West Seattle, Washington
20 Wednesday
(Charlestown Hill, photographed by Christopher Boffoli)
This time last night, the wind was howling, but tonight, it’s quiet. Throughout the Seattle City Light service area, 20,000+ customers remain without power. No major outages remain in West Seattle, but some residents on west Charlestown Hill/Genesee Hill/upper South Alki were still out (some of them unmapped) at last report. One told us via text, “We are still out and so is our street and I just talked to SCL and they now say the new time is tomorrow by midnight. They were not able to give us any info on why we were still out when most around were good now.” As we told them, the 2006 windstorm – to which the outages from this one are being compared – also left some in West Seattle out for a lot longer than people nearby – the grid connects (or doesn’t) in mysterious ways.
IMPORTANT: If you’re out of power, preparedness guru Cindi Barker reminds us, don’t fall victim to carbon-monoxide poisoning from heating/cooking sources:
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous and odorless gas that cannot be seen or smelled. It can kill a person in minutes. If you don’t have electricity, prevent poisoning from carbon monoxide.
-ONLY use a generator outdoors and far from open windows and vents
-NEVER use a generator indoors in garages or carports
-NEVER cook inside on a charcoal or gas grill
Other notes include a Comcast/Xfinity outage that several have mentioned, and wind damage trashing the early holiday decorations at the famous “4040 house.” A couple readers have mentioned there’s even crowdfunding set up in hopes they can recover in time for this season after all.
As for the weather – no more major wind in the forecast, but looking at next week, there are multiple mentions of possible snow showers!
The three suspects arrested Friday night, hours after a robbery rampage including two West Seattle holdups, are now charged. And documents accompanying the charges say two of them are under investigation for three West Seattle 7-11 robberies, too. And those documents confirm the “11-year-old” is actually a few years older.
First – 21-year-old Tyzavius Holmes of Top Hat and 19-year-old Amarri Lard of Auburn are each charged with four counts of first-degree robbery for the four holdups on Friday morning, including the Space Age gas station at 35th/Holden and the Fauntleroy Shell station; the last one is the one for which the charging documents feature these images (and many others from the series).
The charging documents say Holmes had only been out of jail a month in relation to other matters:
Mr. Holmes’s criminal history includes convictions for Theft of Motor Vehicle (2024); Possession of Stolen Property in the Second Degree (2024); Identity Theft in the Second Degree (2024); Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree (Juvenile – 2021 x2); Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree (Juvenile – 2019); Robbery in the First Degree (Juvenile – 2019); Residential Burglary (Juvenile – 2018); Assault in the Fourth Degree (2024); Theft in the Third Degree (2024 x2; Juvenile – 2018); and Vehicle Prowling in the Second Degree (2024). Mr. Holmes was released from the King County Jail on October 11, 2024, after being sentenced for three felonies and four gross misdemeanors.
Lard had no conviction history, prosecutors say. The probable-cause documents filed with the charging papers say the two also are suspected in the November 2nd Admiral 7-11 robbery, the November 7th Junction 7-11 robbery, and the November 13th Avalon 7-11 robbery; those cases are still being reviewed for possible charges. Adult suspects Lard and Holmes remain in jail in lieu of $400,000 bail, with arraignment set for December 4.
The juvenile suspect is described in these documents as 13, not 11, in line with what we found when researching his background earlier this week (as reported here) – he turns 14 tomorrow. He’s charged (as a juvenile, so we are not publishing his name) with four counts of first-degree robbery plus one count of making a false statement to a public official, for lying about his name and age after his arrest on Friday. He remains in secure detention pending arraignment tomorrow (Thursday).
As reported here earlier this week, Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle is now open for overnight stays. And Keith Hughes says there’s a greater need than they expected, so operator Keith Hughes is looking for a very specific type of donation and asked us to share the request with you:
With the predictions of extreme wind, heavy rain, and dropping temps, we had ha big influx at the shelter last night. We had 36 overnight guests, which we were not prepared for this early in the winter season. Consequently I ran out of blankets and pillows last night. (We have) a request for twin-size blankets and pillows. I will be at the shelter until 10 pm tonight to take deliveries and again at 7:30 am to 11 am tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska.
One week ago, we reported that the city said it had no plans to “resolve” that tent encampment at Schmitz Preserve Park. That apparently changed quickly: One of the readers who had contacted us got a message Tuesday that the encampment had been resolved after all. A Unified Care Team rep told them:
Our contracted outreach partners were out last week to engage with individuals at the site and connect them to services and resources. They left the grounds on Friday and UCT performed trash pick-up services yesterday and today [Monday-Tuesday]. We consider this issue resolved. Re-encampment can occur at a site; please continue to submit new service requests by using our Unauthorized Encampment service request form or on your mobile device using our Find It, Fix It mobile app. The information you provide will help the Unified Care Team (UCT) deploy the right teams and resources to address the issue as quickly as possible.
(Photo by Deb Barker)
4:16 PM: Thanks for the tips. There’s a crash at California and Admiral, on the northbound side, a collision between a semitruck and car.
4:44 PM: Live camera shows the scene hasn’t cleared yet. We’ll be checking with SFD re: injuries.
9:00 PM: SFD says no injuries were reported.
While the wind raged across our region, a gust of surprise stirred things up at last night’s Seattle Public Schools board meeting (video above). Suddenly, the district might be abandoning its plan to close schools to save money. (Four elementaries are proposed for shutdown, including Sanislo Elementary on West Seattle’s Puget Ridge, with one parent last night saying the closures would “destroy communities”). Toward the end of the emotional meeting, including impassioned testimony by supporters of the targeted schools, Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones threw out his planned update on the closure process and instead announced he’s “considering withdrawing the recommendations.” That in turn had followed a tearful speech by board president Liza Rankin – currently the subject of a recall campaign – saying the path on which they were proceeding does not “align with any of the things we asked for.” While legal counsel said she couldn’t simply call for a vote on scrapping the proposed closures then and there, she was told she does have the power to postpone the formal hearings planned for next month at the schools. If the superintendent withdraws his recommendations, that would do the same thing. So now it’s a matter of what happens next.
Meantime, West Seattle’s school board director Gina Topp has set the time and place for her next community-conversation meeting – 6:30 pm Tuesday, (corrected) November 26, at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) – you can talk/ask about the closures or any other SPS topic.
Three restaurant biznotes:
MISSION CANTINA’S TREAT FOR CITY LIGHT WORKERS: Just announced by the Admiral District restaurant/bar:
In the wake of last night’s windstorm that left many in the region without power, Mission Cantina and Harbor Foods are teaming up to show their appreciation for the tireless efforts of Seattle City Light employees. These workers have been out in the field restoring power and ensuring the community’s safety during challenging conditions.
As a heartfelt “thank you,” Mission Cantina and Harbor Foods are offering free burritos to all Seattle City Light employees today and tomorrow, 11 am to 10 pm. Employees can enjoy this small gesture of gratitude by ordering take-out or dining in. Seattle City Light employees can:
-Order online at order.toasttab.com/online/mission-cantina on our Grab’n Go Menu
-Call us at 206-937-8220 for take-out
-Dine in person after 4 pm at 2325 California Ave SWEmployees must present their official SCL badge to claim their complimentary burrito. While supplies last. One per SCL badge.
ITTO’S TAPAS TURNS 9: They’ll celebrate with you tomorrow (Thursday, November 21), with $9 food and $9 cocktail specials. Itto’s Tapas is at 4160 California SW, open 4 pm to 10 pm. (Ever wonder about Itto’s backstory? Here’s a WSB story from 2015.)
CAMP WEST TURNS 2: The Junction restaurant/bar at 4539 California SW is celebrating its second anniversary this week. Through tomorrow, they’re offering s’mores and bottles of wine at half price. They also want you to know about their new hours – earlier, on Friday at 12:00 and Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00, with brunch to come sometime next year.
12:12 PM: After the wind, the whales! Kersti Muul told us about orcas northbound from Vashon about three hours ago, while we were still in the midst of storm-aftermath coverage; now she sends word that a group of Southern Resident Killer Whales is northeastbound from the south end of Blake Island. Let us know if you see them! (Kersti adds that baleen whales are in the area today too, including three humpbacks off Alki earlier.)
1:20 PM: From Donna Sandstrom at The Whale Trail:
The group of orcas are the J16s – consisting of Slick (J16) a 52-yr-old female, and her offspring Mike (J26), Alki (J23) and Echo (J42). Might be hard to pick out in the whitecaps though J26 has a tall dorsal fin.
Mike is the model for NOAA’s inflatable orca that has been the star of many West Seattle events (see below).
At the same time the rest of the Js are southbound from Kingston.
Today, we start our series of spotlights to tap into your West Seattle Giving Spirit. Last week, we invited local nonprofits to participate in this first-ever coordinated giving campaign – first-come first-served – and our partner in the campaign, Learning Communities Foundation, received enough applications to fill up the spots. Three times a week before year’s end, here on WSB, you’ll learn about a different West Seattle/White Center nonprofit and how you can support it. LCF is kicking off the campaign with a spotlight on its early-learning center Educare Seattle, as the first participant – here’s their story:
It’s Fire Drill Day @ Educare Seattle!
A fire drill with the 150 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers at Educare Seattle Early Learning in White Center is no small feat. All of the little people, with all their little FEET, practice their listening, walking, and self-control under the care of their teachers to trek outside.
Educare Seattle is an innovative early-learning center in White Center, with a Whole Family Whole Child approach, where hiring decisions, curriculum changes, and even 1:1 learning plans are done with staff and families working together. Your gift as part of the West Seattle Giving Spirit campaign will support Educare Seattle’s early learning impact right here.
Because 85% of brain development happens before the 3rd birthday, high-quality early learning that partners deeply with families is vital. During the roughly 2,000 days between birth and kindergarten, a child’s mind and body are focused solely on growing and developing – inside and out.
Investing in Educare Seattle (624 SW 100th) means you are investing in a neighbor’s child during this important time as well as the future promise of our West Seattle and White Center communities.
With data and evaluation in hand and relationships built on trust, families meeting “income and circumstance” criteria receive child care and attend preschool in a setting built on four pillars that combine to lead to a Racially Just and Humanizing Learning Community.
Those are big words for a program focused on little children.
Daily, 150 children enter Educare Seattle’s 10 classrooms. They are greeted by teachers and school leaders who look and sound like them, honor their stories, and celebrate their traditions. Parents and caregivers are recognized as their children’s first and most important teachers and have access to family support services and leadership opportunities in equal proportion.
A mom of a recent “Off to Kindergarten” graduate says, “Our family has really grown with Educare the past 3.5 years. I left a really hard relationship, moved and didn’t have a job. With the help of my Family Advocate, I became a Parent Advocate. (This means) I was able to look at resumes of people who wanted to work here and that helped ME get more experience (so that) I also got a job (and was recently promoted!). I cannot say enough good things about Educare and how much they help families in need and how much they helped me.”
Real-time, equity-centered data and evaluation practices impact every family (100% of families have faced systemic obstacles grounded in poverty or oppression) and also inform both state and federal legislation beyond the walls of our building.
Educare was launched in 2010 with capital and operational support from the Gates Foundation; that funding source has now ended. Educare Seattle is a part of a network of 27 Educare schools all under the nationwide Early Learning Network. Its local impact has national influence through this critical partnership. Primary funding for Educare Seattle comes from federal Head Start and Early Head Start funds, in kind and backbone support from the Puget Sound Educational Service District and fund development support from the Learning Communities Foundation, the PSESD’s philanthropic partner.
Join us for a Tour tomorrow – Thursday, November 21, 10:30-12 pm – or at a date of your choice December 9-13 – email nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org
Interested in learning about volunteering in 2025? nwoodland@learningcommunitiesfoundation.org
Enrollment information is here – or email Family Advocate Christina Monteith (cmonteith@psesd.org)
We are hiring teachers! Email Site Manager Johna Rhooms (jrhooms@psesd.org) to learn more.
West Seattle Giving Spirit, in partnership with the Learning Communities Foundation, will bring you the next spotlight on Friday – you’ll be able to learn about, and lift up, another local nonprofit!
Because of windstorm coverage, we won’t be publishing a detailed “what’s happening today/tonight” list, but you can see the lineup by checking out the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. Two events to highlight – 6:30 pm at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Myrtle), a community conversation about inclusive schools; and at 7 pm online, Highland Park Improvement Club has its next Town Hall; details are in this preview.
We mentioned a lot of tree trouble in last night’s windstorm coverage, and now in daylight we’re getting a look at that and other damage:
Thanks to Jonathan for the photo above. That’s the big tree that fell on Walnut Avenue last night: “We live on 41st and heard something around 10 last night. Couldn’t figure out what it was. This is on the other side of the block from us, so clearly what it was. I feel for our neighbors.” Here’s another angle, from Peter:
Meantime, a texter sent this from a south Lincoln Park blufftop trail:
The texter confirms it’s blocking the trail. If you find other fallen trees in city parks, report them via Find It Fix It or call 206-684-7250. … Sean sent this photo of a crew doing early-morning work where a tree tumbled on Hanford:
In northwest West Seattle, Christopher Boffoli spotted this fallen fence:
We’ll continue adding to this through the day; photos are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or via text at 206-293-6302.
6:01 AM: It’s Wednesday, November 20, and thousands remain out of power after last night’s windstorm (here’s our Tuesday night coverage).
POWER UPDATES (updated 9:10 am)
The major north West Seattle outage has been resolved as of less than an hour ago – from Admiral to Alki and beyond – and the major east West Seattle outage (Riverview south to the city limit and beyond) has been reduced.
City Light‘s outage map, after glitches last night, appears to be functioning in real time again. (Please let us know via comments or text – 206-293-6302 – if you get your power back, as SCL does not keep a public-facing record of that; the utility says it’s brought back tens of thousands around its service area.) Remember that if you encounter a traffic signal that’s dark or flashing, it’s an all-way stop. (16th/Holden is among them) … Some power-out areas in north WS are NOT showing on the map, we’re told, such as 51st/Orleans. … 9:10 am, texter says they just got power back in Highland Park/Riverview … 10:20 am, commenters say power in the Westwood area is back.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy with showers, breezy but not windy, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:23 am, while sunset will be at 4:27 pm.
SCHOOLS (updated 6:46 am)
-Sanislo Elementary closed (district says that’s the only WS school it’s closing today)
-No school at Community School of West Seattle today, per text
-YMCA Early Learning in Westwood is closed per commenter
-Highline Public Schools closed
-Any others? Let us know!
TRANSIT – No major changes reported in our area this morning.
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule but with trip cancellations.
Sound Transit today – Link light rail is starting service at 7 am, two hours late than usual.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS – Some are out this morning, but here’s the ones that were working as of 6 am:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera. Bridge note: As of 6 am, a “large amount of standing water” was reported on the eastbound bridge at or near the ramp to 99:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(QUICK LINKS: National Weather Service alerts page … Seattle City Light outage map)
5:37 PM: Lights flickered up here, twice, a few minutes ago – checked the Seattle City Light outage map and saw the first outage of note, 55 homes on Genesee Hill:
SCL says this started about 10 minutes ago. Weather updates to come; if you have power trouble, tree trouble, etc., text us at 206-293-6302.
6:03 PM: Above is a texted photo of the tree that one reader suspects is to blame for the Genesee Hill outage. Meantime, emergency responders are being sent to a report of a tree into a house in the 8100 block of 16th SW. And we’ve flickered again, which is likely to mean another outage somewhere.
6:26 PM: A reader reports power out at 17th/Dawson – so far per the map, it does not appear to be a major outage. … 10 minutes later, 52nd/Andover just reported an “explosion” and outage, though there’s still nothing mapped in West Seattle that’s bigger than the Genesee Hill outage.
6:48 PM: Highland Park/Riverview readers report power’s out, and more of Puget Ridge. Not mapped yet, though…. The City Light map hasn’t changed numbers in a while so we’re beginning to wonder if it’s broken. Keep letting us know where outages are. (You can do that via commenting below, too.) … Texters also report power out at:
-9th/Thistle (Highland Park)
-Tree down on SW Rose at 35th, “lying on a pole/likely a power line”
7:19 PM: Also getting outage reports from Westwood and South Delridge (including 17th/Barton). White Center as well – more in comments. …. City Light has finally acknowledged onscreen that the outage map is broken. If you’re not within earshot, the wind continues to gust, at least as we’re hearing it here in Upper Fauntleroy. … Just got word of a downed wire at 35th/110th in Arbor Heights, as well as a tree blocking northbound Highway 509. … If you have to go out, watch for tree debris in roads and on sidewalks, like this, texted from near 39th/Kenyon:
7:48 PM: Texter says the Westwood-area outage has affected many stores at Westwood Village, so they’re closed – they mentioned QFC, Marshall’s, Starbucks, Big Five, Rite Aid. Target, they say, still has power. … The SCL map seems to be adding outage numbers a handful at a time. It’s now past 10,300, but that’s likely still a FRACTION of how many are out. In West Seattle, we’ve heard primarily from east of 35th, not surprising since these winds are coming out of the southeast. (Some exceptions though, like the Genesee Hill outage, and we’re also hearing from a few streets west of there, 5300 block of SW Manning and Orleans as well, per one texter.)
8:05 PM: City Light also acknowledges that its outage-reporting phone line is broken, so don’t bother calling it for a while either. … Per commenters, the 1st Avenue South Bridge is broken. (Don’t drive unless it’s an emergency, anyway!)… WSDOT says it’s stuck in the “up” position.
8:20 PM: Looks like SCL’s map has caught up – now showing more than 71,000 out around its service area. (The outage at the center of the screenshot above is the biggest one in West Seattle that hadn’t shown on the map until now.) … The photo below was just texted, “Entire tree down on 21st Ave SW and Barton, missed our car by inches!”
8:51 PM: Hard to be absolutely certain from the live camera but the 1st Avenue South Bridge appears to be open to traffic again. SCL’s total number of mapped customers out, service-area-wide (they serve areas outside the city limits too), is up to 76,000+. … A few reminders: Intersections with flashing or dark signals are all-way stops … If your power is out, DON’T OPEN YOUR REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER — what you have in there will last longer if you don’t … Whatever restoration estimate City Light shows for your outage, ignore it – it’s just a guess; could be sooner, could be later – the estimates are not based on an actual eyes-on assessment of the situation.
9:29 PM: Though the map hasn’t caught up yet, we’re hearing from people in northwest West Seattle who just lost power – Alki, north and south and west of The Junction, to name a few. … SFD/SPD are dispatching to a tree down on wires in the 4600 block of SW Holgate. Still not mapped but from all the texts, this one sounds pretty widespread. … North Admiral too. (See comments for some specific locations.)
10:03 PM: The outage stretches east of High Point too – just got a text from someone on “Snake Hill” (29th-31st, Brandon-Findlay).
10:17 PM: Aaron on Walnut Avenue tells us they’ve just had a big tree go down, taking out THREE power poles and their lines. …. Police were just dispatched to another tree at 47th/Charlestown … City Light finally just acknowledged their map has stalled again … SEA airport’s weather station recorded a 55 mph wind gust earlier tonight …
10:54 PM: City Light warns, “Crews will work through the night. It’s going to take time to restore power. Crews are first dispatched to areas that pose an immediate safety threat.” … The map’s catching up again – showing 113,000+ out service-area-wide – but the north West Seattle outage (Alki to beyond The Junction) still isn’t showing, so there’s still more to add …
11:39 PM: SCL map finally shows the extent of the north West Seattle outage, more than 8,300 homes and businesses.
The map is still a little wacky, as the green markers are supposed to signify “planned outages” and there’s no way those were happening in multiple locations tonight. But the pink shading is likely a fairly accurate representation of who’s out. We count at least 13,000 West Seattle customers who’ve lost power tonight.
12:39 AM: Some texted reports of power restored, including Charlestown Hill and north and south of The Junction.
5:22 AM: Thousands got their power back in the early morning hours – some just moments ago – but thousands more remain out. The weather has calmed as expected. We’re working on the morning traffic update.
5:36 PM: Delridge/Orchard is blocked right now because of this crash. It was originally reported as caused by a hit-run driver in a “dark pickup,” and a bicycle rider was reported injured. We’ll be following up with SFD, but in the meantime, avoid the intersection.
6:19 PM: Still blocking the west side of the intersection.
(WSB file photo)
As Westside Neighbors Shelter operator Keith Hughes told the Rotary Club of West Seattle today, “I’ll be there 12 hours a day for the next five months.” He has officially opened West Seattle’s only emergency shelter for the season; cold weather means it’s open overnight to up to 30 people who need a place to go. The shelter is at 3618 SW Alaska in The Triangle, co-housed with American Legion Post 160 and West Seattle Veterans Center. It runs on donations and volunteers, and Keith told the Rotary he can especially use more of the latter. (Here’s how to volunteer.)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Southwest Precinct‘s commander spoke at the Rotary Club of West Seattle‘s weekly lunch meeting today.
Captain Krista Bair, who’s been leading the precinct since summer, told WSB earlier this fall that community partnership is vital. Her interaction with community at this event started even before her speech; a Rotary member talked about how his 22-year-old car had been stolen twice – and recovered (as he told the story, he pointed out it was at the moment parked right outside the lunch venue, the West Seattle Golf Course banquet room) – thanks to an Automated License Plate Reader in Renton the first time. Capt. Bair confirmed SPD cars have that technology too.
Taking the mic at the front of the room a short time later, Capt. Bair said she’s a former West Seattle resident now living in Burien – and she almost immediately launched into Q&A. The first question was about a particularly egregious case and why not everyone was booked into jail; Capt. Bair said, “I’m just as dumbfounded as you are,” and noted that the question related to an incident involving juveniles, but said “I don’t have an answer for you, but don’t give up, as community, come together and collaborate.”
Second question had to do with the car shootings a few nights ago. “I’ve been told we should call in even if others have – right?” The captain replied, “That’s a perfect example of needing the community in order for us to do our work. …. We have certain priorities, bullets being shot are a priority.” But depending on what’s going on, staffing citywide can be “triage,” and she acknowledged that responses can be “frustrating. … each and every time, even if you know other people are calling … it shows there’s a need for resources in that area …” and be patient with the 911 calltakers “trying to get information” so officers can be fully informed.
What about Southwest Precinct staffing? She noted that the precinct has about 80 deployable people. 4 am-2 pm is first watch. The department has arbitrary minimums – if 10 is the minimum for that shift, for example, should they be below that level, they’ll reach out across the city to try to fill the vacancies. Second watch is 11 am to 9 pm, so the first/second overlap is when they usually would have the most people on the street, with a 12 or 13 minimum. Third watch is 7 pm to 5 am. Officers are “augmenting” – filling the vacancies – a lot, she said. Training and time off, among other things, take people out of the mix.
The next person with a question discussed a street encounter and how he learned about the “keywords” the 911 operators pick up. He mentioned a person with a possible gun – and a fast response ensued.
What are the crime stats and trends? the next person asked. Capt. Bair said crime prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, who had accompanied her, would have to look that up. (Satterwhite said year-to-year stats as of a few days ago showed a 10 percent increase in property crime, while auto theft is down 30 percent in the precinct – and they’re still giving away steering-wheel locks.) But there’s a weekly meeting about “shots fired” incidents, for example, and citywide hotspots are discussed; there are also meetings about trends like the store robberies, and there’s a “plan of action” (apparently beyond the recent arrests).
Next question: Are the juvenile criminals organized, as in gangs, or more random? Capt. Bair said “depends on who you ask” and noted that the Gun Violence Response Unit is really a gang unit too. But while the juvenile robbers are “very organized,” they aren’t necessarily a “gang,” she said.
Next question: What recruiting tools does SPD have available? Capt. Bair said the officers themselves are the best recruiting tool, in her view, “and I tell my officers that on a regular basis.” She said interim Chief Sue Rahr has been a good influence on the process too, as boosting the recruiting has been her top job. They’re also campaigning for lateral transfers – officers who are working somewhere else. She said that it’s not just her 30 years of experience that has her saying she feels the department is excellent – well-trained, and dedicated people.
She also said that Rahr has created a program called “Trust-Centered Leadership,” which includes communication, cultural awareness, and self-care – “the bottom line, the goal is always the same, to serve the people you are here to serve and help.” As an example, she mentioned going to the East Precinct just as it reopened after the CHAZ abandonment. As a lieutenant, she learned some important management skills with that experience, needing to recognize the mindset of the people you’re leading, not just your own. And she again mentioned that Chief Rahr is here just because she is passionate about the work – she came out of retirement to do this, after all. Right now officers don’t have time to do much more than go from 911 call to 911 call but hopefully that will change when staffing increases in the next few years.
Final question, about the 12th/Jackson trouble spot on the south side of downtown – what can the police due about the prevalent drug use and suffering? Capt. Bair replied “continue with enforcement …is the quick answer.” But the questioner said he had never seen any sign of police response. Bair said “getting the right people out there” is the best answer – the city’s CARE team, for example. Mental-health professionals, case managers, others are needed. “We need other partners to assist us with that … right now the CARE department has been phenomenal.” Officers get dispatched too and then hand off to the CARE team members, so they can move on to calls that truly require an officer.
She was presented with a book of nature photographs by Art Wolfe, as a token of appreciation for her appearance.
OTHER ROTARY NOTES: A recent fundraiser brought in more than $1,600 for fighting hunger; the club also will be volunteering at a local food-distribution center in lieu of next Tuesday’s lunch gathering … 19 trees, 3 wreaths, and 2 gift baskets have been donated for the upcoming Festival of Mini-Trees that the Rotary is presenting on December 4.
(WSB file photo of City Light crew during past power outage)
Some readers wondered how Seattle City Light is preparing for the possible windstorm, with the latest version of the National Weather Service wind advisory envisioning “southeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.” SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang had a simple answer for us: “City Light staff and crews are prepared for the forecasted weather. We are monitoring conditions and will adjust staffing numbers as needed.” As for the forecasters, the NWS Seattle bureau updated at midmorning, “Forecast models remain in good agreement over an anomalously strong surface low intensifying offshore today, bringing significant weather to western Washington … Intense pressure gradients will cause strong east winds to develop Tuesday afternoon through Wednesday morning.” In our area, those winds are expected to start in the evening, though the advisory takes effect at 2 pm.
P.S. SCL’s before/during/after-windstorm advice is here. If it does happen, staying safe is the most important thing to do; if you’re able, let us know about power outages, downed trees, etc., via text at 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Thanks to Deb Barker – former Landmarks Board member among other things – for the tip on this. When the board meets tomorrow, it will consider a landmark designation for a home in southwest West Seattle, 10455 Maplewood SW [map]. It’s known as the Stewart House for its original 1930-1931 owners, Ralph and Evelyn Stewart, an entrepreneurial family that primarily made money through home-heating fuel. The unrelated family that has owned it for more than 50 years is seeking the designation “in an effort to gain Seattle landmark protections for the house and to recognize it for posterity,” according to the report that gained a landmark nomination for the house. It was designed by early-20th-century architects Bain and Pries and is considered an example of “Spanish eclectic” architecture. You can see more photos in the slide deck prepared for the Landmarks Board process. The city’s historic-preservation staff says the two-acre site, with other structures, and home are worthy of consideration as examples of an architecture style and “outstanding work” of architects; you can read their report here. The board will consider the potential landmark designation when it meets at 3:30 pm tomorrow at City Hall downtown. You can also watch the meeting online, and/or comment in person or remotely – the agenda explains how.
P.S. West Seattle already is home to more than a dozen designated city landmarks – all mapped here.
presentation
(Monday photo, South Seattle College Arboretum, by Jay Speidell)
Highlights for today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead, and our West Seattle Holiday Guide:
DUWAMISH RIVER CLEANUP UPDATES: Online meeting starts at 10 am – connection info is here. All welcome.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards sent to voters in other states – the work continues post-election – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Today’s guest speaker is Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: An update on the school-closure plan is one of many items on the agenda for tonight’s 4:15 pm meeting at district HQ (3rd/Lander, SODO).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
FOR FAMILIES WITH COMMUTER STUDENTS: The Vashon Island School District superintendent’s next Q&A visit to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is tonight at 5:30 pm.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
HOPE LUTHERAN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm at the Hope Lutheran School (WSB sponsor) main campus (4456 42nd SW).
TREES AND REZONING: As previewed here (with much discussion ensuing), 6:30 pm advocacy-group meeting to talk about this specific offshoot of the city’s new proposed zoning maps. All welcome. Meeting’s at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW)
WEST SEATTLE TOASTMASTERS 832: Work on speaking and leadership skills with this group, meeting online, 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing explains how to get the attendance link.
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
(added) MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm:
The Morbidly Curious Book Club is having their November meeting at 7 p.m. at Easy Street Records.
We are discussing “Boys Enter The House” by David Nelson. Next month’s book is Out Cold by Philip Jaekl.
(4559 California SW)
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Now there are five trivia options for Tuesday – new, 7 pm trivia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
PFLAG MEETING: 7:30 pm monthly gathering at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar and/or Holiday Guide – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photo courtesy Stu Hennessey)
Volunteer work and donations power Puget Ridge Edible Park, a unique space at 18th/Brandon that nourishes the community in many ways. Stu Hennessey asked us to share the announcement of the park’s winter fundraiser, noting, “We have visitors from all over West Seattle coming to the park to harvest, see what we are doing, or to enjoy the atmosphere. We are still operating with a volunteer crew and rely solely on the efforts of these few.”
We are a group of volunteers who work together for the purpose of growing food for public open harvest. 2025 will be our 10th year of developing a farm-like production of healthy produce for neighbors to harvest or to be distributed. We have accomplished a lot in the last decade but still have some structural needs to be resolved,
The park has become a focal point for all ages. Kids to seniors come regularly to harvest a meal or to enjoy the peacefulness of nature. there are many things we grow that before had not been known to many a visitor. Kids come to devour goumi berries and compete in the aronia challenge to see who can eat the biggest handfuls.
We have many events through the season, from the Easter egg hunt to the pumpkin hunt. Kids get to enjoy the farm atmosphere even if they cannot leave the city. They really enjoy the Haunted Food Forest. 
There are many opportunities for learning by all age groups and school groups. Partnering with local schools, Seattle City Parks and the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, we offer a classroom that has fresh air and a built-in lunch program. The first ten years has been a learning experience. The foundations, relationships and the support of our city and community will sustain us for the future. Thank You!
You can donate (and see more photos) by going here.
7:49 AM: Thanks for the texted tips. Multi-car crash on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge before 99.
8:35 AM: Adding photos. Live camera shows the crash is still blocking the right EB lane.
8:50 AM: Another crash reported, this one at 16th/Henderson, blocking the intersection. Meantime, the bridge crash has cleared.
9:05 AM: Thanks for the texted 16th/Henderson photo (we’re at 206-293-6302 any time) – added.
9:24 AM: Another texter says the 16th/Henderson crash is affecting traffic.
Esrlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, November 19.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
A wind alert is in effect for this afternoon and tonight – check here for the latest version. Otherwise, a break in the rain before more rain, high in the upper 40s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:21 am, while sunset will be at 4:27 pm.
IF YOU SEE SNOWPLOWS
… it’s NOT because snow is expected (not yet!) – it’s because SDOT is testing.
TRANSIT
Water Taxi today – Regular service.
Washington State Ferries today – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route with M/V Sealth as the “ghost boat.” Check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the south half of the bridge is closed, with one lane each way on the north side. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(Tuesday photo by Kevin Freitas)
One week ago tonight, an arsonist set Camp Long‘s historic lodge on fire. That not only gutted the building, but also destroyed decades of history. And it torched some people’s plans for events at the lodge, which the city rented out. If you were among them, the company that manages The Hall at Fauntleroy wanted to share an offer. From D Squared Hospitality:
We were all devastated by the news of Camp Long and recognized the importance of the lodge as a meeting place for the community it’s served for many years.
We rallied together to come up with ideas about how we could offer our support and services to those who have already booked their special events at Camp Long by providing a deeply discounted venue space, including many of our standard fees waived with the sincerest intention to allow these community-building events to still happen!
Anyone who has an event booked in December 2024 and into January 2025 can connect with our team directly at info@dsquaredcompany.com if they have any questions or concerns. We would love to work with each person affected individually to help come up with a practical solution that works for everyone.
Meantime, no new info from Parks or Police yet in the Camp Long fire’s aftermath.
Two more West Seattle coyote sightings, this time with clear photos:
THIS MORNING, FAUNTLEE HILLS: Sent by Ann:
I followed this well-fed coyote up Donovan from Fauntlee Crest (Fauntlee Hills) this am around 6:40. He was not the least bit concerned about me.
LAST THURSDAY, SUNRISE HEIGHTS: Sent by a reader who wanted to be anonymous:
Coyote on 29th and Webster around 9:30 pm.
We publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; if you’ve never seen one, you might still have trouble believing they live among us. Here’s state wildlife authorities’ advice on ensuring we can continue co-existing.
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