West Seattle, Washington
30 Saturday
(Friday night sunset, photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
Some regular Saturday events are skipping this weekend because so many people leave town for the holiday, but as far as we know, here’s what IS happening, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See this weekend’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
ART ON THE CORNER: Local artist is selling her work again this weekend to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank, 8 am-4 pm. (39th SW/SW Holden)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more!
MASTER GARDENERS: Have a garden-related question? They likely have the answer! Second to last Saturday that they’ll be at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
DOCKTON ART WALK: Neighbors on Vashon/Maury Islands invite you to ferry over today and/or tomorrow to visit artists in historic Dockton, 10 am-5 pm.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.
BENEFIT BARBECUE: “Dog Days of Summer” at West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor), 11 am-3 pm fresh-grilled lunch available to benefit pet-assisting nonprofit.
WEST SEATTLE’S ONLY SPRAYPARK: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open for its last Saturday of the year, 11 am-8 pm.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
‘DUNK FRANK IN THE TANK’ SALE & WSFB BENEFIT: Noon-6 pm, big event at Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) as we’ve been previewing – it’s not only a big sale with one-day deals, it’s also a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank – TRG is donating 10 percent of sales – AND a chance to see TRG founder/proprietor Frank Gross get dunked in a tank: Get three chances when you show up with nonperishable food for WSFB and/or make a purchase, as previewed here.
WADING POOL: The one city-run wading pool scheduled to be open in West Seattle today is Lincoln Park, 12 pm-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north parking lot).
COLMAN POOL: 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM CLOSED: No Saturday hours this weekend.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Tonight’s edition of the big dance event starts with a lesson at 4:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: West Seattle’s own Acoustic Crisis, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LAST WEEKEND FOR ALKI BEACH FIRES: Reminder that beach-fire season ends Labor Day, so this is the last weekend the fire rings will be open at Alki.
KENYON HALL CABARET AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Kenyon Hall Cabaret drag show. All ages. $15 advance/$20 door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ King Coko at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to the readers who tipped us about that new “LEASED” sign in The Junction (including the person who sent the photo). Permit filings indicate Dave’s Hot Chicken, an international chain with one Seattle location so far, seeks to add its second in the heart of “downtown West Seattle.” According to permit records with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, a new Dave’s restaurant is intended for part of the former Haymaker Restaurant space at 4706 California Ave SW. The Haymaker closed in May of 2024 after five years in business. Preliminary permit records show the space would be divided between Dave’s and another tenant. (This industry-publication article notes they try to limit their restaurants’ size.)
The menu is focused around fried chicken tenders with varying levels of spice, along with sides and shakes. The Seattle location, on Capitol Hill at 12th and Pike, is owned by the Keshap Group, a California-based franchisee listed on the Junction documentation too. The group had already announced plans for new locations this year in Redmond and Tacoma, with others in Puyallup and Federal Way next year, but hopes for a West Seattle location had not been previously announced.
Dave’s Hot Chicken was started by four friends as a street food vendor in the Los Angeles area in 2017. Celebrity investments followed a few years later; a majority share of the company was sold to a private-equity firm this past June. Dave’s has more than 300 franchise locations, mostly in the US, with some in Canada and Dubai.
(September 2024 WSB photo)
Next weekend, high-school football season kicks off. West Seattle High School is scheduled to play its first game on the road, 5 pm Saturday, September 6, in Yakima vs. La Salle HS. Even before the season begins, head coach Anthony Stordahl tells WSB, the year’s biggest fundraiser in support of his team is off and running. It’s an online fundraising campaign, and the coach explains, “This is the only fundraiser we will do this year to raise the money needed to have a successful season. The money goes toward equipment, travel expenses, nutrition for players, and a lot more.” They’re hoping to have a few dine-out fundraisers too, but the online donations will comprise the lion’s share of the Wildcats’ fundraising. Their first home game is the annual Huling Bowl crosstown faceoff with Chief Sealth IHS, 7 pm Friday, September 19 (see the full season schedule here). Meantime, donations will be welcomed here.
Thanks for the tip. One week after SDOT told us they expected to reopen Fairmount Avenue beneath the Admiral Way Bridge before the holiday weekend – marking the completion of most work on the project to strengthen and preserve the bridge – they’ve done just that. Above are the SDOT “before and after” photos from beneath the bridge. The project page goes into details of what they’ve done during the construction closure. Fairmount has been closed to all traffic – including bicyclists, walkers, and runners – since July of last year. The topside was originally scheduled to have some full closures during the project, but SDOT found a way to avoid that.
Multiple readers have asked about that big drill rig that’s appeared between ActivSpace and West Coast Self-Storage toward the south end of Harbor Avenue SW. A map check showed it’s parked on property belonging to West Coast Self-Storage (3252 Harbor Ave SW), so we checked in with WCSS’s manager Crystal this afternoon. She said the equipment is there as part of the work of completing their facility, which has been built in phases. She said the final phase includes one more building. The construction permit filed with the city shows the building at a new address, 3300 Harbor Ave SW, and having 3 stories with a mix of parking and storage, but does not have a count on the number of self-storage units. The storage facility on the site to the north has 852 units. Crystal told WSB there shouldn’t be any traffic impacts during construction aside from trucks entering and leaving the property. West Coast Self Storage has been open at the Harbor Avenue location since August of 2020.
(WSB file photo, Clothesline’s current location)
Got 2,000 spare square feet? You might be able to help save our area’s free community clothing bank The Clothesline, whose search for a new home is now urgent. Here’s the announcement:
The West Seattle Food Bank today announced that The Clothesline, its free community clothing bank, must find new space by the end of 2025 due to the sale of its current host property. The program is urgently seeking a 2,000 sq ft space within five miles of the food bank to continue serving local families with dignity and choice.
“The Clothesline is a simple idea with a profound impact – dignity. It gives people the chance to choose clothing that fits their lives, their needs and their style — the same way any of us would want to shop,” said Fran Yeatts, Executive Director of the West Seattle Food Bank. “That dignity is what makes this program so powerful and why finding it a new home is so urgent. Last year alone, the community donated enough clothing for us to provide more than 90,000 items to people of all ages. We’re asking West Seattle landlords, faith and civic leaders, and businesses to help us keep this lifeline open by offering or helping us locate a new space.”
What The Clothesline Does
The Clothesline is free and open to anyone in need, offering a dignified, “shop-for-yourself” experience so people can choose items that truly fit their needs—workwear, school clothes, coats, shoes, baby items, bedding, and more. Inventory is sourced entirely from new and gently used donations from local neighbors and corporate partners.Why a New Home Is Needed
The Clothesline currently operates in leased space owned by a local church that is selling the property. The existing setup includes roughly 1,250 sq ft of display space and 1,250 sq ft of donation-processing workspace, with additional storage and restrooms. Current rent is $3,000/month including utilities.Space Criteria
~2,000 sq ft total (can be split across rooms)
Within 5 miles of West Seattle Food Bank
Near a bus line
Some on-site parking and an easy drop-off area for donations
Wheelchair accessible preferredHow to Help / Who to Contact
Landlords, property managers, congregations, schools, and community partners with suitable space to lease or host (in-kind or reduced rent) are encouraged to reach out:
Contact: Fran Yeatts, Executive Director
Email: fran@westseattlefoodbank.org
Phone: 206-932-5385
The Clothesline has been in its current home for six years. City files show a plan for four single-family houses on at least part of the site.
Thunder Road Guitars proprietor Frank Gross may be in the West Seattle Food Bank bin today, but tomorrow he’ll be spending time in a much-splashier container – a dunk tank! We are now just a day away from the big holiday-weekend sale at Thunder Road Guitars (longtime WSB sponsor), which Frank has turned into a food-bank fundraiser – 10 percent of sales will be donated – that will include your chance to dunk Frank and enter the raffle drawing for the Gretsch ’57 Duo guitar he’s holding. And while they last, dunkers get the T-shirt held by TRG staffer Bender, shown below with Robbin from WSFB:
As for how you can dunk Frank: “Bring a nonperishable food item to donate to the West Seattle Food bank or purchase a guitar, amplifier, or pedal. Either one of those gets you 3 throws at our fearless leader and a limited TRG shirt for the event.” All this, plus one-day-only deals, are happening noon-6 pm Saturday (August 30) at Thunder Road Guitars, 6400 California SW in Morgan Junction.
Today we welcome Executive Car Service as a new WSB sponsor. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do:
Riding in Style Across Seattle — Let Executive Car Service Drive You
Picture this: You step out of Sea-Tac Airport and are greeted by a friendly chauffeur who already knows your destination. You settle into the spotless interior of a luxury vehicle, choosing your favorite music — or enjoying peaceful silence — with a cool bottle of water within easy reach.
That’s Executive Car Service in action — making your ride as smooth as your destination. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or planning a special night out, these pros have built a reputation across Seattle for punctuality, professionalism, and pure comfort.
Why They’re a Local Favorite
Ask around and you’ll hear the same name come up: Greg. He’s just one of the many highly praised drivers on the team — known for being reliable, courteous, and detail-oriented.
Customers love the little touches: spotless vehicles, help with luggage, and a seamless booking process that means no last-minute stress.
A Fleet That Fits Every Occasion
Executive Car Service offers more than just rides—they deliver experiences. Choose from:
-Elegant sedans for solo travelers or business tripsSpacious SUVs for families or group comfort
-Stretch limos for weddings, proms, or VIP events
-Sprinter vans and party buses—yes, complete with TVs, sound systems, and mini-bars—for nights out or group tours
No matter your choice, every ride comes immaculately maintained and stocked for comfort. See the full lineup here: Our Fleet
Never Late, Always Professional
Time is money—and these drivers treat yours like gold. Using real-time traffic and flight tracking, they make sure you’re on schedule every single time.
Whether it’s catching a flight, arriving for a meeting, or getting the bride to the venue, punctuality is non-negotiable.
Perfect for Any Event
Here’s where Executive Car Service really shines:
Airport Transfers — SeaTac, Paine Field, and all regional airports
Weddings & Proms — Arrive in style, stress-free
Corporate Travel — Impress clients, avoid parking hassles
Concerts & Nights Out — Focus on fun, not driving
City Tours — Discover Seattle’s gems from the back seat
Learn more about their event options: Special Occasion Transportation
Serving All of Greater Seattle: From Seattle proper to Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Tacoma, Everett, Lynnwood — wherever you are, they’ve got you covered.
Ready for Your Next Ride?
Next time you need a ride that’s more than just transportation, make it Executive Car Service. Book your next journey here: executivecarservice.com
We thank Executive Car Service for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
Three West Seattle business notes:
BANK CHANGES: Today is the last day that the Junction bank at 4022 SW Alaska will be HomeStreet Bank. HomeStreet’s merger “with and into” Mechanics Bank takes effect at the start of business Tuesday (September 2). Each bank has a century-plus history; Mechanics Bank is headquartered in the Bay Area city of Walnut Creek, while HomeStreet is headquartered in Seattle. HomeStreet (a longtime WSB sponsor) is declining comment on operational specifics until after the takeover is official on Tuesday. HomeStreet has been in West Seattle since buying what previously was an AmericanWest Bank branch in 2013. (Side note: The HomeStreet-to-Mechanics change follows another recent West Seattle bank-name change – what was the Umpqua Bank branch near Admiral Safeway is now Columbia Bank. We’re told this was a side effect of Columbia, which owns Umpqua, acquiring Pacific Premier.)
THE MISSING PIECE UPDATE: We’ve been reporting since May on The Missing Piece‘s plan to move the café/gaming store/lounge from 35th/Roxbury to California/Alaska (the empty-for-three-years ex-Pharmaca space, next to KeyBank and Emerald Water Anglers). We checked in with proprietor Eric to see if the move was still on schedule. He tells WSB, “Our last day at the current location is this Monday, September 1st. We are running a 10% off moving sale all weekend on games and accessories.” As for The Missing Piece’s opening date in The Junction, depending on how inspections go, he’s hoping for the second week in September.
ART GARDEN OPENING WEEKEND: Artist/teacher Shelley Irish is opening The Art Garden in Gatewood’s artist hub The Building with an open house this weekend. Her announcement:
West Seattle will soon have a new creative oasis. The Art Garden, home to Sprouts Studio (for children and teens) and the Imagination Haven (for adults to take a freaking break) will open its doors for a special Open Studio Weekend on Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, from 11 AM to 2 PM each day.
This free, family-friendly event invites the community to explore the space, meet artist and teacher Shelley Irish, and experience the power of art as both play and personal growth. Hands-on creative activities will be available for all ages, with supplies provided.
What: Art Garden Open House Weekend
When: Sat & Sun, August 30–31, 2025 | 11 AM–2 PM each day
Where: West Seattle – 4316 SW Othello St. (2nd floor)
Who: All ages welcome — free admission, materials provided
Activities: Mini art projects, studio tours, refreshments, community connectionMore Info & RSVP: shelleyirish.com
(Planting-strip sunflowers, seen in Gatewood)
Not leaving the peninsula for the holiday weekend? No worries, you can check out what’s happening here at home – here are your Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
DRUGSTORE TRANSITION: As reported here Thursday, the Jefferson Square ex-Bartell Drugs planned to reopen this morning as CVS.
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION: As announced earlier this week, the closure is now expected to continue through September 10.
(Added: Photo of this morning’s flower stand)
FLOWER SALE: 10 am-noon, Chief Sealth IHS girls’ swim team fundraiser, $10 dahlia bouquets! (East side of 8300 block of 35th SW)
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.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: The spraypark is open daily through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park is open through Labor Day too, 12-7 pm today (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north lot).
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water pool is open to the public for its last non-holiday weekday, noon-7 pm.
SEATTLE TERIYAKI HISTORY & MORE: Last chance to see this exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) – the museum is open noon-4 pm today, but closed tomorrow.
IN-STORE SIGNING AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 2 pm, Aly and AJ visit for a signing session – details here! (4559 California SW)
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.”
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) features singer-songwriter Danica Rozhanica tonight, 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover
HAND-BUILD ANIMALS: 6:30-9 pm at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW) – follow that link for sign-up and fee info.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, Proh Mic tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music and DJ – tonight, Dual Analog, Colony Drop – 9 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!
We’re now days away from the start of school for thousands of local students, staff, and volunteers who support them. Among the latter, Friends of Roxhill Elementary – who hope you’ll help their school start strong:
Friends of Roxhill is asking the entire West Seattle community to help support our students have a rich school experience this year by making a donation to the Roxhill Field Trips and Classroom Fund.
With your generous donations, Friends of Roxhill provides each Roxhill Elementary teacher with money for field trips and to equip their classroom with much-needed supplies, like educational games, toys, and books. Past donations have helped send Roxhill students to the Seattle Aquarium, the Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Children’s Theater.
To meet our goal for this year, $20 covers one student, $80 covers a table group, and $400 covers one whole class! Can you chip in to support our students?
Roxhill Elementary is a small-but-mighty Title I school with about 250 students where over half of families qualify for free-or-reduced lunch.
Donate today: gofundme.com/f/roxhill-2025-backtoschool-field-trips-classroom-fund
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, August 29, 2025, heading into Labor Day weekend.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for clouds, then sun, high in the low 80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:24 am; sunset will be at 7:54 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Will Admiral Way Bridge work indeed be mostly over by day’s end, as SDOT had suggested?
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today. (Monday will be on a Sunday schedule.)
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. (Monday will be on a Saturday schedule.)
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights. (The WT *will* be in service on Monday.)
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west:
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!
Police are on the scene of another confirmed West Seattle gunfire incident, second one in less than four hours. This time they’ve found casings in the 6900 block of Delridge Way SW [vicinity map], after responding to a call from someone who said they saw a man firing a gun into the air while walking alongside a car. The man was described as an “unknown-race male, white mask, ball cap, dark clothing” and the car was described as a “black Lincoln, unknown model, with dark-tinted windows.’ No injuries or property damage reported so far.
11:03 PM: 911 has dealt with two waves of calls about suspected gunfire this past hour or so. The first, in the Alki area, was determined by police to be fireworks. But the most recent, in Admiral, was just confirmed as gunfire. Police report finding at least two shell casings in the 2700 block of 44th SW [vicinity map], which is just south of Lafayette Elementary. No injuries or property damage reported so far.
12:54 AM: No further info on this. As always, we’ll be following up with police later today and will add any additional information we obtain.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: We have the police-report narrative:
At 2251 hours I was dispatched to a report of a shooting in the vicinity of [3000 BLK] 45 Ave SW. The following information was provided by dispatch.
“J/O, 6 SHOTS FROM THE EAST”
There were additional 911 calls reporting additional shots being heard as well as racing vehicles. The reports consistently placed the shots/vehicles moving to the east toward the West Seattle Bridge.
No one was reporting having seen any suspects or vehicles and no one was reporting any injury or property damage.
I checked the surrounding are with other Officers. Other Officers located [MULTIPLE] XXXX fired cartridge casings in the 2700 block of 44 Ave SW. The casings were in the middle of the street. No damage or injured persons were located in the vicinity. Some neighbors stepped out and advised they had not seen the shooting. Their cameras did not record.
The report concludes with the officer writing that they photographed the scene and collected the casings to submit into evidence.
(Added: Texted photo)
9:48 PM: SPD and SFD are on the scene of what’s described as a collision between a driver and motorcyclist in the 1600 block of Harbor Avenue SW. The 18-year-old rider is reported to be injured but his injuries are not described as life-threatening. Most of the street is blocked, though, officers have told dispatch, and they’re calling tow crews for both the car and the motorcycle, so avoid the area for a while.
9:54 PM: The rider is being taken to a hospital. According to emergency radio, he was believed to be speeding when he hit the driver.
10:51 PM: Police just told dispatch the street is clear.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After Sound Transit discovered West Seattle light rail’s potential price tag had swollen to $7+ billion, the agency examined the rest of the ST3 plan … and now reveals another big number: The overall cost of building out the system could be up to $30 billion more than last year’s Long-Range Plan estimate.
That was the biggest news from the Enterprise Initiative briefing at this afternoon’s Sound Transit Board meeting (which also noted cost-projection jumps in other aspects of the transit system, such as the cost of providing service, and a drop in expected revenue). No new project-specific estimates yet – for West Seattle or any other ST3 project – but staffers promised they’re coming and will be provided to board members as soon as next month.
One of the Seattle reps on the board, City Councilmember Dan Strauss, asked how the estimates could jump that much in a year.
Deputy CEO Terri Mestas said the agency had been using a different methodology and hadn’t really taken a “bottom-up” look at the cost projections until after the West Seattle revision.
Before getting the new numbers, the board first voted on guiding principles for the Enterprise Initiative, after a spirited discussion over an amendment provided by the board’s other City of Seattle rep, Mayor Bruce Harrell. He wanted to be sure that decisions took into account the need to serve centers of growth and employment; some board members suggested that was a thinly disguised way to focus on Seattle, a perennial sore spot for non-King County board members, since ST is funded by and serves people in Snohomish and Pierce Counties too. After more reminders about the need to finish the system’s “spine,” the amendment passed 8-6, and the main motion with the principles passed too. (Harrell circulated this statement after the meeting.)
After that, CEO Dow Constantine began the update on the Enterprise Initiative, what it’s uncovering, and where it’s going. Most of what he said is in this memo. Here’s the excerpt related to capital projects including West Seattle light rail:
Capital Program: We are projecting $14–20 billion in added costs (2025 dollars), or $22–30 billion in year-of-expenditure dollars, for ST3 light rail projects. These increases are primarily driven by extraordinary COVID-era construction inflation, right-of-way cost escalation, and the added complexity of project design and delivery. The affected projects include:
o The West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma Dome, Everett, Tacoma Community College, and South Kirkland–Issaquah Link extensions.
o Infill stations at Graham Street and Boeing Access Road
Constantine stressed that he believes they have plenty of time to “make a course correction,” but they’ll have to, because if they don’t, “we will eventually see our program become unaffordable.” He insisted that ST “is n strong financial shape right now.” And deputy CEO Victoria Baecher Wassmer added that “there is still significant financial capacity to deliver ST3.”
But in what form? That’s the multi-billion-dollar question, presumably to be determined next year. Deputy CEO Mestas elaborated that they obviously have more latitude over “pre-baselined projects” (of which West Seattle is one). Thoughg this wasn’t meant to be a meeting where cost-cutting ideas were proposed, one did emerge toward the start of the meeting: Board member Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember from Bellevue, said ST should look at whether a second downtown tunnel is really necessary.
Meantime, deputy CEO Mestas went on to further elaborate about what ST says has pumped up the overall costs, including tariffs – though board chair Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive, suggested it might be a bit too early to blame those – labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and the cost of acquiring right-of-way, and offered what amounted to a four-point plan on ways costs could be reduced:
It should also be noted that in addition to higher costs, today’s presentation also featured projections of lower revenue and financing:
Next month, board committees will bite into aspects of all this:
The big-picture decisionmaking is expected to be along the timeline on the lower half of this slide:
See the full slide deck here. Archived video of the meeting will eventually appear here.
Remember the streetcorner flower fundraiser a few weeks ago? Another one is happening tomorrow morning, this time on behalf of boosters of the Chief Sealth IHS girls’ swim team. Same general area, along 35th SW on the east side of the 8300 block (just north of Thistle), dahlia bouquets for $10. This will be happening 10 am-noon Friday, as long as the flowers last (last sale, for Girl Scouts, sold out early!). Though school doesn’t start until Wednesday, the team’s already practicing, so it’s fundraising time too!
Separate from upcoming projects to replace two culverts that carry Fauntleroy Creek under local roads, emergency repairs are needed for the California SW culvert in the Fauntleroy Church/Y/Schoolhouse area. Seattle Public Utilities has announced the start date:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will be making emergency repairs to a storm drainage culvert under California Ave at the Fauntleroy Creek crossing. Severe cracks and breaks have damaged the culvert crossing and within the Fauntleroy Church parking lot and will impact and wash out the arterial should it fail. This emergency project is intended to provide asset life until the greater culvert replacement project is constructed.
LOCATION
California Ave SW (Fauntleroy Church parking lot)SCHEDULE & HOURS
Work will start as early as September 22 and will last through October 2025
Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pmANTICIPATED IMPACTS
-Equipment in the right of way on California Ave SW
-A new traffic pattern on California Ave SW, with flaggers directing traffic thru the work zone during working hours
-Parking restrictions near the work zone
-Pedestrian and bike lane detours
-Increased construction traffic, noise, dirt, and vibrations
-Pavement excavation and restoration
-Limited access to driveways during construction work hours
Here’s the construction notice featuring all of the above.
(WSB photos)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There is a flurry of activity in the Jefferson Square parking lot today, with containers being unloaded ahead of the reopening of the former Bartell Drugs as a CVS Pharmacy store tomorrow.
The store is closed today, as dozens of workers tote up inventory, bring in display cases, and change over the computer systems. Assistant Manager Ryan tells WSB all of the staff is continuing to work in the store, including the pharmacists. As we previously reported, prescriptions that have been handled by Bartells will be moved to CVS automatically. The store will also start to accept the CVS reward card, though Ryan said depending on how the system switchover goes, that may not happen on day one.
What may take a little longer is all the training that staff will need, and Ryan asked customers for patience. “We’ll be relearning a lot of stuff,” he says, and having the help of CVS managers for the first few weeks. At the end of that time, he also expects more inventory to start arriving. “When we get more product, we’ll be busier,” which means more options for customers. “Working with more products is nice for everyone.”
He’s expecting more variety and more seasonal items, but it’s unclear how much the Bartell and CVS inventories will overlaps. Ryan did say that after they reopen tomorrow, selected items will be on sale, as much as 75 percent off.
CVS at Jefferson Square will be open tomorrow starting at 9 am and follow the same open hours as Bartells did.
The Admiral Bartell Drugs store is scheduled for a similar transition next week, as we first reported two months ago. Staff there tells WSB today that the store will close at noon Tuesday (September 2) and will reopen Wednesday (September 3) as CVS. Part of one aisle has selected Rite Aid-branded items at a 90 percent discount right now.
We’re told the Admiral staff is staying on, too. This will be the third and final West Seattle drugstore taken over by CVS as a result of the Rite Aid bankruptcy; the Westwood Village Rite Aid was not acquired, and closed permanently earlier this week.
(Photo courtesy South Seattle Cooperative Preschools)
Again today, we have word of a major fall event announcing both its date and its invitation to prospective sponsors! This time it’s the West Seattle Monster Dash, a fun run that raises money for West Seattle cooperative preschools:
In its 14th year, the West Seattle Monster Dash is a costumed 5k trail run/walk and Kids’ Dash.
Paid registration includes a T-shirt featuring a new design by Alex Van Gilder (all races) and bib with timing chip (5K only). Kids’ Zone with games, activities, prizes, and a photo booth open from 9-11:30 am.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 5k begins at 9:30 am, Kids’ Dashes at 10:30 am
Location: Lincoln Park, Shelter #1Registration opens Monday, September 1st; Early Bird Pricing through the end of September is $35 for the 5k and $20 for the kids Dashes.
All proceeds go to support South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools!
Now seeking 2025 Sponsors: Would your business like to make a monetary or in-kind donation?
Please complete our Sponsorship Form.
(WSB photo, Wednesday evening)
That’s what remained of the 20+-year-old wooden-schooner sculpture Paragon at həʔapus Village Park by Wednesday night. As we reported Tuesday, a city contractor was hired to down the wood, leaving the supports for an expected replacement that Paragon artist Don Fels said he is planning. Fels had told WSB he planned to be on site for the demolition, so we asked him about that via email last night, and also about his timeline for the replacement:
I was there for the first 3 hours. I found it too emotional to stay any longer. I of course knew what was going to happen but that didn’t make it any easier. I don’t take personally what occurred, but nevertheless on a personal level it was very difficult to witness. The demo contractor was good to talk with and appreciated that it wasn’t easy to see something that had represented so much effort and community involvement disappear.
Here’s what he told us is ahead, after a “very hard” year of back-and-forth with the city about the replacement:
I’ve signed the contract with the City for the new iteration of the Paragon. I hope the design phase will be concluded in the next weeks and then we can submit the plan to the City. Once they approve it, fabrication at the Nucor mill will begin. I hope and expect we will install the new boat section in Spring 2026.
As we first reported a year ago, the city said it had to “de-accession” (disown) and then demolish the wooden bones-of-a-boat sculpture, a familiar sight to those who travel West Marginal Way SW south of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, because it had deteriorated and might collapse. Fels contended the city could have maintained it in a way that would have prevented major deterioration. More backstory is in our original report from last year.
(Sunflowers and visitor, photographed by Tom Trulin)
Even as the holiday-weekend quiet approaches, there’s plenty to do! Here’s our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Still lots of time left in gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north lot) will be open noon-7 pm. Free.
BRACE POINT PROJECT MEETING: Noon-1 pm, Seattle City Light has an online community meeting for info and Q&A about the long-planned Brace Point Underground Cable Project. Go here to register for the meeting link.
COLMAN POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the heated salt-water pool on the shore is open with sessions noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD MEETING: 1:30-4 pm, as previewed here, with update on the Enterprise Initiative that’s likely to affect the West Seattle light rail project. The agenda has info on attending and/or commenting online or in person.
END-OF-SUMMER PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE LIBRARY: 3-4:30 pm, drop in to celebrate what’s been a summer of lots of reading! And enjoy free cake! (2306 42nd SW)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library’s weekly event is canceled today (see special event below!).
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 C. Davis Texas BBQ.
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!
FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5-8 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW), all skill levels – our calendar listing has details and the RSVP link.
MAGIC AT THE LIBRARY: 5 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), see world-class magician Maritess Zurbano. Free, all ages.
DUSTY 45s WITH ABBIGALE: Free live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Rather walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
FREE FILM: As previewed here, screening of “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” 6 pm at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), with panel discussion.
THE HIVES LISTENING PARTY: Free, all-ages event at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, be among the first to hear “The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives” – with freebies and giveaways.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind and Teenage Rampage, 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!
Family and friends will gather September 13 to celebrate the life of former longtime West Seattleite Ron Wirtz. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:
Ronald Joseph Wirtz passed away suddenly on July 6, 2025. He had been dealing with lung cancer and is now at rest and in peace, in the long arms of our compassionate creator, Jehovah Shalom.
Ron was born in Marshall, MN in 1938 to John Joseph Wirtz and Loretta Catherine Longtin Wirtz. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wirtz; stepson, Jason Gooding (Angela); step-grandchildren, Gloria and Josiah Gooding; and 3 brothers, John and Don Wirtz and Gary Seiler, and a sister, Bonnie Johnson (Randy); and many nieces and nephews, including a great grand niece.
At 15 years old, Ron moved to Germany with his mother, stepfather, 3 brothers and a sister; later to Columbus, GA. At a young age, Ron worked summers on farms, learning to operate heavy equipment. He joined the Army National Guard at age 18, serving in “C” Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry from 1956 – 1958. Ron returned to Marshall to graduate from Central Catholic High School in 1957. He was graced by the hospitality of Dick Catton’s family and Herman Seiler. Ron worked at the Gas Station Co-op and as a janitor at the high school to pay for his rent and tuition. After high school, Ron followed his father to the Seattle area to work at Boeing while continuing his service in the National Guard from GA to Marshall and then at Sand Point Army Naval Airbase in Seattle.
Ron soon left Boeing (then known as “The Lazy B”) to work in a more fulfilling role in construction and excavation. He was able to purchase his own equipment, become self-employed, and start his own business in 1968 as Advanced Ditching & Excavation Services, Inc. Ron enjoyed his work and gained a reputation for being “The Best.” He strived to offer the best, most reliable service possible and was known for being dependable, fair, on time, efficient, conscientious, safety oriented and willing to go the extra mile. Any hang-ups or breakdowns on a job site were remedied ASAP. Ron took pride in his equipment, his work, his customers and was often up at 4:30 AM, to return home at 7:00 PM. He never failed to affectionately say goodbye to his wife in the morning and return with a warm happy greeting, after a long day’s work.
Recreationally, Ron enjoyed a lifelong passion for golf, gardening and gym workvouts. His friends were important to him and he earned some endearing nicknames:vScoop, Scooper, Dingo, Legend, Wirtz-Man, The Best, Larger-than-Life, The Old
German, Stud Muffin, Dirt Whxxx. Ron was known for extending random-acts-of kindness, such as secretly paying for a young family’s dinner in a restaurant or gifting a young boy a *$Bennie* after he and his father finished a round of golf with him.Ron was a romantic and was sure to remember birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and holidays. He loved his wife as much as humanly possible; protected andvprovided for his loved ones and prayed for God’s mercy on his soul. He will be remembered as a good man and dearly missed.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 PM at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave. NW, Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Calvin Presbyterian Church or another charitable organization of your choice.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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