Boo! That’s an undersea Halloween scene, courtesy of Jim Bodoia, who found the “grinning Wolf Eel out just past the Alki Statue of Liberty.” Here’s a sampling of what was happening on the surface:

Neither the rain nor the wind – both at a tolerable level when we stopped by – got in the way of Skeleton Theatre at 36th SW & SW Hanford. After years of brewing up an all-new, all-out show each Halloween, this year the crew offered what they dubbed “Plan B” – a retrospective with skeleton stars from past years.

Rock ‘n’ roll, big belting ballads, you’ll hear it all if you go for encore night tomorrow (Sunday), 6-9 pm, 10-minute shows continuously with a few minutes of resetting inbetween.

Indoors, we found a full house at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor):

Meeples invited folks in to play “Werewolf“ on Halloween night. Storyteller Hank had all in thrall when we walked in:

Meeples (upstairs at 3727 California SW) is a happening place – just browse their calendar for proof.

Earlier in the evening, one last round of business trick-or-treating happened at Westwood Village:

That photo is courtesy of the folks at Wyatt’s Jewelers (WSB sponsor), whose namesake Wyatt – son of proprietors Kirk and Joni Keppler – was handing out the candy.

Last but by no means least: Every year, neighborhood decorations seem to get bolder and brighter. Doug B sent a photo of his spooky yard in Seaview:

Thanks to everyone who’s shared photos and event info over the extended Halloween season (editor@westseattleblog.com) – now we move on to winter holidays, with bazaars and art shows starting as soon as NEXT weekend!

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UPDATE: 1 hospitalized after 2-car crash at 35th SW and SW Brandon

October 31, 2015 8:39 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

(WSB photos)

8:39 PM: Thanks to Erin for the tip. Northbound 35th is blocked at Brandon because of a crash involving at least 2 vehicles. One is up on the sidewalk south of Brandon, another vehicle blocking Brandon.

Avoid the area. It’s just started raining heavily after an extended break.

8:50 PM: Now only the outside NB lane is blocked. Police tell us the woman driving the car that went up on the sidewalk was taken to the hospital; one tow truck is here already and they’re hoping the second will arrive soon.

9:18 PM: Photos added after we returned to HQ.

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FOLLOWUP: Police circulate surveillance photos in connection with this morning’s arsons, but don’t think they’re linked to recent string

October 31, 2015 4:59 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

Following up on the two dumpster fires covered here early this morning – police have released the two surveillance images above and below:

They want to hear from anyone who recognizes the person in the images, which are clearly from the scene of the fire in a dumpster behind/underneath the Senior Center of West Seattle, along SW Oregon east of California SW.

(WSB reader photo, by Aaron)
The update says witnesses describe the suspect as “a 20-year-old male with a slight build, wearing a red and grey sweatshirt.” The other fire was reported in the same time frame – around 2:30 am – in a dumpster on the alley behind the California/Alaska building where businesses including Easy Street Records are located. As we reported in our early-morning coverage, both fires were put out relatively quickly, and police converged on both scenes.

Police also say they do NOT believe the fires are related to the recent High Point/Morgan arsons but they do want to hear from anyone who thinks they know the person in the photos – please call 911.

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First-ever Family Halloween on the Porch @ Log House Museum

October 31, 2015 2:11 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

2:11 PM: Can’t wait until nightfall to trick or treat? One of the Halloween afternoon events happening right now is at the Log House Museum on Alki, where the Southwest Seattle Historical Society is hosting its first-ever “Family Halloween on the Porch.” We just stopped by the museum’s big covered porch, and if you can, you should too – for a little trick-or-treating, a few treats (cider and cookies), some storytelling, and what can be spookier than history? Go inside the museum and see what happened in West Seattle long ago. The museum’s at 61st and Stevens, and the party’s on until 3 pm.

ADDED 2:48 PM: It really *is* a family event – with enough room to pull up a corner of the porch and read:

Teen volunteers from the National Honor Society at West Seattle High School are helping too, including at the craft table:

Next up for SWSHS – the Champagne Gala Brunch one week from today – updates here.

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UPDATE: West Seattle Chipotle closed today in regional health concern over possible E. coli cases in WA, OR

October 31, 2015 10:58 am

| 36 COMMENTS

| Health | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

10:58 AM: We’ve just confirmed that Chipotle Mexican Grill in The Junction is one of the chain’s restaurants that are closed TFN while Chipotle deals with a health concern in some areas of Washington and Oregon. First word of closures in King County and elsewhere came via this story from Portland reporting more than 20 suspected E. coli illnesses in Oregon and Washington. After reader questions, we drove by the location in The Junction and confirmed closure signs, which, when we drove by, were the “Experience Closure” message also photographed at Oregon stores; by the time we could park to get a photo, the restaurant changed to “FYI” signs citing a “supply chain issue.”

The closure also was confirmed by the corporate Twitter account for Chipotle, in response to our mention of the closure:

@westseattleblog We closed our stores in the area, though most reported no problems, & are working with health department to resolve. -Joe

— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) October 31, 2015

We asked how long the closure is expected to last:

@westseattleblog Not sure, as we want to make sure we abide by what the health department perceives as best. -Joe

— Chipotle (@ChipotleTweets) October 31, 2015

1:03 PM: The most comprehensive information about the regional outbreak so far is still coming from the Oregon Health Authority – here’s its news release. The Washington State Department of Health also has issued a news release, saying four of the cases were reported in King County. No word on what might have been the source of the bacteria.

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STORM UPDATES: Tree trouble around West Seattle; wind advisory extended into Sunday

October 31, 2015 10:19 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(UPDATED SATURDAY EVENING with extension of wind advisory into Sunday)

10:19 AM: Rain plus wind often equals fallen trees, and that’s happened in several West Seattle spots so far this morning. One that’s potentially affecting traffic is reported to be down on the Admiral Way hill north of the West Seattle Bridge – southbound lanes close to the top, we’re told. More to come.

10:42 AM: The tree – reported by multiple texters/callers – was apparently dealt with quickly; all lanes are open, no downed tree in sight. On 44th SW over Lincoln Park, south of SW Southern, we confirmed one down on the greenbelt-bordered cut-through section east of Lincoln Park:

And in the park itself, Nate photographed this one:

@westseattleblog Wind and rain taking its toll at Lincoln Park. Near the south entrance. pic.twitter.com/EGSCY3WBEx

— Nate Hull (@NMHull) October 31, 2015

The National Weather Service’s wind-advisory alert is now in effect until 3 pm. Thanks again for letting us know if you spot a storm problem (or any other kind of breaking news) – text or voice, 206-293-6302, any time, 24/7.

5:20 PM: Thanks to GB for updates in comments on a power outage that didn’t show on SCL’s map – caused by a tree over Fairmount Playfield, just resolved, GB reports, after 9+ hours.

5:53 PM: The wind advisory is now extended into tomorrow.

6:34 PM: Corrected the street on which the tree is down east of Lincoln Park to 44th, not 45th, after a note from Catherine, who mentions it’s still partly blocking the road – that stretch (also known as the switchbacks) is precarious even in the best of times so be extra careful if you’re traveling that way.

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West Seattle Saturday: Halloween and non-Halloween highlights

October 31, 2015 9:56 am

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(West Seattle’s “Great Pumpkin”: 400+ pounds and hungry, says Nick. Near 48th/Dawson)

Stormy Saturday, but lots going on because it’s Halloween. The FULL list of what’s up is in our West Seattle Halloween Guide – so please go there to see it all – we’re featuring some highlights here, followed by the non-Halloween highlights:

BUSINESS TRICK-OR-TREATING: Until 1 pm, a costume gets you candy at HomeStreet Bank (4022 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) – no masks, for security reasons … White Center business trick-or-treating at noon, participant list here , and don’t miss Kimya Dawson in concert at Full Tilt Ice Cream, 1 pm! … West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) will have candy 1-5 pm and “adults in costume or those with a race bib from Run Scared 5K will enjoy 10% off all purchases.” (2743 California SW) … Westwood Village shopping center’s trick-or-treating is 5-7 pm. (2800 SW Barton)

FAMILY HALLOWEEN ON THE PORCH: 1-3 pm, for the first time, the Log House Museum welcomes you to Family Halloween on the Porch, with trick-or-treating, story time, cider & cookies, more. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT: Trick-or-treating with food allergies/sensitivities? Find alternative treats at some local homes. Read about it here, including the crowd-sourced map of where to go.

HAUNTED HOUSES: 5-9:30 pm, “Visit Chris & Jessica Meed’s all ages Halloween Night Haunted House at their new location. Admission is free but they ask that you bring non-perishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank.” (5415 49th SW, at Brandon) … 7-9 pm, Haunted House presented by Clown Mania. (5007 Erskine Way)

(Photo courtesy Skeleton Theatre)
SKELETON THEATRE: 6-9 pm (directions and show info here). The crew says that this year it’s “a retrospective with skeletons from different casts singing songs from previous shows. The show is about 10 minutes long and will run continuously.” (36th SW & SW Hanford)

NIGHTMARE ON 44TH: Animatronics and more in a spooky West Seattle yard. 6-9 pm Halloween night only – check in via Twitter and Instagram to see what’s new this year. (44th SW between Charlestown and Andover)

KIDS’ KARNIVAL: 6-8 pm tonight at West Side Presbyterian Church, for kids through 5th grade. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank. (3601 California Ave SW)

TRUNK OR TREAT: 6-8 pm at Grace Community Church: “There will be a variety of trunks and various vehicles creatively transformed in family-friendly themes. Suitable for all ages. Each trunk will distribute treats for costumed visitors. Bring cans of food or dry goods to donate to the White Center Food Bank barrels located on the patio.” (10323 28th SW)

HALLOWEEN LIGHT SHOW: Presented by the folks behind West Seattle Yuletide. 6-10 pm or so, featuring a 4-foot Singing Pumpkin, a 6-foot dancing skeleton, and a full-size animated Wicked Witch of the West. (4120 38th SW)

LIVE MUSIC: The Skylark‘s famous “Come As You Aren’t” battle of the bands, 7:30 pm, $10 cover, 21+ (3803 Delridge Way SW) … At the Poggie Tavern, Hamnivore plays the music of Ween, no cover, 21+ (4717 California SW) … Halloween Spectacular at Parliament Tavern, 9 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

‘WEREWOLF’: Spend Halloween night at Meeples Games (WSB sponsor) playing the “classic guessing and bluffing game WEREWOLF“! Starting at 8 pm. See the Meeples announcement for details. (3727 California SW)

And in non-Halloween events …

HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Metro League games from morning through night at Chief Sealth International High School, which is competing, too, with a loser-out game under way right now vs. West Seattle High School. (2600 SW Thistle)

DROP OFF YOUR BALLOT! Tuesday night is your deadline to vote – big decisions include your first-ever District 1 City Councilmember, the $930 million city transportation levy, and more. You can mail your ballot for the cost of a stamp OR drop it off for free at the ballot dropoff vans you’ll find today, 10 am-5 pm, at West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th SW) and outside Greenbridge Library (8th SW just south of SW Roxbury). They’ll be back Monday and Tuesday.

OSBORNE & VOSS: 7:30 pm, Jane Voss and Hoyle Osborne perform Jazz Age music live at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

TIME FOR A CHANGE: At 2 am tonight (technically early Sunday), Daylight Saving Time ends and clocks “fall back” an hour.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Highway 99 inspection closure over for Saturday, to continue Sunday

October 31, 2015 8:45 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Alaskan Way Viaduct | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:45 AM: Just a note to remind you that Highway 99 is closed between the West Seattle Bridge and the Battery Street Tunnel until 6 pm, and scheduled to be closed 6 am-6 pm again tomorrow, for its twice-a-year inspection, plus some maintenance work.

5:29 PM: David points out that 99 is open again, with vehicles (as you can see above) going both ways.

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UPDATE: Two dumpster fires, minutes apart, along alleys in West Seattle Junction

October 31, 2015 2:48 am

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(1st and 5th photos by WSB’s Katie Meyer)
2:48 AM: Firefighters are on the scene right now of two fires, both described as being in dumpsters, in The Junction, a block and minutes apart. More to come.

(This photo & next two by WSB’s Patrick Sand)
3:04 AM: One is on the alley west of Easy Street Records (photo above this paragraph), the other (top and next photo) in the carport under the Senior Center. Too soon to say if they are related to the recent arsons in High Point and Morgan, but indications are that these were set.

3:33 AM: SFD’s investigator (Marshal 5) is taking a look at the fires first; police are continuing to search the area.

Both fires were reported around 2:30 am.

No building damage reported so far but both of these dumpsters were in positions where that could have happened. This area is about two miles from the most recent arson in the series that police have been investigating – early Wednesday, October 21st, in a recycling bin at 40th and Morgan.

4:35 PM: SPD says they don’t think these arsons are related to the recent string, but they do have a surveillance image. We’re writing a separate update but in the meantime – see the new information/imagery here.

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High-school football: Chief Sealth, West Seattle’s postseason games

October 31, 2015 2:25 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

After two consecutive weeks of playing each other – first on the schedule, second in the postseason – Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School went their separate ways Friday night.

After beating the Wildcats last week, the Seahawks were back at Memorial Stadium, but this time they went home with the loss, 45-6, as opponent Seattle Prep advanced in the postseason. Sealth was on the board first, 6-0, but from there, it was all Prep.