once it is gone, there is no bringing it back, ask the Portland Police Department. You’ve done it before when budget shortfalls at the City put the MPU in jeopardy in 2010, and we need you to do it again!
Help us by spreading the word to other community members and Mounted Unit supporters. Write letters to the Chief’s office, including all the Assistant Chiefs and Deputy Chief, beseech City Councilmembers, share your stories that include the Mounted Unit and our beloved Police Horses, make them see that we are more than a line item on a budget sheet, that our impact goes beyond today, that we are an integral part of One Seattle.
Warmly,
Seattle Police Mounted Patrol Team
Various contact addresses are listed on the letter‘s second page.
Back in 2010-2011, when then-Mayor Mike McGinn‘s budget called for cutting the Mounted Patrol Unit, the nonprofit Seattle Police Foundation came forward with funding to save it. That support lasted for a few years; in 2014, as we reported at the time, then-Mayor Ed Murray‘s budget restored general-fund support, calling the unit a “valuable public service.” (The police budget for 2015 was $298 million.) We’ll be contacting the SPF about the new unit-cutting proposal; it has continued to provide some support for the MPU, as we noted in this story last year.
(WSB photo, 2023)
Other questions so far include what would happen to the unit’s headquarters in Highland Park if the Mounted Patrol is indeed disbanded. Its upkeep has included a significant amount of community volunteer work, including beautification of the grounds. We’ll be following up.
WHAT’S NEXT: The proposed budget is now in the City Council’s hands to review and shape before a final vote in November. Right now the council is hearing department-by-department overviews; SPD is scheduled to make its presentation during the council session starting at 9:30 am Tuesday (October 1). The agenda includes a public-comment period, as do most other council meetings; the first budget-specific public hearing is set for October 16.
ADDED 2:24 PM: SPD has published a statement this afternoon about its plan to disband the unit. The statement says in part that “as SPD continues to recover from loss of hundreds of officers over the past four years, we have to carefully prioritize how to use existing scarce resources. The highest priority is maintaining the ability to respond quickly to emergency calls, and effectively investigate dangerous criminal behavior so the community is protected. This requires that we reduce resources for work that does not directly support these two priorities.”
We haven’t received reports of anyone here feeling it, but an email alert this morning revealed a 3.0 earthquake just across Puget Sound from West Seattle. The Pacific Northwest Seismic Network map shows the 7:49 am quake was centered 16 miles below the surface, about three miles northeast of Bremerton. According to PSNS’s quake-history map, this is the first one of note in the central Puget Sound area since the last one mentioned here on WSB, back in February (estimated at 3.6 but later changed to 3.4).
(Damselfly, photographed by Steve Bender at White Center Pond)
Here’s what you should know today, starting with traffic FYI’s, then the list of what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more happenings):
SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT OPEN: The plan for work all weekend again changed early Saturday, so the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is fully OPEN.
1ST AVENUE SOUTH BRIDGE: Lane-closure alert on the southbound side for “routine inspection,” 6 am-noon.
OFF-PENINSULA ALERTS: Leaving West Seattle at some point today/tonight? Other major regional road-work alerts are here.
SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).
THE MISSING PIECE TURNS 4: 9 am-10 pm, The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW) celebrates its fourth anniversary all weekend with a variety of special offerings and sales – details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, with seasonal produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
OKTOBERFEST AT THE BEER JUNCTION: 11 am-11 pm, “brats, beer, pretzels” and more Oktoberfest fun. (4511 California SW)
CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Arrive at 2:30 for 3 pm gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for this month’s topic(s).
‘OPERATION: THE MOUNTAINEERS’: Opera lecture at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), 3 pm:
Tibbetts United Methodist Church will host a lecture on the forgotten Edwardian opera “The Mountaineers” by Guy Eden and Reginald Somerville. The event is directed by Scott Farrell, the current choir director at Tibbetts UMC, and it occurs on the 115th anniversary of the opera. Farrell will share a mountain of research on “The Mountaineers” including historical context, the original London cast and plot, critical response and revisions, historical production photos, and video clips from 21st-century performances. The event is FREE to attend, and does not include a worship service.
‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Third matinee for the award-winning “dark comedy” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 3 pm – info and tickets here.
DENNIS JAMES & THE MIGHTY WURLITZER: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), see and hear its magnificent (and endangered) organ in action! Check for ticket availability.
‘AN IMPROVISED MUSICAL’: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), laughter and music. Check for ticket availability.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you organizing and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
11:17 PM SATURDAY: Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the video of transient orcas off Constellation Park late today. He explains, “I went down to Constellation Park to see the transient orcas that were reported via the Salish Wildlife Watch WhatsApp group. I saw these four transient orcas (a.k.a Bigg’s Killer Whales) pursue a harbor seal that was swimming directly toward us. The whales were approximately 100-150 feet away when I captured this video.” The video isn’t gory – in fact, Jamie believes the seal got away: “I have a photo of a seal catching its breath on the surface ~20 feet away from us after the orcas began to head back toward Vashon.” If it indeed got away, it’s lucky, as transient orcas are the ones that feed on other marine mammals such as seals and sea lions (while the endangered resident orcas prefer fish).
ADDED 9:07 AM SUNDAY: David Hutchinson sent photos, including one of the seal:
ADDED SUNDAY AFTERNOON: As mentioned in comments, Jamie Kinney also has a photo gallery from the event. He gave us permission to republish some, too – here are three that caught our eye:
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.)
Seattle Fire is at the scene of a small fire that initially was dispatched around 7:30 pm as a large “full response” but then was almost immediately downsized – Ladder 13 was first on scene and able to deal with it quickly. It’s at a vacant, boarded-up house in the 2200 block of SW Trenton [map], northeast of Westwood Village. The fire’s now out, and SFD’s investigator is on scene (and calling just now for police assistance, so we’ll be following up on that). No injuries reported.
Thanks to everyone who texted and emailed photos of the spectacular double rainbow just before sunset! Above, Stewart L. saw it while looking toward downtown; Grant saw it from The Junction:
An unidentified texter saw it from Westwood Village:
Kevin Freitas got the extreme closeup:
ADDED 8:14 PM: Chris Twombley saw it in Morgan Junction:
The brightness was hard to capture on full-arch views, but Lacey‘s photo shows it:
Here’s the Terminal 5/Harbor Ave. view from Tracey Kipp of West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor):
Thanks to Jeremy Barton for the photo! Shortly after 5 pm, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) sailed past West Seattle, northbound. It’s been a month and a half since the carrier arrived in Bremerton, its new homeport.
(Traffic-cam screenshot from late this afternoon)
5:09 PM: If you missed the update in our daily event list – just a reminder, the Spokane Street Viaduct (extension of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is wide open. The originally announced “full weekend eastbound closure” ended mega-early, as did the planned westbound closure last weekend, after just some overnight work Friday night to Saturday morning. As one reader notes, the eastbound side is freshly striped, so this could be an indication the resurfacing project is nearing its end; we hope to get an update from SDOT on Monday.
8:01 PM: We got this reply tonight from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:
There’s a bit more work to do [on the project overall], but if the weather allows it then the crews will try to minimize closures during the daytime if possible. The announced closure schedule was based on how long it has previously taken to complete work on this project and also took into account uncertainty in the weather forecast on both weekends. Fortunately, the crews have become quite efficient at this stage in the project and good weather allowed us to get more work done than expected on the Friday night of both weekends.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
The Chief Sealth International High School varsity football team is one of two with a Metro League-leading 4-0 record, after a win over previously undefeated Ingraham HS last night in the nightcap at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Above, We were there for the first half of the 33-7 win. Above, #3, senior Xavier Nguyen, a very busy runner last night; below, #12, junior MJ Filitaula, scored the Seahawks’ first TD:
Chief Sealth was ahead 10-7 at the half, and the defense kept Ingraham scoreless in the second half.
Head coach Daron Camacho‘s team plays Lakeside next Friday (October 4), again at home at NCSWAC, 6 pm.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
Both local high-school teams played home games last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. The first game was West Seattle High School‘s first victory this season, 31-7 over Lincoln HS.
We dropped in during the second half for photos. Scoring while we were there included, above, #13, junior LJ Moody, with a TD; below, #34, junior Scott Bremen, with a field goal:
Head coach Anthony Stordahl and the Wildcats play at Memorial Stadium downtown next Saturday, 2 pm October 5 vs. Franklin.
Two reader reports today, both thefts in unexpected circumstances, both sent by people named Sarah:
STOLEN WHILE LOADING: Thefts of items left in vehicles for hours aren’t surprising. Sarah H did not expect this theft to happen during the process of loading up for an outing:
This morning as we were about to leave for a backpacking trip, both our backpacks full of camping gear were stolen from in front of our house between 7:06 and 7:08 am as we were loading our car near PCC. It happened so fast that we believe it was a vehicle driving by, as we essentially had our backs turned. The backpacks are teal green (Osprey) and a gray/black (Gregory). If you happen to have any sightings or camera footage, please let us know. Most of our backpacking gear was from our wedding registry and we are heartbroken!
(added) Police report # is 24-275862.
(added) Sarah H’s stove was found by commenter Tom. They’ve connected. One more detail: They believe the thieves were in a “beige or silver 4-door sedan.”
STOLEN WHILE CHARGING: We’ve heard of public-charger cord thefts, but not so much the type of theft Sarah D is reporting:
Yesterday I went outside and found that someone had stolen my electric plug to my car. It was plugged into my electric car and a box on the street. I live on 40th Ave SW. Only reporting because other people leave their plugs in their cars overnight and wanted people to be aware.
“All is not lost.” So said Pope Francis in his environmental encyclical Laudato Si, and student projects based on it are part of what you’ll see at this year’s West Seattle Eco-Fair, happening right now in the Our Lady of Guadalupe gym (Walmesley Center, northeast side of 35th/Myrtle). Local sustainability-focused organizations are there to talk with you, too, about actions large and small that you can talk. Some of the participants are already very busy in the community, such as A Cleaner Alki:
And West Seattle Bike Connections:
We published the full list of participants here. Another reason to go: retired TV meteorologist Jeff Renner presents a talk at noon. Till then, learn about everything from throwing away less (WM Northwest and Ridwell have displays) to getting outdoors more. And see what the two parishes presenting the Eco-Fair, OLG and Holy Rosary, are doing:
The Eco-Fair also is mindful of the upcoming election, with a voter-registration opportunity right by the entry doors, and tabling by opponents of I-2117, the November ballot measure that would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act.
The Eco-Fair continues until 2 pm today.
9:29 AM: Orcas are in central Puget Sound, southbound through the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lanes, Kersti Muul tells us via text. Let us know if you see them!
9:35 AM: Kersti updates that it might actually be a baleen-whale sighting (usually humpback or gray).
9:42 AM: Confirmed to be a humpback.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s what to know for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – but first, traffic reminders:
SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT, 1ST AVE. S. BRIDGE, AND … Resurfacing work continues on the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5), so the eastbound lanes are scheduled to be closed all weekend – that COULD end early, so check cameras before you go (9:31 am note, per commenter and camera, it DOES appear to have ended early, like last weekend) … Also, the 1st Ave. S. Bridge is scheduled to have two southbound lane closures now until noon today, for maintenance … And if you’re leaving the peninsula, review these alerts (including the 520 bridge across Lake Washington) first!
Now the events:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.
THE MISSING PIECE TURNS 4: 9 am-10 pm, The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW) celebrates its fourth anniversary with a variety of special offerings and sales – details in our calendar listing.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.
INTRODUCTORY TRAINING ON TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE: 9 am-5 pm daylong training at Westside Unitarian Universalist (7141 California SW), community invited to learn “caring ways to engage with community relationship, conflict and trust-building.” More information, including registration links, in our calendar listing.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE MINI ALZHEIMER’S WALK: Not going downtown for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Join the West Seattle Caregivers Support Group for an unofficial walk around Gatewood. Meet at 39th/Holden by 10 am. Free and friendly … wear purple if you can.
WEST SEATTLE ECO-FAIR: As previewed here, it’s your second annual chance to talk with local advocates and organizations about what you can do to make a difference in our beloved planet’s environmental challenges. 10 am-2 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle), highlighted by Jeff Renner speaking at noon.
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Don’t miss a free chance to get in the spirit of Preparedness Month before it’s over! 10 am-10:45 am “prep party” with Alice Kuder from Just In Case, at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) – our calendar listing has RSVP info.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.
SSC GARDEN CENTER, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.
MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
DREAM DINNERS TEST KITCHEN PARTY: 11 am-1 pm, learn about solving the perennial “what’s for dinner?” problem at Dream Dinners West Seattle‘s Test Kitchen Party, previewed here (with info on RSVPing via text). Dream Dinners is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square (4701 41st SW).
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Bonus Saturday session of long-distance get-out-the-vote advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
OKTOBERFEST AT THE GOOD SOCIETY: 12 pm-10 pm, street party to celebrate Oktoberfest, with beer, food, even a costume contest at 5 pm. (California/Lander)
OKTOBERFEST AT THE BEER JUNCTION: 12 pm-midnight, the three-day celebration continues, with “brats, beer, pretzels,” more. (4511 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
DOG ICE-CREAM SOCIAL: Noon-2 pm at Mud Bay (2611 California SW) as part of Neighborhood Pet Store Day festivities.
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SONG CIRCLE: 1-3 pm, monthly gathering with Sandra – details in our calendar listing, including how to contact her to get the location.
BIKE RIDE: As part of Oktoberfest, The Beer Junction is organizing a Bike Club ride, “all bodies welcome,” 2 pm, meet behind the store (4511 California SW).
(added) VOLLEYBALL: Undefeated West Seattle HS hosts Eastside Catholic at 2 pm. (3000 California SW)
BURGER PLANET ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 3-7 pm, the White Center restaurant (9614 14th SW) celebrates its first anniversary with a costume contest, gaming tournament, costume contest, and more – details in our calendar listing.
SAVE THE MIGHTY WURLITZER! 2 SHOWS: As previewed here – at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), two benefit shows today/tonight will raise money to help preserve the historic hall’s organ – 4 pm and 6:30 pm. At last check some tickets remained for both – buy yours here.
‘ROCK BLOCK TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL’: 3-band lineup at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW) in White Center, doors open 6 pm: 7 pm Actual Wolf, 8 pm Any Given Session, 9 pm Seola Station. $15/door.
AT THE SKYLARK: Monthly “West End Girls” West Seattle drag extravaganza! 7 pm doors, 8 pm show, ticket info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)
GUARDS AT THE TAJ: “Dark comedy” in its third weekend at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – get tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Repoman. (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday is for singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.
West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Somebody in Fauntleroy with a green laser is reported to have pointed it tonight at multiple ferries and at least one plane. That’s according to a texted report and a police-radio FYI in the past few hours. The texter reports the “bright green laser … illuminated the pilothouses of multiple state ferries on at least two separate occasions.” The police-radio FYI was relayed as an FAA request for officers to check the area near the ferry dock after a plane reported the laser. The FAA notes that this is a safety risk and federal crime.
(WSB photo, this morning)
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.
8:32 PM: Thanks for the tips. Power is out for 106 homes in the south Arbor Heights/Seola area. The City Light map says they’re “investigating”; we’re checking if there’s any obvious cause.
9:10 PM: Outage over, per commenter and SCL map. Likely cause seems to be a tree branch that fell on a power line in the 11600 block of Seola Beach Drive, per archived SFD dispatch audio.
Just as 5 pm arrived, a long line of West Seattle Wine Walk ticketholders filled the sidewalk on the west side of California SW north of SW Alaska, waiting to check in at Jet City Labs (one of two Wine Walk check-in spots tonight). Once their tasting tickets were in hand, they had more than two dozen venues to visit, almost all businesses with guest wineries. Spruce Hill Winery from SODO (WSB sponsor) was in the house at Rush Hour:
Jo and Ava were pouring Spruce Hill’s 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2022 Granache, and 2021 Rainforest Red. Down the street at CAPERS, Viscon Cellars (also a WSB sponsor) poured tonight:
Viscon’s wines tonight were “Perseverance” Viognier, “Porch” Rosé, and “The Weekday” Cabernet Sauvignon. We also revisited Emerald Water Anglers, learning its new location at California/Alaska is fully open – tonight EWA (also a WSB sponsor) hosted Wandering Wolf Cellars:
The Wine Walk – which sold out of all 1,000 tickets – is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Junction Association. Watch for word of next year’s first Wine Walk (and other events)!
Another nightlife phenomenon in West Seattle is the monthly convening of what was the West Seattle Silent Book Club – aka “introverts’ happy hour.” It’s grown to a dozen venues every month where people gather to read and then chat – or not. It’s BYOB (bring your own book). This week, a big two-part announcement from organizers, as their October reading night approaches – a new partner and new name:
We are becoming an independent organization named West Seattle Book Club that is rooted in and local to West Seattle and White Center rather than being connected to a global organization. We are so very grateful to have begun as a chapter of the global Silent Book Club organization, and over the years (and because of the incredible support of this neighborhood!), we have become more than a chapter. We have become a neighborhood-wide reading night. As our gatherings have grown, there has been added complexity to organizing, and we have recognized the need for more substantial local support.
We are so excited to share that West Seattle Book Club is becoming part of the West Seattle Junction Association to support our sustainability as a reading community. As part of the West Seattle Junction Association, we will continue to gather all across the neighborhood, from White Center up to Admiral, and we will continue to be led and organized by the same team of local volunteers. The West Seattle Junction Association will provide the support and organization we need to sustain our neighborhood-wide reading nights. We are thrilled to be embedded in such an important neighborhood institution.
The newly renamed West Seattle Book Club‘s next gathering is this Thursday, October 3, 7-9 pm. For Thursday’s reading locations – from North Admiral to White Center – see our calendar listing.
Trivia is not trivial to West Seattleites! Every week, our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar features a long list of weekly games at local venues. Trivia host Will Drew organized the West Seattle Trivia Championships again this year and sent this report and photo after last night’s finale:
Last night, West Seattle’s 2024 trivia champion was crowned at The Good Society. The Nard Dogs, representing Beveridge Place, bested teams from Three 9 Lounge, The Good Society, Admiral Pub, and Talarico’s. The Great Space Baboon Uprising, also from Beveridge Place, took second place. Thank you to The Good Society for hosting, and for all the quizmasters and trivia teams that participated.
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