HULING BOWL 2025: West Seattle HS takes back the trophy

WSHS senior Breck Estep (#4) shows off the Huling Brothers trophy to the student section.

Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog

In the annual football battle between the area’s two largest high schools, the 2025 Huling Bowl was claimed by West Seattle High School as the Wildcats triumphed over the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks by a score of 17-10, in a hard-fought game in front of packed house Friday night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.

The Wildcats are reclaiming the trophy this year after the Seahawks had prevailed in their 2024 rivalry game last season. For this season, coach Anthony Stordahl’s Wildcats move to 2-0 after the win, while Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks were dealt their first loss to fall to 2-1.

Both schools’ crowds and their bands and cheer squads were out in full force at NCSWAC on Friday, including many of the WSHS students decked out in neon:

The energy was high as teams took the field:

Sealth senior Kingston Cappiello (#2) celebrates after making a stop in the first quarter:

WSHS junior Justice Nguyen (#1) grabbed a key interception on a deep pass:

Senior Breck Estep (#4) caught a pass to set the Wildcats up for their first touchdown:

This was followed by a WSHS touchdown pass from junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12) to senior LJ Moody (#3) with 6:46 left in the quarter. After a successful extra point kick, the Wildcats were on top 7-0.

Sealth answered with a drive of their own, featuring plenty of work by senior QB MJ Filitaula (#12):

As well as junior Xander Gomez (#23), running down the field after catching a pass:

And senior Jessie Gilmore II gaining yards on the ground:

The Sealth drive was capped by a Filitaula TD run with 2:10 left in the first quarter:

…and the successful extra-point kick tied the game at 7-7, which was also the score as the 2nd quarter got underway.

West Seattle reclaimed the lead in the 2nd quarter on a TD run by senior Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43), to go ahead 14-7 after the extra-point kick. The Wildcats added a field goal by senior Jonah Pelander (#7) to extend their lead to 17-7, and then Sealth answered with their own long field goal courtesy of senior Ogi Petronijvec (#1) as time expired in the first half, with West Seattle on top 17-10.

Parkinson moved the Wildcats down the field through the air:

…and on the ground:

Moody, taking a handoff from Parkinson:

Sealth senior Shane Tino (#52) celebrates a tackle in the 2nd quarter by revealing a shirt in honor his late mother Liz (one of many matching shirts at the game, worn by the family):

Pelander kicks an extra point:

During halftime, both schools’ bands entertained, including drummers from WSHS:

…and Sealth:

Also at halftime, special guest Councilmember Rob Saka took the field with athletic directors Ernest Policarpio of CSIHS and Corey Sorenson of WSHS, as a “proclamation” was read by the PA announcer to commemorate the Huling Bowl and the participating schools.

In the 3rd quarter, the teams traded possessions until Sealth moved deep into Wildcat territory and scored an apparent touchdown, which the officiating crew waved off due to a penalty. This was followed by another penalty and ultimately a failed pass attempt into the end zone on 4th down, which meant the Seahawks came up empty and the Wildcats took over on downs.

The score remained 17-10 as the 3rd quarter ended, and in the final quarter the teams went back and forth (including a key Sealth fumble and WSHS recovery):

…with no points scored by either team in the fourth quarter (or in the entire 2nd half), the game ended with a 17-10 West Seattle win.

After the game, the Wildcats and their fans celebrated on the field with the Huling Brothers trophy. Here’s councilmember Saka with the winning squad:

The coveted trophy:

Both teams play on the road next week: Sealth on Thursday 9/25 at Ingraham at 7pm, and West Seattle on Friday 9/26 at Lincoln HS at 7pm.

CONTINUING SATURDAY: Holy Rosary School’s 2025 WestFest

Hair Force was the band onstage when we stopped by for a quick look at Holy Rosary School‘s “carnival of community” WestFest tonight. It’s closed now for the night but tomorrow’s the big day, 10 am to 10 pm, and the weather looks promising for kids to enjoy rides and bouncy toys:

Inside the school, you can play bingo …

… or shop the book sale.

Back outside, the lineup of food includes wings, Caesar salad, popcorn, cotton candy, burgers, hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese, brats, and pizza. All the outdoor activities are on the playground on the north side of the Holy Rosary campus, 42nd/Dakota.

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Wine Walk night fills The Junction’s glass

The Junction is extra-busy tonight – fall Wine Walk night! We visited the spots where two WSB sponsors are pouring:

Heather Pilder Olson and Kathy Billington from Welcome Road Winery (3804 California SW) are pouring at Cherry Consignment. Their options tonight include their 2022 L’Oiseau, which won double gold at the Washington Wine Awards, their new release 2023 Claire (100% Malbec), and their new vintage 2024 Rosé. If you didn’t catch up with them tonight, their shop is open 3-7 tomorrow.

Nearby, at Hotwire Coffee, also on the north edge of The Junction:

Ben Viscon from Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW) is pouring in the cozy courtyard. He’s offering “The Inception Sauvignon Blanc, “Undone” Rosé, and “Heart Box Red” Merlot. And you can catch up with him tomorrow too, 1-6 pm.

Wine Walk is a fundraiser for the West Seattle Junction Association, which presents a full slate of events as well as managing services for Junction merchants; more than 30 winery-merchant pairings are part of it tonight. Next big event of the season is the Harvest Festival on October 26, with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and more.

REZONING: Here’s why the Alki Neighborhood Center idea might be back next year

As reported here Thursday, the City Council said “no” to a proposal to add eight more Neighborhood Centers – designated hubs of residential and business growth – to the updated Comprehensive Plan. But we also noted that the one West Seattle possibility on the list, Alki, might come back for consideration again. And a vote taken by the council late this afternoon paves the way for that possibility:

A resolution spelling out Comprehensive Plan changes that might be considered next year included, Resolution 32183, included a call for studying those eight potential Neighborhood Centers that won’t be in this year’s changes. District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka tried to get Alki crossed off that list, saying that the area just doesn’t meet the criteria for being a Neighborhood Center, in the absence of good transit, medical facilities, a grocery store, and due to geographic isolation and environmental risk. He also accused those who favored the ideas of being YITBYs – “yes in THEIR back yard.” Despite his intense imploring, his Amendment 1 to remove Alki failed – four councilmembers for (Saka, Kettle, Nelson, Rivera), four against (Hollingsworth, Juarez, Rinck, Strauss), one abstaining (Solomon). This doesn’t necessarily mean Alki, and/or any of the other seven (which are outside WS), will be proposed again as a Neighborhood Center, but it keeps the possibility alive. The Comprehensive Plan update that the council’s been voting on contains seven Neighborhood Centers in West Seattle, as we first reported when it was unveiled eleven months ago. Alki was one of three WS Neighborhood Centers considered but not proposed, the city explained at the time (the other two were Highland Park and “Sylvan Junction,” near Delridge’s Home Depot store).

From White Center Now: One night on the Rat City Art Walk

As mentioned in our previous story, this weekend will bring a celebration of artists and their work during the West Seattle Art Tour. Every month brings a smaller opportunity to see local creativity during the West Seattle Art Walk, on second Thursdays. You might not know there’s also a monthly art walk in White Center – the Rat City Art and Food Walk, on third Thursdays. We explored it last night for partner site White Center Now, and you can see the story and photos here.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: West Seattle Art Tour, double the days this year (free!)

This is the first year the West Seattle Art Tour has expanded to two days, so you’ve got lots of time this weekend to go meet local artists and see their work in creative spaces around the peninsula. Here’s one last reminder from organizers of this year’s Art Tour:

West Seattle Art Tour is this Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, from 10 am to 5 pm!

Visit 14 artist-hosted locations across West Seattle on this free, self-guided tour that showcases a unique array of art created by exceptional West Seattle artists in the spaces where artists create, live, teach and work. Each host artist has opened their space to guest artists who live, work, teach or contribute to West Seattle’s vibrant art community. This year the Tour has expanded to a two-day event, with sites open 10-5 on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.

This year’s tour information includes a printable map, an interactive online map and artist profiles to help guests customize their own adventure across the West Seattle Peninsula. Tour stops are organized in a loop, starting with Daniel Bernunzio’s Highland Park studio at Stop No. 1 and finishing with Lea Basile-Lazarus’s Admiral studio at Stop No. 14.

Not sure where to start planning your Tour? Head over to the West Seattle Art Tour website, where you can explore using the online map, print off a paper copy of the map, view a virtual gallery and artist directory, and even check mobility access for sites.

Past tour guests recommend previewing the tour stops and planning your route with a paper map ahead of time, then using the online map to navigate across West Seattle. You’ll be ready to head out to discover new work, meet the artists, and enjoy a weekend full of art! Printed maps will also be available at each site, and can be picked up in advance at Alki Arts Gallery, Viscon Cellars, and WEND Jewelry.

The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk as well as in-kind sponsorship from West Seattle Blog, Viscon Cellars, and Alki Arts.

From ranger stats to rezoning to boat-ramp hours to fall fun, here’s what we learned at September’s Alki Community Council

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“It’s been a busy month so far,” observed Alki Community Council president Charlotte Starck at the start of last night’s meeting. That was no exaggeration, given the major topics the meeting spanned in the course of just an hour and a half. They included:

REZONING VOTE: Starck mentioned the results of the Comprehensive Plan amendment votes hours earlier, including the rejection of citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck‘s Amendment 34 proposal to add an area of Alki to be designated as a Neighborhood Center. She had circulated word of the proposal, made in an amendment just a month ago, and said she and the ACC weren’t advocating for or against it, just saying that there wasn’t enough notification about it compared to the many months of lead time for other proposed Neighborhood Centers. One attendee was concerned about how they’ll get word if the Alki Neighborhood Center idea is revived again in the future. (And in fact, Starck tells WSB today that an expected proposal at the council’s 2 pm meeting today would call for spending a year studying Alki and the other seven potential Neighborhood Centers that were in Amendment 34 – see page 6 here.)

PARKS UPDATE INCLUDING BOAT RAMP CHANGE: Jon Jainga from Seattle Parks, who’s in charge of Park Rangers among other things, presented department updates from what was dubbed the “Summer of Safety” plan. He said one big lesson learned involved city-operated boat ramps including West Seattle’s Don Armeni Boat Ramp – they were going to go back to 24-hour operation but now the gates will be closed at Don Armeni and Golden Gardens at 11:30 pm until further notice. Private security will close the gates and a ranger will be on until 12:30 am to check on them, until Park Rangers’ shifts will move up to a 10:30 pm end. Jainga noted, though, that he still has 19 rangers for the entire city.

Stats included that rangers have visited Alki 168 times, performed 142 customer-service acts, educated people aboard littering and drinking, and that off-leash dogs have been an ongoing problem. “We’re not police officers, we’re more of a park ambassador,” aimed at getting voluntary compliance. But if they have to escalate, they can cite – and/or call police for no-trespassing orders.

At Alki, he said, rangers gave 2,075 liquor violence warnings, 515+ offleash animal warnings, 600+ for urinating in public, 220 for smoking, 110 for unpermitted vendors on park property (they’re working to get right to enforce on sidewalk), 104 for litter, 2 for vehicles parked in unauthorized times, 666 for fires in unpermitted areas, 45 911 calls for police assistance, 18 calls to SFD for help, 6 people referred to the Unified Care Team. Jainga said they’re still analyzing everything, because it was a first summer for many things – but he said the ongoing concerns are the same at other major city parks.

SEATTLE POLICE: Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair (photo above) and Officer German Barreto were there, as were Community Service Officers Jamie and Helene, as was Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown, who will add the Southwest Precinct to his South Precinct duties when SW CPC Jennifer Satterwhite goes on maternity leave next month.

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Parking complaint? Starting today, don’t use Find It Fix It

(WSB file photo)

Earlier this week, a WSB reader reported getting a message on Find It Fix It saying that the app can no longer be used for reporting parking complaints – those have to be called in. We’ve been trying for a few days to get more information from SPD, since Parking Enforcement is part of the department. While waiting, we’ve just received the memo sent to various groups around the city by the Parking Enforcement manager (CSR would stand for the city’s Customer Service Requests):

As of about mid-day 9/19 (sorry, that is the timeframe the CSR team gave me):

Parking Enforcement will no longer be doing customer service requests (CSR) for parking complaints via Find it Fix it (Abandoned vehicle CSR will remain via Find it fix it).

The intention is to improve safety, reduce response times, and eliminate the calls that are no longer relevant.

All calls requiring a Parking Enforcement response except abandoned vehicles should be referred to the care non-emergency line (206) 625-5011 #8.

They will then dispatch us to the call.

Abandoned Vehicles can still be reported to Find it Fix it as that process remains unchanged.

Clayton Harrington #9735
Parking Enforcement Manager

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Two ways to help the environment Saturday – Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy, Coastal Cleanup on Alki

Two more quick weekend previews – both for events happening tomorrow (Saturday, September 20):

FAUNTLEROY CHURCH RECYCLE ROUNDUP: Those are the first big collection containers to arrive from 1 Green Planet (DTG is its parent company) for tomorrow’s Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). 9 am-3 pm Saturday, ride up, walk up, drive up with items on this list for free dropoff. Organizers just have one request: Don’t wait till the last hour if you can possibly get there sooner!

ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, volunteers will spend two hours cleaning up Alki – details here. To help, show up at Alki Bathhouse at 10 am Saturday.

WestFest, Wine Walk, outdoor movie, Huling Bowl football faceoff, more for your West Seattle Friday

(Lookout, public art at Joint Training Facility in SE West Seattle)

Here are Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor playtime for little ones is back, 10 am-11:30 am Fridays at Arbor Heights Community Church. (4113 SW 102nd)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

ANTIQUE MALL OF WEST SEATTLE SALE: First of four days, 11 am-7 pm (4516 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.

QI-GONG: 12:30-1 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, one more round of discussing/voting on measures related to the Comprehensive Plan. Here’s the agenda. (Watch live here.

DOG SWIM TIME AT ARBOR HEIGHTS POOL: The annual “Dog Days of Summer” returned this week! Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) opens its pool for dogs-only swimming, right before it’s closed offseason cleaning. 4-7 pm today plus noon-5 pm on Saturday. $5/session per dog. (Here’s our story from day 1.)

OUTDOOR MOVIE AND FREE ROCK CLIMBING: Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is showing “Jumanji tonight, around 7:30 pm after free rock climbing 5-7 pm.

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle: “We have wines for picnics, cookouts, hikes, camping, boating, and even just hanging out on the deck.”

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION WINE WALK: 5-9 pm. Online ticket sales are closed but some tickets remain available if you show up at one of the check-in spots at 5 – details on the Junction Association‘s website.

HOLY ROSARY WESTFEST: 6-10 pm at the school, the festival begins! Music, games, food, more. See the schedule in our calendar listing. (42nd/Genesee/Dakota)

COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Midnight Mystery Theater brings radio-style comedy to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 7 pm tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle High School, in the annual crpsstown-counterparts match known as the Huling Bowl.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Johnny and the Moles, Fonkey Blues Time Machine, Contraband Contraband, doors 7, show 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe tonight! (4547 California SW)

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live bands – tonight, Storm Boy, Dead Streets9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

ORCAS: J-Pod in view from West Seattle again

8:25 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are back in the area this morning. Kersti Muul says it’s J-Pod again and that they are coming into view off Constellation Park, southbound. She also says one of them has a new calf.

8:36 AM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says she’ll be at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (across from Me-Kwa-Mooks) again this morning with binoculars to share.

8:42 AM: Kersti says the new calf is in view off Emma Schmitz/Me-Kwa-Mooks “with the J 16s” (family group).

9:26 AM: See comments for updates (and photos!). They’ll eventually head back north, and if we hear about that in the hours ahead, we’ll update this story.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: ‘Nerdlesque’ at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center

Before we get to today’s highlight list, it’s time to start rolling out the weekend previews. We’re fairly sure “Nerdlesque Rises” is the liveliest entertainment experience on this weekend’s lineup. From pirates to … politics? … it’s a one-of-a-kind show set to take over the main theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center this Saturday. Here’s the preview with some bonus info from producer/performer Scarlett O’Hairdye, who is a West Seattleite too:

Nerdlesque Rises!
A nearly nude nerd revue!

That’s right! Just like Godzilla rising from the deep, Unnatural Redhead Productions rises from a five-year slumber to bring its particular brand of nerdlesque back to Seattle! Join us this September at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle for an evening of nearly nude nerds celebrating their favorite fandoms and yours. ’80s cartoons! Gay pirates! Star Trek! A fully ADA-accessible theater! FREE PARKING! This show has it all!

You’ll get to see fandom faves live on stage from a diverse group of world-class burlesque performers, all in a beautiful theater with raked seating and great sightlines! Our cast will take you from the future of Star Trek to the swashbuckling seas of Our Flag Means Death, from the original ’80s She-Ra to cult classic Jean-Paul Gautier costumed The Fifth Element. It’s going to be fun! It’s going to be funny! It’s going to feature a live on-stage interview with mayoral candidate Katie Wilson! It’s going to be in your neighborhood!

Featuring burlesque performances by:

Scarlett O’Hairdye
Sin de la Rosa
Alexa Perplexa
Mx. Pucks A’Plenty
Ramona Rhapsody

Hosted by the incomparable Rebecca Mmm Davis!

Saturday, September 20th, 2025
$30 GA | $40 VIP | Season Tickets $100
18+
Doors 7 pm | Show 7:30 pm

The Thelma Dewitty Theater in the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW)0

Scarlett also told us, when we asked some bonus questions:

West Seattle used to host a monthly burlesque revue at the Skylark, and we have some occasional one-off shows here and there (as well as the Kenyon Hall Drag Cabaret), but there hasn’t been a regular burlesque show in this neighborhood in years. Unnatural Redhead Productions and the Stay Up Late Show are pumped to bring this art to the neighborhood, and I’m pumped to be a ten-minute drive from the venue so I can go to bed as soon as possible after the show! I’ve lived here for the last fourteen years! West Seattle is my home, and I love the art and music scene we’ve cultivated on our little peninsula.

My goal is to make the season a celebration of our neighborhood and local businesses. For NERDLESQUE RISES! we’ve teamed up with Ounces Taproom and the Revelry Room for pre and post-show drinks – the Thelma Dewitty Theatre doesn’t have a built in bar, which means we can produce an 18+ show instead of 21+, but if people want an adult beverage before they show they can show their ticket receipt at Ounces for 20% off their order, and after the show at the Revelry Room for a special custom cocktail.

Tickets for the Saturday night Nerdlesque show are available here.

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER , TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Friday + weekend info

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 19, 2025 – going into the final weekend of summer; fall starts Monday morning.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny and in the low 70s today. Sunrise will be at 6:52 am; sunset, at 7:12 pm.

(Thursday’s smoky sunset, photographed by Aaron Brethorst)

WEEKEND PREVIEWS

-The Orca Half runs both days this weekend. No road closures, but be watchful for runners.

-Sunday morning brings the West Seattle IndivisiblePeace for All” gathering on Harbor Avenue’s Pier 1 property, so the blocks of Harbor south/east of Salty’s may be busier than usual.

ROAD WORK

59th SW in Alki is closed for a month by the school-construction zone.

-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.

Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Issaquah, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where. Note that the systemwide fall schedule takes effect Sunday.

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights through October 10.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

UPDATE: Fire in South Delridge apartments (info added Friday)

10:03 PM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a possible fire in a “commercial building” at 20th/Henderson. Updates to come.

10:07 PM: First unit arriving at the scene says it appears to be an exterior fire, possibly originating in a vehicle. But another firefighter just told dispatch they need to check inside because it might have spread.

10:12 PM: Firefighters report “smoke in the hallway” on first floor. Adding reader photo above; we have a crew on the way. … According to the address SFD crews just gave, it’s a residential building.

(Photo by Tim Durkan)

10:20 PM: They traced the fire to a unit, firefighters have told dispatch, but still believe it started with a vehicle; it’s under control.

(Added: Texted photo)

But northbound Delridge Way is blocked by the large response, avoid the area.

(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)

10:23 PM: They now believe two units were affected.

10:31 PM: They’ve declared the fire tapped (out). No report of injuries. … Here’s the vehicle it’s blamed on; our crew reports being told this pickup truck’s engine seemingly “exploded”:

(WSB photo)

10:43 PM: The incident commandeer confirms to our crew at the scene that no one was hurt.

(Added: Texted photo)

11:19 PM: Delridge is now open all ways, police have told dispatch. Meantime, our crew has left the scene but photographer Tim Durkan is still there and tells us there’s now suspicion that the fire started in a portable toilet and THEN spread to the truck and on to the apartments.

ADDED 12:14 PM FRIDAY: Here’s what SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says about the investigation:

The fire involved a portable toilet stall and a car, both located next to an apartment building. The fire extended to the building and caused significant damage to two apartment units. No injuries reported. Investigators ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined.

What Guardian One was doing over southeast West Seattle

Thanks for the tips. The Guardian One helicopter circled for a while in southeast West Seattle after a report of possible gunfire off Detroit Avenue SW; no evidence found that we’ve heard so far, and the helicopter has moved on.

Here’s what West Seattle’s only shelter needs now

Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle remains the only shelter in West Seattle. It runs on donations and volunteers, and here’s a list of what they need now:

Westside Neighbors Shelter opens every morning of the year to provide people with a hot breakfast, a place to shower, and other necessities. Even in the summer, we’ve been serving between 30 and 50 hungry people each day. Keith reports that we are out of almost everything, and consequently spending more money every week to keep going. Can you help? Here are the most-needed items right now:

Regular and instant oatmeal
Instant hot chocolate mix
Powdered coffee creamer
Ground coffee
Krusteaz pancake mix
Bisquick
Cup-o-Noodles and Ramen
Potatoes
White and brown sugar
12 oz paper hot cups (no lids)
16 oz paper bowls
10” paper plates
Paper towels and napkins
Men’s socks, underwear, t-shirts
Disposable razors, travel-size shaving cream and toothpaste

You’ll find these items (and more) at our wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2M8BX6UMZBG4H?

Or, toss a few of these items in your cart next time you go shopping, and bring them by the shelter between 7 and 11 am any day of the week!

Find out more about the shelter at westsideneighborsshelter.org.

Thank you so much!

How’s three-boat Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry service going? That and other topics up for discussion at WSF’s online meetings

Lots of hot topics for Washington State Ferries lately, including the restoration of three-boat service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. Got a question? Concern? Comment? That and many other topics are up for discussion at WSF’s fall system-wide community meetings, happening online at 12:30 pm and 6 pm Thursday, October 2. WSF boss Steve Nevey says, “Each meeting will begin with a brief presentation about this summer’s increased service, our new vessel build program and recent changes here at WSF. Most of the time will be dedicated to answering questions.” You can register for one or both (WSF promises duplicate content) right now by going here.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Apartment-gunfire suspect out of jail, but not free

It’s been a month and a half since our last update on the case of 36-year-old Aren Oleson, arrested and charged after a July 31 barrage of gunfire inside his South Admiral apartment. The city subsequently sought and obtained an Extreme Risk Protection Order to keep the guns seized from him afterward from being returned to him any time soon. Oleson has remained in jail since then, charged with 10 misdemeanors, including unlawful gun discharge, drug possession, and six counts of reckless endangerment, for allegedly shooting without consideration for the neighbors inside their apartments when this happened. We got an automated notification today that he had been released from the King County Jail and looked into why. Court documents explain that he was released to inpatient substance-abuse treatment when a space became available at a facility on the Olympic Peninsula. He is still facing trial on the charges filed against him, with a tentative hearing date planned in October.

REZONING: City Council votes against creating Alki ‘Neighborhood Center,’ for changing three other West Seattle ‘centers’

As noted, the City Council is voting today on dozens of amendments proposed as part of the every-decade process of updating the city’s long-term-growth plan, aka the Comprehensive Plan. Four of those amendments directly address specific West Seattle neighborhoods. Here’s how the votes went:

AMENDMENT 34: As its sponsor, citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, described it, this was the “spicy” amendment, generating a lot of discussion, because it would add eight areas as Neighborhood Centers, enabling denser housing among other things. One of those would be in Alki; the other seven were elsewhere in the city. The amendment was defeated, with everyone voting no except for Rinck. But she said it may be brought back again in the future, after additional study following the current process. For now, though, the Comprehensive Plan Update will NOT include an Alki Neighborhood Center. (We had details of the now-failed proposal in this September 2 report.)

AMENDMENT 35: This was one of three amendments from District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, changing the Endolyne Neighborhood Center’s name to Fauntleroy, and reducing its size a bit. It passed.

AMENDMENT 36: This was Councilmember Saka’s second of three amendments, adding some area to the High Point Neighborhood Center including the HP Library’s site. It passed.

AMENDMENT 37: This was Saka’s third Neighborhood Center amendment, reducing the size of the Morgan Junction Urban Center. It passed.

Another Saka amendment requiring more pedestrian improvements in new Neighborhood Centers, Amendment 53, passed. And one other transportation amendment of note, Councilmember Rinck’s Amendment 7 to “end parking mandates” – did not pass; Council President Sara Nelson said it was worth more discussion than just an amendment to a larger plan would get.

The council is currently in recess, after finishing work on the first overall bill to which all these amendments and others were made, and will reconvene at 12:30, with a lunch break set at 1 pm and resumption of work at 2 pm.

Looking for work? These part-time jobs help keep kids safe

Looking for ork? Elle Loeppky with Friends of West Seattle Elementary tells WSB that their school is one of several on the peninsula with an urgent need for crossing guards:

West Seattle Elementary is in need of two crossing guards this year, and several other neighborhood schools also have vacant posts (see map and screenshot below — red darts mark openings). (Help spread the word) so these important roles can be filled and all students can walk or bike to school safely.

The job is part-time — just during school arrival and dismissal — and could be a great fit for a retiree, a college student, or a stay-at-home parent with older kids.

Crossing Guard Recruitment:

Pay: $20.76/hour
Requirements: Age 18+, high school diploma/GED (or equivalent experience), background check. Training provided by the district.
Schedule: Part-time, during school arrival and dismissal
Role: Safely assist students crossing streets and intersections in all kinds of weather

See our map of open crossing guard posts to find opportunities in your neighborhood. See our map of open crossing guard posts to find opportunities in your neighborhood.

Questions? Apply here or contact SPS Field Staff Supervisor Stacy Roberts at sdroberts@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-0908.

Alki Community Council, Rat City Art & Food Walk, midday jazz, more for your West Seattle and vicinity Thursday

(Traffic cam in the heart of The Junction)

Here’s what is happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where. you’ll find even more):

CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS REZONING/GROWTH PROPOSALS: The daylong meeting with major votes is under way now, with the first session having started at 9:30 am, and the second session at 2 pm. Watch live via Seattle Channel.

J.CREW FACTORY OPENING DAY: Today’s the day the new store in Westwood Village planned to open, 10 am. (2600 SW Barton)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Explore options for your fall gardening! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), free.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), free.

MIDDAY JAZZ: Alki UCC starts a midday concert series with Susan Pascal playing jazz at noon. (6115 SW Hinds)

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.

DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)

DOG SWIM TIME AT ARBOR HEIGHTS POOL: The annual “Dog Days of Summer” are back this week! Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) opens its pool for dogs-only swimming, right before it’s drained for the offseason cleaning. 4-7 pm daily through Friday this week plus noon-5 pm on Saturday. $5/session per dog. (Here’s our story from day 1.)

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Five Hooks Seafood.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: From South Delridge southward, local businesses are hosting dozens of venues and artists tonight, 5 to 8 pm – see the map/list on our partner site White Center Now.

DUSTY 45s FT. SPECIAL GUESTS: Another attraction in White Center tonight: Free live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center) with The Dusty 45s featuring Tripp Rezac and The Champagne Cowboys.

WESTIES RUN CLUB ORCA HALF SHAKEOUT: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run is the official “shakeout run” for this weekend’s Orca Half.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

SKUNK WORKS ROBOTICS OPEN HOUSE: 6:15 pm but you need to RSVP ASAP to get location directions and other info, as previewed here.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: From safety issues to community-event plans, lots to talk about at tonight’s in-person-only 7 pm meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

ADMIRAL PUB TRIVIA: Free to play; win prizes! 7 pm. (2306 California SW)

DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Marvelette, 8 pm.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

YOU CAN HELP: Tutor local kids for Invest in Youth

(Photos courtesy Invest in Youth)

Local educational nonprofit Invest in Youth tells us that some of their best tutors come through WSB, so they’re again asking us to help with recruitment. If you can help, here’s how!

Are you interested in giving back to our community, narrowing achievement gaps for neighborhood students and promoting educational equity right here in West Seattle? Invest in Youth offers a unique opportunity to connect one-on-one with a local student for the entire school year beginning in October.

Tutors meet one day a week with the same student in the classroom with other student-tutor pairs, and work on math and reading fundamentals, all while serving as a mentor to foster lifelong academic success.

No experience is necessary; just a commitment to show up for one hour, one day a week. Tutoring starts in early October and launches with a training session to familiarize tutors on how to make the most of each tutoring session.

Roxhill Elementary at E.C. Hughes, Tuesdays 2:40 – 3:40 pm
Sanislo Elementary, Mondays 2:40 – 3:40 pm

In addition to these West Seattle Schools, Invest in Youth also serves Beacon Hill International School (Tuesdays from 3:40 – 4:40 pm) and Thurgood Marshall Elementary in the Judkins Park neighborhood (Thursdays from 2:40 – 3:40 pm).

Visit our website for more information or complete our tutor application to reserve your spot to begin tutoring this fall.