WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vandals destroy shaved-ice stand that provides jobs for people with disabilities

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

We just received this report from Chelsea:

This morning between the hours of 6-10 am, my husband’s shaved-ice stand that he runs through his non-profit, Enigma ASD Services, was vandalized and demolished. The shaved-ice stand is located next to Colman Pool in Lincoln Park. The stand provides first job opportunities for people with disabilities. It has been damaged beyond being able to reopen this season.

It was undamaged when he went on his morning run at 6 this morning. We are surprised by the amount of damage considering the beach/park/path are crowded with people fishing this morning.

This is the third incident involving the stand and theft/destruction.

It is a sad day for the employees who won’t have a job to go to this afternoon and this summer.

We asked Chelsea what people could do to help. First, if you were in the park early and saw anything, this has been reported to police, though so far they just have a tracking number (T23017099) pending the official incident number. You can also donate to Enigma.

Plf August 4, 2023 (12:40 pm)

This is incredibly sad, I just don’t understand how mean and spiteful some folks can be

alkiannie August 4, 2023 (1:22 pm)

if they set up a go fund me, it would be funded in a day. people want to donate to the cart directly – not a larger org (Enigma) – they want that personal connection to something directly in their neighborhood

JCW August 4, 2023 (4:00 pm)

Same effect if you donate with a restriction to the project or program itself. You can put conditions on a cash gift that it’s to be spent on the rebuilding of the cart itself, lumber, whatever floats your boat. Might be more cumbersome for a small staff to set up a totally new funding source, net less on fees, and promote something totally unrelated to their website.
West Seattle Mad Sci Guy August 4, 2023 (5:46 pm)

The donation page is just an email address to contact. Meaning it takes a fair amount of effort and back and forth to get them to take your money.

andreea August 4, 2023 (1:34 pm)

This is beyond horrible. Surely someone saw or knows something…let’s all support this org by donating!

Steve August 4, 2023 (2:11 pm)

We were there at 8:50 this morning and the stand was undamaged. You are correct, the beach path and shore was really busy with people and there was approximately 120 fishers on the beach.

Seacow August 4, 2023 (2:26 pm)

I walked by the cart this morning around 9:30-10:00 ish and it looked like it was already cleaned and tarted up. I had no idea what it was until I read it here. Sorry to hear, that sucks.

Seacow August 4, 2023 (2:31 pm)

Sorry, I couldn’t edit for some reason. I meant to say tarped up.

Sillygoose August 4, 2023 (2:43 pm)

Is there a before photo of the stand, there are many many talented individuals in this community who could possibly build it back the way it was prior to the damage on our dime. I am truly sorry you have to experience this, when we put our heart and soul into something then it is destroyed for no apparent reason it really messes with our psyche>

Karl wilhelm August 5, 2023 (3:11 pm)

I would be happy to help put the stand back together, just need some info from the owner about how it was built. 206-225-3953.-Karl

Dj August 4, 2023 (2:46 pm)

People are such scumbags to do this.

Joan August 4, 2023 (3:00 pm)

If it does get rebuilt, I suggest it gets parked in a more open area, visible to all.

John August 4, 2023 (3:57 pm)

It amazes me that people have nothing better to do than wake up and see whos life they can ruin.

Alki resident August 4, 2023 (4:14 pm)

Was this cart secured somewhere? It’s a very secluded area.

alkiannie August 5, 2023 (10:44 am)

It’s not very secluded

Fan of enigma August 4, 2023 (5:49 pm)

In addition to.the employees not having a job to go to this afternoon/remainder of summer. It can be extremely difficult for this population of people to accept changes in thier schedule and or understanding of why someone would destroy their work site. The impacts reach much further than just the average person sees.

Lisa August 4, 2023 (6:20 pm)

Walked down there around 930-10 am and noticed a person who looked to be experiencing some mental health challenges dragging a tarp- but other than him I’m not sure I saw anything or anyone especially strange.

Sorry, comment time is over.