Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: How a Seattle tutor’s case led to a maximum sentence

Make time for Short-Term Rental (STR) Updates & 2026 World Cup Hosting Opportunities Webinar on the Seattle Patch calendar

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Tuesday December 9th Patch AM
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Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

November Photo of the Month Winner: Lorra R. from Lincolnshire, IL

"Autumn buffet for many!" Photo: Lorra R. in the Lincolnshire, IL Patch AM

Find out what's happening in Seattlefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

🎉 Congratulations to Lorra R. from Lincolnshire, Illinois, whose photo of a resourceful chipmunk stocking up for winter was selected for November's Patch AM photo of the month! We had amazing submissions, and hard as it was, we had to choose, and the chipmunk won for being seasonally appropriate. We look forward to seeing December's photos as the weather rolls in!

To send in your pic for Seattle photo of the day, click here. And of course, a big thank you to everyone who submitted photos! 💚 You make Seattle Patch AM a livelier place.

In today's newsletter:

  • How a Seattle tutor’s case led to a maximum sentence
  • How can West Seattle families shape $1.2 billion in levy spending?
  • What will happen to these aging ferries clogging Eagle Harbor?

Also on today's calendar: Short-Term Rental (STR) Updates & 2026 World Cup Hosting Opportunities Webinar and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the red wire say when the white wire asked it to come out and play? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

  • Tuesday: Cloudy, afternoon rain, with a high of 54 and low of 49 degrees.
  • Wednesday: Downpours; windy in the a.m., temps: high: 58, low: 52.
  • Thursday: Cloudy with a little rain, with a high of 55 and low of 49 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Seattle tutor sentenced to nearly 9 years for child rape, having digitally-altered images of student (kiro7.com) — A Seattle-based tutor has been sentenced to at least 102 months in prison for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old student and possessing digitally altered explicit images of students, after an investigation led by Seattle Police. King County prosecutors secured the maximum sentence, with lifetime supervision and sex offender registration, and officials praised the work of Seattle’s Special Assault Unit while the victim’s family described ongoing trauma and loss of trust in school safety.
   

2. 80% of voters approved it. Now, how to spend it? West Seattle conversation Thursday (westseattleblog.com) — Seattle families are invited to weigh in this Thursday on how the newly renewed $1.2 billion Families, Education, Preschool, Promise levy should be invested in child care and education. A community conversation at Denny International Middle School in West Seattle will offer an overview, free dinner, interpretation, and kids’ activities while gathering your input on priorities.
   

3. Washington State Ferries seeks new owners for aging fleet castoffs (fox13seattle.com) — Washington State Ferries is trying to clear two decommissioned vessels from Bainbridge Island’s Eagle Harbor so the busy repair yard can focus on keeping the aging fleet running. The story, reported by FOX 13 Seattle, highlights the steep costs of restoring or recycling these ferries and notes growing regional interest, including potential new recycling options and local nostalgia for boats that once served Seattle routes.
   

4. Seattle senator introduces bill to ban face-concealing masks for ICE agents, police (komonews.com) — A Seattle-based state senator is pushing a bill to ban most face-concealing masks for police and ICE agents across Washington, arguing residents deserve to know who is stopping them. The proposal keeps medical and safety gear allowed, carves out exceptions for undercover and SWAT work, and would let people sue if officers hide their identities in violation of the law.
   

5. Top Cities Where Your First Job Pays More Than Average (97rockonline.com) — If you’re starting your career in Seattle, data from 2020–2025 suggests your early-career wages tend to run about 5% above the national average. While the job market is described as soft, the city still ranks among the highest-earning metros for young workers, making Seattle an appealing launchpad for new graduates who can land that first role.
   

📸 Around Seattle

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Comcast Celebrates Small Business Owners in King County at MOHAI Event —Andy Colley Read on Patch
  • Does anyone know Gloria Chavez?
    I found a bag of her medications in front of my house this morning. I refrigerated them. Please ask her to call or text me at 206-708-4266. She'll… (Nextdoor West Woodland)
  • Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
    Quigley was LOST on December 6, 2025 in Seattle, WA 98102 near 10th Ave E & E Thomas Ave SW, Capitol Hill, WA Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest… (Nextdoor Eastlake)
  • Seattle Staffing posted a job opening for Travel RRT job in Seattle, WA - Make $1823 - $2053/week (Job #3058565) in Seattle. Apply here.
  • Molly Maid posted a job opening for House Cleaner in Seattle. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Seattle here.

Ok Seattle! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I can't. I'm grounded.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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