August 2022

Update Aug. 1 4:50pm

According to a report in the Kitsap Sun, the captain of the Cathlamet ferry that struck a barrier at the Fauntleroy Ferry Dock on July 28 has resigned. The Sun reports that a letter went out to Washington State Ferry (WSF) personnel on Monday that also explained that drug tests done on the crew came back negative. The Captain was not identified in the report. The damage, the Sun said quoting WSF's Patty Rubstello was in the $5 to $7 million range but that all estimates were preliminary. The investigation is continuing. Read the story from the Sun here:

by Patrick Robinson

I first met a man named Hussein Khazaal in 1975 just after he opened a new middle eastern restaurant in the West Seattle Junction. I would come to learn that his trademark phrase, "I want to make you something very special" was in part possible because of his wife, Inaam. The Phoenecia would later move to lower Queen Anne and then Alki Beach where it thrived. If Hussein was the smiling chef, Inaam was the woman with many of the recipes that defined their reputation. Hussein had worked in dozens of restaurants from the late 1960's and early 70's and knew the business well. He had always wanted to have a family too so after working in many countries he came to the west coast.

Information from VCA West Seattle

VCA West Seattle Veterinary Hospital is excited to announce the addition of a new doctor to the practice. Dr. Apicella is a native of Hiram, Ohio and attended veterinary school at Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee. She has always loved the Seattle area and is excited to explore the diverse restaurants and activities West Seattle has to offer.

Dr. Apicella is enthusiastic about the human-animal bond so she loves helping pet parents keep their pets happy and healthy. As the owner of a reactive dog, she is also passionate about fear-free practice and she is proudly Fear-Free Certified.

Her favorite activity outside of work is getting outdoors with her two pibble mixes, Carmen and Marley. They all love hiking, camping, and kayaking! Carmen and Marley were both fosters that Dr. Apicella couldn’t resist keeping. Dr. Apicella also loves scuba diving and she has been certified since the fourth grade."

Two long time businesses on Alki beach will close this fall and the land and buildings will be redeveloped.

Ampersand Cafe and West Seattle Brewing's Tapshack have been staples on Alki since 2013 and 2016 respectively. 

The location will be remodeled according to city records, and joined, by a second floor 600 square foot apartment space. It's owned by Schilling Family Holdings, whose founder Dennis Schilling is well known as a West Seattle developer. His company purchased and restored the Alki Homestead on 61st SW. in 2018.

Information from Seattle Police Department

#2022-196301/Southwest Precinct/First Watch: 

On 07-28-2022 at 7:36 am, an officer was driving at 35th Ave SW/SW Morgan St and was flagged down by Seattle Fire about a suspect trying to set propane tanks on fire at the Walgreens.

The suspect started a fire under the propane tanks next to an occupied Walgreens.

The officer asked for additional units. The suspect then went to the 6400 BLK of 34th Ave SW and began damaging large windows around the apartment building.

Once additional officers arrived, a contact team was formed. Officers de-escalated the suspect, and he was placed in custody without incident. Fire Marshal responded to investigate the fire. The incident was screened with SPD’s ABS. The suspect was booked for felony Malicious Mischief and charges were requested for Reckless Burning.

The suspect has significant criminal history.