A young driver lost control of the car he was driving Dec. 27, hit a parked car, which then caromed down Othello Street and into the front wall of the Cat's Eye Cafe. The cafe had to close until the damaged building can be repaired.

Seattle Police cited a 16-year-old male driver for second-degree negligent driving. The Hazel Valley boy, who drove a 1994 Acura Legend, also was cited for having passengers in his car younger than 20. He holds an intermediate driver's license, which disallows drivers from having young passengers. A 15-year-old boy from the Charlestown neighborhood and a 17-year-old Fauntleroy boy were in the car when the accident occurred.

The boys were westbound downhill on Othello Street at 30 to 35 mph when their car hit a 2002 Ford Focus parked on the south side of the street. The collision stopped the Acura but launched the Ford backward down Othello Street, across Fauntleroy Way and into the front wall of the cafe, located on Bainbridge Place Southwest.

The driver first told investigating officers he'd been alone in the car. But police picked up one passenger and Seattle Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to treat another passenger, whose nose was broken in the collision.

Cafe owner Penny Ratliff said contractors inspected the damage and told her it will take three to four weeks to repair the cafe. The contractor will seek building permits from the city to get construction started as soon as possible.

"The contractor said the whole front wall, the windows and maybe part of the roof have to be replaced," Ratliff said.

The damage could have been worse if a heavy outdoor bench hadn't absorbed much of the force of the impact, she said.

A bank account has been opened to help the Cat's Eye during this period of closure. If you'd like to help this West Seattle landmark send your check to Cat's Eye Help in c/o West Seattle Herald 2604 California Ave. S.W. Seattle WA 98126

Tim St. Clair can be reached at tstclair@westseattleherald.com or 932-0300.