West Seattle, Washington
21 Monday
Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of James C. Haury. Here’s the remembrance being shared with his community:
James Clinton Haury
AUGUST 17, 1941, TO OCTOBER 11, 2022Lifetime West Seattle resident and Marine Mechanic Jim Haury died after a short illness. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Born in 1941 to Clint and Margie Haury, of Haury’s Boathouse on Alki, Harbor Ave in Seattle.
Jim is survived by his wife Alice of 59 years and sons, Paul and wife Alizah Olivas, and Todd and wife Tasuray Haury, their two grandchildren, Nicholas Haury and wife Porsche, and Mikki Haury and partner David Lovett, and their two great-grandchildren, Vanessa Haury-Lovett and Ryoma Haury, and three granddogs, his sister Jeanne (Haury) James and brother Bill Haury, and his many nieces and nephews.
Throughout his Illness he kept his optimism, wonderful sense of humor, a most welcoming smile, and twinkle in his eyes.
Jim was a marine mechanic by trade for over 65 years with a large client list of happy boaters. Jim owned his own repair shop in White Center for more than 50 years. Todd joined him in 1984 and always worked alongside him and will continue the business in the same Haury care. Paul did the tech work and kept his computers up and running. Even though Jim was semi-retired, he continued to work until his illness worsened. Jim loved bird hunting, fishing, and boating, and hiking with guns and a camera, exploring the Pacific NW with family and friends.
Please come to celebrate Jim’s life with us. December 17, at West Beach Condominiums,
10203 47th Ave SW.
Building B, Meeting Room
12:00 to 4:00 pmPlease bring pictures and stories.
“Go, get lost in the woods. We’ll find you.â€
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, December 12th.
WEATHER
Dry weather is expected all week! Cloudy forecast today, high in the low to mid-40s.
TODAY’S TRANSIT STATUS
–Metro is still down buses for repairs, so keep a close watch on channels such as @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations and route suspensions. 9:15 AM: 56, 57, 121 are suspended again.
-The West Seattle Water Taxi is on its regular schedule this morning.
-So is WSF’s Triangle Route – check here for alerts/updates.
SPOTLIGHT CAMERAS
New Delridge cameras: As reported Saturday. Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also up at Delridge/Oregon and Delridge/Orchard.
High Bridge – here’s 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: Or nearby, depending on where SDOT points the camera.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: The south route.
Highway 99: Here’s the northbound side at Lander.
All functional city traffic cams can be seen here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see a problem on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN GOLD TOYOTA: Maybe you’ll find Sarah‘s car:
Our car was stolen today at 3:45 pm from in front of our carport located in the alley between 40th Ave SW and 41st Ave SW off SW Bradford,
2007 gold Toyota RAV-4
WA license plate BLN5548Please report to police or contact me if you see it. Thank you. 206-486-2718
SPD incident # is 2022-331103.
CAR BREAK-IN INTERRUPTED: Richard reports that a neighbor stopped what was either going to be a break-in or a car-theft attempt:
My 2011 Hyundai Elantra had an attempted break-in tonight at about 8:30 pm. My driver rear window was busted out in an attempt to either steal the car or rummage around for anything valuable inside. One of my neighbors was outside and saw the suspects against the car and thought it was suspicious. As he walked up to get closer, a getaway car (Honda Civic or similar) drove up to pick them up and they all drove off together. I live in the Fauntleroy neighborhood near Wildwood Market. Was fortunate to have neighbors on alert that were able to spook the burglars away before they were able to do anything more than break my window.
ADDED MONDAY: The SPD incident # is 2022-926217.
10:25 PM: SFD and SPD are at a crash reported at 49th SW and Admiral Way, and they’re calling for Seattle City Light because of a “fractured pole.” We don’t have further information on traffic effects but pole problems can compound things, so we’re noting it.
11:24 PM: Police just told dispatch that traffic is reopening all ways, and that SCL will be back tomorrow to complete pole repair.
(WSB photos)
Two days before today’s Artemis 1 splashdown, the moon mission spent an hour at the center of the universe for dozens of students at Denny International Middle School.
Boys from all grades in the Kingmakers program filled tables in the Denny library on Friday afternoon to work with two guest presenters – Amazon employees visiting as part of Hour of Code, an annual series of events around the world marking Computer Science Education Week. We were invited to observe.
Jacq Bolliges and Pedrito Maynard-Zhang – center and right in our photo above with Denny’s Kingmakers coordinator Keenen Allen – were there on behalf of Amazon’s Future Engineer program. But if the name “Hour of Code” has you guessing they sat down with the students for a coding tutorial – that’s not what happened at all. Instead, they spent the hour leading an interactive presentation about the Artemis program and space-exploration technology, with videos and quiz questions. A competitive aspect to the quiz questions had the students cheering and chanting with as much enthusiasm as they’d exuded while discussing the just-concluded Argentina-Netherlands World Cup match before the class got going.
Allen teaches four Kingmakers classes a day and told us this was the first time this year that students from all four classes gathered in one place. Guest presenters have been especially important because the pandemic precluded field trips. Part of the inspiration offered by the guests was their own backgrounds; while Bolliges wasn’t from an engineering background, Maynard-Zhang told the students about starting out teaching himself BASIC on old computers, and pursuing education all the way up to a Ph.D. at Stanford. He taught for four years before going to work for Microsoft and then Amazon.
Before the space-program presentation, the visitors invited questions. First one: “Why is Amazon laying off people?” Bolliges, who had been a recruiter, blamed that on “the economy” but added, “We hope to be back to hiring soon!” The tech industry overall, they noted, has half a million current openings. Students had similarly no-holds answers once the space presentation began and they were first asked about the challenges astronauts face when going into space: “Death!” was the first answer, followed by “being away from their families.”
Things got more technical from there, with information about topics from rocket propellant to telemetry. Every quiz question resulted in cheers. A highlight was when the students ended up chanting “DEEP SPACE NETWORK!” after learning about that communication system (“There are no cell towers in space,” they were informed).
The time flew by, and since it was the last period of the day – of the week, in fact – there was no chance of holdover. Laptops were closed, the guests were applauded, stickers were offered, and the Hour of Code was over. Toward the start, the students had been given one exhortation: “Have fun and think big!”
“Toto, I have a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more!” No – you’re in Seaview. These Christmas lights and decorations are inspired by the 1939 classic movie “The Wizard of Oz“! The photos and report are from Bethany:
Have to share the Oz inspired day and night decorations on this Seaview house – east side of 49th between Raymond and Graham. Details like the Dorothy dress plaid ribbon, poppies, “… please knock†door sign and crashed balloon make me smile every time I go by.
Thank you to these neighbors who know there really is no place like our emerald city for the holidays!
We’re continuing to show notable lights nightly – tips, with or without photos, are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com. See what we’ve showcased so far by scrolling through this WSB archive.
When SDOT announced nine days ago that more speed humps would be added to part of Harbor and Alki Avenues, the agency also said it would install a raised center divider in the area, to deter people from trying to pass on the curve. Driving the waterfront street today for the first time in a few days, we noticed the divider has been installed. As our photos show, they have a feature that other sections of raised center divider in West Seattle – sections of Fauntleroy and Delridge, for example – don’t have: Posts atop the divider.
As promised by SDOT, which described the location as “between California Place and Luna Park,” the divider has gaps to allow turning to/from driveways. The speed humps and dividers follow years of community complaints about reckless and stunt driving in the area.
4:50 PM: Another major Seattle Fire response – this time a “water-rescue response” for Alki Point. SFD dispatch is telling responders the report came in from the U.S. Coast Guard, reporting what appeared to be a person in the water hanging onto a log.
5 PM: Apparently the USCG is now saying nobody’s out there, but a rescue boat arriving in the area was going to look around just to be sure. The response overall is being canceled.
Just as it starts to get dark, Southern Resident Killer Whales are in the area again, Kersti Muul tells WSB. J-Pod is visible from Alki Avenue, she says, “south of Eagle Harbor, west in channel.”
2:53 PM: SPD and SFD are on their way to a report of a vehicle into a ravine near 2nd SW and Olson Place, near Arrowhead Gardens. Updates to come.
2:56 PM: The response is being downsized. … SFD says that’s because no one was trapped after all.
3:26 PM: Our crew reports from the scene that police are blocking part of uphill Olson – as shown in our photo:
The vehicle that went into the greenbelt:
We’re told the people in the car were unhurt and are strategizing with police how to get it out,
Thanks for the tips! West Seattle is temporarily down to one McDonald’s – the overhaul at Westwood Village continues, and now the Morgan Junction location is completely closed for three weeks, after having been drive-thru-only for a while. We just went down for a look after several texts and emails about the closure, and found not only yellow tape across both driveways, but also this sign on the door:
Permits in the city’s online system indicate this is remodeling work, including equipment upgrades. This McDonald’s is operated by the same franchisee as the one in Admiral; when that was remodeled four years ago, we were told the Morgan Junction restaurant would be, too.
As noted in our daily highlight list, you have extra reasons to go to The Junction during Farmers’ Market hours today:
The West Seattle Food Bank, West Seattle Junction Association, and Kiwanis Club of West Seattle are teaming up to accept coat (and other warm clothing) donations, with free cocoa, at the south end of the market (California/Alaska). A very young donor visited while we were there:
Also at the booth, you can buy Hometown Holidays mugs and $2/foot holiday garland, both benefiting WSJA (which is a nonprofit too):
Across the Walk-All-Ways intersection, just outside the market at KeyBank Plaza, you’ll find the Pathfinder K-8 PTSA selling handmade garlands and other “door decor”:
This is the second of three consecutive Sundays they’re in The Junction to sell the fundraising wreaths/decor, which benefit outdoor education for Pathfinder students. You can also order online!
All of the above is happening until 2 pm today.
Elicia reports discolored water this morning in Morgan Junction, just southwest of California/Fauntleroy, and wonders if anyone else is experiencing it. The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map doesn’t show any current outages in West Seattle, but there are a variety of potential causes for brown water. Elicia has reported it to SPU, as should anyone seeing it – call 206-386-1800.
(View from Luna/Anchor Park last Wednesday, photographed by James Tilley)
Here’s the list for your Sunday, from the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
HOLIDAY PHOTO POP-UP: 8:30 am-2 pm, sessions with Gail Ann Photography at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), details including booking link in our calendar listing.
CHURCHES WITH ONLINE SERVICES: We’re continuing to list these – see today’s lineup here.
GET-TOGETHER FOR GIRLS INTERESTED IN LACROSSE: 9:30 am-11 am at 30th/Thistle field – details in our calendar listing.
SANTA AT MY THREE LITTLE BIRDS: 10 am-noon, Santa will be at this Junction shop. “No charge. Families can take their own photos. Please bring diapers for WestSide Baby if you wish to donate. We are also doing a diaper drive that day.” (4736 California SW)
COATS, COCOA, GARLANDS, MUGS: Visit the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays tent at the south end of the Farmers’ Market, 10 am-2 pm. Bring a coat to donate, enjoy hot cocoa, buy garlands and/or Hometown Holidays commemorative mugs.
(California/Alaska)
FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, 10 am-2 pm, the market itself offers fall produce as well as flowers, cheese, fish, meat, baked goods, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages, more. Here’s today’s vendor list. California SW between Oregon and Alaska.
FUNDRAISING WREATH (ETC.) SALES: Pathfinder K-8 PTSA and students will be selling their handmade wreaths again today by KeyBank in The Junction, 10 am-2 pm today:
Pathfinder K-8 PTSA is holding our 27th annual wreath fundraiser to benefit outdoor education at Pathfinder K-8 School after a 2-year hiatus. Last week was a huge success and this week we’re so excited to bring you more Door Decor – wreaths and other holiday swag. Everything is 100% unique and made from foraged materials from our yards and tree lots (thank you, Trees by the Sea on Alki!). This year’s selection will be some of our best including some super-modern designs!
Have a hot lead on fallen branches or other supplies we can use in our creations? Email kathleen.hynes@me.com and bae.jungun@gmail.com
Thank you for supporting the kids at Pathfinder School!
PET SUPPLIES PLUS GRAND OPENING: At Westwood Village, the new shop celebrates its grand opening all weekend and is sponsoring WSB again today to be sure you know. Open 10 am-6 pm today.
PIZZA FUNDRAISER: Get food at or from MOD Pizza-Westwood Village today (open 10:30 am-10 pm) during a dine-out fundraiser benefiting Denny-Sealth Performing Arts – code and details are in our calendar listing.
NWAA HOLIDAY CONCERT: Chorus with members from West Seattle performs at 2 pm again today at Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien (401 S. 152nd).
ARTSWEST HOLIDAY SHOW: Today at 3 pm, it’s the third matinée for “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’: Also at 3 pm, it’s the first matinée for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of The Lux Radio Theater version of the classic 1947 film, performed at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – ticket info and other details on the TNP website.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), the trio Citizens of Earth plays. No cover.
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) CLUB: Also at C & P starting at 3, you’re invited to this month’s gathering – see our calendar listing for topic and other details.
NEED FOOD? White Center Community Dinner Church serves a free meal (take-away available) at 5 pm Sundays at the Salvation Army Center in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).
SOFAR SOUNDS: Live music at YogaSix West Seattle (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW):
Sofar Sounds is hosting their first event in West Seattle this Sunday, December 11th at YogaSix West Seattle! Use the discount code SOFARSPACES15 for 15% off $27 tickets. Space is limited for this intimate live music event, which will feature 2-3 surprise artists performing 20-25 minute sets between 8-10 pm. Doors open at 7:30 pm. BYOB, be prepared to remove your shoes and also bring a blanket/pillows to get cozy on our soft yoga studio floor. YogaSix will be offering a free yoga class pass to each attendee. Come enjoy some live music with your West Seattle Yoga Community!
YOGA, MEDITATION, GONG BATH: Presented by Inner Alchemy, 7 pm at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
NORTHWEST BOYCHOIR CONCERT: Northwest Boychoir‘s annual “Festival of Lessons and Carols” at Holy Rosary Church, 7 pm. Tickets here – some remained when we checked early this morning. (42nd SW/SW Genesee)
SUNDAY NIGHT JAZZ: Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8 pm and 9 pm sets.
SUNDAY NIGHT KARAOKE: 9 pm to 1:30 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
Have an event to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Please email westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The Gai Family‘s Christmas display – retired in 1996 but brought back in 2019 – is aglow again as of tonight. And this year, there’s something new – here’s a closer look at the new custom-built setting for the Madonna that bakery co-owner Phil Gai built in the mid-’50s.
Phil and Dorothy Gai‘s son Ron Gai brought back the display, which drew visitors from all around for decades, 14 years after his dad’s 2005 death. You’re invited to go see it in the 3200 block of 36th SW [vicinity map].
Got – or seen – a special display? Email us, with or without photo(s) – westseattleblog@gmail.com; see past spotlights here, and listed in our Holiday Guide!
SDOT finally has traffic cameras for Delridge Way. We noticed them appear on the SDOT Travelers’ Map recently, but at the time they were only partially functional – no default still image, only visible if you chose “video” from the map windows; they’ve since become fully functional. They’re at Genesee (above), Oregon (1st below), and Orchard (2nd below), and SDOT tells us four more are planned.
The next four, according to SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali, will be at “Delridge Way SW & SW Henderson St; Delridge Way SW & SW Holden Street; Delridge Way SW & SW Juneau St; and Delridge Way SW & SW Thistle Street.” She says they hope to have those cameras operational by early February.
Still no word on whether or when a few key cameras that have been down for months – such as Highland Park Way/Holden and the second camera atop the high bridge – will return. (We keep asking.)
If you like your music loud and electronic, the West Seattle band anMech might be for you. Band member Noah Schoenfeld emailed us because they’re proud that anMech has been chosen by rock radio 99.9 KISW as its “Loud and Local Band of the Week.” Noah explains that the band plays “a mixture or industrial, metal, and synth wave blended together into unique sound.” They released their first album “The Curse of Hope” on Halloween, “a full-length EP that was recorded this past summer.” anMech plays at venues around the area and Noah, a longtime Delridge resident, says they’re extra-excited to be playing West Seattle’s own Skylark next month – here’s the poster:
You can find more music from anMech – short for “animal mechanical” – on YouTube and Bandcamp. They even have merch.
Four West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
ANOTHER CRASH-AND-GRAB BURGLARY: Five days after the crash-and-grab at Westwood Village‘s Big 5 store, a similar burglary happened early today at the Arrowhead Gardens mini-market El Quetzal (9240 2nd SW). After a reader tip, we went over and found the scene shown in our photo above. A member of the family that owns the store told us the entrance was so heavily damaged, they hadn’t been able to get inside to figure out what was taken. Police told them it likely happened around 5 am; the SPD call log on Twitter shows an alarm call received by 911 around quarter till 5. The store is closed until further notice. The SPD incident number is 2022-329753.
We also have three reader reports received in the past day-plus:
CAR STOLEN, THEN FOUND: This report is from Ray:
We had our 2016 Hyundai stolen from outside our Highland Park house (parked on the street) between 8 pm-10 pm (12/8). We were awakened by police at 2 am who found the car in North Delridge (a neighbor called in the missing car parked in their alley). The back window had been broken by a screwdriver and the ignition had been pulled out to hotwire the car. Just a heads up for other drivers in the area to continue to be cautious of what’s happening in the community.
CATALYTIC-CONVERTER THEFT ATTEMPT: This report is from William:
We live in the Fairmount Park area just a block from the Elementary School. (Friday) morning at 6:15 a large dark-colored pickup backed up to my Honda Element, which was parked in the driveway with the occupants clearly intending to steal the catalytic converter (this would be try #2). Fortunately my wife was sitting at the kitchen table, saw what was happening, ran outside and yelled at the guys, the scum took off but we were pretty surprised at the brazenness of this attempted theft at a pretty late hour of the morning.
PACKAGE SUBSTITUTION: Sindy in Highland Park had two packages taken on Wednesday and trash – including a fast-food receipt and vaping-cartridge box – left behind in their place. “Has anyone else in Highland Park been having similar issues? These were all supposed to be Christmas gifts.”
Santa photos are not just for kids! Everybody’s welcome to a selfie with Santa Claus at the West Seattle Junction Association‘s Hometown Holidays “Santa House” photo ops until 1 pm today. Three different settings await you in the ground-level corner space at the Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon) – BYO camera/phone. Here’s the full list of Santa photo ops remaining this season (as listed in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide). Meantime, another major Hometown Holidays event happens tomorrow (Sunday, December 11th) – look for the WSJA booth at the south end of the Farmers’ Market (California/Oregon) to donate coats, get hot chocolate, and/or buy commemorative mugs and holiday garlands.
Today’s the last day to bid on that Noble Fir we told you about back on Monday – a West Seattle family is offering it to the top bidder to raise money for the Medic One Foundation, in memory of a family member and friend both lost in crashes last year. Two updates from the original call for bids – the tree is removable at 7′ than 8′ so you don’t have to have a mega-high ceiling, and they have the equipment to remove it, so it’s not a “bring your own saw” situation. Email your proposed bid amount to KimberlyMickelson@icloud.com by midnight tonight; they’ll notify the top bidder Sunday morning, with the tree available the same day. (Full details are here!)
(Harbor Seal photographed off Constellation Park on Friday by David Hutchinson)
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and Holiday Guide:
SANTA HOUSE IN THE JUNCTION: DIY photos with Santa 10 am-1 pm in the pop-up space on lower level of Senior Center of West Seattle (California/Oregon). Free – three different settings you can choose from!
GARDEN CENTER: Postponed from last Saturday – rare open day for the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Garden Center! 10 am-3 pm, north end of campus. (6000 16th SW)
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – full details in our calendar listing.
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Whether you’re planning to enroll a student at Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) or just starting your school research early, this chance to tour the school and meet staff is for you. (10015 28th SW)
COVID VACCINATIONS: Community pop-up clinic at Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW), 11 am-4 pm, with walk-ins accepted – both vaccinations and boosters offered.
FIREFIGHTERS COLLECTING TOYS FOR TOTS: Bring new unwrapped toys to Westwood Village QFC (2600 SW Barton) noon-2 pm and meet Seattle firefighters!
PET SUPPLIES PLUS GRAND OPENING: Also at Westwood Village, the new shop celebrates its grand opening all weekend, starting with noon-2 pm festivities today including Beloveds Animal Rescue Relief Foundation:
GIFT-WRAP EVENT: Also with Beloveds, noon-4 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), “We are providing gift-wrapping services for a suggested donation to Beloveds Foundation. We will have some gift wrap, ribbon, etc., and folks can come by who are not customers of Meeples Games too!”
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM GIFT SHOP: Noon-4 pm, visit the gift shop at the home of local history, with a 50%-off sale on glass ornaments and books. (3003 61st SW)
WHITE CENTER SANTACON: 2-5 pm free family activities, then starting at 5 pm, a food/bar crawl requiring a wristband (as a fundraiser for WestSide Baby), all at multiple White Center/South Delridge venues – details here.
(added) NWAA HOLIDAY CONCERT: Chorus with members from West Seattle performs at 2 pm today and tomorrow at Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien (401 S. 152nd).
SANTA AT OUNCES: Santa at Ounces, 3-6 pm. Free DIY photos – people and/or pets. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
SANTA AT MENASHE FAMILY LIGHTS: Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at the famous light display for photos, 5-9 pm. Bring a donation of nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank. (5605 Beach Drive SW)
MONKEYPOX (MPX) VACCINATIONS: 5-8 pm at Arthur’s (2311 California SW), those eligible can get a first or second shot, no appointment necessary.
WEST SEATTLE YULETIDE: Third weekend for thousands of lights synched to music outside the Iversons‘ home on 38th SW between Genesee and Dakota – 6:30-10 pm.
BELLS OF THE SOUND: 7 pm concert with Puget Sound’s premier handbell choir at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) – more info in our calendar listing.
‘MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET’: At 7:30 pm, it’s the second night for the Twelfth Night Productions presentation of The Lux Radio Theater version of the classic 1947 film, performed at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – ticket info and other details on the TNP website.
ARTSWEST HOLIDAY SHOW: Tonight at 7:30 pm, it’s the next performance of “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) – ticket info is in our calendar listing.
LAUGH IT UP: 9 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), it’s comedy night! $10.
Have something to add to our calendar and/or Holiday Guide? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
5:23 PM: Seattle Police are on the scene of what they say was a fatal shooting in the 9200 block of 29th Avenue SW. We’re en route and will update when we find out more.
(WSB photos)
5:35 PM: Our crew says the victim is in a vehicle near the north entrance of the Roxhill Park parking lot. (photo added above) Also, police on the scene include Chief Adrian Diaz.
7:05 PM: Chief Diaz talked with us and other media at the scene, though he didn’t have many details yet. He said a nearby resident called 911 and police/fire found the victim – described only as male, age not yet known – in the vehicle.
He said officers have been talking with neighbors and looking for video. (He had no specific description to offer, but radio recordings include one officer telling dispatch that one residence’s video showed a silver sedan with five people.) He also talked about trends in general, saying that the rate of shootings in the city had been dropping for a few weeks until an uptick in recent days. He said West Seattle mirrored that trend and mentioned an arrest of one suspect believed responsible for multiple incidents in South Delridge (likely a reference to this case). If you have any information, the SPD tipline is 206-233-5000.
8:14 PM: This is the second West Seattle homicide case in five weeks; no arrest announced so far in the previous one, a man shot and killed in a Puget Ridge house in early November. It also is the third one this year; the first was in June, when a man was shot and killed in a tent in Delridge. That one did result in an arrest, and the suspect remains in jail awaiting trial.
4:12 PM: In her weekly newsletter/blog post, West Seattle/South Park City Councilmember Lisa Herbold just announced, “I will not be running for re-election in 2023.” She is completing her second term as the first-ever District 1 council representative, elected in 2015 and then re-elected in 2019. Herbold explains her decision in part as follows: “The 2022 elections last month were good for progressives. I feel like it’s time to do my part to create an open seat election in District 1. I believe that an open seat can better drive turnout and deliver District 1 to another progressive. … I love and honor the work the progressive left has done in Seattle and I don’t want to do anything that makes it less likely for a non-progressive to be elected to represent the great District 1. I will continue to represent and advocate for District 1 over the next year. We’ve still got a lot of work to do!” Starting with next year’s election, D-1 covers more ground, such as Georgetown and SODO, because of the recent redistricting. (WSB photo from pre-bridge-reopening event, September)
8:02 PM: We should note that – even before this – we’d been watching the state Public Disclosure Commission website, where campaigns are registered in the early stages, and to date no one has registered a D-1 campaign. As for whether anyone is inspired to jump in based on Herbold’s early announcement, we’ll see next week. We’ve sent inquiries to the two men who challenged Herbold in the 2019 primaries, Brendan Kolding and Phil Tavel, to see if either is considering running again.
10:02 PM: We’ve heard back from Tavel, who says:
I have never lost my desire to serve this city, and even before Lisa’s announcement, this was a topic of conversation at our family dinner table. I truly wish the best for Lisa Herbold and I thank her for her service. I will say that I have been humbled by the number of people who have reached out to me today to ask if I intend to run, or to encourage me to run. At this point, I have not made any official decisions. Stay tuned. I do hope for a warm, safe and joyous holiday season for everyone.
In 2015, Tavel finished third in a nine-candidate primary, behind Herbold and Shannon Braddock; in 2019, he made it to the general against Herbold, with 44% to her 56%.
ADDED 11:56 PM: We’ve also now heard back from Kolding, who says:
I ran for City Council in 2019 because I felt called to lead. Seattle was experiencing crises in the areas of homelessness and public safety and I sought to introduce a new approach to these issues. During the campaign, I was inspired by the support I received. Although I did not make it out of the primary, I established myself as a viable candidate. There are people in this community who look to me for leadership, and that is something I take very seriously.
The issues that inspired me to run four years ago remain. I am frustrated by the glacial pace at which our region is responding to the homelessness crisis. I am saddened by the SPD staffing crisis and have taken great offense to the manner in which some members of the Council have treated police officers over these last few years. I am also sensitive to the struggles our small business community has faced. I am committed to doing what I can to solve these issues. Whether that be by running for office in 2023 or by supporting another reasonable candidate remains to be seen. Either way, I will be actively involved with the next election and vocal in local media.
I wish Councilmember Herbold all the best in her future endeavors. She and I do not see eye-to-eye on much, but we hold and defend our values with equal fervor. The solution to the problems our city is facing is for people of differing ideologies to seek to understand each other and to collaborate for the common good.
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