West Seattle, Washington
03 Thursday
Unfolding on multiple citywide-media outlets right now – what KING5 calls a “massive response” at a complex in Tukwila where a shooting happened and may be related to some kind of a break in the Officer Tim Brenton murder – less than two hours after his memorial ended. We’ll link some of the various coverage sources here momentarily. 4:19 PM: KING5 says Tukwila police tell them a man shot at that apartment complex “is the suspect” in the murder, and reporter Jim Forman points out that the ambulance into which that man was taken “has not moved.” 4:21 PM: The Seattle Times also reports the man who was shot is believed to be a suspect in the case. KING5 is saying that the suspect was shot possibly while exchanging gunfire with police, and that he is in his 30s. The station also corrected its report about the ambulance – saying the suspect has just arrived at Harborview Medical Center. The Times, meantime, says the suspect is 41. Tukwila Police are telling KING right now (live) that they are questioning other people but they are not describing them as other “suspects” at this point. 4:49 PM: The Times says the suspect is reported to have pulled a gun on police but it may not have fired before they shot him. 4:53 PM: A police spokesperson is live on TV now saying that they want to refer to the man who was shot as “a person of interest,” not necessarily a suspect yet. They confirm a vehicle similar to the one that was sought – Datsun 210 – is there, but they need a warrant to go through it and to look inside the “person of interest’s” apartment. The spokesperson says this all started with a citizen tip. 6:11 PM: The “person of interest” remains at the hospital; seattlepi.com has a neighbor’s description of him. Police are expected to have a media briefing soon. 7:34 PM: No new briefing yet but seattlepi.com quotes sources as identifying the man. We won’t publish the name till we hear it from police — too many chances this early on that information can change — but you can click through to read the seattlepi.com account. 8:48 PM: SPD has released a statement of sorts, but it says very little – read it here.
(Photo by Cliff DesPeaux/THE SEATTLE TIMES)
The emotional, inspiring, and at times humorous memorial service for Seattle Police Officer Tim Brenton has just ended at KeyArena. We have photos from inside courtesy of The Seattle Times, this time not because of our partnership with them but because SPD designated them as part of the “pool” to take and share photos with other news organizations. At top, the crowd as Mayor Greg Nickels spoke; he referred to Officer Brenton’s years here, saying, “I’m proud that he grew up in my neighborhood, West Seattle. He graduated from West Seattle High School. If my numbers are correct, we moved into his neighborhood when he was a junior.” Governor Gregoire paid tribute too. But the event was truly about the solemn and dangerous work of serving and protecting, as Officer Brenton – also a U.S. Army veteran – had done for most of his adult life. For SPD, Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer opened the memorial and introduced each speaker:
(Photo by Alan Berner/THE SEATTLE TIMES)
It was of course noted during the memorial that Officer Brenton’s killer has not yet been caught. Mayor Nickels called the murder “a despicable and evil act”; regarding the quest to catch the killer/s, Acting Chief John Diaz said, “in that mission we will not fail.” We expect a few more photos later this afternoon and will add them here; our story with photos and video from this morning’s procession of law-enforcement vehicles is here. 6:03 PM: A few more pool photos from this afternoon’s memorial:
(Photo by Alan Berner/THE SEATTLE TIMES)
(Photo by Alan Berner/THE SEATTLE TIMES)
8:36 PM NOTE: Just received an update from the county – published here – superseding all the earlier stuff here.
3:10 PM NOTE: As pointed out in comments — also in an e-mail and also in a school mailing list we’re on — there appears to be a discrepancy between what the county has sent out – and what the pharmacies are telling callers. King County Public Health spokesperson Matias Valenzuela tells WSB, “We’re looking into it.” So stand by for an update. Meantime, as commenters suggest, DON’T CALL YET – until this is straightened out by the county. Another spokesperson tells us they are “reconnecting with participating pharmacies” to find out what the discrepancy is about.
ORIGINAL 2:27 PM REPORT: An update from King County Public Health today – certain pharmacies around the county are now getting more H1N1 vaccine to make available to “people prioritized to receive” it. The list includes the two Walgreens (6330 35th SW and 9456 16th SW) stores in West Seattle – both by appointment, for ages 9 and up. Read on for the full countywide announcement:Read More
If you commute by bus, you know how frustrating things were during last year’s snow woes – from stuck buses, to buses that never came at all, 
to a shortage of route-specific, time-specific information directly from Metro – which led to bus riders sharing firsthand information here and elsewhere to help each other out. Metro says it’s got a plan to make sure that doesn’t happen again. Exactly one month after SDOT came out with its snow plan (WSB coverage here), which includes procedures for coordinating with the county-run transit service, Metro unveiled its own snow plan today, including plans for new emergency routes, a color-coded map to show when they’ve kicked in, a trial run for new snow/mud tires, and a new alert service you can start signing up for (promising route-specific information). Here’s the Metro announcement with links to the new features.
(scroll down to see added info, video and links)
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli)
The Seattle Times (WSB partner) has a map with a timeline pointing to multimedia coverage of the procession that’s been under way for more than an hour; see it here. Meantime, we are adding photos taken for WSB by Christopher Boffoli along the procession route.
12:03 PM UPDATE: SPD has shared the program that is being distributed at this afternoon’s memorial. Mayor Nickels, Governor Gregoire and former Seattle Police Chief Gil Kerlikowske are among those who are speaking. You can see the program (2-page PDF) here. And here’s Christopher’s video of scenes from the procession:
More coverage from fellow independent community-collaborative news sites Capitol Hill Seattle, here, and Central District News (whose editor Scott is at KeyArena and updating what he’s seeing), here. Live video coverage is being streamed right now by KING5 – keep in mind the memorial itself begins at 1. ADDED 1:06 PM: The Times reports that St. James Cathedral is holding a prayer service at 6:30 tonight, all welcome, on behalf of Officer Brenton, the Fort Hood victims, and all those lost to violence.
So far we’ve gotten texts about a couple of “huge puddles” that are causing some commute trouble, including one at West Marginal Way/Highland Park Way, and also where Delridge meets The Bridge – given the overnight downpour, certainly there are others, so give yourself extra time when you head out.
(photo substituted 7:32 am, this one’s by Christopher Boffoli)
We’re on our way to the “fire in single-family residence” call in the 4400 block of 45th SW (map). 7:05 AM: Per the scanner, the fire’s been “knocked down,” and firefighters are checking to make sure it didn’t spread. 7:10 AM: Firefighters have confirmed the fire’s tapped. Some of the units are pulling out. No report of injuries. 7:38 AM: Fire investigators haven’t arrived yet so we don’t have specifics on what burned or how it started, but the incident commander confirmed that no one was hurt and that damage was light enough that the home’s residents should be allowed back in later today. 8:11 AM: We’ll update here when that info comes in later. Meantime, here’s a bit of video from the scene.
10:14 AM UPDATE: According to Dana Vander Houwen from SFD, the fire was accidental, caused by faulty wiring in the attic. Damage is estimated at $40,000.
To start the day, here’s a quick update to recap and collect the information about today’s events paying tribute to Officer Tim Brenton, six days after the 39-year-old former West Seattleite lost his life in the first deadly attack on Seattle Police in 15 years:
-More than 1,000 vehicles are expected in the memorial procession from the U-District to KeyArena, through Capitol Hill, with the expected time frame 9 am-noon. Here’s a map created by SDOT.
-Effects on bus routes have been catalogued by Seattle Transit Blog.
-The memorial ceremony/service is open to the public, scheduled to start at KeyArena at 1 pm, with doors opening at 11 am.
We will have coverage through the day, but these are the toplines for now. Also, thanks to Shelley for pointing out that SPDBlotter has published Officer Brenton’s biography, including the mention of his West Seattle High School years in the ’80s (as reported here and remembered here). The attack on Officer Brenton and in-training partner Officer Britt Sweeney, who survived, has not yet been solved, but significant new clues were made public yesterday – see them here. We’ll add links, images and more, as today’s events begin to unfold. One more note – remember the fund for Officer Brenton’s family; contribution information is here.
If you like live theater, your cup runneth over in West Seattle this weekend – and that’s why we call it theatrically thrilling. At right is a photo from “The Diviners,” which Twelfth Night Productions (WSB sponsor) is opening tonight at Youngstown Arts Center and describes as “the story of a disturbed young man named Buddy who holds the ability to divine water in a town where water and faith are in short supply. When a charismatic preacher who has lost his faith comes to town, the two outcasts find a common bond and help each other divine for truth, faith and hope.” Then, of course, the story takes a turn – you’ll just have to see for yourself. Also playing tonight (and tomorrow): “Invasion From Mars” 
at West Seattle High School, two final shows re-creating the classic radio drama, 7:30 both nights – and the theatrical trifecta is rounded out by ArtsWest with “Measure for Pleasure,” continuing this weekend. Also in store, great benefit dinner/auction events for Arbor Heights Elementary and Admiral Church … artists’ reception for the Community Art Show at Southwest Branch Library … the closing-weekend sale (and cat adoptions!) at All the Best Pet Care on Alki … More than 50 events/activities in all, brought to you by Skylark Cafe and Club:Read More
The architects working on the Admiral Safeway redevelopment project have made one big change since the project’s most recent Southwest Design Review Board session two weeks ago – one that answers repeatedly voiced criticism from citizen commenters as well as board members: They’ve added an entrance along the store’s west side on California SW. That was the big headline from Thursday afternoon’s presentation to the Seattle Design Commission, which has to sign off on Safeway’s request for an “alley vacation” – asking the city to give up an L-shaped path that you probably don’t even think of as an alley.
The commission usually makes its decision in two sessions – reviewing the project’s “urban design” first time around, and the “public benefits” offered in compensation, the second time. Read on for details of the meeting:Read More
Tonight’s ferocious weather offers another chance for everyone to button up all that readiness in case of winter stormtastrophes — and gives us an excuse to remind you of the city’s Landslide Information Meeting this Saturday morning in West Seattle – 10 am at South Seattle Community College (WSB sponsor) — full details here. If slides are even remotely a risk in your neighborhood – be there. ADDED 5:36 AM: One more way to get ready – today and tomorrow, 8 am-4 pm, free filled sandbags are available at Delridge Community Center, up to 25 for homeowners/business owners in floodprone areas – just drop by.
Senior night for Seattle Lutheran High School‘s football team, with players and parents introduced just before kickoff Thursday night at West Seattle Stadium. Though the weather calmed as the game progressed, that didn’t help Evergreen Lutheran, beaten by the Saints, 42-14. Seattle Lutheran’s Fred Lisko turned in the big play of the night. In the second quarter, Evergreen moved the ball steadily down the field, only to fumble on the five-yard line. Lisko recovered that fumble and ran straight down the sideline to score. The play pretty much reflected Evergreen’s night. Each time the Eagles made some progress, the Saints managed to wrangle the ball back. During the first half, the Saints managed to successfully hang onto the ball, despite the wind and rain. Here’s Alex Reese scoring the first touchdown of the night.
The win advances the Saints into the 2B playoffs, where they’ll meet Adna next week, details TBA. (For more play-by-play notes from Thursday night’s game, check out @wsblive, where we tweeted it as it happened.)
Both reminders, but the clock’s ticking and you can make a difference:
WEST SEATTLE VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION: November 13 is the deadline to nominate someone to get big kudos for the important work they do – it’s the second round of West Seattle Volunteer Recognition, presented by the Southwest and Delridge Neighborhoods District Councils and WSB. Here are the basics of who’ll be honored (excerpted from our original late October announcement):
*2 individual volunteers from community/neighborhood-related group efforts
*2 individual volunteers from youth-related efforts
*2 individual volunteers from environment-related efforts
*1 group award“Volunteer” means unpaid work, done for a nonprofit-type organization, facility, campaign (etc.), primarily serving West Seattle. And when you send your nomination – please remember that what you write is all the judges have to go on, so don’t hold back on describing the great work your nominee has done! The plan is to honor the recipients at the West Seattle Community Tree Lighting December 5, always well-attended, to make sure they get a hearty round of applause from the community that benefits from their hard work. So how do you nominate someone? You’re just a click away – here’s the online form.
Friday, Nov. 13, is the deadline – the form’s fairly short – suggest somebody now! Thanks. Meantime, another reminder:
2 DAYS TILL “OPERATION CHANO”: He’s taken some great photos you’ve seen here, and 2 of Christopher Boffoli‘s images from Italy – including the one above – are among the items up for grabs in the raffle for the Westenders Scooter Club-organized “Operation Chano” this Saturday, to help the family of Cafe Revo (WSB sponsor) co-founder Chef Sean “Chano” Goff (photo right). The ticket gets you pasta, music, and the featurette “Mondo Scooterama“, with the raffle featuring a variety of prizes — full details at westenders.org. 5 pm Saturday, Rainier Yacht Club.
Hotwire Coffee (WSB sponsor) proprietor Lora Lewis just sent that photo of a tree blown down by her shop in The Junction – she says it “just missed the parked car.” It’s going to be windy until at least midnight, according to the newest forecast – but still breezy after that, for the next few days. 11:40 PM: Serious sleet, and thunder in the distance, just now. The sleet itself came down for a moment or two here with a roar. Click to listen.
We asked this morning for information on the process to fill the County Council seat – representing West Seattle, White Center, Vashon Island and other areas – once Dow Constantine is sworn in as King County Executive on Nov. 24th. The info just came in – according to the process that’s being proposed, they’d be taking applications shortly for an appointed councilmember to serve until next year’s fall elections – read on for the details:Read More
King County Elections has just published its latest results, and the Seattle mayoral race hasn’t changed: Mike McGinn, 65172, 49.78%; Joe Mallahan, 64657, 49.38%. (Statewide, “yes” on 71 is further ahead of “no” than this time yesterday.) 5:18 PM: The Associated Press has officially declared Referendum 71 as having passed.
(added 4:34 pm – car at left is the “vehicle of interest” police are seeking)
4:25 PM: Update to the photo we published earlier, showing a car similar to the one police think might be connected to Saturday night’s murder of Officer Tim Brenton – SPDBlotter now has details on the “profile” of who they are looking for, as well as images of the actual “vehicle of interest.” We’ll pull those out in a moment but right now, go here to see them. 4:36 PM: To help this get as wide exposure as possible, here’s the entire text of what’s on SPDBlotter:
While I cannot discuss all of our current investigation details and methods, please know that we are working with local, state and federal agencies to process all of the forensic evidence. There is no technology or resource that is not or will not be fully exploited in order to identify the individual (or individuals) responsible for this crime. As we continue in our efforts, we are calling for the assistance of the public to help us identify this subject or this group. We believe this subject engaged in recognizable behaviors and activities prior to, during and after the commission of this crime. He likely possesses certain traits and characteristics that would be noted by those around him.
His skills in weapons use and close quarter techniques suggest prior training. He has likely practiced a great deal with weapons and those around him will note his abilities and interest in them. These skills may have been developed through previous employment or hobbies. In the days and weeks prior to the shooting, he may have increased his practice with weapons.
After the shooting, he may have disposed of, altered, hidden or repaired his vehicle in some form. This vehicle may have been damaged in the firefight. It is described as a 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210. It is important that if anyone has recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen that they call Seattle Police at 206 233-5000.
After the homicide, he may have displayed uncharacteristic behavior, such as being silent and quiet about the shooting when others would have expected him to be outspoken about it. He may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting. Regardless, the stress of this homicide may cause him to behave differently from his norm.
On Halloween night, October 31st, he was notably absent for a period of time, in the hours before midnight. If there are others who are a part of his life and aware of his routine, and this includes relatives, co-workers, friends or others, he will have had to provide a plausible explanation for this absence to them.
He likely has experienced a significant personal crisis in the recent past. This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure. Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance. We’d like to know what this grievance is. His grievance may relate to his employment or position in life. We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them.
He knows that there are very good officers, and Officer Tim Brenton was a very good officer who swore a solemn oath to protect our citizenry. We’d like to know why this person chose the Seattle Police Department as the target of his grievance.
While it may appear we are focusing on a sole male offender, we have not ruled out the possibility of this crime being committed by a small group. What I have been describing is the likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual behind this plan that has turned into a serious crime. In fact, there may be others involved in the planning or actual attack who may not have expected this incident to have become the murder of a good and innocent police officer. If there is such an individual he or she may be in fear for their own safety. We are willing to listen and help, if such an individual wishes to contact us about the killer.
Clearly, we are also willing to listen to the offender to better understand his grievance.
We ask the public to carefully consider the information provided above and consider whether or not they may know this offender or have noted behaviors or activities suggestive of involvement in this incident. Please contact the Police Department if you feel you may have information related to this crime, no matter how insignificant it may appear to you. You may contact us by the following ways: 206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES).
We also remind the public of the $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.
Below are images of the 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210. The color appears to be white or beige. These images were captured by Seattle Police Department in-car cameras of officers responding to Officer Sweeney’s call for help. The images were captured in the vicinity of the murder.
(Photo by Mike Siegel/THE SEATTLE TIMES [WSB partner])
West Seattle-residing King County Executive-elect Dow Constantine has just announced his transition team – including another West Seattleite, Deputy Mayor Tim Ceis. Read on for the official announcement (p.s. regarding the main not-settled-yet race, Seattle Mayor, the next vote count should be out within an hour or so):Read More
Just breaking this afternoon: Seattle Police are distributing this photo in connection with the shooting death of Seattle Police officer Tim Brenton. They are looking for a Datsun B210 car similar to this one shown in an online car advertisement. The vehicle may be connected with the Saturday night murder. Again, here’s how to get police information about the case (this is excerpted from SPDBlotter):
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 or the Seattle Police Homicide Unit at 206 684-5550, or the tipline at (206) 233-5000. Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637). Your text message should include “TIP486″ to ensure proper routing.
The reward fund has passed $100,000.
3 weeks till Thanksgiving and some holiday decorations are already up (passing by Morgan Junction Tully’s last night, we noticed stockings and lights) – holiday news to share too: 
First, Village Green Perennial Nursery is taking orders for trees – priced from $30 to $400 (11-foot Noble Fir) – with a percentage of the proceeds raising $ for Community School of West Seattle. Here’s the price list and how to order. Second, Susan Melrose from the West Seattle Junction Association talked a bit at last night’s Southwest District Council meeting (other SWDC stories here and here) about the upcoming Hometown Holidays celebration in The Junction: You can mark your calendar for the tree lighting on Dec. 5, three Hometown Holidays Sundays with carriage rides and Santa photos on Dec. 6/13/20, and a special “shop late” holiday West Seattle Art Walk night on December 10th. (Be sure to let us know about your holiday events so we can get them on the calendar – editor@westseattleblog.com or “share” them via Facebook, facebook.com/westseattleblog – thanks!)
Today we’re welcoming a new WSB sponsor, The Little Gym of West Seattle, about to open at California/Myrtle (map). It’s WSB tradition for new sponsors to get the chance to share information about their business, so here’s what The Little Gym wants you to know: When new parents come to us and ask “why should I sign up for a class at The Little Gym?”, we ask them a very important question back- “What are you looking for in a program?” Some parents are looking for their children to learn fundamental motor and gymnastics skills, while other parents are looking for a class that emphasizes structured social interaction for their children. 
Others might want a place to take a class with friends in an environment that is fun and friendly, where they can connect and interact with other parents who have children of the same age. The reasons that people bring their children to The Little Gym are numerous, but the reasons that they stay with us have to do with both the dynamic teachers and the curriculum of our classes. We strive to create an environment of love, patience, respect, security and fun, while at the same time teaching real gymnastics skills from an early age that will get them started toward a healthy and active life. Our teachers are continually trained in both movement analysis and children¹s developmental milestones. Starting with babies at 4 months, and going through the age of 12 years old, The Little Gym gives children and parents a solid skill foundation that includes gross and fine motor skills, strength, coordination, balance, and a healthy dose of positive self image. We teach children to try their best, and that it is always ok to make a mistake – mistakes are how we learn and improve. We currently have 6 teachers from our other locations coming to teach at The Little Gym of West Seattle (3 are West Seattle residents!), and will continue to add more friendly faces as the program grows. Interested families are always welcome to join our program for a free introductory class, which they can either schedule over the phone at 206-937-0311 or online at www.tlgwestseattlewa.com. Our first week of classes will begin the week of November 9th, and our Open House is scheduled for Saturday, November 21st from 2-5 pm – bring a food donation for West Seattle Food Bank!
On a side note, our computer system had an email address glitch in it for a few weeks in September. We did not receive e-mail inquiries during this time, and were only able to recapture some of the lost e-mails. If you inquired and did not get a response back, we are sincerely sorry for the problem and would love to hear from you again!
We thank The Little Gym of West Seattle for sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB; find our sponsor team, and info on joining, all here.
While Seattle Fire investigators have their hands full with an arsonist in the North End (PhinneyWood coverage here), they have ruled NO foul play in an early-morning fire in Highland Park: The fire at a house in the 7900 block of 9th SW (map) was accidental, no injuries, damage estimated at $70,000. (Thanks to Diane for the tip.)
That’s Allison Rich (thanks to Krista for the photo!), co-owner of the newly remodeled Angelina’s in Admiral (2311 California SW) – she just sent word that after several nights of “friends and family” dinner rehearsals, they’ve passed their inspections and Angelina’s will reopen to the public as of 5 pm tonight. Allison says it’ll be dinner only till Monday, when they add lunch. Allison and husband Skip Rich bought the restaurant from its longtime owners and did extensive remodeling inside, including adding a bar (here’s our story from halfway through the 2-month remodeling process). 1 PM UPDATE: Just went by for a couple photos:
(Note in the dining room photo, the chalkboard on the wall in the booth, as mentioned in our earlier story – they also have portable ones if requested for the non-booth tables.) The menu’s not online yet but we took a sneak peek at that – it does indeed include some old faves from the Trattoria days (tonight’s Fresh Sheet, for example, is topped by the chicken-and-hazelnuts fettucini, but also includes steak). Their website is just bare bones now, with more to come: angelinaswestseattle.com.
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