West Seattle, Washington
14 Sunday
The season for giving is here. Two requests from the West Seattle Food Bank:
The West Seattle Food Bank hopes to provide all those we serve with turkeys & fixings for their Thanksgiving and holiday celebrations this season. They will be taking donations at two locations this Saturday, November 17th, from 10 am – 2 pm. You can donate turkeys or $15 towards a turkey at the Junction True Value Open House in the Alaska Junction at Edmunds & 44th, or at the West Seattle Food Bank at the corner of 35th & Morgan (garage entrance on Morgan next to the bus stop).
The West Seattle Food Bank has 720 turkeys in our freezer that we have purchased and we’re hoping to cover that expense. We aren’t able to provide nutritious and healthy food and other needed services without the incredibly generous support of you, the West Seattle Community. Thank you in advance.
You can also donate $ to WSFB any time by going here.
Also:
With the holidays coming up, the West Seattle Food Bank’s Bookcase is in desperate need of children’s books, especially picture & board books for the young ones.
Our Bookcase accepts slightly used or new donated books to encourage those children we serve to start reading at an early age. We accept donations Monday – Friday 9 am – 3 pm or Wednesday until 7 pm at our facility at 3419 SW Morgan St. on the corner of 35th & Morgan. There’s a parking garage on Morgan next to the bus stop, and you can enter the Food Bank through the double doors.
We are continuing to add this season’s donation drives to our West Seattle Holiday Guide, so please let us know if you have one – editor@wsb.blackfin.biz – thank you!
(Thursday photo by Kersti Muul – that’s K33)
11:09 AM: Thanks for the tips! The orcas are back this morning. Southbound passing Emma Schmitz Overlook, per Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales.
11:18 AM: Kersti Muul says the whales are spread out, north of Blake Island to south.
12:06 PM: In comments, Sydney says they’re now off Lincoln Park. We’ve also added a photo above that Kersti shared from Thursday.
12:53 PM: Per comments, the whales are now northbound.
(Photo by Susan Romanenghi)
With Thanksgiving now less than a week away, the holiday happenings are revving up, and they’re part of the highlight list for the hours ahead. From the West Seattle Holiday Guide and year-round Event Calendar:
BAZAAR AT THE MOUNT: Until 4 pm, first of two days for Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale. All welcome! (4831 35th SW)
FALL WINE RELEASE: First of two days for the fall wine release at Northwest Wine Academy on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, 1-7 pm. (6000 16th SW)
HOLIDAY PARTY: Menashe and Sons Jewelers (WSB sponsor) holiday party in The Junction, 6 pm. (4532 California SW)
SLOUCHER: Live in-store, 7 pm at Easy Street Records, free and all ages! (California/Alaska)
FIVE BUCK BAND: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm, ’60s and ’70s with some contemporary sounds too. (5612 California SW)
SWEET, SWEET MUSIC: Pre-holiday concert with Trillium Soul at Fauntleroy Church – and dessert! 7:30 pm. (9140 California SW)
‘FOOLS’ FINALE AT WSHS: Final performance tonight for the West Seattle High School Drama Club production of Neil Simon‘s “Fools,” with curtain time at 7:30 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
‘JANE EYRE’: Second night for the new musical at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Get your ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)
MORE FOR TONIGHT AND BEYOND: Find it on our complete calendar and in our Holiday Guide.
A memorial service is planned Monday for Nicola A. Höhn. Here’s the remembrance being shared with the community:
Nicola Adlyn (Hart) Höhn, born on March 11, 1933 in Kingston, Jamaica, to Catherine Rose Elliott and Samuel Lester Hart, passed away at age 85 years on September 11, 2018 in Seattle.
She studied French at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland and then attended the Mayfair Secretarial College, London. Nicola was educated at Upper Chine School for Girls, Isle of Wight, UK for high school, after attending St. Hilda’s School, in Brown’s Town, Jamaica, near the birthplace of Bob Marley.
After immigrating to the US from Jamaica at age 47, she worked at Rainier Mortgage Bank as a Flood Specialist. After retirement, she worked as a companion to seniors, and most notably as a nanny to an entire litter of thoroughbred Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Nicola is survived by her son, Andreas; daughters, Gabriela and Christina; and brother, Stephen Hart. Nicola loved reading British crime dramas and watching European films; took classes in Geology and American Literature; enjoyed flowers and gardening; delighted in visiting far-flung family and friends in Jamaica, Australia, Canada, England, and Japan; and passed on her love of arts and crafts to her children. She was an animal lover, especially of the feline variety, and raised her children in a household filled with dogs, guppies, budgies, and guinea pigs. Most of all she was an aficionado of precise vocabulary and a stickler for good grammar.
The Memorial Service will be held on Monday, November 19, 2018 and officiated by Rev. Kevin Carr from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Alki Congregational United Church, 6115 SW Hinds Street. Friends and family are all invited.
Share memories of Nicola at www.emmickfunerals.com
Professional services provided by Emmick Family Funeral Services, 3243 California Ave SW, Seattle, (206) 935-2207.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@wsb.blackfin.biz)
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
7:11 AM: Good morning. No incidents reported in/from West Seattle so far.
HIGHWAY 99 CLOSURE REMINDER: 9 pm tonight, southbound 99 is set to close for the weekend, between the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge.
9:50 AM: Scanner – police are out on a crash on the eastbound bridge.
(WSB photos by Patrick Sand unless otherwise credited)
10:38 PM: As we reported last night, wildlife authorities are investigating five sea lion deaths discovered on West Seattle shores. Today, the two most-recently discovered California sea lion carcasses – both adult males – were towed to Don Armeni Boat Ramp, where an area was taped off so necropsies could be done. Participants included Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which reports on its website tonight that the procedures showed “evidence of bullet wounds and projectiles … one (sea lion) with extensive internal damage.”
The first one was towed in late morning from the beach west of Seacrest. Longtime local whale researcher Mark Sears provided the boat, more often used for orca research. This one was measured at nine feet long and estimated to weigh almost half a ton.
(Photo courtesy Alexander Renz)
The other was towed in the afternoon from the 1500 block of Alki SW with a boat provided by West Seattle volunteer Rick Rasmussen. Those helping prep that sea lion for transport included “Diver Laura” James.
The Seal Sitters update continues, “The skulls [of both sea lions] were removed and will be radiographed early next week and should reveal more conclusive results.” The report also notes the full list of agencies and organizations that collaborated to make today’s procedures happen.
(Photo courtesy Alexander Renz)
As a NOAA spokesperson had told us early today, the federal agency’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating. If you have any information on the sea-lion shootings, you can reach them any time of the day or night at 800-853-1964.
SIDE NOTE: While all this unfolded, a harbor seal swam over and hauled out elsewhere on Don Armeni.
Seal Sitters told us they’d been watching that one come and go.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: NOAA has now published its official statement:
NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the apparent shooting of several California sea lions in the area of West Seattle since October, and reiterates that sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).
“We are concerned about a number of recent reports of marine mammal deaths caused by gunshots in the greater Seattle area. All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act and OLE investigates all reported unlawful takes of sea lions,” said Greg Busch, Assistant Director, NOAA Fisheries, Office of Law Enforcement, West Coast Division.
To report a marine mammal violation, call 1-800-853-1964. NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement provides live operator coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, call: 1-866-767-6114.
In recent years, there have been reports of sea lion shootings n fall and winter in Puget Sound, said Kristin Wilkinson, NOAA Fisheries Stranding Coordinator for the Northwest. California sea lions in and around Puget Sound now are almost all males that have come north from the Channel Islands off Southern California in search of more plentiful food.
The MMPA prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing of marine mammals, or any attempt to do so. However, the law does contain exceptions authorizing certain people under certain circumstances to use non-lethal methods to deter marine mammals from damaging private property, including fishing gear and catch, so long as it does not result in the death or serious injury of an animal.
For further details and frequently asked questions on deterrence methods, visit:
https://www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/marine_mammals/deterring_qa.html
Eight days after the election, the monthly meeting of our area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, included looks ahead to other elections – including one of their own.
SEATTLE SCHOOL LEVIES: Two Seattle Public Schools levies – capital (BEX) and operations – are expiring, so in three months, Seattle voters will be asked to approve their replacements. The group endorsed “yes” votes after hearing from Leslie Harris, who said she was speaking as an individual and longtime 34th DDs member rather than as our area’s elected rep on the School Board and its president:
The School Board finalized the levy plans two weeks ago; here’s the info sheet, including what property owners will pay. The biggest projects the BEX levy would fund in our area are a rebuild for Alki Elementary and an addition for West Seattle Elementary; go here to see other projects listed school-by-school.
Back in February, we reported on a $10,000 “Only in Seattle” grant that the West Seattle Junction Association and WS Chamber of Commerce planned to use to connect local businesses with new residents. Today, the organizations made the next move in creating that connection – a volunteer work party to stuff 800 bags with swag provided by and promoting dozens of businesses. Each one will also include this booklet of coupons from, and information about, the businesses:
The bags will be distributed to new residents starting later this month. We’re among the participants – our contribution is a fridge magnet featuring our 24/7 hotline (206-293-6302). You can read more about the WSJA/WSCC pilot project here.
Family and friends are remembering Alicia T. Watson, and her sister is sharing this with the community:
Alicia T. Watson (Wilhite)
January 7, 1964 – November 1, 2018Alicia T. Watson (Wilhite) suddenly passed after long complications with health issues at her home in Seattle. Alicia is survived by her loving son Felix, 3 grandchildren Sophia, Felix IV and Vivian, her sister Linda, and her beloved Chihuahua Lovie.
Alicia was born in Alaska but spent most of her life in Seattle, the city she loved most. She was an Associate of the Sisters of Providence and enjoyed working the last few years at Taco Time. She enjoyed taking her Lovie for long walks and doting over her beautiful grandchildren and proudly watching them at their sporting events.
When we were young, you were my whole life, my world. We had our own way of communicating with each other that no one else could understand. This is how I remember you.
When we were young we had never ending energy to play in our own imaginary world. Building houses and castles and sometimes spaceships with our building blocks and Lincoln Logs. This is how I remember you.
When we were young we even found adventures in other people’s basements. Like playing hide and seek in Carmen’s basement or cleaning the many piles of sawdust in Mr. Cornelius’ basement workshop or getting scared trying to guess what was behind Cecilia’s locked basement door and running out screaming over our own imaginations. This is how I remember you.
When we were young we could entertain ourselves for hours with our sing-song hand slapping games or getting the giggles, really bad, at the worst times like in restaurants or worse at church. This is how I remember you.
When we were young you were my whole life, my world. I looked up to you in awe at how you knew so much and how sure you were of everything. And you took me by the hand and showed me the way and taught me so much. This is how I will always remember you.
Your sister Linda
You are much loved.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries by request, free of charge. Please e-mail the text, and a photo if available, to editor@wsb.blackfin.biz)
So many neighbors work tirelessly and often thanklessly to make this a better place. Today, one of them got some thanks, in the form of an award – Sharon Baker from Friends of Lincoln Park is among the recipients of the Denny Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Stewardship, announced today by Seattle Parks. From the announcement:
… The winners are a cross-section of Seattle’s most creative, dedicated and hard-working volunteers who donate precious time and energy to improving Seattle’s parks and recreation programs. …
In 2017, 36,198 people volunteered for Seattle Parks and Recreation, providing 196,448 hours of service, which is a donation valued by Independent Sector at $30.46 per hour or $5.9 million dollars.
Healthy Environment: Sharon Baker, Lincoln Park
For the past 13 years, Sharon Baker, lead forest steward with Friends of Lincoln Park (FLiP), has led volunteers in creating healthy habitats in the park. Sharon has spent countless hours restoring beautiful Lincoln Park forest, benefitting the surrounding community, wildlife and ecosystems. Since she became a master forest steward in 2005, she has been committed to restoring and maintaining much of the park’s extensive forested areas. Sharon creates a warm and welcoming experience for anyone who wishes to join the efforts of FLiP. Sharon welcomes many youth groups and local school classes to experience the forested areas of Lincoln Park, and she knows exactly the right spots in the park that will spark their interest and imagination.
P.S. Want to join Sharon and the FLiP volunteers? Their next work party is this Sunday morning!
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reader reports:
DUMPING: Michael sent the photo and video below after reporting this last night:
This pickup truck just dumped 10 huge black bags of what appear to be trash in front of our house, and sped off. Video attached of vehicle. You can hear them throwing the trash out in the beginning.
Non emergency line was called and police were supposedly dispatched. Would love it if you shared and asked folks to be on the lookout for that pickup, this is a pretty brazen dumping on a public street. This was on 32nd Avenue SW between 106th and 105th.
VANDALISM: And from Arbor Heights, Evelyn asks, “Did anyone else in the Arbor Heights get your house egged around 1 am? We got woken up by a huge loud noise and realized someone egged our home.” It has been reported to police.
(WSB photos. Future Alaskan Way surface signal, in what’s still a construction zone where today’s briefing was held)
12:20 PM: Close to where northbound vehicles will enter the new Highway 99 tunnel starting in a few months, WSDOT, SDOT, and Metro just held another update/briefing event for the media.
Part of it was intended to underscore just how much work has to be done during the ~3 weeks between permanent closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and opening of the tunnel – this new WSDOT video explains it:
No major new information about the closure period at today’s briefing, but we were there and noted some key points:
-SDOT has launched a new traffic-info website today at seattletraffic.org (this is where you can, among other things, sign up for neighborhood-specific alerts, which were previewed at a previous briefing)
-Metro is working on a new batch of brochures with information on bus changes
-Metro also notes that during the closure it will be “more dynamic,” with rerouting “on the fly” if needed
-The Water Taxi “two-boat” schedule information should be available online “soon”
(WSDOT’s tunnel/viaduct project administrator Dave Sowers)
-WSDOT says the tunnel will be toll-free into the summer, with tolling probably not starting until July/August
-You’re now warned that this is really just the start of a 5-year period of transportation turbulence in the city
-West Seattleites are reminded again that the three-week Highway 99 closure, and tunnel opening, will be followed by another two weeks or so of work before the new connection for those exiting NB 99 to downtown is ready to open
Otherwise, the big dates ahead are the same – January 4th for the closure of the SB 99 ramp to SODO, January 11th for the Alaskan Way Viaduct permanent shutdown/Highway 99 closure to get connection work done on both ends of the tunnel (again, the WSDOT video above explains), February 2-3 for the goodbye/hello weekend, tunnel opening TBA after that. We recorded today’s briefing and are processing the video, and will add it along with more toplines when ready.
7:42 PM: Here’s our video of the entire briefing:
Speakers were WSDOT’s Dave Sowers, SDOT’s Heather Marx, and Metro’s Bill Bryant. And another reminder – southbound 99 will be closed between the south end of the Battery Street Tunnel and the West Seattle Bridge this weekend for more prep work, starting around 9 tomorrow night and potentially continuing until very early Monday (as usual, we’ll publish an update if the closure ends early). This is a weather-dependent closure, WSDOT says, but so far the weekend forecast looks mostly dry.
One more reminder – next chance to bring your questions directly to transportation reps will be Monday’s meeting of the Junction Neighborhood Organization, 6:30 pm November 19th at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
(Chestnut-backed chickadee, photographed by Robin Sinner, shared via the WSB Flickr group)
Highlights from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DINE-OUT BENEFIT: Lincoln Park Co-op Preschool benefits from part of the proceeds today at MOD Pizza in West Seattle – mention the co-op when you order. 10:30 am-10 pm. (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW)
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library – stories, songs, and rhymes! (5423 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN: 6 pm meeting at Admiral UCC. Featured tonight: Screening of the movie “RBG.” (4320 SW Hill)
WEST SEATTLE TIMEBANK: Learn about timebanking at this month’s meeting – all welcome, 6:30 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle. (4217 SW Oregon)
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm at Alki UCC. (6115 SW Hinds)
BILL DAVIE: Live at C & P Coffee Company (WSB sponsor), 7-9 pm. (5612 California SW)
‘JANE EYRE’: Opening night for the new musical at ArtsWest (WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. Get tickets here! (4711 California SW)
‘FOOLS’ AT WSHS: Just two more chances to see the West Seattle High School Drama Club production of Neil Simon‘s “Fools,” with curtain time at 7:30 pm tonight. Ticket info is in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
YES, THERE’S MORE … find it all on our complete calendar, and preview the pre-Thanksgiving holiday events via our Holiday Guide!
8:21 AM: Thanks to Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales for the tip: Orcas are southbound in the Fauntleroy ferry lanes right now.
9:32 AM: Still southbound – see comments, with photos including the one we reposted above, from Jsmyth.
4:30 PM: Now northbound, visible from The Arroyos, reports Kersti Muul.
(SDOT MAP with travel times/ Is the ‘low bridge’ closed? LOOK HERE/ West Seattle-relevant traffic cams HERE)
6:28 AM: Big early backup because of a crash in the NB Battery Street Tunnel. One lane has reopened but one remains closed. Also, NB I-5 downtown has had some trouble, most recently a crash stalled vehicle at Seneca.
STADIUM ZONE TONIGHT: 5:20 pm kickoff for Seahawks vs. Green Bay at CenturyLink Field.
6:33 AM: Both BST lanes are now open, says SDOT, because: “Collision has been relocated north of the tunnel at Thomas St blocking the right northbound lane.”
6:46 AM: Per scanner, police are checking out a crash on 35th by the stadium (south of Avalon).
6:49 AM: That crash is not blocking and no one requires medical attention. Meantime, the NB 99 “relocated” crash has cleared, and so has the NB I-5 stall.
8:50 AM: Stalled truck on EB bridge past Fauntleroy entrance.
(WSB photo by Tracy Record)
9:29 PM WEDNESDAY: A dead sea lion found on the shore just west of Seacrest Park today was the fourth and possibly fifth that Seal Sitters Marine Stranding Network has responded to, and the deaths are under investigation. We photographed the dead animal at midmorning – by which time it was already tied to driftwood – and talked with Seal Sitters later. In addition to this one, they’ve responded to two at Jack Block Park and one in the 1500 block of Alki Avenue, plus received a report of one that they say might be the same one dealt with today. We reported on a Jack Block discovery last month:
(October photo by David Hutchinson)
Questions about whether the sea lions had been shot come amid multiple incidents in which people reported hearing/seeing gunfire offshore – including this one back on November 4th, and this one in late September. We’ve heard tonight from “Diver Laura” James that the sea lion near Seacrest will likely be moved to a less-public location tomorrow for necropsy, to check on whether it might have a bullet wound. Seal Sitters’ Lynn Shimamoto, meantime, tells us that NOAA is expecting to have a statement about the investigations tomorrow.
P.S. Checking the archives, we’ve covered sea-lion shooting deaths in 2010 and 2012.
ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: Michael Milstein of NOAA confirms that the agency’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the deaths; the agency will have more to say later. We asked about laws/policies that would cover this – here’s the reply.
11:35 AM UPDATE: The carcass from west of Seacrest is being towed right now to the necropsy site at Don Armeni.
11:45 AM: On the other side of the bay, Kersti Muul tells WSB, a sea lion carcass has been found near the Seattle Aquarium. She says it might be the same one she spotted on a West Seattle beach recently that wasn’t recovered before the tide took it away.
2:26 PM: A second sea lion, recovered from the 1500 block of Alki SW, has been taken to Jack Block for a necropsy too. Separate followup coming up a bit later this afternoon.
Tonight at HomeStreet Bank (WSB sponsor), local author Betsy Bell read from, and signed copies, of her new book “Open Borders.” She describes it as “a personal story of love, loss and anti-war activism … a fascinating trip back to the 80s when Seattle realized we were a target in the case of a nuclear war. I was part of the big wake-up call to prevent such a thing. My husband and daughter and I joined a group of people who traveled into the USSR to deliver a letter of peace at the height of the Cold War.” You can find out more about the author at her website.
As noted, it’s less than two months now until the January 11th date announced for permanent closure of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and start of a three-weeks-and-then-some-for-us transition. Three things of note:
1. If you’re on-peninsula tomorrow afternoon, you’re invited to a 1 pm information session in Olympic Hall on the south end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) – details here.
2. Next Monday night, you’re also welcome at the 6:30 pm Junction Neighborhood Organization meeting at the Senior Center/Sisson Building (4217 SW Oregon), which will include a briefing.
3. We’ll be covering another state/city/county media briefing tomorrow – if you have a transition question that’s so far gone unanswered, let us know (in a comment below, or message us) – we’ll do what we can to get the answer.
More than a few transportation project delays in our area lately, and here’s another. Almost two weeks ago, SDOT told us that work would start as soon as next week on crossing improvements at three 35th SW intersections, including the new signal at 35th/Dawson, as shown above. Then today, project spokesperson Miguela Marzolf contacted us to say, “Regarding the construction schedule, we have postponed the start date and we are working with the contractor to determine further details, including the phasing of the work.” So – don’t expect to see construction crews show up soon after all. But for details of what’s eventually going to happen – see our previous report. If you have questions (beyond “when?”), SDOT now has a project mailbox at neighborhoodimprovements2018@seattle.gov.
4:41 PM: A power outage is forcing the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) to close its Triangle location for the rest of the day, says executive director Shalimar Gonzales: “Due to an intermittent power outage, we are closing our West Seattle location for the rest of the evening. Our Fauntleroy facility will remain open normal hours today.”
8:57 PM: Update – “Our current power outage is impacting 5 properties including our West Seattle location due to a faulty cable. Seattle City Light will be working overnight to replace the cable and restore power to the area. We anticipate re-opening the West Seattle facility at 8 am on Thursday, November 15th.”
Eight months ago, the state Attorney General’s Office announced theft charges against the owner of six Tacos Guaymas restaurants, including West Seattle, accusing him of using “sales suppression software” to avoid paying millions in sales tax. We’ve been tracking the case as it proceeded slowly through the system. Then last week, in King County Superior Court, the criminal charges against Salvador Sahagun were dismissed, as part of an agreement in which his Green Lake restaurant, as a “corporate defendant,” entered an “Alford plea” (pleading guilty but asserting innocence) to second-degree theft. The subsequent announcement sent by Sahagun’s lawyers notes they are hoping next that the civil actions will be dropped too. They wrote:
The cases filed March 10th in King County Superior Court, along with a parallel action in Snohomish County, accused Salvador Sahagun of pocketing more than $5.6 million in state sales taxes through the use of sales suppression software in what the state described as a wide-ranging scheme to defraud the state.
Attorneys Robert Chicoine and Richard Ainsworth announced that the King and Snohomish charges were dismissed after demonstrating to state prosecutors that the Department of Revenue (DOR) had made erroneous assumptions, used unreliable evidence, and drew unsupportable conclusions about Sahagun’s sales reports and payments of sales tax due, as well as business and occupation taxes.
The Attorney General prosecutors and the defense agreed that one of Sahagun’s corporations did, in fact, owe $800 on a reporting error unrelated to the use of sales suppression software, not $5.6 million as charged, court documents show.
“My client, a good man who is well known for being a leader in the community, decided that it was in his company’s best interest to agree to an additional tax of $800 rather than become entangled in expensive and time-consuming litigation. The important thing is that the prosecutors saw the light and agreed to dismiss all charges against Sahagun,” Chicoine said.
The Attorney General’s Office filed charges against Sahagun personally, relying on the DOR’s claims that six Tacos Guaymas restaurants had used prohibited sales suppression software to hide receipts when, in fact, none of the restaurants had used suppression software.
Ferguson’s office filed the case, prompting significant media coverage not only due to the size of the alleged fraud, but also for the sophistication of the technology allegedly employed by Sahagun.
According to the Attorney General Robert Ferguson’s press release, Sahagun was accused of “pocketing more than $5.6 million in sales taxes.” DOR representatives said the case marked only the second time state prosecutors had brought tax theft charges on behalf of the Washington DOR for alleged use of sales suppression software.
At the time the charges were filed, the state claimed that it was the largest sales suppression software case in Washington state history, and potentially the largest in the country. Although claims of tax fraud by sales suppression technology were ultimately shown to be untrue, the extensive media coverage cost Tacos Guaymas sales and unfairly damaged Sahagun’s reputation, Chicoine noted.
“When I came into work, one of my employees showed me the story in the paper. I was shocked the state filed criminal charges against me based on unrealistic assumptions and unsupportable estimates,” said Sahagun. “The Department of Revenue assumed that I was using advanced technology designed to cheat the government in ways that I never could, and never would. Fortunately, Chicoine and his team understood the technology and relied on the facts and computer analysis to convince the prosecutors that the DOR could not support its charges and they should be dismissed.”
According to Chicoine, a Seattle tax lawyer who represents a number of restaurateurs accused of electronic sales suppression tax fraud, the defense team was able to show the trial prosecutors that many of the DOR audit conclusions were flawed and that the DOR agents did not fully understand the technology involved.
“We got down in the technological weeds with this case, and helped the state see that Sahagun’s stores were following the rules in terms of reporting sales,” he said. “It’s unfortunate that the charges were brought in the first place, but we are thankful the prosecutors reviewed all of our evidence, and with the Attorney General’s approval, did the right thing in dismissing the charges.”
Chicoine anticipates that the Attorney General’s Office will revamp criminal tax referral procedures in the future as a result of the Sahagun case. This is a positive outcome not only for Mr. Sahagun, but also for many other Washington business owners who may be suspected of tax fraud by the DOR. He hopes that the DOR will follow suit and dismiss the civil tax loss claims against Sahagun’s businesses based on unsubstantiated and disproven electronic sales suppression assumptions.
“I am so relieved to put this criminal charge behind me and focus all my attentions on running my business, and taking care of those around me,” said Sahagun.
Court documents in the criminal-case agreement say the Green Lake “corporate defendant” was sentenced to pay a $750 fine. In that agreement, Sahagun wrote that while he didn’t believe the “corporate defendant” was guilty of theft, “I discovered evidence that a former management employee embezzled collected receipts, including sales taxes, from the corporation and therefore from the DOR, which likely resulted in an underreporting of the corporation’s receipts in the amount stipulated in the plea agreement. The embezzlement was unknown to me when returns were filed and sales taxes were remitted.”
A week and a half after a reader tip pointed us to a new business in North Admiral, the proprietor of Prep Table has announced it’s officially open. Jillian Shane is offering cooking classes, describing them as “A new way to approach food and cooking. Learn the techniques chefs know that will teach you how to cook more delicious food!” Her background: “I have 8 years’ experience and in that time I have worked for three James Beard-winning Chefs. My focus at Prep Table is to share cooking techniques…not just make recipes. And almost as importantly, to grow a community with people. Food = Community.” The teaching kitchen is at 4304 SW Walker and the classes are listed online.
Thanks to Brian Presser of TouchTech Systems for the tip – the West Seattle Junction Hometown Holidays wreaths are going up right now! As always, you can expect a sleighful of holiday activities in The Junction – listed here and in the WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide. Biggest night of the season will be December 1st, with the Night Market 3-7 pm in the street on SW Alaska by Junction Plaza Park and the Tree Lighting at 6 pm – this year, with special performances throughout the afternoon/evening rather than just at the lighting ceremony.
P.S. Got a holiday event, for now through New Year’s, anywhere in West Seattle/White Center/South Park? Please send us the info ASAP so we can add it to our guide – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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