One week ago, we visited the Alki Statue of Liberty to ponder those who gathered by the statue to mourn on and after 9/11, 25 years earlier. Tonight, the Alki Community Council launched a donation drive to get the statue a new “coat” – protective coating to stop its base from cracking. Leading the ACC meeting, president Charlotte Starck said “the good news is it’s fixable and doesn’t cost that much,” about $4,000. The ACC maintains the plaza, dedicated in 2008, with money left over from the community donations that funded it back then, money that’s not accessible for work like this, so they’re launching a drive to raise $5,000 to cover the cost. You can donate here. “It’s either, do something about it, or sit here and watch it deteriorate,” Starck said. This was one of three major topics at tonight’s meeting; we’ll report on the other two tomorrow!
The last person to comment at this afternoon’s Roxhill Park community-safety meeting got to the heart of the matter:
The panel at the head of the crowded meeting room was full of enforcers and responders. The problem ultimately belonged in the laps of the policymakers.
But none of them were there, though otherwise it was an impressive assemblage of panelists facing the room at Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor), which organized the meeting with Southwest Precinct crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite.
Director Eva Thomas opened, asking for civility for a “constructive dialogue where everybody has the right to be heard.” Here’s our video of the meeting, followed by our recap:
Represented agencies, departments, and teams included:
Unified Care Team Seattle Police Seattle Fire King County Sheriff’s Office Seattle Parks and Recreation
Satterwhite facilitated.
She first gave the mic to UCT representatives (above) who talked about their processes. She said their goal is “to keep places safe and accessible,” citywide.
Next UCT rep was the regional manager for this area, Darius Foster. He also talked about processes. “Harm reduction strategies” are their focus, he said, from service provision to cleanup. “At the end of the day our goal is to resolve.a location.” He said their response is not based on the number of service requests they get. He also said there are legal rules they have to follow – including outreach before a clearance. They do need some SPD response, as on-site secuity: “They are not engaged with unhoused individuals unless they absolutely need to be.” Safety, dignity, and compassion are important, he said. They also have to plan ahead – several weeks to several months – and they are well aware sites are often repopulated soon after clearances. But they try to ensure that “the temperature is lowered” and the sites don’t become as bad as they had been.
An Alternative Response Team rep spoke next- they are law-enforcement officers, he explained. (Lt. Ziemer is the commander of the unit.) Safety issues are brought to his attention, and this one rose higher on the UCT’s list after the shooting.
A Parks rep spoke next.He said Park Rangers have beefed up their patrols of Roxhill Park “for at least the next few weeks.” He was followed by a Parks rep who said Roxhill Park has two fulltime maintenance personnel who go there every day. Right now they’re working to “open up” the trail that leads from the bus stop,
Monty Powell, Village Green’s owner, spoke first in Q&A: “This is a serious problem.” He asked if the city can clear “the secrecy” out of the park. He also asked if police can remove troublemakers as trespassers. “What they’re doing out there is destroying the value of this community.” He was applauded.
The Parks crew rep said “we are working to open up some sightlines” but also said the park’s bog can’t be entirely cleared of vegetation, for ecological reasons.
Powell expressed a request to collaborate with Parks, saying they share a 600-foot line. Parks mentioned the experiment to bring back water to the box, and said the first section involved in the experiment has water and is not encamped, so they hope to expand that.
Asked about trespassing, the Alternative Response rep said they have to follow the MDAR rules. They also could enforce Parks trespassing rules. “So it can be enforced, but will it be?” asked Powell. That’s up to the responding officer, he said.
So if an individual is setting up a tenant, are they breaing the law? Yes, but there’s a clear set of city rules about how that can be addressed. The UCT rep underscored that, noting there is a distinct set of rules for addressing encampments as opposed to individuals.
Another man said signage says no one’s allowed in the park 11-7 (overnight), but people are there, and he doesn’t feel safe.
Satterwhite asked precinct Operations Lt. Pat Daley how SPD would respond to crime in an encampment. He urged that criminal activity be reported to 911.
What if an illegal fire is reported? SFD Lt. Shata Stephenson with the city Fire Marshal’s office said they evaluate whether there’s a safety risk to firefighters, and what kind of risk the fire poses.
An attendee mentioned numerous calls about fires and was told they wouldn’t come out because the fire was contained. But smoke is an issue, she said. Lt. Stephenson said if it’s a small fire they might not put it out.
Next attendee to speak said he’s concerned because “We’re dancing around the problem.” He also said the smoke causes irritation. He said the smoke is the problem, a “public hazard,” not the housing status of the person. He was concerned about action not being taken because “it’s an encampment.” But in response, Foster from the UCT says encampment status doesn’t mean no action. He said they’re working on policies and are determine to ensure this site doesn’t get back to what it was. But a lot of multi-level collaboration is needed.
The next person to speak said he has teenage daughters who have been harassed in the park. He says his parking lot has crime with perpetrators that leave him feeling like he is the intruder. He said he’s never wanted to own a gun but is thinking about it now.
An attendee then called out from the audience that “they have more rights than we do” because of the rules and policies.
Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair said bluntly, “We can’t enforce our way out of homelessness …We are working on it as a city.” She said they are “trying to get creative” with enforcing laws. She brought up the “extraordinary amount of theft” at Westwood Village and how they are working on that, in collaboration with businesses.” The theft-targeted businesses are seen by some as a source of “free stuff” and they’re working on taking that away. She said, “Things have changed,” since she returned to patrol operations in 2021. She is encouraged.that the two new tiny-home villages in West Seattle and South Park will help matters by getting more people off the street and on their feet. They do what they can to enforce laws in the meantime, but staffing remains an issue, Capt. Bair said – they have 10 officers per shift on a good day, and sometimes all they can do is “triage.” She agreed that it’s disheartening but “we all are aware” and the community can help: Online reports, calls to the non-emergency line,private security camera video. Even just being at a meeting like this helps. Don’t move from the area, she urged – stay and fight. She also noted there had been a clearance last weekend just east of Chief Sealth International High School.
A King County Sheriff’s Office detective from the transit unit – therefore responsible for buses and bus stops – spoke briefly. He was followed by a volunteer from A Cleaner Alki who said they’ve cleaned up Roxhill Park many times. She said they’ve offered a lot of ideas about things that could be changed in the park “to make it less inviting” to troublemakers, particular drug users/sellers. “Move the places that people do their drugs,” like benches. The Parks and Rec staffer said they have a staffing challenge too. “Our staff are going out there every day and filling their trucks with at least three loads of trash,” but they have to tend to dozens of other parks too.
UCT at that point said a tent or structure constitutes an “encampment.”
Another question was about bus stops and it was reiterated that KCSO is responsible for those – but if something is happening now, call 911.
And the last person to speak said that those who came to answer questions are “enforcers,” but not policy-makers, and they need to have a face-to-face with them. (No elected officials were in attendance, but Michael Taylor-Judd from City Councilmember Rob Saka’s office was in the audience.
6:33 PM: Thanks for the many tips on this. Avoid the Fauntleroy ferry dock area on Fauntleroy Way for a while – there’s an emergency response for an injured man. Nobody who tipped us seemed to know exactly what happened until we got a call just now from someone who said that they were a witness and that the injured man was on a bicycle and collided with a driver. The witness says they and others jumped into action to treat the man’s injuries, SFD also responded and we’re checking with them on his condition.
8:48 PM: This was actually an “isolated bicycle collision,” according to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, who says firefighters “treated an approx. 50-year-old male who was in stable condition. The patient declined transportation to a hospital.”
SDOT will remove and repave the top 2 inches of the street at the location listed above.
Parking will be restricted. o 72 hours before the work starts and parking restrictions begin, “NO PARKING”
signs will be placed on the street.
Monday, Sept 21 – Wednesday, Sept 23
o SW 106th St between 35th Ave SW and 32nd Ave SW will be reduced to a single lane alternating between eastbound and westbound traffic.
o Driveways will be CLOSED during working hours. Driveway access will be provided to the extent possible, but there may be delays of up to one hour to let equipment clear or to let new asphalt cool down enough to accept traffic loads.
Monday, Sept 28 – Tuesday, Sept 29
o SW 106th St from 35th Ave SW to 34th Ave SW will be CLOSED with Local Access Only.
o 35th Ave SW at SW 106th St will be reduced to a single lane alternating between northbound and southbound traffic.
o Driveways will be CLOSED during working hours. Driveway access will be provided to the extent possible, but there may be delays of up to one hour to let equipment clear or to let new asphalt cool down enough to accept traffic loads.
Wednesday, Sept 30 – Thursday, Oct 1
o SW 106th St from 35th Ave SW to 39th Ave SW will be CLOSED with Local Access Only.
o 35th Ave SW at SW 106th St will be reduced to a single lane alternating between northbound and southbound traffic
This Saturday afternoon, West Seattle Indivisible is planning its first multi-streetcorner protest in a while. Here’s the announcement we received:
WSI is sponsoring an anti-ICE demonstration on Saturday 9/19 from 1-3 pm. Participants will line California Ave SW, gathering at 15 intersections from Morgan Junction to Admiral Way. Each person will hold “tombstone” signs that include portraits, date of death, and location of those who have died as a result of ICE actions to date in 2026.
A minimum of four individuals will be at each intersection (although it looks like most of them are full with 8). Groups of 4-8 are encouraged to sign up for a corner together, but individuals are welcome too. This is meant to be a somber acknowledgement of the harm ICE has caused to the 78 people – and their families and communities – that have died as a result of ICE actions this year. Participants will be wearing black to emotionally underscore the senseless tragedy of these lost lives.
There’s a map, and a signup link for anyone interested in participating, on WSI’s home page.
Five months after we reported that Shannon and Jon Felix had decided to sell Avalon Glassworks and move on to new adventures, they’ve found a buyer. We inquired after spotting the marquee message in our photo above, suggesting something is “COMING SOON” to the glassblowing-studio space next to Luna Park Café. Avalon Glassworks officially closed 2+ months ago, aside from a few pop-up shopping opportunities. And now a new owner is getting ready to take over. Via email, glass artist Emily Chick explained the plan:
Basically I saw the ad Shannon and John put out for the business and I knew I had to go for it!
I love blowing glass and playing a supportive role in the glass community. With this hot shop and retail space, which I’ve named HoneyDew Glassworks, I plan to make a space that other glassblowers can utilize both in the making of their art and the sustaining of their livelihood. As well as creating and selling my own work, I will be renting out studio bench time to glass artists and providing the opportunity for anyone to sell their work through the Honeydew Store.
I’m not exactly sure when I’ll be able to open but I’m really gunning for before December. I want to have a fun little opening event when that time comes! Planning on being open 5 days a week but not exactly sure which days yet.
Lots to work on and finalize for me but I’m so thrilled for this journey!
The space at 2914 SW Avalon Way has been a glassblowing studio for more than 30 years.
(SDOT traffic camera image in aftermath of Sept. 14, 2024 crash)
SDOT just announced another closure of the West Seattle low bridge as it continues replacing gates damaged when a driver hit them two years ago:
The next round of repairs and improvements are coming for the South Spokane Street Swing Bridge (also know as the Low Bridge).
We will close the Spokane Swing Bridge to replace the barrier gate at the East side of the bridge. During this time, people will not be able to drive across the bridge, but they will be able to bike/roll or walk across.
When?
Beginning at 7 am Saturday, September 26, and ending at 4 am Monday, September 28.
Why?
As a result of the September 2024 vehicle collision, the entire barrier gate system has been having issues. We will be replacing the barrier gate at the East side of the bridge.
(Petunias seen recently at SSC Garden Center – open today! – photo by Margaret)
Yet another lively list of what’s happening around West Seattle in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – THANK YOU to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
LUNCH & LEARN ALL ABOUT PROTEIN: 12:30 pm, Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor) presents a free webinar with Dr. Brie Woodruff on “Protein – Why It Matters and How Much You Need” – register here to get the link!
TRANSPORTATION FAIR:1-3 pm at Village Green West Seattle(2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor), drop in to learn about the may transportation options open to seniors (and others).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can be there to listen!)
NEW BEGINNER CLOGGING CLASS: Learn to clog! Join the class today, 1:30-2:30 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
ROXHILL PARK COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING: 3:30 pm, hosted by Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) with reps from agencies/departments including Seattle Police.
WEST SEATTLE SOCIAL HOUR: Want to meet people – in person? Camp West (4539 California SW) is hosting a weekly “social hour” where you can drop in (21+) and do that! 4 pm.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS – this week and every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) hosts a food truck. Tonight it’s Jeremy’s Chicken.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) welcomes volunteers weekly to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks – you can take some home too. Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY:Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: 5-8 pm tonight, throughout South Delridge and White Center – venue info here.
BOOK SWAP WITH WINE! 5:30-7 pm, Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts the monthly book swap -this month’s theme, “schools and academia” – bring one, take one! Plus $10 pours with Darby Winery,
WESTIES RUN CLUB + BEER RELEASE: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run, with a track-workout option, PLUS the release party for Westies Party Pace Pale.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm in-person only at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), including a discussion of ongoing Alki crime/safety issues – full agenda here.
OPENING NIGHT AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, opening night performance of “The Chinese Lady” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – info including ticket link is in our calendar listing.
7:44 AM: Thanks for the tip. More than 300 Seattle City Light customers are out of power south of Fauntleroy and into the Arroyos. “Equipment failure” is listed as the cause; this appears to include the area where SCL has been replacing underground cables.
3:01 PM: Not fixed yet. SCL’s Kate Jacobs responded to our inquiry about the cause: “The outage was caused by a failure in aging underground cable. It underscores the importance of the Brace Point Underground Cable Replacement project, which will improve service reliability and enable faster restoration times once complete.”
7:49 PM: Two-car crash reported to be blocing one lane of eastbound West Seattle Bridge at 1st Ave.
9 AM: SDOT says the scene’s clear. Still very slow going EB, though.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: SFD says a 31-year-old woman had minor injuries and did not need to be taken to a hospital.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 17, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Another sunny day expected, high in the low 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:49 am today; sunset will be at 7:16 pm. (Countdown: Five days until the official start of fall.)
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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!
Around 9:15 pm, 911 got a call about suspected gunfire near 32nd SW and SW Trenton. Police weren’t able to confirm it until another 911 call a half-hour or so later from someone who said they had it on video – someone in a black sedan shooting at a nearby house, with a bullet hole in a garage door as a result. No injuries reported.
NEW BANNERS: ANA’s Ryan Crompton got props for new Admiral District banners on California SW. Ten are up, with QR codes people can use to learn more about ANA. They all have different designs, including historic photos. It’s adding some “pizzazz” to the neighborhood, Crompton observed.
NEIGHBORHOOD SAFETY UPDATE: SPD Community Service Officer Jamie Heslin is with a CSO team serving the Southwest and South Precincts.
-Crime in the SW Precinct overall is down 9 percent
-Car thefts in the SWP are down 30 percent
-Admiral crime is down 25 percent
-That includes burglaries in Admiral down 23 percent
-Also: Shots fired in Admiral are down 75 percent from this point last year, 2 this year compared to 8 last year
An attendee asked what SPD knows about local ICE activity; Officer Heslin didn’t have any info. Another attendee then told the story of a friend who’s been in ICE detention more than a month, first in Tacoma and then moved to another state where conditions are much worse.
CASA RECRUITMENT: Sarah Childs presented about the child-advocacy program, which also was detailed at the last quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting too. There is a great need for volunteers to help the children assisted by the program – and Childs said one of her goals is to raise awareness too. She first explained how cases get to their attention – “typically more complicated and severe cases.” Some families may have options like having a child live with another relative, but many don’t have that option. The program serves children age birth to 11, and CASA volunteers -who receive training – are assigned to advocate for a child, as an officer of the court.
The volunteers “get to know the child in a variety of settings” by gathering information to present to the court. Once something is court-ordered, they stay involved to monitor. They also work to help ensure that a child can stay connected with their family, even if they’ve been placed elsewhere.
220 volunteers served 647 children last year – but more than 300 are still waiting to be matched with a volunteer.
Requirements: You don’t have to have a law or social work background. You should be compassionate, dependable, able to be objective, open to learn, to focus on a child’s best interest. 25 is the minimum age andthey ask people to commit to see a case through. The CASA might be the lone consistent person on a child’s case.
CASA volunteer Maria, a West Seattleite, has been advocating for two kids who she said were born drug-addicted and have never been in their parents’ care. though they have found a home with other family members. She said this volunteer work is “the single most fulfilling thing in my life.” And as she’s been on a case for five years, she has become “the historian” for her charges, among other things. She talked about ways in which her advocacy helped ensure her charges’ needs were filled.
Want to find out more? They have monthly online info sessions. Go here!
BUSINESSES: Joanie Jacobs thanked the local businesses that sponsored their big summer of events, An attendee asked if anything new was on the way business-wise; she said to the contrary, some departures were looming, such as the laundromat and Kumon. On the southeast corner of California/Admiral, The Last Parlor is mired in permitting, while proprietor Cori continues waffles in the Baked space next door. The former dry cleaners is caught up in cleanup drama. Ensuing discussion noted that Admiral has a lot of parking, too.
SUMMER EVENT WRAPUP: The Fourth of July Kids’ Parade was “an amazing day, …it was just awesome.” Organizers Becky and Erin weren’t at the meeting; Meagan, who organized the AMP three-concert series, said 1,500 people attended and the new features including the bike corral and puzzle library were hits. They’re hoping to be back at Hiawatha next year for at least one of the three concerts (probably replacing California Place Park, which is adjacent to what’ll likely be a construction site by then). The Admiral Block Party last month was a big success too, with the added space on SW College east of California, getting more businesses involved and creating space for a Health and Wellness Fair. Dan Jacobs also noted that Lori McConnell of West Seattle Runner was this year’s winner of the Patrick Sand Community Advocate Award (named for the late WSB founder), presented at the festival. Nominations for next year will open int the spring. One more acknowledgment: Erik Bell’s A Cleaner Alki cleaned up after all the summer events.
NEXT EVENTS: October 30, 3:30-6:30 pm, is the Admiral Trick-or-Treat event, and ANA needs volunteer crossing guards! ANA will also have volunteers handing out candy at their booth near West Seattle Grounds. Last year was rainy but still busy. There’s a possibility that California north of Admiral might be closed for the occasion but that’s not decided yet. For the holiday season, Winter Wonderland will be back, and business involvement will be welcomed again this year – details soon. Crompton said they’ll work with businesses on holiday lighting too.
MEMBERSHIP: ANA has seen a hearty jump in individual membership, which helps them cover costs for all these events and programs. (Here’s how to sign up!)
HAMILTON FOREST STEWARD:Mark Childs explained that the forest is separate from the viewpoint park, and they’ve been removing brambles, as well as ivy, with another session to come on Saturday, October 3, 9:30-11:30 am. “It’s lots of fun,” he promised. You can sign up via the Green Seattle Partnership website – go here ASAP to save your spot!
RETURN OF THE JOINER JAMBOREE? St. John’s Rev. Elise Johnstone says her church is hoping to host the next edition too (here’s our coverage of the first one), and is working with organizer Julie Garbutt in hopes of making it happen sometime this fall.
NEXT ANA MEETING: Wednesday, November 18, 7 pm, with officer elections. Watch connecttoadmiral.org> for updates.
Looking for a preschool? West Seattle’s unique Intergenerational Learning Center at The Mount (WSB sponsor) is holding an open house tomorrow (Thursday) night, and we’re mentioning it here in case you haven’t already seen it in our Event Calendar – here’s the invitation:
Join the Intergenerational Learning Center Director Yona Dembele and team for our Fall Open House!
Meet our caring team, explore our engaging classrooms and outdoor play spaces, and learn about the enriching and intergenerational programs designed to support every stage of your child’s development. Whether you or someone in your family are planning ahead or looking for care now, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, connect with other families, and see firsthand what makes our program so special.
Thursday, September 17
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Intergenerational Learning Center
Providence Mount St. Vincent
4831 35th Ave SW
As noted in our calendar and daily highlight list, Seattle Parks is screening “Hunger Games: Catching Fire” in Lincoln Park tonight.Camp Long has been hoping to host outdoor movies before the season’s over, and this afternoon we just got word of two, on the next two Fridays:
So bring the family to “Monsters Inc.” this Friday and “Toy Story 5” next Friday, both at 6 pm, both brought to you by Brought to you by Camp Long Advisory Council and Rec ’N the Streets through Seattle Parks and Rec!
We have a followup today from the organizers of a beach cleanup at Alki that was in our highlight list last Saturday. Almost 40 volunteers showed up to take on Puget Soundkeeper‘s challenge along the West Seattle and downtown waterfronts:
Photos courtesy Puget Soundkeeper
Almost 40 volunteers joined Puget Soundkeeper on Saturday for their annual Sound Sweep Series International Coastal Cleanup, held at both Alki Beach and Myrtle Edwards Park. Between both locations, 247 pounds of trash was removed, helping prevent hundreds of plastic bits and other items from being ingested by wildlife.
Different from many other cleanup events, this one included some very approachable community science. In addition to removing debris, volunteers assisted in collecting data by tallying and recording the types and quantities of the items they collect. Following the cleanup, the data was uploaded to an international database and will be used to inform environmental legislation.
On top of the 250 cigarette butts collected, volunteers also participated in the removal of several types of construction materials, Styrofoam dock pieces, fishing line, balloon debris, and other items, highlighting the various ways which waste finds its way into Puget Sound.
“My favorite part of this event is giving people hope,” says Tanya Balaji, Stewardship and Education Manager at Puget Soundkeeper. “Removing marine debris from our waterways is important, but producing data that can be used to push for legislative action makes a huge difference. It’s a really simple way for communities to join and fight for change.”
This event was part of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), a global movement organized by the Ocean Conservancy, which is aligned with Puget Soundkeeper’s mission to be a trusted leader and collaborator for all communities, in court and on the water, fighting for a healthy Puget Sound.
Puget Soundkeeper thanks all of the volunteers, partners, and supporters who made this event possible and encourages the public to continue taking action to reduce plastic pollution every day.
That memorial on the plaza outside the west side of the Southwest Precinct was dedicated today, in honor of the Seattle Police detective whose badge number it bears, Bryan Van Brunt. The short, solemn ceremony featured SPD Chaplain Charlie Scoma and interim Chief Andre Sayles, after bagpipe accompaniment as family members were escorted to their seats:
The chaplain explained that the location was chosen because part of Det. Van Brunt’s patrol years were spent here,
More than 20 years of work, serving the country as an FBI Task Force member as well as the city via SPD, noted the chief.
Det. Van Brunt’s death was not immediately classified as line of duty; he died by suicide in 2019 at age 41, suffering PTSD after years of undercover work. Citywide-news reports detailed his family’s fight, which they eventually won.
Last year, he was added to the SPD memorial wall. But as was noted today, the Fallen Officer Memorial Project has sought to bring the memorials like this one out from behind closed-to-the-public doors.
This weekend, Seattle celebrates Latin American culture heritage during Fiestas Patrias, starting with the Saturday morning parade in South Park, with a West Seattleite as this year’s grand marshal – King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who lives in North Delridge. The parade precedes an all-weekend Fiestas Patrias festival at Seattle Center downtown, both presented by Sea Mar Community Health Centers. The parade starts at 10 am from 14th Avenue South and South Henderson Street, proceeding north on 14th to South Cloverdale Street, then west to the ending point at South Park Community Center [route map]. Here’s our coverage of last year’s parade. (If you’re driving, it’s best to approach from the north or south, as Cloverdale was blocked last year at 509.)
TRADER JOE’S HOURS CHANGE: Thanks to Ian for the tip on this: As posted at registers in the West Seattle Trader Joe’s, the store will open an hour later starting Monday, October 5th – 9 am instead of 8 am. We have an inquiry out to the company asking why the change. (Trivia note, the store marks its 15th anniversary next year.)
SHERWIN-WILLIAMS RIBBONCUTTING: As mentioned in today’s highlight list, the new paint store at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW is having a grand-opening celebration until 2 pm today. It started with a ribboncutting:
(Recent almost-fall sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
Here are highlights for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which you can preview any time – our daily highlight list is meant to be an ICYMI reminder rundown, with last-minute additions too):
GRAND-OPENING CELEBRATION: The new Sherwin Williams paint store at 4457 Fauntleroy Way SW has been open a while but is officially having a grand opening today, with discounts and activities – even a dunk tank. Now until 2 pm.
OFFICER MEMORIAL DEDICATION: A permanent memorial to SPD Lt. Bryan Van Brunt will be dedicated at the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) at 11:30 am. The public is welcome, It’s part of the Seattle Police Foundation‘s Fallen Officer Project.
FREE YOGA FOR 12-STEP RECOVERY: Every Wednesday, continuing into fall, 5-6:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), no registration but MUST arrive no later than 4:55 pm.
NO FAMILY STORY TIME: 6:30 pm story time is canceled tonight at Southwest Library.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces.
SIP ‘N’ STITCH AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm, workshop-style sewing at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), fee includes supplies.
OUTDOOR MOVIE: 6:30 pm in Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, ballfield 3), “Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” Free (but you can bring $ for food trucks). Info in our calendar listing!
PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH LANGUAGE SKILLS: A local group of Spanish-language learners gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) to practice – details in our calendar listing.
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: First meeting at new place on new night! 7 pm on third Wednesdays at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW). Enter on east side of the building. See connecttoadmiral.org for agenda info!
MUSIC BINGO: Play music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle Wednesday trivia venues: Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And Wednesday trivia usually starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
THEATER: Preview night for the new ArtsWest play, “The Chinese Lady,” 7:30 pm. Online tickets are sold out but you can check in-person with the box office before the show. (4711 California SW)
KARAOKE: Sing at Admiral Pub starting at 9 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation/visitation? Please email us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The report and video were sent by Avery, hoping that maybe someone has found the package of cat food that was delivered, then taken:
This happened at around 11:30 am (Tuesday) near the (Delridge) branch library. The package contained expensive food for my elderly cat. It seems like the person was moving with intent and was wearing business clothes (???), so I have no idea what is going on here. If anyone knows who this is or where my package went, please just return it to me.
Avery says the package the person didn’t take is “a 40-pound bag of cat litter and you can see the label from the steps.”
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Wednesday, September 16, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny day expected, high in the low 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:48 am today; sunset will be at 7:19 pm. (Countdown: Just six days until the official start of fall.)
Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the three-boat schedule today, but there’s a vessel change;
Chimacum to replace Kitsap as #2 vessel on Wednesday, Sept 16
The 144-vehicle Chimacum will replace the 124-vehicle Kitsap as the #2 vessel (starting today). The Chimacum will be on the route for a couple weeks as we move vessels for required maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here; plus, one last reminder that buses have returned to SW Barton in and near the Westwood Village area.
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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!
We first reported back in February that Delphinium Delicatessen and Goods was on the way to 3902 California SW, and published a May update on progress. As is almost always the case for new businesses, things took a little longer than hoped for. Some readers have asked for an update, and tonight we have one from proprietor Cindy Beaver: She has set Friday, September 25, as her official opening date, provided all goes well with an inspection later this week. Once that’s in the rear-view mirror, she’ll start stocking shelves, and might even be able to soft-open sooner. Hours will be 11 am-7 pm Tuesdays-Sundays, closed Mondays.
WSI is sponsoring an anti-ICE demonstration on Saturday 9/19 from 1-3 pm. Participants will line California Ave SW, gathering at 15 intersections from Morgan Junction to Admiral Way. Each person will hold “tombstone” signs that include portraits, date of death, and location of those who have died as a result of ICE actions to date in 2026.
Here’s what we heard at the just-wrapped September gathering of the 
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