August 2022

By John Maulding, MA SUDP
 
The other day I was asked if my job as a substance abuse counselor is going to get easier anytime soon, as a result of brand-new treatment methods that look promising. It might, so let’s look at four changes on the horizon that are starting to get traction...and giving hope.

The first is immunotherapy, or if you prefer, vaccines. There is a growing body of evidence that indicates that the immune system plays a key role in the development and maintenance of alcoholism. Our immune systems have both innate and adaptive immune mechanisms. These mechanisms ward off pathogens as well as contribute to general health by moderating inflammation. Prolonged alcohol abuse creates a strong inflammatory response that leads not only to physical health issues, but also those of a psychiatric nature. There are currently several encouraging studies underway looking at controlling that inflammation response.

The White Center Food Bank has been awarded $109,298  by the City of Seattle’s Food Equity Fund and Department of Neighborhoods to increase access to fresh produce and culturally familiar foods for roughly 80,000 annual customer visits. The funding will help expand access to fresh fruits, vegetables and highly requested staple food items distributed through weekly onsite food distributions, home delivery services, mobile pop-up food banks at local senior housing communities, and partner programs with local schools and community health centers.

information from Seattle Police Department

Seattle police believe a recent spike in Kia car thefts may be tied to a TikTok tutorial.

In July, police investigated 36 reports of stolen Kias (compared to five in July 2021) and believe suspects may be using a method learned from TikTok, using a USB drive or cable and other tools, in place of a key, to start a vehicle. The vehicles stolen in July—Kia models Optima, Soul, Sorrento, Forte, and Sportage—were all manufactured between 2014 and 2021.

Earlier this month, police arrested two teens after receiving a report that several suspects driving a Kia—which police later discovered was stolen—had pulled up on a residential street in northwest Capitol Hill and tried to steal a second Kia.

Officers quickly arrived at the scene and spotted the suspects, who sped away and crashed into a fence in the 900 block of East Newton Street.

Update 9:10pm

Seattle Public Utilities said via Twitter: "Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) has restored service to most if not all of the customers in West Seattle who were without water late Monday afternoon. A 24-inch water main break at SW Kenyon and 24th Ave SW caused hundreds of customers to temporarily lose service. If customers experience temporary water discoloration as their service is restored, we recommend they wait until it clears before drinking it. They can run the cold water for a few minutes to see if it clears. More tips can be found on our website: https://t.co/EVtmiGbq4Y

SPU is working on a plan to repair the 24-inch water main. We don't know what caused the break but are looking into it."

#2022-214906/Southwest Precinct/Third Watch: 

On 08-14-2022 at 11:34pm, officers responded to a report of shots heard near 7500 35th Ave SW. Initial callers reported hearing 4 shots and a vehicle speeding away.

A victim was located at the scene and reported he was driving southbound when an unknown vehicle (black Mercedes sedan) overtook them in the turn lane while shooting as they did so.

The victim’s vehicle was struck one time, incapacitating the vehicle.

The suspect continued southbound from the scene. A KC Metro driver witnessed the incident and contacted officers on scene.

KCSO was contacted to conduct a search for evidence.

GVRU was contacted and notified of the incident. Evidence of a shooting was recovered.

#2022-215055/Southwest Precinct/First Watch: 

On 08-15-2022 at 5:57am, officers responded to the 8900 block 14th Ave S for a report of a male pointing a gun at a victim. Upon arrival the officers conducted an area check with negative results. The victim stated she was working as a barista and noticed the suspect vehicle arrive in the drive thru.

When the victim approached the window, she observed the suspect pointing a handgun at her. The victim backed away from the window and called 911. The suspect fled the area with no further interaction.

The same suspect/vehicle description was involved in a robbery of another espresso stand minutes later in the South Precinct area, reference 2022-215057.

A fire swept through all three floors of a single family home in the 4000 block of 40th Ave SW just after 2am on Monday morning. There were no reported injuries and while no official cause was announced, radio traffic reported what appeared to be sparks meaning the cause could have been electrical. 

No damage amount was announced but investigators responded to the scene.

In what Seattle Police say may have been a drive by shooting a young man was shot in the shoulder at Hamilton Viewpoint in West Seattle Sunday night shortly after 8pm.

The victim, in his 20's was taken to Harborview Hospital for treatment. He was alert and conscious.

Police report that the shooter was sitting on the passenger side of a silver Honda Civic and was armed with a long gun. That vehicle and another black car were last seen heading southbound on California Ave. SW.

Officers at the scene believe two vehicles were involved. They were conducting interviews with possible witnesses at the scene.

An investigation is now underway.