West Seattle, Washington
01 Saturday
At 8 pm, Ladder 13 pulled out of its bay at Seattle Fire Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, lights flashing. But it wasn’t heading out on a call. At fire stations all over the city, right at that moment, other SFD apparatus that weren’t on calls did the same, in tribute to fallen firefighters.
It was a citywide followup to SFD’s annual ceremony earlier in the day remembering its fallen firefighters at the downtown monument inspired by the four who died in the Pang warehouse arson in 1995. They are among more than 50 Seattle firefighters who died from line-of-duty injuries/illnesses, dating back to 1899.
Last week, we mentioned nighttime lane closures so crews could go inside the West Seattle Bridge to work on the new observation platforms. Now, they’re done, SDOT reports in its weekly bridge update:
(SDOT photo)
This week, crews finished installing lighting inside the bridge for the permanent inspection platforms. These newly installed and illuminated platforms will allow inspectors to easily monitor the bridge’s interior concrete in the months and years to come. On top of frequent visual inspection, the bridge’s 24/7 monitoring system continues to transmit real-time data to our bridge inspection team.
With the interior light installation work complete, crews ended the nighttime lane closures on the high bridge that were needed to finish this work after the bridge opened. An additional nighttime lane closure on the high bridge will be needed to adjust several signs in the coming weeks.
Tomorrow night marks two weeks since the bridge reopened after its 2 1/2-year closure.
5:10 PM: Right at crunch time for the Friday pm commute, a crash is blocking part of Delridge Way at SW Thistle. Avoid the area for a while.
5:39 PM: Police have just reported that Delridge is open again both ways.
Three biznotes this afternoon:
TAP SHACK’S LAST NIGHT: West Seattle Brewing reminds us that this is the final night for its Alki Tap Shack (2536 Alki Avenue SW), as reported here a month ago. The weather’s perfect to stop by one last time; Hannah from WS Brewing says “We will have beers, bikes, and bbq, a partnership with Peace Peloton! Starting at 6, Jones BBQ; 7:00-ish, DJ Big Ugly, party into the night!” WS Brewing will continue at its “mothership” location (4415 Fauntleroy Way SW). Ampersand Coffee next door also is affected by the site’s impending redevelopment but will remain open in its current building one more month, then plans to move into the former Tacontainer until the new building is done.
HOMEFRONT CLOSURE: Just up the block – thanks for all the tips about Homefront Smoothies and Ice Cream‘s impending closure at 2622 Alki Avenue SW.
We finally were able to catch up today with proprietor Saravy. She says October 31st is their last day; they lost their lease, and her understanding is that the site owners want to give the space to a relative’s business. Homefront has been there for more than 20 years. Apparently other businesses in the building are staying, according to the one we’ve been able to reach so far. Saravy is looking for another Alki location where she could reopen Homefront, but hasn’t found a new site yet; if you have any ideas, let her know.
15TH/ROXBURY: Several readers asked about the banner on the northwest corner of 15th/Roxbury, announcing a future café. We checked with the building’s owner, Michan of West Seattle Window and Door. She said they are removing the banner as they’re not ready to discuss the plan yet. But WSWD is opening a showroom in the building, which will be open by appointment, on the lower level next to the vape shop.
(File photo)
If you’re among the many fans of pickleball, here’s an online petition you might want to sign: Local members of the Seattle Metro Pickleball Association are helping with the campaign to get custom vehicle license plates for the sport’s supporters. The plate would raise money to go toward a dedicated pickleball facility. They need 3,500 signatures expressing interest in the plate, to meet a state Department of Licensing requirement for creating a plate like this, we’re told. If you want to sign, you can go here. Find out more about the initiative – and how pickleball got to be the official state sport – here.
(Photo courtesy Senior Center of West Seattle – artist Steffanie Lorig and mural)
The cracked corner windows at the Senior Center of West Seattle building are being replaced today – and that means the temporary murals (explained here before the Alki Arts pop-up week) had to come down. Both were offered for sale, with half the proceeds to the artist, half to the Senior Center. SCWS executive director Amy Lee Derenthal says one mural already has been sold but the other one is available, the one that’s been facing California SW – a 40″ x 80″ mural painted by Steffanie Lorig. If you’re interested, email Alki Arts’ Diane Venti to inquire, at dianeventi@gmail.com.
From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, happening tomorrow (Saturday, October 1st): The regional fundraising Walk To End Alzheimer’s is happening downtown. Local supporters are organizing a mini-walk here:
For those who want to stay in West Seattle, the Alzheimer’s caregivers support group welcomes anyone to join them for a walk at 11:00 am at 39th and Holden for a walk in the Gatewood area. Wear purple if possible!
No RSVP needed – just show up.
Back in 2020, not long after the West Seattle Bridge closed, SDOT unveiled a version of the Highland Park Way/Holden safety-improvements plan that included rechannelizing the HP Way hill – removing a northbound (downhill) lane and installing a protected bike lane on the southbound (uphill) side. 
This idea generated considerable community concern (partly but not entirely because the hill was a vital artery for bridge-detour traffic), and SDOT shelved it later that year. Now a bike-lane proposal for the hill is apparently back. We discovered this while reading SDOT’s grant-proposal document published here, part of an application for $30 million in federal funding. Most of what’s proposed for West Seattle in the Safe Streets For All proposal consists of small projects such as curb ramps. But on page 15, we found the bike-lane proposal, now described as “protected bike lane, east side, separated 2-way bike lane” on Highland Park Way between West Marginal and Holden. No design or rendering is featured in the document, so we’re checking with SDOT, including the question of whether this is planned regardless of grant-funding status. The new 2-way bike-lane proposal isn’t mentioned on SDOT’s HP Way/Holden project page, which recaps the scrapping of the previous idea and notes the community suggestion that the existing east-side roadside path be widened instead.
(Squirrel stocking up on sunflower seeds for winter – photo by Caity Gerhardt)
Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BLOCK DROP: DIY cleanup equipment is available at Delridge Community Center/Playfield (26th SW & SW Genesee) until 6 pm – that’s also where you can drop off what you clean up, as part of closing the Block Drop loop!
BRING IN YOUR ART: Today’s the final day on which you are invited to bring artwork to the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, which starts Sunday. The branch is open today until 6 pm.
OFFICE HOURS: City Councilmember Lisa Herbold returns to in-person office hours, 3-7 pm, appointment required – email alex.clardy@seattle.gov to find out if there are any remaining for today.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: The Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks play at Ingraham at 4:30 pm; the West Seattle High School Wildcats, play Lincoln at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7 pm. Admission is $4 students/senior citizens, $6 adults, cash only.
MEMORIAL RIDE FOR ROBB MASON: Seattle Neighborhood Greenways leads a bicycle ride from City Hall downtown (600 4th) to Spokane Street east of the low bridge, where a hit-run driver killed West Seattle massage therapist Robb Mason in July. You can ride with them from downtown or meet at the scene – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Back to the ’90s! 7 pm at Easy Street Records (California/Alaska), Love Battery performs live, free, all ages, celebrating the re-release of their 1992 album “Dayglo.”
BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: West Seattle’s “sassiest bingo party” starts at 7 pm. (2306 California SW)
NEW PLAY AT ARTSWEST: The new ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning” continues the first week of its run, 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
FIREFIGHTER MEMORIAL: The annual Seattle Fallen Firefighter Memorial service downtown today will be followed by this event at all Seattle Fire Department stations:
Between 8-8:15 p.m., the department will further recognize fallen firefighters by participating in “Light the Night.” All of Seattle’s 33 fire stations will pull the apparatus in front of the apparatus bays and turn on the emergency lights. Community members are invited to observe this remembrance outside of their local fire station (note: if an apparatus is on an emergency response that station may not be participating).
West Seattle has five SFD stations – look for 11, 29, 32, 36, 37 here.
SPELLING BEE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, the finals in Spelldown After Dark – an adult spelling bee. Check to see if there’s room for spectators tonight! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Have something to add to our Event Calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Mode Music and Performing Arts – the nonprofit sibling to Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) – is about to start fall classes, and some have room to register:
Mode Music and Performing Arts‘s group classes kick off on October 10th, which means there’s one week left to register your kid for one! We’re putting a spotlight on three of our favorites: Ukulele 101, Dungeons & Dragons Campaign, and Songwriting Workshop!
1. Ukulele 101
Grades K – 3
Mondays, 4:00 – 5:00 pmIf you’ve got a little one who loves music and are looking for a place for them to channel that, ukulele classes are a great place to start! Ukulele 101 offers kindergartners through 3rd graders a great chance to learn the basics of an instrument that’s just their size. Our teacher Veronique Littlefield has experience as both a private music instructor and a preschool teacher, making her perfect for intro lessons for our younger students.
2. Dungeons & Dragons Campaign
Grades 4 – 6
Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:00 pmIs your tween crazy for Stranger Things? Do they love all things fantasy and magic? Sign them up for our Dungeons & Dragons campaign! Our D&D Campaign is led by Dungeon Master Jessie Kuehm, who moonlights as MMPA’s education director when she’s not guiding her fellow campaigners into the forgotten realm. Jessie’s a real expert at the world of D&D, and feels strongly that the game provides students with great social and creative skills like teamwork, collaboration, and the artistry of character building.
3. Songwriting Workshop
Grades 4 – 8
Wednesdays, 5:30 – 6:30 pmSongwriting workshop welcomes all tweens and junior highers who love to scream-sing Taylor Swift/Olivia Rodrigo/Lizzo in their bedrooms (we relate)! Songwriting is an amazing way for kids to own their stories and learn music skills at the same time, and there’s no better teacher to introduce them to it than our own Jared Mitchell. Jared graduated Belmont University with a degree in Music Business with an emphasis in Songwriting, then stuck around Nashville for several years after, where he had an exclusive publishing deal with a local recording studio. He has a passion for sharing all his knowledge with a new generation of songwriters, and will help the kids not only write their own song, but produce a professional-quality recording of it!
Registration info is here. MMPA and Mode are based in North Delridge, right next to the now-open West Seattle Bridge.
9:31 AM: 4th SW is blocked northbound at SW Roxbury/Olson because of a crash.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, September 30th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – sunny after some possible patchy morning fog, breezy in the afternoon, high in the upper 60s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service. WSF joins other services in free rides for youth starting Saturday.
ROAD WORK
TODAY: In South Park, a drainage project is closing S. Holden St. between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
THIS WEEKEND: WSDOT‘s “Revive I-5” work will close the southbound I-5 exit to the westbound West Seattle Bridge all weekend, starting at 7:30 tonight. Meantime, here’s SDOT’s weekend plan:
This weekend, we’re completing paving work as part of the Reconnect West Seattle program.
On Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 4 PM, we’re paving a section of Sylvan Way SW between SW Orchard St and SW Sylvan Heights Dr. Traffic will be maintained in both directions; however, please anticipate minor delays.
On Saturday, we’re replacing concrete panels at the intersection of 34th Ave SW and SW Barton St. We expect to start this work around 7 AM and conclude by 3 PM. On Sunday, we’ll have traffic control in place, so people do not drive on the new concrete panels while the concretes cures. Please navigate the area with caution.
On Saturday, from 7 AM to 4 PM, we’ll be installing a new crash cushion on SW Spokane St in the vicinity of 11th Ave SW that will impact the eastbound directions. We will be working on the eastern end of Harbor Island, where eastbound Spokane St splits into three ramp options. There will be a detour in place. Please anticipate delays while traveling in the area.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it.
1st Ave. S. Bridge: For those still finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After last week’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, we reported on the biggest news to emerge from it: Early traffic observations from the reopened West Seattle Bridge. New SDOT director Greg Spotts shared those during his guest appearance. Here’s what else he had to say, with both professional and personal details, plus some Q&A:
Spotts, confirmed by the City Council earlier this month, started by noting he’d heard of the remarkable way the West Seattle community came together to get through the 2 1/2-year West Seattle Bridge closure. He said his first hour on the job took him inside the bridge (and the low bridge, which he toured that day too):
(SDOT photo, September 7)
“It’s really impressive to learn about the engineering effort of a structure suddenly compromised and retrofit it so it’s going to last and be safe.”
Another reader report with an alert for parkgoers – this time from Rosalie Miller, whose park visits often have yielded photos featured on WSB. This time, her photo serves as a warning:
East entrance off 49th near Schmitz Park Elementary. It’s a large pothole. More cracks in the trail on both sides of the hole. This has been reported on Find It Fix It app.
We’ll check with Parks tomorrow to see if they’ve addressed it yet. The forested park has had hole trouble in the past; back in April, we reported on the rescue of a 4-year-old from a “mud hole” at the park.
Three more Crime Watch reports;
DRUG STING: We learned about this via charges filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. 62-year-old Thomas B. Hull is charged with a drug felony and unlawful gun possession after what court documents describe as an undercover drug sting, making three buys at an RV on SW Marginal Place (which has been reoccupied since its summer sweep). Prosecutors say three undercover buys were made before Hull was arrested and the RV was searched: “Inside the RV, police found a significant amount of several types of drugs, a scale, and he had 5 thousand dollars in cash. Police also found a 22-caliber revolver, bullets, and a musket.” The “several types of drugs,” according to the charging documents, included fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.” Hull has 12 felony convictions, including burglaries, drug violations, and forgery. Prosecutors asked for $100,000 bail; a judge set it at $10,000. Hull got out of jail one day after his arrest last Friday; he was charged on Tuesday.
ASSAULT ARREST: A woman was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault after police responded to a report of two women fighting outside an apartment building in the 7600 block of 35th SW just after 6:30 last night. The summary says, “Upon arrival, officers located the victim, who told officers the suspect assaulted her with a knife and then bit her. The victim said she then pepper-sprayed the suspect in self-defense.” ADDED: We’ve since obtained more information from police. The victim, 45, and her 73-year-old mother were walking by when they saw the 44-year-old suspect vandalizing a car, first trying to rip off its mirrors, then hitting the windshield with a knife handle. The victim pulled out her phone to video-record her and the suspect became agitated, threatening to kill the other women, and coming at them with her knife. The victim pepper-sprayed her but also got cuts on her hand from trying to prevent the suspect from stabbing her. Police arrived at some point and while trying to sort everything out learned that the car the suspect was vandalizing belonged to a 66-year-old woman who has had a longstanding conflict with the suspect over a dog. Police say the suspect is “well-known to officers as she has assaulted multiple people unprovoked in her apartment building that she thinks are trying to kill her, a pair of CPS workers who tried to check on her 6-year-old daughter, and (her daughter’s) school principal.” The suspect was booked into jail; her bail was set today at $5,000.
STOLEN WHITE ACCORD: The car was stolen in White Center but the last time it was taken, it was found in West Seattle, so the owner hopes someone might have seen it:
Cash reward to anyone who can help me recover my Honda Accord ($300)
1996 Honda Accord (white)
Temporary plate # A5359322
Vin (starts with) 1HGC
KCSO case Number : C22031768
The windshield is cracked.
(Photo by Ann Anderson – state ferry off Duwamish Head during recent smoky sunset)
Starting Saturday, Washington State Ferries will no longer charge people under 19 – with one exception. Here’s the reminder WSF sent today:
Starting Saturday, October 1, youth will board for free as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package. The law directs transit agencies to provide free fares for passengers 18 and under across the state.
The legislation applies only to youth riding as a passenger in a vehicle and those walking onto a state ferry. It does not include teenagers behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers under 19 years old will continue to pay the adult vehicle and driver fare.
Because of this change, youth tickets are no longer available at self-serve kiosks and online. However, youth walking onto a ferry will still need a ticket or a valid ORCA card to board at terminals where one is currently needed. Terminal employees at the ticket booth can issue the free-fare youth tickets, which will be valid for two hours.
Received from Michelle:
I am still suffering from shortness of breath after a walk down the (south end) of Beach Drive to the entrance of Lincoln Park about an hour ago. A (building) has been demolished and the dust in the air (most of which, my guess, is not healthy) is heavy. I came home to find a layer of dust in my hair, skin, and clothing. And, like I said, I am having trouble breathing comfortably. I need to shower and wash these clothes. I recommend those with mold or dust sensitivities or those with pets to avoid this area right now. Had I known, I would have gone a different direction. So, I thought I would let you now so that you can alert others.
(WSB photo, Sunday)
The total’s in from last Sunday’s Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. Judy Pickens reports:
485 people took advantage of 1 Green Planet’s free, responsible recycling. The day’s take of just over 16 tons brings the total since these roundups began, in 2010, to more than 322 tons.
The spring event will be on Earth Day, April 22. These roundups will continue on Saturdays instead of Sundays so that 1 Green Planet can expedite service with a larger crew.
Reminder as the weekend approaches, three schools are hosting vaccination clinics in West Seattle this weekend, with vaccine for flu as well as COVID. We’re told all clinics are open to everyone, not just people affiliated with the respective schools.
*On Saturday, Louisa Boren K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW) – 9 am-3 pm for flu (info here), 10 am-2 pm for COVID (registration info here)
*On Sunday, Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 10 am-2 pm for both (flu info here;
*On Sunday, Explorer West Middle School (10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor), noon-3 pm for both, details here
P.S. While registration is encouraged, clinic organizers say it is NOT reauired.
Maybe you’ve seen John‘s pickup, stolen near 13th/Thistle in Highland Park:
My 1992 Nissan Frontier truck – king cab, blue metallic/gray color, a black door on driver’s side, plate number B11839S – was stolen on 9/22. This is a photo from the web … my truck has black wheel rims but the color is similar. It’s been stolen twice now and this time it had “the club” on the steering wheel. It’s a good running vehicle and I would like to have it back.
If you see, or have seen, John’s pickup, the SPD incident # is 22-254093.
(Pink-sorrel, photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Rosalie Miller)
Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
ART EXHIBIT: Last of three days you can see portraits by Jeff Benesi at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW). Open for viewing now until 1 pm.
BLOCK DROP: Today you’ll find DIY cleanup equipment at Duwamish Head (parking area by the fence with all the locks), until 6 pm.
BRING IN YOUR ART: Today’s the second of three days in which everyone is welcome to bring artwork to the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, which starts Sunday. Branch hours today are noon-8 pm.
BUGS AND BREWS: 5:30 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), learn about bugs with Jen from Tiny Science, with beverages available for purchase.
ULTIMATE AT WALT HUNDLEY: 6 pm, Thursday night summertime Ultimate pickup games have moved to Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
LIVE PIANO MUSIC: Betty‘s back at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 6:30 pm.
BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.
ARTSWEST OPENING NIGHT: Opening night for the new ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning,” 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.
BENBOW’S COUNTRY NIGHT: Thursday “Nashville Nights“ continue at the Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), 9 pm. 21+.
Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
10:12 AM: As previewed last night, Mayor Bruce Harrell has just announced his nominee for Seattle Parks and Recreation superintendent: Anthony-Paul “AP” Diaz, currently executive officer for the parks department in Los Angeles. That’s his second major appointment from L.A., after recently confirmed SDOT director Greg Spotts. The announcement is still under way on the Seattle Channel. Here’s the bio page for Diaz on the L.A. city webpage. According to his bio, Diaz has been with the City of Los Angeles for more than 20 years and served as the L.A. parks department’s general counsel before taking on the executive officer role.
10:30 AM: During the announcement event at Yesler Terrace Park, Diaz said he considers parks to be “essential infrastructure.” He also offered a new phrase “Seattle Shine” that the mayor jovially said he’ll adopt, and said he often likes to say, “Parks make life better.” Councilmember Andrew Lewis, who heads the council committee that oversees parks, said Diaz is someone capable of working with community as well as the council toward parks being a “focal point … the true gems of our community.” Diaz succeeds Christopher Williams, who is now completing his third turn as acting superintendent and spoke briefly during today’s event too.
1:45 PM: Here’s the official news release. It doesn’t mention what the job pays, so we are asking that on followup. …Update: $252,000.
We continue to regularly update the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar with myriad local events, and this one requires reservations for a limited number of free tickets, so here’s an early heads-up: At 8 pm (corrected) Saturday, October 22nd, Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) will host a family-geared Halloween magic show with magician Raymond W.
Tickets are free, and you’re asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. Space is limited so registrations are being accepted now via email – check availability via seattlemagicshow@gmail.com. Find out more about Magician Raymond at seattlemagicshow.com.
6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 29th.
WEATHER
Here’s the forecast – chance of rain, high in the upper 60s.
TRANSIT INFO
Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.
No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service (which will continue at all-day/every-day levels through fall and winter).
ROAD WORK
–Seattle Public Utilities is scheduled to soon close Sylvan Way between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard for a “natural drainage” project that will take about two weeks. This notice explains. (As of Wednesday afternoon, this hadn’t started yet.)
-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S Holden St between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.
-Just south of the city-limit line, King County is scheduled to continue repaving Myers Way between 99th and 108th.
BRIDGES
High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.
Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it (note: where the camera is turned is under SDOT control).
1st Ave. S. Bridge: For those still finding it more convenient.
Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.
All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.
If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.
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