West Seattle, Washington
08 Monday
(King County Assessor photo)
An Upper Fauntleroy house slated for demolition will be the site of “live fire training” first. Here’s the Seattle Fire Department announcement:
The Seattle Fire Department is conducting live-fire training exercises at a vacant home in the Fauntleroy neighborhood Wednesday, Nov. 1 through Friday, Nov. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 8822 38th Ave. SW. Live-fire training is an opportunity for new and veteran firefighters to work with our officers and face real fire scenarios in a controlled setting. In the past week, firefighters went door-to-door to notify neighboring homes and businesses of potential impact.
Seattle Fire conducts this training exercise in the city and makes every effort to minimize the impact on the neighborhood. Portions of the roads within one block of 8822 38th Ave. SW. will be closed to ensure the safety of the community as well as the firefighters in training. Water in the immediate area may turn brown due to sediment in the pipes. The water is likely to clear on its own within 2-8 hours.
SFD recognizes that this training exercise may present inconveniences to your daily schedules and thanks those in the immediate vicinity for their patience and understanding. Seattle firefighters are among the best in the nation because of the training provided and support received from the community.
The department will have 4-6 fire evolutions spread throughout the day, each lasting 15-20 minutes. Residents will see smoke as controlled burns are set inside the vacant structure. All carpet, plastics and toxic synthetic materials have been removed along with required asbestos abatement. The training officers will set wood fires in a controlled method with safety officers on-hand during the exercises. This training is conducted under the strict regulations and rules of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The smoke coming from the buildings during the live-fire is equivalent to smoke from a fireplace. After the fires are out, most of what you see coming from the structure is steam.
Neighbors are welcome to come and watch the live-fire training. Typical training days begin around 7 a.m. with the live-fire evolutions starting at 9 a.m. and lasting until around 3 p.m. with a break from 12-12:30 p.m. Any questions can be directed to SFD’s public information officer at sfdpio@seattle.gov.
As for the future of this house post-training: Online records show the house, which is on a one-third-acre double lot, was sold to a developer earlier this year, and the site has a plan for six residences – two single-family homes, each with two accessory dwelling units, one attached, one detached, with offstreet parking for 10 vehicles. Local tree advocates, meantime, have been monitoring the plan because of at least one tall evergreen on the site.
Three more home displays to show you on this Halloween Eve:
Kristi and Mark sent the video, explaining, “We have been working on our skeleton pirate ship off and on for about 8 years. We’ll have the thunderstorm and the cannons going on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Come find us is you dare! 2652 52nd Ave SW”
This photo from Joanna is a sneak peek:
She explains, “We will have a display in Arbor Heights on Halloween. Address is 9616 39th Ave SW, just past 98th where 39th DEAD ENDS (insert spooky laugh!).”
And here’s David‘s display:
He says, “I think we have a pretty great display at our house, especially at night. It is all sorts and sizes of spiders and webs, along with other inflatables. 4042 55th Ave SW.”
Thanks again for all the tips and pics – see all our spotlights by scrolling through our Halloween coverage archive; most are also in our Halloween Guide (though we’re still catching up with a few to add there too).
In the trick-or-treat-event section of our West Seattle Halloween Guide, we invited people to let us know if they’re participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project, “a simple way to make trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for the one in 13 children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions.” We’ve heard from (updated) 21 participating homes so far, and added those addresses to the Halloween Guide, in case that helps your family’s trick-or-treating plan; if you’re a Teal Pumpkin home too, it’s not too late to let us know so we can add you to the list – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Until 7 pm, everyone’s welcome at the decorated West Seattle High School courtyard where Fall Fest is happening – a student-created community event for this Halloween Eve. Indoors and outdoors, you’ll find games …
Also some fundraising sales (bring cash), like the one we mentioned in today’s preview list – the AAPI Club‘s candy sale:
Student organizers from the Class of 2026 who let us know about this include Lilly and AJ:
Go support students and get into the Halloween mood! (They’re showing “Nightmare Before Christmas” in the Commons, too.) WSHS is at 3000 California SW, and the courtyard entrance is off the south end of the parking lot.
Thanks to the reader who texted the photo of Sound Transit‘s drill rig by Taco Time at 35th/Fauntleroy. It’s another round of the sampling they’ve been doing around the area as part of environmental studies for West Seattle light rail. ST spokesperson Rachelle Cunningham tells us it should be done at that spot by today’s end. Meantime, we promised to let you know when all the graphics show on easels and tables at last week’s open-house-style station-planning meeting were available – we requested them the next day but it’s taken ST until now to get them into a sharable format. Here they are, in PDF (41 pages).
P.S. The related survey remains open through December.
Just in from Courtney at 54th and Genesee:
Just now (2:40 pm)
Black TOYOTA Camry
License plate Oregon 624 PEC
Black male • tall • AfroApproached Advanced Irrigation work truck WHILE THEY WERE WORKING IN OUR YARD and opened the door to ransack work truck. Was caught in act. Please be on the lookout.
We’ll add the police report number when available.
Three West Seattle biznotes:
THRIFTWAY ‘TASTE’: The holiday season starts early this year, with Thanksgiving just three weeks from Thursday, and West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) will get you in the mood this Thursday. That’s when the store will be full of sample stations for its popular annual “Taste” event, 4-7 pm Thursday (November 2). The focus is on samples for your potential holiday meal-and-party planning.
AND ARLEN ANNIVERSARY: This Saturday (November 4), the jewelry and gift shop And Arlen – on the north edge of The Junction at 4130 California SW – celebrates one year in business. Stop by to congratulate the team!
(Photo courtesy And Arlen)
The party is set for 4-7 pm Saturday: “We’ll have snacks, drinks, discounts, and raffle baskets with goodies from other WS and Seattle small businesses.” Read more about it here.
CLINIC UPDATE: The Franciscan Women’s Health Clinic will reopen next week at 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW. Here’s the announcement we received:
After a temporary closure, Franciscan Women’s Health – West Seattle will be offering OB/GYN and midwifery services to patients starting on Nov. 7. General business hours are from Mon-Fri 8 am-5 pm. Appointments can be scheduled at (206) 403-1601.
First dates of reopening West Seattle women’s clinic:
Tue 11/7 – Dr. Chelsea Cox
Thu 11/16 – Dr. Whitney Archibald
Tue 11/21 – CNM Jennifer “Jenna” Noelke
Received this morning from Washington State Ferries:
(Photo courtesy WSF)
As part of our ongoing efforts to preserve the Fauntleroy terminal until it can be replaced, there will be night-time construction work at the terminal today, Monday, October 30, and tomorrow, Tuesday, October 31, to replace timber decking in the exit lanes. Last spring, we put a steel plate where timber decking and asphalt had failed and now crews will repair the deck and repave the area. Construction work will occur from 7:00 p.m. – 4:00 a.m. both nights, with loud work only occurring between 7-10 p.m. The location of the work will require that we single lane offload the vessel and reduce the holding lanes a bit. This could cause some service delays on the route due to the construction.
As for the dock-replacement project, that’s not expected to start construction before 2027. Here’s our most-recent report.
Police have reported to dispatch that they’re blocking the northbound and center lanes of California near Dawson right now. What we have heard about the response so far is that it’s related to a person in crisis who needs medical attention.
(Photo by Suzanne Krom)
First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, two events today/tonight:
WSHS STUDENTS PRESENT ‘FALL FEST’: West Seattle High School students are presenting a fall festival with activities, a movie, and more, all ages welcome, 4:30-7 pm. P.S. Look for the AAPI Club‘s stand – they emailed us to say they’re selling bags of Asian candy to raise money for “food-based culture projects.” (3000 California SW)
SPOOKY SHOW: Nightfall Orphanage, spooky experience at 4544 51st Place SW, 7-10 pm. No admission charge, but charity donations requested – food or funds.
Now the non-Halloween happenings, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FOR VETERANS: If you need help filing a disability claim, the DAV offers free drop-in assistance 9 am-1 pm. (4857 Delridge Way SW)
GET CRAFTY: 6-10 pm, this is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Open D&D starts at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), all welcome, first-time players too. $5.
MONDAY MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation at the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
BEDHEAD OPEN MIC: Weekly BedHead Open Mic at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau), 7 pm (signups at 6:30) – info in our calendar listing.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA! Three weekly events – 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW); 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
Have a West Seattle/White Center event to add to our calendar ? Please send info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering John P. Hendry and sharing this remembrance with the community:
John Paul Hendry
May 19, 1957- February 3, 2023Born May 19th, 1957 in Seattle at Columbus Hospital, where his late mother Ida Hendry attended school and worked as a nurse. He grew up in West Seattle and studied at South Seattle College. John worked for Auburn School District, where he built strong connections and shared mutual love with his co-workers.
John was loved by all and brought a sense of joy wherever he went. He was known for his contagious laughter which filled the room. He never hesitated to pack up his tools and lend a helping hand. He had a strong love for Seattle sports, especially the Seahawks and the Huskies. He loved spending time and sharing meals with his family and friends. John touched many lives and he will be in our hearts forever.
Preceded in death by his father William Ralph Hendry and his mother Ida Giacomia Hendry. Survived by his daughter Shannon, brother Phil, granddaughters Fiona and Ida, and his nieces and nephews Sacha, Tristan, and Troy.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Halloween Eve – Monday, October 30th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
One more sunny day, high in the low 50s, possibly frosty this morning. Sunrise today is at 7:50 am; sunset, 5:55 pm. Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am this Sunday, when we “fall back” an hour.
ROAD WORK
As explained here, some noisy work is planned at Highland Park Way/Holden tonight – the worst of it is supposed to be complete by 10 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular schedule today – now on fall/winter schedule, still 7 days a week, but no late-night service Fridays/Saturdays.
Metro – Regular schedule today; check advisories here.
Washington State Ferries – 2-boat service on the Triangle Route. Check alerts for changes, and use Vessel Watch to see where your ferry is. Keep close watch on however you get advisories – the Kittitas went out of service twice on Saturday.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Henderson), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Orchard, and Delridge/Oregon.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
Low Bridge:
1st Ave. S. Bridge – southeastern route across the river:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: See all working traffic cams citywide here, most with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on Twitter/X shows whether the city’s movable bridges are opening for vessel traffic.
If you see trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/bay, please text or call us (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if applicable). Thank you!
Got something to say to the city about the streets and sidewalks of Highland Park, Riverview, and/or South Delridge? Don’t miss the chance to get your feedback in for the Seattle Transportation Plan – comments on the draft version are due Tuesday. That’s one of the community reminders that emerged this past Wednesday night when HPAC, the area’s community coalition, met in person.
The meeting, facilitated by (corrected) HPAC co-chairs Craig Rankin – who is leaving that position, with Barb Biondo succeeding him – and Kay Kirkpatrick was held in person, at the Southwest Precinct community room. City Attorney Ann Davison was a spotlight guest (as she had been at another West Seattle community-council meeting last month, the Admiral Neighborhood Association).
Davison gave a general outline of how her office works. She talked about her initial work of getting backlogged cases handled and her lawsuit against Kia and Hyundai regarding the flaw that allows so many to be so easily stolen. That led to a discussion among the group about the number of dumped Kias/Hyundais in Highlad Park. One question came up – whether stolen and recovered cars are tracked. SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon said his department has data tools and does map where cars and taken and where the cars wind up.
Davison used that example and a question over the city’s new drug law to remind people to report the things they see. Rather than get bogged down in “the police won’t come” preemptive pessimism, she said, call and report, and let the next step happen. That way there’s at least data on where and when crimes might be occurring.
Regarding the city’s new drug policy – she presented some background on that, and said she’s in favor of getting people into treatment, so she’s working with her staff to ensure that’s a priority for people whose cases are referred to the City Attorney’s Office under the new law.
HPAC attendees also heard an update on the progress toward building a new Highland Park Improvement Club building. HPIC’s Rhonda Smith said the latest period for project comments to the city is over. But the permit process still has a ways to go, and that’s why the fire-damaged building hasn’t undergone any demolition work yet. HPIC still has fundraising to do to ensure they can cover the cost of the new building, and they’re working with professional fundraisers to advance that effort. (Here’s how to donate.)
Speaking of money, HPAC co-chair Rankin, who’s active with the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group, said grant money is available for forest-restoration and trail improvements. (You can find out more about the WDGT group here.)
NEXT MEETING: HPAC meets fourth Wednesdays most months – watch for updates here.
| 22 COMMENTS