West Seattle, Washington
24 Saturday
Vessel problems on other Washington State Ferries routes have left the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route on two-boat service, and that will continue tomorrow (Friday, January 23), according to this explanation from WSF boss Steve Nevey:
This week, a second large ferry had to be removed from service, leaving us with just 15 boats when we need 17 to run our full winter schedule. Yesterday, Wenatchee hit a log while sailing from Bainbridge to Seattle in the fog, bending one of its propellers. This morning, we moved Sealth to join Tacoma on our busiest route. This leaves both our Fauntleroy/Vashon/ Southworth and Seattle/Bremerton routes down a vessel. Repairs to Wenatchee are expected to take a few days, with a return to Seattle/Bainbridge service possible Sunday. That would allow us to relocate Sealth to our Bremerton route for the Seahawks playoff game, when we expect heavy travel to and from Seattle. Then late Sunday night, we plan to shift Sealth back to Vashon Island. This allows us to restore our “Triangle” route’s full three-boat weekday schedule on Monday. If Wenatchee is not ready, we will keep all ferries where they currently are.
As Nevey reiterated during Wednesday’s systemwide online community meetings (WSB coverage here), the system suffers chronically from an undersupply of boats, and unexpected problems tend to have domino effects like this.
(Ferry in this morning’s fog – photo by Steven Rice)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Fauntleroy ferry-terminal project got a semi-quick mention during Washington State Ferries‘ first of today’s two online systemwide community meetings at noon today. So did a wide range of topics, including ICE-related policy and the ongoing pet pilot. We monitored the meeting and are presenting this report in time for you to tune in to the second one at 6 pm if interested. Here are the WSF executives who participated:
It was noted toward the start that about 80 people had signed in to watch. As has become customary for these online meetings, they began with quick polling about what route they used the most (only about 9 percent said “the Triangle Route”) and how often they ride (“a few times a month” was the top response).
Ferries boss Steve Nevey spoke first, with a recap of 2025 (here’s the official report). “We added thousands of sailings in 2025, and the number of cancellations went down.” Here’s the year “by the numbers”:
The ridership number, he said, was a million more than the year before. Now, the challenges and opportunities:
They’re short on vessels, and that isn’t going to change until the next new ones start coming online in 2030. The average age of the fleet is 35 – that’s 10 years past, for example, when a cruise ship might be looked at for retirement from a fleet. Nevey said the Legislative session is “going to be big for Washington State Ferries” because the governor is requesting $1 billion for three more new vessels (beyond the three now funded) and $150 million to keep the three oldest ones in service in the meantime. “That proposed investment from the governor is a huge deal.” They have 21 vessels now, 18 in service at any given time, and just one breakdown can wreak havoc on the whole system. (During the meeting, in fact, it was noted a vessel on the Bainbridge run has broken down, but should be fixed within hours.) He also said that rather than a “system electrification plan” the road they need to be on is a “fleet modernization plan.” For now, though, they are “laser-focused” on making the most of what they currently have. He also mentioned the terminal upgrades – without specifically naming Fauntleroy (which came up briefly later, in the Q&A) – saying they remain a vital part of the future plan.
Regarding planning for the FIFA World Cup games in the region, “it’s going to be a pretty big deal” for WSF too, and they plan to have “all but one vessel” ready to be in service during that time this summer. He said culture change and communication improvement have been emphasized as well – for the latter, being clearer, and more timely, when decisions are made about changes such as “moving boats around.” Their focuses can be summarized as “boats, communities, trust.” And – this year marks WSF’s 75th anniversary.
Next, the system’s second-in-command, John Vezina, took the mic. He opened with a recap of what WSF is doing for workforce development, getting new crew members in the pipeline, which is “getting better,” Vezina said.
He also updated system electrification, recapping the choice of a Florida builder for two new hybrid-electric vessels and an option for a third, converting three vessels to hybrid (the Wenatchee is complete and timeline is TBA for two more), and setting up four terminals for charging capabilities, for starters. They expect to “cut steel and lay keel” for the first new vessel this summer; it’ll be a lot like the Olympic Class, but longer, and a higher vehicle capacity (16 more, total 160).
Next, finance leader Hillary Badger provided an update on WSF funding and what it’s being used for:
She was followed by Jenna Forty with legislative updates – mostly that they’ll find out in late February how the two chambers in Olympia will deal with the governor’s proposals for WSF funding. She noted that those proposals would be supported by bonds.
Forty also said WSF is overhauling its System Contingency Plan, taking “a holistic look at how we deploy our assets,” this spring – before the World Cup (she and others mentioned getting people to and from Fan Zones around the region as well as the Seattle matches).
Then, half an hour into the meeting, it was Q&A time – they took questions in writing, and moderator Tally Teal read them aloud. First one was a request for a recap of vessel numbers mentioned above. Next, if Legislature does approve funding for three more new vessels, what would the timeline be? Vezina said they’ll focus on that if they get the money – seeking to build them “as quickly as possible.” Forty said that would also be contingent on any policy direction from legislators and/or the governor.
Other questions of interest: Could/should the ferry system be privatized? Vezina noted the 75th anniversary and the decision made at the start for it to be a public service. “The governor and legislature certainly COULD decide to get out of the ferry business,” he said, but keep in mind that privatizing might lead to de-emphasizing service available even in the less-busy times. Forty also noted that a private company would look for profitability and fares would invariably be raised. Nevey talked about BC Ferries, which was privatized, and how they face that kind of expectation.
The next question was addressed to vessel-engineering director Forrest Nichols – how much will the double stack in the new ferries’ design affect their performance? The double stack’s sail area doesn’t result in much drag, he said, also considering that the added length of the new ferries will improve their performance. Nichols was also asked to explain crew quarters on the ferries; he said it’s necessary because crew members have to be available or early-morning sailings, among other things; Nevey added that snowstorms, for example, are a time when they want to keep crew aboard and not have them trying to commute.
Which terminals are first for charging capability? The new boats in 2030-2031 will be assigned to Mukilteo-Clinton, so that terminal is up for electrification; Seattle needs to be electrified to handle the Wenatchee; Bainbridge and Bremerton. Forty added that there’s no funding so far for electrification capability on the Triangle Route or the San Juans. Followup: When will Seattle be electrified? 2028 or 2029, was the reply.
Why has the Wenatchee had so many problems – today included – since returning to service following its hybrid conversion? “We’re marrying 30-year-old control systems with brand-new technology,” for one, he said, although today’s problem is with a “shaft seal,” which happens to all the vessels, he noted. “I would anticipate going forward that the Wenatchee will continue to improve on its reliability. (But) I would expect to see intermittent issues related to its being a boat.”
Then the Fauntleroy terminal project came up, briefly. Terminal-engineering director Nicole McIntosh talked about the reason Fauntleroy is getting replaced – it’s low, it’s small, it has creosote, it’s seismically vulnerable … She said they’re at 5% design now, going into the next environmental-review phase “shortly”; current estimate is for construction to be complete in 2031. Will it be electrified when upgraded? another attendee asked. Short answer: No.
As for other terminal projects, McIntosh said, Anacortes is not going to get a building replacement but they’re studying some upgrades/renovations.
Forty fielded a question that often arises at these meetings – when will WSF return to serving Sidney, B.C.? “We’re still aiming for 2030 when (the first new boat) comes online” but that’s not for certain. M/V Chelan used to be certified for Safety of Life at Sea, which is required for an international run, and Nichols said they’re working on restoring that, though it’s complicated – maybe other vessels in the fleet too.
Where’s the biggest need for new staff? Vezina said licensed deck and engine-room employees, though some changes – like the “AB to Mate” on-the-job training program and a scholarship program have helped alleviate that – but, he added, as they move employees through the system, that creates more entry-level jobs. He said this part of the workforce is diversifying, too.
One question was whether, after “modernization,” ticketing will still be available “on the computer,” not just via mobile phones. Vezina said yes.
He also was asked to field a question that’s been asked and answered at previous meetings – wouldn’t it just be faster to build new diesel boats? Vezina said no – they’re not faster to build, and they’d have to start design from scratch, as the previous round of new boats – the Olympic Class – was build on propulsion equipment that’s not available any more. Focusing on hybrid-electric vessels is actually the fastest path forward, “not the result of some ‘woke’ environmental agenda,” Vezina insisted.
Could the third boat on the Triangle Route be put into service for more hours? Vezina said they’re running it at the level they’re funded for.
Does WSF have a plan for dealing with ICE raids on vessels? That agency hasn’t asked for any “preferential loading,” said Vezina, and there’s no agreement for anything like that, but if it does, “we are prepared to contact the people we need to.”
With the Bainbridge and Bremerton schedules to be revised, has WSF considered hourly sailing times, for some consistency? Forty said, that’s one option they’re looking at, and also noted they’re recruiting for an advisory committee to be involved in this process.
Other questions included how – whether – they coordinate with Kitsap Transit passenger-ferry service, in times when they’re down boats on corresponding ferry routes, etc. Vezina says they see KT and King County Metro (Water Taxi) as “partners,” since WSF is prohibited from operating passenger-ferry service (which they used to do). Forty said they let KT and KCM know when they’re having unexpected service reductions, but those services can’t just change schedules at the drop of a hat.
Any plan to update the schedule for Tahlequah-Point Defiance (South Vashon to Tacoma)? Short answer – not any time soon.
How’s the pet-policy trial going? Vezina said they’ve had pro- and con- feedback and will decide “in the next couple weeks” what to do permanently. The policy might be, keep allowing them, but restrict them to a certain area of the passenger deck, so people who don’t want to be near them can keep their distance.
Time limits for multi-ride passes are likely to be extended to 90 days starting in May, Forty said.
In summary, Nevey said, this year will be about mazimizing and being realistic with the resources they have – “we’re doing all we can to make sure boats are available” though they don’t have enough of them. And, “I hope everybody understand we are on the fastest path to building new vessels. … If there were a faster path, we’d be pushing hard” to move to it. And WSF is working hard to keep its current fleet in service; he gave props to the engineering staff for “keeping these 50-to-60-year-old vessels going.”
WHAT’S NEXT: The 6 pm session of this meeting is expected to feature the same presentations and Q&A from whomever’s in attendance; register here to get the link. If you can’t watch that one live either, note that a recording of the meeting will eventually be posted here.
4:15 PM: For those who asked about a lights-and-sirens police response in south West Seattle around 2:30 pm, police were responding to a report of a home burglary in progress. A man was reported to be trying to force entry to a home in Upper Fauntleroy, near 35th SW and SW Trenton. According to dispatch, a person at the house confronted the suspect, who was going to drive away when police arrived and detained him. We’re following up to find out more.
6:55 PM: The jail roster shows the 49-year-old suspect was arrested and booked.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Fauntleroy Community Association met on Tuesday night at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse for their January meeting, to kick off the new year.
One important “save the date” for neighbors to make note of, which was discussed and decided in the meeting: The group’s annual meeting and popular “Food Fest” will be held Tuesday, March 24, from 6-8 pm at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). More details below, and in our coverage of last year’s event.
Additional notes and toplines from the meeting, which was led by president Frank Immel:
SPD UPDATE: Jamie Heslin from Southwest Precinct was on hand to provide some updates and crime statistics, focusing on “year over year” comparisons for 2025 vs 2024:
One attendee asked about the ambiguity between hearing gunshots and fireworks, and Heslin emphasized “when in doubt, just call it in,” and 911 is the preferred number. For anything considerably less urgent, the non-emergency number is 206-625-5011. Although many Ring cameras are associated with neighbor-provided crime reports, Heslin said “Ring posts are not police reports” and encouraged people to always call 911 to report it, rather than just posting online.
Attendees asked about the Jan 6 evening helicopter/ground search in and near Fauntleroy Park (see WSB coverage here) involving a stolen and abandoned car. Heslin didn’t have any additional details, because SPD CSOs (Community Service Officers) such as herself typically work until 10 pm, and this incident occurred after that. SPD and KCSO officers responded, and the search involved quite a large area.
Heslin then excused herself from the meeting, explaining that SPD was “in four different places tonight,” providing community updates to various groups.
FINANCIAL UPDATE AND BUDGET: Treasurer Alan Grainger presented a year-end overview of the group’s 2025 finances, and led a discussion about items planned for the 2026 budget. The group’s finances were better than budget in 2025, and Grainger presented a balanced budget for 2026. As discussed in last month’s FCA meeting, the group is still planning to do some sort of neighborhood survey in 2026 (see the 2023 results here) and is budgeting for that. FCA is the area’s only community council that regularly surveys its residents and businesses. Fundraising efforts for the Fauntleroy Fall Festival were particularly strong.
Other budget items discussed included maintenance of neighborhood plantings, crossing flags (the group places these in the neighborhood but their current supply is depleted), website and administrative costs and potential savings, and various fundraising ideas (including sponsored flower baskets similar to those in the Alaska Junction). Grainger will make revisions to the budget based on the group’s discussion, and they’ll vote on approval of the budget in their February meeting.
ANNUAL MEETING AND FOOD FEST: As mentioned above, the date and time is set for Tuesday, March 24, 6-8 pm. Board members David and Reed Haggerty attended Tuesday’s meeting via phone, to talk about preliminary plans and to get feedback from the board. The group will start promoting the event via email and their newsletter. They want to consider doing some different fundraising ideas and displays this year, and as usual they’ll need lots of volunteer support. More to come in the near future.
501c3 vs 501c4 STATUS: Vice president Catherine Bailey led a brief discussion regarding her research into the group’s non-profit status. FCA currently has 501c4 status, and there has been some discussion about considering 501c3 status to potentially unlock broader funding and tax-deductible donations. There are pros/cons and things to consider for both options, Bailey said, including potential limitations on community advocacy and endorsements. Next steps: More research into the options, and consulting legal/tax counsel before making any decisions.
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE:
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets on the second Tuesday of most months at 6 pm, usually in-person and online – go here for info. The group will meet again in February, on Tuesday the 10th.
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo, wondering what’s up with the crane alongside the Fauntleroy ferry dock. We took the question to Washington State Ferries, and a spokesperson replied:
The crane at our Fauntleroy dock is part of a planned maintenance project at the terminal.
Manson Construction towed a derrick barge, a material barge, and a small tug to the site to begin repairs that started (today) and are expected to last about a week. The work includes driving two steel H-piles at the north and south edges of the timber trestle to replace deteriorated timber piles, adding structural steel, making repairs to the bridge seat and replacing damaged rub timbers along the south wingwall.
Most of the work won’t affect customers. However, there may be brief impacts when a new steel beam is installed, including possible single-lane vehicle loading on the transfer span or temporary vehicle weight limits.
We’ll keep a close watch on the work and coordinate with the contractor to limit any disruptions to service.
The old dock has to be kept in good working condition at least five more years; the current timeline for design and construction of its replacement is 2028-2031.
Last but not least, the oddest photo to cross our virtual desk today. Tom Trulin spotted these “Whale Spa” brand chairs seemingly dumped on SW Director Street in Fauntleroy, near 44th. Whether stolen or unwanted, strange place to dump big items like these. Maybe you have the solution to the mystery.
ADDED SATURDAY: Tom reports they were reported and have been taken away.
10:23 PM: Around 9:45 pm, a loud crashing sound rang through the California/Thistle vicinity on the Upper Fauntleroy/Gatewood line. Our photo shows the aftermath. A driver went through what was a fairly elaborate DO NOT ENTER barricade, over the raised concrete island, into the stub of California SW south of it, then turned around quickly and went back to the intersection. Too dark for us to see but someone called it in to SPD as a red Honda SUV that subsequently headed eastbound on Thistle. No injuries that we know of
11:02 PM: Someone already reported the damage to SDOT; a crew just showed up.
(WSB photo)
We first told you about plans for an expanded Pilates studio in the former Bel Gatto space in Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district last year, and the owner’s hope that it would to be ready by summertime. As the new year starts, Lagom Studios owner Melina Moore says she is still waiting on permits for the new space, but is optimistically seeing the delay as an opportunity, bolstered by a good interim solution for more space.
Lagom Studios has been steadily outgrowing their original space at 4507 SW Wildwood Place for the last few years, running private and group pilates classes in a narrow storefront wedged between two others. They signed on to add the neighboring Bel Gatto space (9253 45th Ave SW) to the footprint of their business with a goal of having both more space for classes and some added amenities, including a Finnish-style dry sauna.
As the months rolled by with no permit in hand for the new space, Moore says the space directly next door, formerly Guided Ground massage (4509 SW Wildwood Place), unexpectedly became available to rent. This freed up room for a row of Pilates machines required for group classes, and enough room to stretch out—literally—during private lessons in the original space.
“I really believe that it’s been nice having a later timeline,” says Moore, who has been able to talk with clients about what they value, build community with interactions between the overlapping group and private lessons and to design things like the sauna so that it’s right-sized. “Somewhere between 5-8 people can be in there. I like to keep to it 5, so that you can actually connect with others.”
In the meantime, she’s making the temporary studio on Wildwood feel like home, with new artwork from West Seattle muralist Kristina Tamaria, and she is mostly at peace with the extended time it’s taking to expand. “We’re working with the city for permitting, so it’s on its own timeline. It will happen at the right time.”
(Added: Photo sent by Jayson)
10:41 PM: King County Sheriff’s Office deputies and the Guardian One helicopter are searching for five people in Fauntleroy Park, related to a possible stolen car. We’re still working to find out exactly how and where it started but minutes earlier Seattle Police had shared an FYI on their air about KCSO following a stolen car near 26th/Roxbury, westbound. Updates to come.
10:47 PM: SPD is getting involved as they’re getting calls about possible suspicious activity toward the south side of the park.
10:50 PM: One person in custody now, possibly three others still at large, possibly south of the park into Arbor Heights.
10:57 PM: At least part of the search has definitely moved southward into AH, at least as far south as 102nd.
11:04 PM: Still listening back to KCSO radio archives to see how/where this started – meantime, they’re still looking for suspects in Arbor Heights, with a K9 team assisting on the ground.
11:15 PM: Finally found the original KCSO radio calls on this. Someone was tracking their stolen silver Lexus in Burien and KCSO followed it north. Meantime, the current search continues in Arbor Heights, no reports of additional suspects being found yet.
11:17 PM: They’ve hit a dead-end in tracking, so the helicopter has left.
11:33 PM: Still some deputies in the area but the active search has been “called” due to the lack of further leads.
11:52 PM: The car was abandoned in the 3700 block of SW Cambridge. One other interesting note from listening to archived KCSO audio – at one point a deputy asked if StarChase was potentially available, if they were able to use it, but the radio operator didn’t think it was available at that time. According to KCSO radio, before they ever got to West Seattle, the car’s owner wa tracking it remotely and talking to the agency by phone to tell them the locations. One other note from archived audio, the suspects were believed to be juveniles.
(‘Live’ image from WSF camera at Fauntleroy terminal)
In this morning’s traffic/transit/weather roundup, we mentioned that the Triangle Route was down to two ferries. WSF now says that’ll last at least until Tuesday:
The #1 vessel, Kittitas, is out of service due to necessary vessel maintenance. The route will be on two-boat service until further notice. Early this morning, Friday, Jan. 2, we discovered damage to an oil seal in the vessel engine room. We expect repairs to be completed early next week.
Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth service through Tuesday, Jan. 6:
Friday, Jan. 2: As of 11:20 a.m., we are now running the two-boat schedule with the #1 Cathlamet and #2 Sealth. Please expect some delays during this schedule change.
Saturday, Jan. 3 and Sunday, Jan. 4: Regular weekend two-boat schedule.
Monday, Jan. 5 and Tuesday, Jan. 6: Alternate weekday two-boat schedule.
(Mid-December photo by Jerry Simmons)
One week into winter, Washington State Ferries will launch its winter schedule tomorrow. Here’s what WSF says will change:
Our winter sailing schedule starts Sunday, Dec. 28 and lasts through March 21, 2026. There will be schedule changes for two routes:
-The Seattle/Bremerton route will run a revised winter schedule due to terminal construction.
-The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route will switch to the two-boat weekend schedule used each winter.As a reminder, the Anacortes/San Juan Islands will continue with the fall schedule. This same schedule now runs in the fall, winter, and spring, moving the route to an improved, two-season schedule.
All other routes will operate on their regular winter schedule, available online now.
(File photo of M/V Kaleetan, by Gary Jones)
In Washington State Ferries‘ latest weekly update, WSF recapped that the Triangle Route, in its second week of 2-boat service, won’t be back to three boats “until another vessel is available.” That’s likely going to be a while, as one of its oldest boats, M/V Kaleetan (assigned currently to the San Juans), is undergoing emergency repairs that the weekly update says are likely to take until “late December.” As WSF boss Steve Nevey said in his own weekly update, “We need new boats.” The first of its next round of new boats isn’t expected to be ready until 2030. Meantime, WSF has set the date for its next online systemwide community meetings, which usually start with a variety of updates and then spend a significant amount of time on Q&A. They’ll have afternoon and evening versions of the same meeting on Wednesday, January 21: “WSF leaders will recap 2025, share updates on new boats and construction projects, and take questions from the public.” You can register for the noon meeting here, or the 6 pm meeting here. (Here’s our coverage of the most-recent one, back in October.)
A 29-year-old man is in the King County Jail this afternoon on suspicion of DUI, negligent driving, and interlock violation after an incident in Fauntleroy late last night. The pickup above ended up in a yard near 45th SW and SW Director, Its driver got out and walked away; police made the arrest a short time later near Lincoln Park. The neighbor who sent us the photo says the driver:
… came down 45th headed north from Wildwood Market area, sideswiped multiple cars and hit a moving car and then turned abruptly over the turtle and onto SW. Director St. headed toward the ferry terminal. He clipped a house right after the turn in their driveway ran over their rocks and landed in the yard of the next-door neighbor. His truck got stuck there and while he was revving to try to get it going again everybody came outside to try to stop him from leaving the scene. He was noticeably impaired.
According to the jail register, the suspect’s bail has been set at $10,000 after a Municipal Court hearing this morning. But we couldn’t find out from court files/documents any information on prior case(s) which led to the existing interlock order. If you think your car might have been damaged by the sideswiping the neighbor mentions above, you can contact SPD and refer to incident number 2025-362980.
One week from Friday, you’re invited to support the Active Older Adult community at the Fauntleroy YMCA at the “Noche de Gala” event. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
This is an event celebrating our Active Older Adult community for a night of dressing up, good eats, and remembering the year we had together:
Friday 12/19, 5:30-7:30 pm
Fauntleroy YMCA Chapel Hall
9140 California Ave SW$25/person. Registration link is here.
Many holiday happenings are scheduled for nights and weekends. Here’s one you can visit on a weekend morning, if you’re free at this time of day … the Fauntleroy Church Festival of Trees is open for drop-in visits, 9 am to noon Mondays through Thursdays, all month long, plus two weekend windows we’ll mention at the end of this story.16 trees are placed around the Fellowship Hall, and no two are alike.
The Peanut Butter Tree, by the church’s Caring Ministry, is in the spirit of the event, which is also a food drive – bring a can or jar or package and place it under your favorite to “vote”! Then there’s the tree that fuses two holidays:
“Boos and Sparkles” was created by the Fulford Family. Another tree offers a quiz of sorts:
Students of Low Tide Arts (in the same building as the church and Y) ask whether you recognize any of these famous artworks! On the other side of the room, the theme is Seattle sports:
“A Fellowship Group” created the sports tree. At another tree, you can learn “The Legend of the Christmas Spider“:
That was entered by the Tucker/Dwyer Family. Sixteen trees in all (thanks to Judy Pickens for this list) are set up, so we’ve barely shown you a third – go stop by the Fellowship Hall at the church (9140 California SW) and bring a food donation if you can. If you can’t get there on a weekday morning, you can also visit the trees during a 6 pm reception before the church’s 7 pm Christmas concert on Saturday, December 20, and during the reception after the 4 pm concert on Sunday, December 21.
Early tomorrow, Washington State Ferries‘ M/V Chelan “will go out of service for maintenance, repairs, and inspections,” WSF says. They don’t have a boat to replace it on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run, so the Triangle Route will be down to two boats for a week or so. (The two-boat schedules are linked from the WSF Alerts page.)
12:59 PM: If you don’t already have plans for Thanksgiving, you have two more hours to get to The Hall at Fauntleroy to enjoy the free community dinner that DSquared/Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes Catering has served for more than 20 years. It’s on the south end of the historic schoolhouse at 9131 California SW and all are warmly welcomed, until 3 pm. More photos soon!
1:44 PM: Above, the kitchen crew; below, today’s menu!
Some of the donated desserts:
And donated warm clothing for anyone who needs some:
Seen on a tabletop:
And a plate on its way to a guest:
If you don’t see this in time to get there, our Holiday Guide features info on two other free community dinners in West Seattle today – the Eagles (no membership required) 2-5 pm, Admiral Pub (21+) starting at 6.
(This photo and next by Dave Gershgorn. Above, spawning pair that chose a spot just above the fish ladder)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
With great enthusiasm, 130 people kicked off Salmon Watch 2025 on Fauntleroy Creek with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council’s annual drumming to call in coho spawners. Dozens of vigorous fish had been sighted schooling in Fauntleroy Cove, and nearly three dozen volunteers made sure their route along the beach stayed open.
Watchers checked the spawning reach daily, school groups came on field trips, and 100 members of the general public came to the council’s “open creek” in the spawning reach on November 9. Everyone’s reward was slim, however. From October 26 through November 21, watchers documented only nine fish and one spawning pair.
(Full of eggs, the last spawner pushed ahead through the fish ladder November 10 without a mate)
While disappointing, such a low count is not unusual for small Seattle creeks. Since Fauntleroy Creek’s first documented pair, in 1994, the count has fluctuated between zero and last year’s record 347.
“These fish need high tides and ample rainfall to flush impurities out of the creek and give them easy entry at the mouth,” said veteran watcher Dennis Hinton. “This year, those conditions did not align, and predation in the cove were especially heavy.”
(Photo by Tom Trulin: Volunteers hosted students of all ages, including this group from the Urban Nature Preschool)
Volunteers will check the lower creek in February for home-hatch fry, then turn their attention to school releases in the spring. Next year, releases will happen in Longfellow Creek because of the culvert-replacement project. In order to replace the creek culvert under 45th Ave. SW, the contractor will need to dewater the site by pumping creek flow into a bypass pipe, which fish heading to saltwater from the upper creek would not survive.
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ARBOR HEIGHTS GUNFIRE: Right around the end of the Seahawks game, as usual, some set off fireworks to commemorate the victory, so 911 was dealing with some callers who thought they heard gunfire. In one case, apparently they did. Police reported finding at least one shell casing in the 10700 block of 35th SW. No reports of injuries or property damage.
STOLEN BLACK TACOMA TRUCK: The photo and report are from Christina:
Our 2017 black Toyota Tacoma was stolen overnight from 9000 block of 39th Ave SW near SW Barton between 12:00 AM-7:00 AM on 11/23. Plate: C53336H. VIN: ——-3136. Stickers: Seahawks (rear window) West Seattle Eagle, Teamsters. Broken glass on scene likely smashed rear window. SPD case # 25-343674
Call 911 if you find it.
HOME BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Richard in Westwood:
Shortly before 400 am I heard noises that I thought were that of a raccoon. I went downstairs to investigate and heard someone trying to break through my high-end security door. I called 911 and the police came and did an area check and found nothing.
Shortly after 700 am I went outside and found extensive damage to the security door. Not only did they break metal parts of the latch, but they used fire to try and melt parts of the door and lock mechanism. I called the police again and the officer said it looked like a very professional job and that he had not seen one like it before. The lock held but the door may need to be replaced. Case number 25-343575.
GARAGE BREAK-IN: This report was sent by Brian:
Our home was also targeted in Seaview on Friday night. Someone broke our car window in the driveway and stole / used garage door remote to gain access to the garage. Nothing apparently stolen other than the remote (maybe intent on coming back? Who knows).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Fauntleroy Community Association‘s board met this past week, for a meeting mostly featuring short updates, no guest presenters:
CROSSING FLAGS: FCA has long been placing these at various crossings in the area, and they’re depleted, president Frank Immel said, particularly by the ferry dock; board member Bill Wellington said he’d noticed one flag basket was on the ground rather than on the pole (he has 50 that can be used for replenishment) – Immel said he has fasteners. So the problem will be addressed
CROSSING AT SW ROSE: The FCA is still concerned about its design (as shown earlier this year) – some wondered if it’s “overdesigned” – though pleased it does contain a pushbutton-activated signal for crossers. Vice president Catherine Bailey also said she’s glad this will calm/slow traffic. Immel said he’d had a few questions out to SDOT for a while but no reply yet. They’re hoping project-team reps will come to a future meeting.
CULVERT UPDATE: With Seattle Public Utilities‘ 45th SW Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement project looming, board members wanted to talk about where they and the community are at with readiness for it. One attendee who recently moved from the project zone said his former neighbors are worried about the logistics of the work, which is expected to close 45th SW to through traffic for two years. Board member Alan Grainger noted that the bottom line remains, “we’re going to have a much-improved environment for the salmon.” There’s still concern, however, that not enough people know this is coming, and more people who live in the area need to come to a meeting and see how it’s going to work and ask questions.” (SPU had a meeting last month; here’s our coverage.) FCA thinks the community should be getting more, and more-frequent, messages about it, and plans to suggest that to the city.
FERRY DOCK: Immel, long the FCA’s point person on ferry issues, recapped the final Community Advisory Group meeting held recently (WSB coverage here) and the general outline with which WSF is going into environmental studies. The project is not yet fully funded, and that’s a big issue, Immel observed.
COVE PARK: Some of the art in the small beach park north of the ferry dock has been damaged, board member Mardi Clements said, and is working on what can be done about it – the raven’s “sun” was stolen (not the first time that sculpture’s been damaged), and there’s a chunk smashed out of the canoe. They’re talking to the county, which now controls the site, about repairs.
$ UPDATE: Grainger, who serves as treasurer, said the Fauntleroy Fall Festival was within about $600 of breaking even, so FCA is contributing to cover that gap.
SURVEY THIS YEAR? FCA is the only community council that regularly surveys residents and businesses. (See the 2023 results here.) Before the next one, they want to focus on building up their email address database. They talked about ways to simplify it, maybe asking people to rank community issues, adding their own priority if it’s not on the list. Board members thought it might be best to develop a “mini-survey” this time.
DIGITAL PROFILE: The group is still grappling with maximizing its online channels – in brainstorming, some wondered, could they find a volunteer? Or maybe send email to its subscriber list more than the current once a quarter – provided there’s good information that’s worth readers’ while.
WHAT’S NEXT: No December meeting, so they’re reconvening in January (6 pm Tuesday, January 13).
(Photos by Ana Del Claro)
Right now in the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW), it’s opening night for the Fauntleroy Art Show – not just a show, but an opportunity to shop for locally created art and crafts – organizers sent photos. Below is one of the 19 local artists and artistic crafters (listed here) participating this year, Jessica Rasmusson of HandSlow Pottery:
Quilted creations by Betty Laughlin‘s Pieced Together Design are there too:
If you can’t make it before 8 pm tonight, the Fauntleroy Art Show continues Saturday 10 am-5 pm and Sunday 11 am-3 pm.
(WSB photo, Thanksgiving 2024)
Just in, the official invitation to this year’s free Thanksgiving feast at The Hall at Fauntleroy, presented by its operators for more than 20 years as a gift to the community:
All are welcome on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 27th from 12 pm-3 pm – for this year’s annual Free Community Thanksgiving Meal! The delicious meal, created by Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering Sous Chef Zach Mosely, will include a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, with desserts donated by the community. No need to RSVP, just show up at Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California Ave SW) on Thanksgiving Day between 12-3pm.
This event happens with the help of many wonderful volunteers, and we are blessed that all volunteer spots are just about filled. Here is the link for more information and to see where help is still needed
Gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and dessert donations can be dropped off at our SODO office at 4105 Airport Way S, 98108 on Wednesday, November 26th from 10 AM to 3 PM or can be dropped off at The Hall at Fauntleroy on Thanksgiving Day from 10 AM to 1 PM.
This isn’t just intended for people in need – anybody and everybody is welcome, as has been the case every year.
1 PM: Until 3 pm today, you’re invited to go to upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director [map] – near the public overlook – and volunteers will invite you down to the banks of Fauntleroy Creek, to see if any coho spawners are in view. We have a team member there and will update as soon as we hear from him!
1:14 PM: WSB’s Torin Record-Sand reports that so far today, salmon watchers have seen two carcasses, no live fish.
Longtime creek volunteer Dennis Hinton says the two were pulled out by a raccoon – but they had spawned before that,
So far, the count this year of coho making it to the spawning area is eight, but they’ve seen about 200 near the creek mouth not far from the ferry dock, where hungry seals have had a heyday, so, of these two and the six others seen: “They’ve made it through a lot of predators to get up here.”
1:55 PM: As of about 15 minutes ago, creek volunteers have counted 54 visitors today.
Many families with little kids, and even though no live fish have shown up yet today, the carcasses have inspired many questions!
2:56 PM: Shoutout to volunteer Elena for the salmon cookies:
Visitors are receiving information on how to volunteer and donate to support the Fauntleroy Watershed Council‘s work supporting and advocating for the creek and its wildlife – all that info is linked here.
MONDAY UPDATE: Creek steward Judy Pickens tells us they counted 100 visitors in all during the two-hour window. And today, two more coho made it into the creek – after somehow surviving a gauntlet of predators, mostly harbor seals, but even a river otter joining the buffet line.
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