West Seattle, Washington
04 Saturday
The 46-year-old man arrested in connection with the disappearance of Leticia Martinez-Cosman remains in jail today, and probable-cause documents in his case reveal what led police to him, and what they have found out so far. The man is not yet charged so we are not publishing his name; we’re publishing the probable-cause narrative from today’s documents without any names except those of law-enforcement officers. Though the jail docket shows that the suspect was initially booked for investigation of homicide among other possible crimes, a judge has not found probable cause for that, but did find probable cause to continue holding him for investigation of kidnapping, assault, theft, attempted murder, and unlawful firearm possession. The suspect did not appear in court today and bail has not yet been set, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Here is the narrative, a type of document generally initially written by police – note that it describes an assault and injuries in places:
Leticia “Leti” Martinez-Cosman was last seen 03/31/2023, heading to the Mariners game in Seattle. The Photo (previously distributed by police) was taken by Leticia at that game, which began at around 1900 hours. The photo was texted to her (friend #1) and it was later provided to the police. Leticia had invited the male pictured with her below, to join her at the game.
Leticia met the male … at a Costco in Seattle on 03/19/2023.
If you don’t already have tickets to this year’s West Seattle Food Bank-benefiting “Instruments of Change” dinner and auction, today’s your last chance to get in on the early discount rate. Here’s the announcement:
16th Annual Instruments of Change 2023 Gala Dinner & Auction
Neighbors Helping NeighborsYou’re Invited!
Annual Instruments of Change Gala Dinner and Auction
May 6th, 2023 at 6 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Ave SWThis event will be a night of fun and entertainment, all in support of our mission to ensure all in our community have access to the essential necessities of living.
The West Seattle Food Bank provides essential services to our neighbors in need, and your support is critical to our continued success. Your ticket purchase, auction bids, and donations will benefit individuals and families in our community who rely on our services.
Thank you for your support, and we hope to see you at the Instruments of Change Gala Dinner and Auction.
Passed Hors d’oeuvres – Beer Wine & Cocktails – Silent & Live Auction – Photo Booth – Games & Prizes – Raffle – Served Dinner – Informative Program – IOC Award Winner – Dessert Dash
Tickets! Regular Price $150 – Early Bird Price: $125 ends 4/7 – Must be 21+ to attend
Register HereTickets include admission, happy hour wine and beer, passed appetizers, catered dinner by Tuxedoes and Tennis Shoes and informative program.
Registration Deadline: April 21st
1:13 PM: Just got word from producer Tamara Bunnell that the Seattle Historical Theatre Project has to cancel tonight’s performance of “Friends Across the Wires“ in West Seattle. She emailed to say, “We are very, very sorry to report that tonight’s performance of ‘Friends Across the Wires’ at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center has been canceled because of Covid. We are so sorry to cancel, but need to prioritize keeping the community safe.” This was to be a one-night-only WS performance of the play telling a story of how youth were affected by the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. We’re asking whether there’s any chance of a reschedule.
1:36 PM: Bunnell says they’re hoping so and will send us word of a new date when they work one out.
12:58 PM: Thanks to the texters who sent photos of the damaged “Welcome to West Seattle” sign along the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. We reported late last night on the crash at that location. The sign was installed by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce in 2019, funded by a donation from the late philanthropist Ada Cruzen; we have a message out to the WSCC to see what their plans are.
1:05 PM: Quick response from Chamber executive director Whitney Moore: “Absolutely, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce will be repairing the Welcome Sign and restoring it to its former glory.”
Thanks to Jessica for reporting brown water near 35th/Morgan. No incidents shown on the Seattle Public Utilities water-outage map; we’ve advised a call to Seattle Public Utilities as usual, 206-386-1800, to be sure they know. “Brown water” usually results from some kind of anomaly – from a broken line to a hydrant test – stirring up “sediment” (mostly rust) in the system.
After today, Seattle Public Schools – and some others – go out on spring break. If you have SPS issues, concerns, questions, ideas, Saturday brings your next chance to talk with our area’s elected School Board director, Leslie Harris. She’ll be at West Seattle (Admiral) Library 2-5 pm on Saturday (April 8) – you don’t have to attend for all three hours, just drop in when you can. (She’s also promising her famous lasagna.) The library is at 2306 42nd SW.
(Wednesday photo by James Bratsanos)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what’s happening for the rest of your Friday:
PASSOVER CONTINUES: Tonight’s the third night.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of churches we’ve heard from, some with Good Friday services today/tonight; list additions still welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com.
SCRABBLE CLUB: Come play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café in the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open for visits at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: 2-6-year-olds welcome 3:30-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).
(added) SPORTS: Four local games this afternoon – three at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Chief Sealth vs. West Seattle softball at 4 pm, Chief Sealth vs. Sammamish baseball at 4 pm, Chief Sealth vs. Ballard boys’ soccer at 4:30 pm; one at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), West Seattle vs. Franklin boys’ soccer at 4 pm.
TIM’S TAVERN, SECOND WEEKEND: 7 pm doors, 8 pm show at the new Tim’s Tavern in White Center (16th/98th) – The Dusty 45s perform.
Canceled due to COVID ‘FRIENDS ACROSS THE WIRES‘: One night only, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), this play tells a story of how youth were affected by the World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans. Free admission, first-come, first-served – more info in our calendar listing.
SOUND BATH: “For the Full Pink Moon,” 7:30 pm with Maari Falsetto at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
AT THE SKYLARK: Lark Vs Owl, Dragontail Peak, Gnarlene and the Frisky Pigs, 8 pm. $10 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks for the tips. That’s what the drive-up ATM at US Bank in The Junction looks like after someone went after it overnight. The police call log shows it was reported around 6:30 this morning; no other details available yet. This bank’s drive-up ATM has been targeted before; someone tried to steal it a year ago, and it was stolen in 2017 (with two people eventually arrested). If you have any information about this incident, the SPD report # is 23-93562.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 7th. Last day before spring break for Seattle Public Schools and others.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast for today: Showery, breezy, high in the low 50s. Sunrise 6:36 am, sunset 7:48 pm.
TRAFFIC ALERT TONIGHT
Highway 99 tunnel closed both ways, 10 pm Friday-6 am Saturday.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening, so watch for alerts (if you’re not signed up to receive them, watch channels like this one).
Water Taxi – Regular schedule. P.S. Late-night Friday/Saturday trips resume April 21; to prepare for the summer season, there will be no WS WT service the weekend of April 15-16.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the camera at the top:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities). Thank you!
12:49 AM: Police are investigating a report of gunfire outside the Westwood Village McDonald’s. So far they report finding shell casings and holes in a car. No injuries reported initially, although SFD has since been sent. Officers told dispatch that “McDonald’s staff thinks it happened in the drive-thru line.”
12:55 AM: No victim, SFD has confirmed, so their response is being cancelled. Officers meantime are finding damage to at least one other car as well as possible damage to a building, with a possible witness saying this seemed to involve multiple vehicles and might have happened a bit further west, closer to MOD Pizza. Officers investigating at WWV also have just reported hearing a half-dozen more suspected gunshots in the distance.
10:19 PM: SPD and SFD are responding to what’s at least the third reported crash on the West Seattle Bridge today. This time, a texter says, it’s an SUV that crashed into/near the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign on the westbound side of the Fauntleroy end. One vehicle, according to the dispatch.
11 PM: We haven’t heard anything further about circumstances, but apparently no one reported serious injuries – SFD closed out of the call fairly quickly, with no unit on scene longer than 19 minutes.
If you enjoy growing vegetables – and helping others – here’s a way to do both this spring. It’s a new effort called Heron’s Nest Sprouts, and it’s offering free plant starts later this month for would-be giving gardeners. Here’s how organizers explain what’s planned – and what’s been happening to prepare for it:
Feeding hungry people in Seattle involves a complex patchwork of programs and funding, but part of the work is simply growing vegetables! Seattle is dotted with “Giving Gardens,” many situated at our community P-Patch Gardens–including Delridge, High Point, Solstice, and others in West Seattle–and they are an important piece of this puzzle, growing fresh produce for those in need. Gardens in the Seattle Giving Gardens Network pledge their harvest for donation to community food programs. Last year, the growers generated 44,400 pounds of produce.
For 15 years, Ballard Sprouts volunteers have supported these gardeners, growing over 20,000 vegetable starts each spring and donating them to the Giving Gardeners. This year, a new sister project has emerged to supplement their efforts: Heron’s Nest Sprouts.
On Saturday, April 15 from 10 am to 4 pm, about a thousand plants will be available to pick up for the first time at Heron’s Nest, where 12 enthusiastic volunteers have been quietly growing seeds in the greenhouse since February. Pots of lettuce, chard, pac choy, mustard greens and kale will be available. Any gardeners interested in growing to donate to their community can come to get as many free starts as you need. Seattle Giving Garden Network will happily get you started in growing to give.
An added bonus to this happy occasion is the first Art Market of the year at Heron’s Nest that same day, giving space to Indigenous and other artists to display and sell their work. The public is invited to come visit Heron’s Nest, browse the art, and learn more about the Giving Garden program.
Heron’s Nest Sprouts hopes to continue next year and expand its production, because after next season, the Sprouts program will lose their Ballard location. The goal is to develop several new sites similar to Heron’s Nest Sprouts to continue the work going forward. Anyone with an interest in starting a Giving Garden, volunteering with Heron’s Nest, or who knows of an available greenhouse location elsewhere in the city should email the Seattle Giving Garden Network at info@sggn.org.
Heron’s Nest is located at 4818 15th SW [map]. Turn west onto Puget Way from West Marginal Way, south of the Duwamish Longhouse, and follow a short winding road to the entrance. The property is being restored by a passionate group of volunteers with the mission of community outdoor education. Besides the greenhouse, there are raised beds, a chicken run, the forested Duwamish Greenbelt, and space for community events such as the art market, outdoor movies, skill workshops, a tool library, and sustainable and traditional indigenous farming practices. The Heron’s Nest site is available by reservation for workshop space, classes, all-ages activities, cultural education, gatherings, meetings, music, art, and more. Check the Heron’s Nest events page for their updated calendar.
Heron’s Nest is accepting online donations to further their efforts, and volunteer help is appreciated as work continues at the site. Email HeronsNestOutdoor@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer or rent the space.
What services are most important for older and/or disabled people? What needs aren’t being addressed? A city agency is looking for your answers, to be sure it’s properly prioritizing. Here’s the announcement we received this afternoon:
Aging and Disability Services (ADS), a division of the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD) that serves as the Area Agency on Aging for Seattle and King County, monitors trends and issues affecting older people and adults with disabilities in King County. ADS invites all members of the public to complete a survey, commenting on aging and disability service priorities.
Every four years, ADS and more than 600 other Area Agencies on Aging throughout the United States develop an Area Plan that charts the course each agency will follow to address emerging needs, while also working to create age-friendly communities. The Area Plan describes the function of ADS, presents relevant demographic trends for King County, and outlines major goals and objectives for addressing trends, issues, and needs. To support development of the Area Plan for 2024–2027, ADS is examining changing trends impacting older adults and people with disabilities, and inviting community input on goals and objectives.
“We listen and we form strong bonds with the community,” said ADS Director Mary Mitchell. “We have a very strong interest in racial equity. People of color should not experience disparities. To that end, we particularly want to hear from older people, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in BIPOC communities.”
ADS has posted a 2023 Community Engagement Survey online at bit.ly/40HJDv6. The deadline for completion is Friday, April 21.
In July, ADS will publish a draft Area Plan for 2024–2027 online at agingkingcounty.org/area-plan and schedule a public hearing. After a final draft plan is approved by the Seattle-King County Advisory Council on Aging & Disability Services and key partners will be submitted to the State Unit on Aging (part of the DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration). Following state approval in early 2024, the final plan will be posted online.
Seattle Police have announced an arrest in connection with the disappearance of 58-year-old Leticia Martinez-Cosman. They’re not going into details of their case against the 46-year-old man, but he is being held for investigation of potential charges including homicide, kidnapping, assault, and theft. Since he is not yet charged, we are not publishing his name; he was booked into the King County Jail just after 4 am today, so his first court appearance won’t be until tomorrow, and the documents related to that should reveal some information about the case. Online records show his local history includes stolen-car-related cases in King County in 2014. The missing woman was last seen at last Friday’s Mariners game at T-Mobile Park. SPD is still asking for information on where she is or what may have happened – call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
(WSB photo, June 2020)
Four months after a King County Superior Court jury found 65-year-old Michael L. Dudley guilty of murdering two people and stuffing their bodies into suitcases later found in local waterways, he’s scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow. The suitcases were found in 2020 off Alki and in the Duwamish River. The victims, 35-year-old Jessica Lewis and 27-year-old Austin Wenner, had been renting a room at Dudley’s house in Burien before he shot them to death. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office recommends basically that Dudley spend the rest of his life in prison – the recommended sentences for the murders and the use of a firearm in committing them would total 560 months, their memo says – more than 46 years. He’ll be sentenced at 10 am tomorrow.
Nos Nos Coffee House at 35th/Graham in High Point is expanding hours. Proprietor Khalid Agour wants you to know that the shop is now open weekdays 7 am to 5 pm and weekends 8 am to 5 pm – closing three hours later than they had previously. Nos Nos has been open on the ground floor of Upton Flats since late 2019.
11:16 AM: Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip – she reports that J-Pod orcas are headed southbound, slowly, from the Bainbridge ferry lanes, mid-to-east in the channel. Let us know if you see them!
11:47 AM: We’ve also heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who also reports the orcas are headed this way and adds, “We’ll be at the Whale Trail sign at Charles Richey Sr Viewpoint with binoculars to share around noon. Bundle up!” (That’s also known as Constellation Park, Beach Drive between Alki Avenue and 63rd.)
1:21 PM: Both Kersti and Donna report the whales have turned around and are headed back northbound.
(Schmitz Park photo by Rosalie Miller, who explains, “Western Coltsfoot, native perennial in our wet forest”)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
PASSOVER CONTINUES: Tonight’s the second night.
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of churches we’ve heard from, some with Holy/Maundy Thursday services tonight; list additions still welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayers@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: 2-6-year-olds welcome 3:30-5 pm at the Salvation Army Center (9050 16th SW).
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), the Bella ‘Mbriana truck will be visiting.
SUB-2-MINUTE FILM FEST: 6:30 pm at Emerald Water Anglers (4502 42nd SW; WSB sponsor), explained in our calendar listing.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Meet up at Highland Park Corner Store at 6:30 pm Thursdays for a ~3-mile run.
WEST SEATTLE SILENT BOOK CLUB: Starting at 7 pm, this month’s gathering is at nine West Seattle locations! Details are in our calendar listing.
(Photo courtesy The Potholes)
THE POTHOLES AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle band celebrates their EP release with a show tonight at 7 – details in our calendar listing. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
PIANO BAR: 7-10 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), with Larry Knapp and friends. $10 entry fee.
COMMUNITY MEETING: If you live/work in White Center or another part of unincorporated King County just south of West Seattle, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council is your community council, and its monthly meeting is at 7 pm tonight online – details and connection/call-in info are in our calendar listing.
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm at Great American Diner (4752 California SW), comedy! Get your $10 ticket here.
If you have something to add to our calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering John F. Watson and sharing this remembrance with the community:
John was the first-born child of Frank and Helen Watson in West Seattle in 1947. He passed away 3/22/23 in Gig Harbor.
John attended Holy Rosary Grade School and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1965. He then attended Highline CC and University of Washington before starting an illustrious career at Boeing. He spent over 30 years at Boeing, making many life-long friends. John always loved being on the water and owned 2 beautiful yachts, the Scorpio and the White Cap. He loved taking friends and family out on Lake Washington, Elliott Bay, Puget Sound, and the San Juans. He was kind beyond words and generous to a fault. He was an avid bridge player and art collector. Loved dogs, Cadillacs, Thunderbirds, and cookies! His health deteriorated over the last year, making life difficult.We are thankful to his many friends who helped care for him, including, but not limited to, Rosalie, Mike, and Janis. He is survived by his two brothers Ric and Andy Watson, sister Debbie Coghill, their spouses, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who all adored him.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
11:20 AM: Texter says 12th/Holden is down to one lane while City Light works on getting power to the new pedestrian signal.
Earlier:
8:25 PM: Thanks for the tip. Per SDOT, “Collision on the West Seattle Bridge EB at the midspan blocking the center lane and bus lane.”
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 6th.
WEATHER & SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The forecast for today: Rainy, breezy, high in the low 50s. Sunrise 6:38 am, sunset 7:46 pm.
TRANSIT
Metro – Regular schedule, but trip cancellations are still happening, so watch for alerts (if you’re not signed up to receive them, watch channels like this one).
Water Taxi – Regular schedule. P.S. Late-night Friday/Saturday trips resume April 21; to prepare for the summer season, there will be no WS WT service the weekend of April 15-16.
Washington State Ferries‘ Triangle Route continues on the 2-boat schedule; check here for alerts/updates and see Vessel Watch for boats’ locations.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also up at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the camera at the top:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge – looking southwestward toward it:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – another route across the river:
Highway 99: – the northbound side at Lander.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed to see if the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if needed) – 206-293-6302.
11:20 PM: Multiple readers have mentioned social-media posts about this missing local woman, and we heard tonight directly from a family member who confirmed she was still being sought. But the family member told us earlier this evening that they were waiting for police clearance to say more. Now, that’s just happened:
From SPD:
Seattle Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating Leticia Martinez-Cosman, who was last seen Friday evening on March 31st at T-Mobile Park during the Seattle Mariners game.
Martinez-Cosman has not contacted her family since. Martinez-Cosman is a 58-year-old female with green eyes and brown hair. Martinez-Cosman is approximately 5’9” inches tall and weighs approximately 135 pounds.
Martinez-Cosman was last seen with the male depicted in the photo below. Seattle Police detectives have identified and interviewed him.
If anyone has any information about this case, or the whereabouts of Martinez-Cosman, please call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
1:57 PM: SPD is promising new information this afternoon, as noted in comments below.
After three days of registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2023 – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 13 – we’re up to 75 registered sales for the 17th WSCGSD! Sellers promise as wide a variety of stuff as ever – kid stuff, grownup stuff, collectible stuff, bric-a-brac, knickknacks – estate sales, moving sales, even a sale with a food truck. (Selling food, not the truck itself.) Be part of the biggest day of the year in the person-to-person recycling spirit – to register your sale, here’s the link. Registering will bring a confirmation note from us as well as a PayPal receipt; if you don’t get one or both, check your spam folder. Questions/problems, email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com – which is also how to let us know if your organization is planning a site open to multiple small individual sellers, or a post-sale donation dropoff, etc. Thank you!
(SPU photo, 2021)
The dates are set for this year’s opportunities to get free compost in West Seattle: 9-noon Saturday, April 22nd – yes, yet another way to spend your Earth Day this year! – and 9-noon Saturday, May 6th. On both dates, Seattle Public Utilities, ECOSS, and Lenz Enterprises will team up to offer it while supplies last. Bring your own container to the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
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