(Photo by Ryan Hawk, WPZ.)

The early Thanksgiving treat is part of the zoo’s ongoing enrichment program to help enrich the lives of the zoo’s animals, promote natural animal behavior, keep animals mentally and physically stimulated and engage zoo visitors.

You can also drop off a non-perishable food donation outside the zoo’s South Entrance at North 50th Street and Fremont Avenue. Collected food will benefit the Phinney Neighborhood Association soup kitchen program, which operates two days a week at St. John United Lutheran Church located across from the zoo’s West Entrance, and one day a week at Calvary Lutheran Church in Ballard. Food items most in demand: non-perishable juice, jam, canned fruit, beans, canned vegetables, chili, ketchup and powdered creamers.

The PNA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that they have just hired Lee Harper to replace Ed Medeiros as the new PNA Executive Director. Lee is currently the Executive Director of the Northshore Senior Center and was formerly Assistant Director of Solid Ground (previously the Fremont Public Association).

In applying for the position, Lee noted: “The PNA’s community building mission resonates deeply with me - creating community is one of my core values and it underlies everything that I do. It would be a privilege to work with the organization and for my community, realizing a dream from years ago to lead this vibrant organization into the future.”

Ed will be retiring at the end of January and Lee will join the staff in mid-January. Celebrate Ed and meet Lee at a fundraising roast on Jan. 10 and the annual membership meeting on Jan 23.

Kevin Todd Swalwell has been charged with that arson, along with 10 others, and one burglary at the Green Bean Coffeehouse, which is where he admitted setting the Oct. 23 fire. C.C. Teriyaki, Szechuan Bistro and Pho Tic Tac were also housed in the Eleanor Roosevelt Building.

Web Developer: We are looking for an experienced web developer to help implement a new design for the PNA website (Phinneycenter.org). The ideal volunteer could devote as much as 10 hours/week over the next 2-3 months to help execute and build the backend. You would work in collaboration with PNA staff and other volunteers who have been working on a digital marketing strategy, content, and overall design of the new site.

IT Consultant: We are seeking a database volunteer with Salesforce expertise to help consolidate and integrate several different database functions with our new Salesforce program. If you are an IT professional and have experience integrating Salesforce and complex databases, we could use your help.

Please contact Alex Eckardt at 206-783-2244 or alex@phinneycenter.org for more information.

Now that holiday season is approaching and delivery drivers are leaving packages on door steps, keep an extra careful eye out. One reader reports that neighbors in the 300 block of NW 77th Street had a package stolen from their porch.

Michael reminds us that it’s the 20th anniversary of the John Cusack classic “Say Anything,” with two key scenes filmed right here on Phinney Ridge at the 7-11 and the adjacent Woodland Park by the zoo’s north entrance. Here’s an anniversary review of the movie.

Five neighborhood businesses are included in the new fourth edition of “eat.shop seattle,” which calls itself “a curated guide of inspired and unique locally owned eating and shopping establishments.” They have a whole series of guides around the country. Neptune Coffee, Tokara, Picnic (a PhinneyWood sponsor), The Shop Agora (a PhinneyWood sponsor) and Greenwood Space Travel Supply all get props for being “interesting, inspired and authentic.” The book is available at Picnic.

Karen is concerned that some bicyclists don’t have enough lights or reflective clothing on, especially now that it gets dark so early. Add another light or two to your bike and helmet, and leave plenty of room when turning or changing lanes. Don’t assume that a driver can see you.

The Frock Shop at 6500 Phinney Ave. N. has completed its expansion and renovation into the space next door. The store was also named one of Marie Claire’s 50 Best Fashion Stores in the country. And owner Suzy Fairchild is now offering her own line of organic baby clothing, called Hoot.

The website Kids Eat For has a weekly calendar that lists all the restaurants in a certain area where kids eat free or cheap.

The Seattle Fire Department has just announced that Seattle Public Utilities will provide free locks for recycling and garbage containers for all businesses in the Greenwood neighborhood, in the wake of the recent arson spree.

The boundaries for the free lock program are: NW 75th Street to North 90th Street, and from 3rd Ave NW to Fremont Ave North. Business owners can call Waste Management Customer Service at 1-800-592-9995 to get a free lock for containers provided by Seattle Public Utilities contracted service providers.

Though the Greenwood Arson suspect was arrested last Friday, Seattle Fire Department encourages residents to continue to be vigilant about cleaning up around their businesses and homes. Click on the following links for additional tips on how to prevent arson:

Arson Tips for Residents

Arson Tips for Businesses

Arson Tips in Spanish

For their November Community Book Drive, Eco Encore hopes to gather one ton of books by Nov. 30. The organization sells the items through their online store at amazon.com, then distributes the profits to 15 partner organizations, including the Nature Consortium and Washington Trails Association.

In our neighborhood, you can drop off donations at Avanti Art & Design at 7317 Greenwood Ave. N. Here’s a list of all drop-off locations in the region. Be sure and check out this list of items they can and can’t accept.

According to the charging documents (our content partner, the Seattle Times, has the charging documents pdf here), Swalwell is charged with first degree arson for the following fires:

• The house fire at 108 NW 84th St. on Aug. 13. That fire seriously burned one man and displaced another family.
• Setting fire to the Green Bean Coffeehouse, 208 NW 85th St., Oct. 23. Three other businesses were destroyed and several others seriously damaged.
• The massive blaze at NW Discount in Shoreline on Nov.12

Swalwell is charged with second degree arson for the following fires:

• The former OK Corral restaurant at 8733 Greenwood Ave. N. on June 19.
• Behind a building housing Moonphoto and Wish at 7708 Greenwood Ave. N. on Aug. 12.
• A building housing O-Rings West at 1111 N. 98th St. on Aug. 13.
• CPA Seattle at 338 NW 85th St. on Nov. 5.
• Rosewood Guitar at 8401 Greenwood Ave. N. on Nov. 5.
• Moonphoto at 7704 Greenwood Ave. N. on Nov. 8.
• Olive You at 8516 Greenwood Ave. N. on Nov. 9.
• Greenwood Quickstop at 8102 Greenwood Ave. N. on Nov. 9.

And he was charged with second degree burglary at the Green Bean Coffeehouse, 208 NW 85th St., on Oct. 23, just prior to committing that arson.

According to charging documents, Swalwell admitted to the Aug. 13 fire that seriously injured Carlos Salmeron. (The Seattle Times profiled Salmeron’s recovery last Sunday.)

Swalwell admitted to starting this fire by entering the fenced area at the back of the house, spraying lighter fluid on a corner area of the house, and igniting it. Swalwell said he tried to wipe his prints off of the lighter fluid container. He then advised that he disposed of the lighter fluid container in a nearby garbage bin at a white house located on a side street.

As to the Oct. 23 fire that destroyed the Green Bean Coffeehouse, Pho Tic Tac, Szechuan Bistro and C.C. Teriyaki:

Swalwell admitted to starting this fire. He explained that he entered the Green Bean business by breaking a window at the rear and climbing in, entering the office, and stealing the safe and attached filing cabinet after removing the drawers from the cabinet. He stated that the safe and attached filing cabinet was placed into a large, green, wheeled recycling bin, covered with cardboard, and wheeled from the scene. Swalwell then started the fire in the office by igniting cardboard and paper inside…Further, Swalwell directed police detectives to the area where he had abandoned the safe. The detectives responded to that location and recovered the safe, which had been pried open, along with a green recycling bin and wet cardboard. A long metal pipe apparently used to break open the safe was likewise recovered. 

In requesting the $1 million bail, prosecutors state:

The defendant here engaged in a several months long arson campaign directed primarily at the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. His actions seriously injured one man, endangered the safety of countless bystanders and neighbors, and terrorized an entire community, in addition to causing millions of dollars in damage and disrupting small business owners’ livelihoods…He manifestly presents an ongoing danger to the community if released from custody.

We do have houses built before 1906. Perhaps we still have a few houses that were built before 1900? Hint: if you find a construction date of 1900 in King County Tax Records keep digging! The house might actually be older than that. Building permits will give you a more accurate construction date.

Houses must be within the Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood (50th to 105th Streets, Aurora to 8th Avenue NW) but contest entrants need not live within the neighborhood. The house does not need to be yours! You can enter any house that you feel might be the oldest! More than one entry per person is acceptable.

If you find a likely contestant, take a photo and send copies of your documents identifying the construction date of the house to: GPHS Oldest House Contest, c/o Phinney Neighborhood Center, 6532 Phinney Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98103.

The winning entry will be determined by oldest construction or building permit date of all entries received. Entries must be received by Jan. 15, 2010. The winner receives a copy of “Seattle’s Greenwood-Phinney Neighborhood” signed by author Ted Pedersen and breakfast for two at Mae’s Phinney Ridge Café.

Here’s some info from the Historical Society to get you started:

Where can I find a photo of my older home?

Puget Sound Regional Archives has a collection of King County property record cards beginning in 1937 and kept current to 1972. These cards generally contain tax assessments, a photograph from 1937, approximate construction date, building use, small sketch of the footprint of the building, and some floor plan diagrams. For more information, call the archives at 425-564-3940. Email: archives@bcc.ctc.edu. To access this information you will need the tax identification number of the house or the legal description.

How can I find out the previous owners and the remodeling history of my Seattle house?

Contact the Department of Planning and Development for their Building Permit History files. Most of this information is available on microfiche. The office is at 710 Second Avenue, Seattle WA 98104. 206-684-8850.

Where can I find the tax records for my home?

King County Tax Records are on-line for all homes currently standing. Dates older than 1900 are not always accurate due to the millennium computer glitch. If your home has a tax record date of 1900, but may be older, you will want to research further. A building permit may be a better gauge of your home’s construction date. King County Parcel Viewer is where you’ll want to go on the internet.

What about more information about previous owners?

The Polk Directories would be a great start. Take a look at the archival Polk Directories at the downtown Seattle library reference section. These will tell you the names of who lived at your home in years past.

What about even more information about previous owners?

Stay at the downtown library and look up Census information! Now that you have the names you can learn the number of family members living in the house and also what the head of household did for a living.

T-shirts are printed with the phrase, “Spread Love, it’s the Greenwood way.” Short-sleeve T-shirts start at $19.99 ($18.99 for kids). She’s also got a hooded sweatshirt, a shirt especially for dogs, buttons and mugs.

Call 206-297-2002 to make an appointment between 12-6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22 and 29.

Deluxe Hair is at 6512 Phinney Ave. N. They’ll shut the door behind each pet so you don’t have to worry about them running out. Cats are welcome, too.

Soulumination, founded by Lynette Huffman Johnson, celebrates the lives of children and parents facing life threatening conditions by providing professional photographs–free of charge–of these special individuals and their families. The life-affirming photographs of Soulumination are an enduring, positive record of the child’s brief life, and provide a loving legacy for the children of parents lost to terminal illness.

Santa photo appointments are available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27, at Sandra’s new Greenwood studio, 310 NW 85th St. Packages start at $20. Call 206-841-2260 to make an appointment.

On October 26, around 8 PM, my service dog Oliver got hit by a car on the corner of NW 77th St and 3rd Ave NW. It was by a miracle that Oliver even survived and is currently recovering.

I was sitting in the middle of the road with Oliver in my arms, when the driver came back, repeatedly saying that they didn’t see him. Then they just left. I was in complete shock, didn’t think of asking for their contact information or anything else.

Due to that Oliver is a service animal, he is covered under insurance, but I need the information of the actual people who drove the car and get their statement.

If anyone has any information, please email Lotta.

Clean out all your closets and trade in those wedding and birthday gifts plus home and holiday decor items that just aren’t your style. Swap them for some new cool gift or décor items you’ll love. Think serving trays, candleholders, artwork, ornaments, rugs, and pillows.

Drop-off and preview is from 10-10:45 a.m., and swapping begins at 10:45 a.m. Check out the Sit+Sip FAQ page for more information. Twenty-percent of the profits are donated to Children’s Hospital.

A Seattle Fire Department crew had the street taped off to traffic, as the downed tree is resting on power lines.

Al and Jenny, who live in the house you can sort of see in this picture, said everyone is OK. Al said they heard “a crack and a crash. I thought it was lightning.”

They obviously weren’t too happy about the situation, but “as long as no one was hurt. That’s the important thing,” Al said.

A KING news crew arrived just as I was leaving and they might have better pictures since their camera has a light on it.

Thanks, Silver, for the tip!

Update 8:45 a.m.: Here’s what the two houses look like this morning.

Crews were busy cutting up the tree on the house on the right.

We just happened to be driving by when it was happening. Officers didn’t have their guns out, but several had hands on their holsters. I snapped a quick picture, but didn’t want to get too close.

A friend who just drove by says it appears that it’s over and that police have cleared the scene.

The first floor was packed as a very long line of people waited outside to get in.

And the upstairs was also jammed as people moved from room to room, trying out the 30-some craft brews.

The musicians were fantastic, but I neglected to get the band’s name. If anyone knows, please put a note in comments.

First place winner, as voted on by attendees, went to Two Beers Jive Espresso Stout. Second place was Naked City Hoptari. And third place was Georgetown Superchopp.

Since the park opened in the spring of 2005, there have been concerns about the slick, sloping edge. The edge was designed to keep sand from migrating out of the sandbox, but it quickly became apparent that it was not safe. (Disclosure: I was on the neighborhood design team which hired and worked with the park’s designers.)

GGLO Landscape Architect Marieke Lacasse, one of the original designers, redesigned the sandbox edge with a flat edge and bench all the way around. Work started the middle of last week and will take about 10 days.

According to the statement of probable cause (.pdf), Swalwell “was captured on surveillance video at 8516 Greenwood Ave. N at the time of a fire being set to the rear of the restaurant there that was determined to be arson. Suspect admitted to detectives, after Miranda waiver, that he was solely responsible for setting the fire, along with several other arson fires in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle.” Investigators also say Swalwell’s palm prints were found on a container of lighter fluid left behind at the scene of the August 13th fire at a home on NW 84th St. that seriously injured a man.

Swalwell has two prior felony convictions for arson — the first back in 1983. He’ll be formally charged next week.

(Photo: Washington Department of Corrections)

“It’s crazy, it’s absolutely crazy,” Green Bean Manager Summer Mohrlang said of the turnout, as five people worked frantically behind the counter, filling coffee mugs and making breakfast sandwiches. Customers were generously packing the tip jar.

Green Bean even hung their old sign - virtually undamaged from the fire - outside.

There was a continuous long line of customers for the two hours we were there. Most everyone brought their own mug for their morning coffee, then left it for the Green Bean to restock their mug collection.

KIRO, KING and KOMO news crews were on hand as the administrators of the Greenwood Fire Relief Fund presented checks of $1,000 each to two of the four businesses destroyed in the Oct. 23 fire (the other two businesses couldn’t make it and will receive their checks later).

Below is Phung Hoang, one of the owners of Szechuan Bistro, on the right, next to Summer Mohrlang, manager of the Green Bean. Presenting the checks are Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce President Steve Giliberto, and Cindy Potter of GAIN (Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors).

Neighbors and business have donated more than $5,000 to the Greenwood Fire Relief Fund, and the fund is still accepting donations. The Fund’s administrators plan to make another disbursement to the affected businesses in mid-December and another in late January.

“It’s just really good to see the tenants know that they were cared about,” Taproot Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director Scott Nolte told me after the check presentation. “The fact that the community is giving back - not enough to rebuild - but enough to say ‘We care about you. You are vital members of the community.’ Between this and hopefully the capture of the right guy yesterday, hopefully this is the end of a sad process.”

Taproot owned the Eleanor Roosevelt Building where the four destroyed businesses were located, and Taproot sustained major smoke and water damage. Nolte said the Eleanor Roosevelt Building will be demolished early next week. A wooden safety wall will be painted by local muralists before being erected in front of the site.

Hoang said her family owned Szechuan Bistro since late 2002. They did not have insurance, so while the $1,000 check they received today will help, they have a long way to go before being able to open in a new location, hopefully in Greenwood.

“Thanks for the Greenwood neighborhood,” Hoang said. “For right now it helps a lot because I have a lot of final bills.”

I stopped by this morning and talked to the building owner, Bill Lipscomb, who tells me the new tenant is Cassie’s Coffee and Stuff. He expects renovations to take at least a couple of months.

Thanks, Meow8737, for the tip!

Swalwell has a court appearance scheduled for Saturday afternoon.

Despite today’s arrest, GAIN (Greenwood Aurora Involved Neighbors) is going ahead with its organized community walk scheduled for tonight, starting at 7:30pm from the Greenwood Fire Station at 73rd and Greenwood. King 5 has confirmed they will be there, as well as a Battalion Fire Chief and a Police Sergeant. The event is a chance for us to gather as a neighborhood, to show our strength and to continue to be the “eyes and ears” of the community. I hope to see some of you there! We expect the walk to be about an hour.

The Green Bean, one of the businesses destroyed in that fire, is temporarily taking over Sip & Ship’s coffee operations. Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, they’re having a “mugging,” where customers can bring their own mug to enjoy a cup of coffee, then leave the cup behind to replenish Green Bean’s mismatched mug collection.

The other three businesses destroyed in that fire are C.C. Teriyaki, Szechuan Bistro and Pho Tic Tac.

Steve Giliberto, president of the Greenwod-Phinney Chamber of Commerce, said the Greenwood Fire Relief Fund at Chase Bank currently has about $4,700, and is still accepting donations.

• Green Lake Elementary Book Fair at Santoro’s Books, 4-8 p.m. tonight. Santoro’s is donating 20 percent of all sales tonight to benefit Green Lake Elementary School. Teachers from the school will be reading from their favorite books and refreshments will be provided.
• The monthly Greenwood-Phinney artwalk is tonight from 6-9 p.m. And it’s the debut of the 2nd annual Snowmen on Parade. You can bid on these creative snowmen and take one home at the Dec. 11 artwalk.
• The Green Bean Coffeehouse, which was destroyed in the Oct. 23 arson, is coming back to life Saturday morning inside the Greenwood Sip & Ship. Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, drop by for a “mugging.” Bring your own coffee mug, fill it up with their coffee, then leave it to help replenish their supply of mismatched mugs.
• The PNA Beer Taste is 7-10 p.m. Saturday. 10 tastes from more than 30 local craft brewers (or unlimited soda for designated drivers), noshies, music, and a general good time to be had by all.
• Ali Marcus, Trina Willard and Michael Connolly perform folk music “in the round” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Empty Sea Studios. “You can expect lots of 2 and 3-part harmonizing, singing strings, Michael’s homemade harp making an appearance, and Trina and Ali both sharing a number of their original songs.” And solo guitarist Goh Kurosawa performs at 7:30 p.m. Sunday night.
• Wayward Coffeehouse presents the Pacific Northwest Folklore Society’s “Watch the Sky” - Irish/Celtic pub songs and ballads - from 8-10 p.m. tonight. No cover. And on Saturday it’s Pint & Dale performing “musical disasters at sea” from 8-10 p.m.

I’m posting live updates below.

1:40 p.m.: Seattle Police Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer: “This will be a real unusual press conference in that there’s not a whole lot we can tell you.” They don’t want to jeopardize the successful prosecution of the suspect.

“This crime spree has struck such fear in the hearts of decent citizens in this city and in the Greenwood neighborhood.”

Seattle Fire Department Asst. Chief. A.D. Vickery: “We can’t thank the Greenwood community enough for their active involvement and participation.”

Asst. Chief A.D. Vickery: The last six Seattle firefighters killed in the line of duty were killed by an arsonist. “That’s why this is a personal matter for us in the fire service and why we understand the fear in our community.”

Asst. Chief A.D. Vickery: “We’re exceptionally happy that there has been a break in this case. And I want to reiterate that break is because of citizen involvement, it’s because of your police and fire departments and federal agencies.”

Arson patrols will continue while investigation is active. There is a sense of relief, but don’t let your guard down.

Kelvin Crenshaw of ATF: “Every time he strikes that match it leaves human lives hanging in the balance.”

Crenshaw says there have been 68 arsons in the Greenwood area in last two years; 17 in last two months. But they can’t say yet how many of those Swalwell is responsible for. “Hopefully we’ve reached the end of the road in arson fires in the Greenwood area.”

Seattle Police Department Asst. Chief Paul McDonagh: “This case is active and ongoing.”

Early this morning, members of the Greenwood Arson Task Force were enroute to the Shoreline fire when they saw a person of interest. They radioed that to Seattle Police, who detained the man for questioning. “This person has been seen in the vicinity of three other set fires.”

During questioning at police headquarters, he provided information that led detectives to believe he was involved in the Greenwood arsons.

Kevin Todd Swalwell, 46, was subsequently booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of arson.

A second person of interest was detained late this morning, identified, questioned and then released.

“The detectives believe that Swalwell is responsible for some if not all of the Greenwood arsons.”

“These conclusions are based on eyewitness testimony, forensic evidence, and information from the subject.”

Seattle Police working with King County Prosecutors Office to file charges as soon as possible. SPD is asking for more information to be called into the arson tipline - 1-800-55-ARSON. “The tipline was a factor in identifying the person of interest.”

“Our patrols will continue to ensure the community’s safety.”

“We have no reason to believe at this point that there will be a copycat.”

Police say they don’t have any idea of a motive yet, and they can’t release any more information because they don’t want to jeopardize the investigation.

Asst. Chief A.D. Vickery reminds everyone that whether a fire is intentionally set or accidental, the results can be the same. Make sure you have a working smoke detector, clean up any debris near your home or business, have an escape plan. “These are all very practical things that you and I and our community…can do every day to protect ourselves from fire.”

Update 11:20 a.m.: The Seattle Times is reporting the suspect arrested early this morning in connection with the string of Greenwood arsons is Kevin Todd Swalwell, and a second person of interest was arrested about 11 a.m. today. According to the King County Jail Register, Swalwell, age 46, was booked this morning on investigation of arson. The Times reports Swalwell has an extensive criminal history, including two felony arson convictions.

A 1995 Seattle Times story details Swalwell’s 1995 arson arrest. (Thanks, Vince, for the tip to that link!)

See story of this morning’s Shoreline arson, where Swalwell was arrested, below.

Bill Clements, owner of Rosewood Guitar at 8402 Greenwood Ave. N., which was burned on Nov.5, said this morning of the arrest, “I think it’s good news for the community, that hopefully this will come to an end. It’s too bad that another fire had to happen. Hopefully we’ll be able to put this behind us.”

Rosewood had originally hoped to reopen on Nov. 20, but Clements said that is unlikely. “The more we get into it, the more there is to do. We’re probably three to four weeks out now. The restoration company is the same company that’s working on the Taproot Theatre, and they’re working as hard as they can.”

Clements said Cobblestone Furniture next door has set aside space for Rosewood’s teachers to continue teaching guitar lessons. “Their generosity has really been appreciated and helped keep our teachers in business,” he said.

Clements said he hopes this morning’s arrest puts an end to the feeling of fear and tension in the neighborhood.

“You see people walking and you look at their face… and you can tell people are really edgy. I’m really anxious for this to go away, for people to enjoy Greenwood again and relax,” Clements said. “It’s not just me, it’s everybody.”

Scott Nolte, producing artistic director of Taproot Theatre at 204 N. 85th St., which was heavily damaged in the Oct. 23 arson that destroyed four neighboring businesses, had just heard the news from a relative when I called him this morning.

“It would sure be nice if this puts a stop to it all,” Nolte said. “I hope it puts an end to it all. It would certainly let people start sleeping, and let the business people put it aside and concentrate on letting the neighborhood get rebuilt, instead of nightly patrols.”

Dr. Randy L. Rowland of Sanctuary Church, which owned the Green Bean Coffeehouse, which was destroyed Oct. 23, was having coffee at the Greenwood Sip & Ship (which is letting Green Bean take over their coffee operations temporarily) when I called him this morning. “If indeed the person of interest turns out to be the person who started the fire, there are a whole lot of people here who will rest a whole lot better at night,” Rowland said. “Clearly this is a person who has significant difficulties. There’s miles to go on this. We don’t know if this is the guy. It may take through the weekend.”

Steve Giliberto, president of the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce, said he was “cautiously optimistic” about the arrest.

“I say cautiously because I don’t believe we should pull our eye off the ball and become complacent with this, because until someone’s arrested officially and charged, we need to stay the course. It’s not time to let our guard down yet,” Giliberto said. “If we don’t learn as a neighborhood, or any neighborhood didn’t learn from an experience like this, that all of the commen sense things … that all the police and fire officials have urged us to stay focused on every day of every week of every month of the year, then we really haven’t learned our lesson and we leave ourselves open to be victimized again.”

Seattle Police says a person of interest is in custody connected to the string of Greenwood arsons. A police spokesperson tells PhinneyWood that investigators discovered him in the vicinity of a large fire in an abandoned warehouse in Shoreline overnight. KIRO 7 is reporting that fire has now been determined to be arson. KING 5 has video of the arrest, which took place at 158th and Aurora, 12 blocks away from the fire in Shoreline:

SPD says it’s unclear if he’s connected to the Shoreline fire, but they have information to believe he may be connected to one or more of the Greenwood fires. He’s currently being questioned. The SPD spokesperson declined to say whether the man was being followed by investigators.

Firefighters rush down their ladder as flames quickly approach it during the early morning fire which destroyed N.W. Discount World near Aurora Avenue North and North 170th Street in Shoreline. (Photo by Cliff Despeaux, courtesy of the Seattle Times. More photos of the Shoreline fire here.) A Shoreline fire spokesperson called it “the biggest fire in recent memory.” There were no injuries, and fire investigators have yet to determine a cause. Aurora Avenue is closed at the fire scene. The Times has more coverage on the Shoreline blaze.

“It would sure be nice if this puts a stop to it all,” Taproot’s Producing Artistic Director Scott Nolte said moments after hearing the news. “I hope it puts an end to it all. It would certainly let people start sleeping, and let the business people put it aside and concentrate on letting the neighborhood get rebuilt, instead of nightly patrols.” Taproot Theatre was heavily damaged in the October 23rd fire that completely destroyed four other businesses in Central Greenwood.

There are 14 unsolved arsons to date, the vast majority in the Greenwood neighborhood area. You can see the fires plotted on a map here.

See also: Greenwood businesses react to arson arrest

They think it’s likely a “white male in his late teens or early 20s who may be motivated by a mixture of excitement, vanity and revenge” who has probably set a lot more fires than the ones attributed to him so far.

The story helps answer some of the questions people have posed in previous stories about what kind of person might be responsible. The experts also suggest the August-October gap between fires may be because the arsonist was in jail on some other charge at the time. 

On the heels of that story is a report of a warehouse fire in Shoreline this morning that may be arson too.