The West Seattle High School Wildcats are one win away from the state football playoffs after a postseason victory tonight over Rainier Beach. WSHS emerged victorious at Memorial Stadium downtown, 22-20. Next, they play at Mount Tahoma High School in Tacoma at 7 pm Saturday (November 4). Winner of that game goes to state.

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: One more round of 2023 scenes

October 31, 2023 9:53 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Halloween | West Seattle news

It’s been a spirited Halloween season of events and decorations…a few more photos before the night ends:

Among the last decorated-home photos we received were these, from Zach, Colleen, and Melina: “We’re pretty proud of our display this year. Lots of skeletons, lots of lights, lots of pumpkins! 5933 32nd Ave SW”

Shawn and Rob on 48th SW sent a photo late this afternoon of their awareness-raising display and trick-or-treat plan:

Last year approximately 1,500 books were banned in schools across the United Stated and 22% of those books directly addressed issues of race and racism. In an effort to bring awareness to this issue and to encourage people to talk about why everyone should be allowed to choose for themselves and their families what they read, we will be passing out treat bags filled with candy, ACLU bookmarks and $5 gift certificates to Pegasus Book Exchange tonight to the first 100 trick or treaters (young and old)! Exercise your rights. Rebels read banned books!

Meantime, we made a few stops tonight, including our every-few-years visit to the front-yard animatronic “Nightmare on 44th”:

Creator Dave told us earlier this season that this might be the last year for his Halloween-only show full of creepy characters.

Early in the evening, we visited another event that had been listed in our West Seattle Halloween Guide – the block party on 37th in Upper Morgan, Here are the neighbors who joined forces to make it happen:

Also seen in that neighborhood – a reminder that the next holidays aren’t far away:

(added) Larry sent photos “from our Halloween block party tonight on 31st between Elmgrove and Thistle”:

And if you want to stretch out Halloween, Ron and Brian plan to keep their show going a few more nights:

Well, the budget was a little tight this year but we still managed to pull off a fair presentation for our most favorite day of the year! We had over 120+ Trick ‘r Treaters show up at our door, we ran out of the regular-sized candy bars we stocked up on at Costco, and we resorted to offering bananas!

One more time – thank you to everyone who sent photos, video, tips, event listings …. true community collaboration!

–

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VIDEO: Skeleton Theatre’s hybrid finale, night 1

October 31, 2023 8:20 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Halloween | West Seattle news

As mentioned here last week, after more than a decade and a half of animatronic Halloween shows – even an online-only pandemic production – the curtain is about to fall on Skeleton Theatre, forever. Tonight until 9 pm, and again 6-9 pm, this time it’s a sort of hybrid event: A very brief “performance” (video above) and then the chance to get up on stage, see behind the scenes, take pics with the skeletons. You can watch from backstage too. As the producers explain online, “Basically, you can watch the stuff we usually hide.”

Skeleton Theatre has been a Halloween tradition since 2006, masterminded by Chris Walker with a supporting crew of family and friends. (We’ve been covering it since year 2!) It’s in the front yard on the southwest corner of 36th/Hanford.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white VW

October 31, 2023 7:58 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

From DB, who also posted in the WSB Community Forums:

I would like to report my vehicle being stolen last night from 3295 SW Avalon Way. It’s a white 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. Plate 9BKY648. The police report number is 23-315462.

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LINCOLN PARK PICKLEBALL? Seattle Parks says it’s ‘pausing project construction for two weeks’

October 31, 2023 6:01 pm

| 254 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS & Sports

A new development late today in the city’s plan to set up six pickleball courts on what used to be tennis courts in Lincoln Park. Previously, Seattle City Councilmember Lisa Herbold had asked Seattle Parks Superintendent AP Diaz last Friday to host a community meeting about the plan, which has drawn opposition from people worried the noise will harm birds and. other wildlife. Early this afternoon, Councilmember Herbold told us she had not yet heard back from Diaz. Then late this afternoon, Parks sent an email to people who had contacted the department about the plan – sent to both supporters and opponents, judging by those who received it and forwarded it to us. Here’s what it says:

Dear community members,

Over the past few weeks, we have heard from many community members about resurfacing the court in Lincoln Park to enable pickleball play. Some comments expressed concern about noise, lack of a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) analysis, assertions of tree removal and disruption to wildlife, while other comments expressed support for the project and excitement for adding more recreational opportunities in West Seattle.

Please be assured that Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is working hard to cultivate a park system that balances our varying points of view, which includes our mission to build healthy people, a thriving environment and vibrant community throughout the entire Seattle city park system.

At this time, we can respond to some of these concerns:

–SPR reiterates there is no tree removal being done to support this project. Consistent with other court resurfacing projects, SPR is not conducting a SEPA analysis as the existing court is being repurposed with already defined recreational uses.

–SPR will not pursue lighting at this time.

–We will be pausing project construction for two weeks to talk with experts on Seattle’s bird populations on how we can properly study the potential impact pickleball noise may have on wildlife. We welcome this dialogue and will share our plans more widely after that discussion as we strive to find a collective and beneficial approach to the stewardship and management of our parkland.

Thank you for your commitments to our park system. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about this project:
https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/lincoln-park-tennis-court-conversion.

We also noticed earlier this afternoon that the Parks webpage had been updated, timestamped yesterday, with the schematic plan shown above, mapping the planned courts’ location in the park and the route construction trucks would take to get there.

BACKSTORY: We’ve been reporting on all this since August, when a reader tipped us that the then-imminent (currently on hold until next year) resurfacing of Solstice Park‘s tennis courts would include restriping three for pickleball. Parks then announced a change of plan in September, dropping the Solstice restriping plan and pursuing the Lincoln Park plan. Wildlife advocates subsequently launched a petition drive and opposition campaign. Parks, meantime, launched work at the site more than a week ago, putting up signage and fencing, but with today’s announcement, that’s apparently on hold.

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ELECTION 2023: One week left to vote. 90 percent haven’t, yet

October 31, 2023 3:57 pm

| 38 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

King County Elections is again posting frequently updated stats on how many ballots have been received. As of this afternoon – with exactly one week left to go – only 10.1 percent of ballots countywide are in, with the percentage slightly higher in our area (10.46 percent of voters in Seattle City Council District 1). That’s a lower percentage than at this point in the 2019 election, when 12 percent of D-1 ballots were in. As listed here earlier this month, you have nine decisions to make, and 8 pm Tuesday, November 7th, is the deadline to get your ballot into an official dropbox; send it earlier if you’re using USPS, because you need to ensure it’s postmarked by that date.

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YOU CAN HELP: ‘Plant a forest’ at local parks during Green Seattle Day

October 31, 2023 2:20 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Environment | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Lincoln Park forest steward Lisa McGinty for sending word of Green Seattle Day volunteering opportunities on Saturday – LP is just one of the West Seattle options (in addition to others around the city):

PLANT A FOREST AND GROW COMMUNITY! Green Seattle Day (Nov 4) is part of Seattle Forest Week and one of Seattle’s busiest days for planting native trees and plants in our beautiful parks and green spaces.

We are so grateful for all who registered for the Green Seattle Day at Lincoln Park event and I encourage others to consider joining efforts at another of our city’s beautiful parks and green spaces, like the Daybreak Star Community Planting Event!

There are 21 planting/restoration events happening on Green Seattle Day. You can find the official GSD list and registration links here: 2023 Green Seattle Day Events

The other West Seattle locations on that list are Pigeon Point Park, Puget Park, and Westcrest Park.

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LAST CALL: Deadline today for your thoughts on draft Seattle Transportation Plan – plus, a list of 15 possible ‘transformational’ local projects

October 31, 2023 12:42 pm

| Comments Off on LAST CALL: Deadline today for your thoughts on draft Seattle Transportation Plan – plus, a list of 15 possible ‘transformational’ local projects

| Transportation | West Seattle news

As the West Seattle Transportation Coalition reminds us via email today, this is the (extended) deadline for comments on the draft Seattle Transportation Plan, two months after it was made public following months of early feedback. You don’t have to read its hundreds of pages before commenting – you can also browse through its “online engagement hub” and offer your thoughts. Once this phase of feedback closes, SDOT says its next step is to “work with the Mayor’s Office to further refine the plan and share it with City Council for adoption” – that’s expected to happen either late this year or early next year. (Next year also happens to be when the nine-year Levy to Move Seattle expires, with a successor likely to be proposed.)

P.S. The “online engagement hub” also includes a separate request for feedback, through November 20th, on specific proposed projects – expand the “West Seattle and Delridge” subheading to see the list of 15 projects that are suggested for our area.

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BIZNOTE: Salty’s on Alki brings back Thanksgiving buffet

October 31, 2023 11:34 am

| 27 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

With three weeks and two days until Thanksgiving, you might be contemplating a no-cooking option. We’ll of course be compiling a list of restaurants planning to be open on the holiday; for early planning, here’s the first announcement: After a pandemic hiatus, the most opulent Thanksgiving restaurant option in West Seattle is back. Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor) is taking reservations for the return of its Thanksgiving buffet. They’re booking hour-and-a-half seatings between 10 am and 5 pm on November 23rd. $120 for age 16 and up, $60 for age 10-15, $30 for age 5-9, free for the littlest ones (4 and under). You can see the full menu here – the buffet is grouped into Breakfast Classics, Salads & Such, Seafood Bonanza, Crustacean Station, Carved Meats, Thanksgiving Sides, Made-to-Order Pastas, the famous Chocolate Fountain, Fresh-Baked Pies, and a Cornucopia of Cupcakes. You can book a reservation online here if your group has 4 or fewer people; otherwise, call 206-937-1600.

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Here are the Halloween happenings, and what else is up for your West Seattle Tuesday

October 31, 2023 9:40 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Halloween | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Avian version of trick-or-treating – sent by Jerry Simmons)

Tonight’s the big night, so we have one last two-part event preview for you! First, the Halloween happenings, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide:

TRICK OR TREAT AT WS ARCADE: West Seattle Arcade (2758 Alki SW), open 11 am-10 pm, says, “Come trick or treat at West Seattle Arcade! Anyone who comes down in full costume on Halloween will be given a treat and 10 free credits to play with.”

PUGET BLVD. NEIGHBORHOOD PARTY,: 3-6 pm, all welcome, details here. (5014 Puget Boulevard SW)

TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT TRICK-OR-TREATING: Some local homes have non-candy treats available as part of this longrunning effort to make Halloween more inclusive for kids with food allergies and other challenges. See the list of addresses in our Halloween Guide.

TRICK OR TREAT AT THE KENNEY: 4 pm, kids are invited to come to the main lobby at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) to trick-or-treat.

UPPER MORGAN BLOCK PARTY: 5-10 pm, 37th SW between Raymond and Graham, details here.

MEEDS MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE: The legendary Meeds Manor Haunted House is opening for Halloween night 5:30-9 pm. Details in our calendar listing. (3011 45th SW)

SOUTH ADMIRAL BLOCK PARTY: “Our neighbors have organized a block party on Halloween night, which will include a closed street for safe trick-or-treating and food trucks. (Walnut Ave SW between Hanford and Hinds)

SKELETON THEATRE FINALE: Skeleton Theatre returns, with “Junior.” We’re told this will be the last year of the show performed by animatronic skeletons on a front-yard stage at 36th/Hanford. 6-9 pm, frequent showtimes; more info here.

NIGHTMARE ON 44TH: Tonight, “Nightmare on 44th” returns! Animatronic front-yard show, 6 pm to 9 pm. 3800 block 44th Ave SW.

SPOOKY SHOW: Nightfall Orphanage, spooky experience at 4544 51st Place SW, extended hours for Halloween, 6-10 pm. No admission charge, but charity donations requested – food or funds. Host requests that you PLEASE follow the parking rules explained on the website – thank you!

ARBOR HEIGHTS TRUNK OR TREAT: 6 pm, Trunk or Treat at Arbor Heights Community Church. (4113 SW 102nd)

HALLOWEEN CONCERT: Night of AL, 7 pm in-store at Easy Street Records (4559 California), free, all-ages: ” Coldwave -synth pop sensation returns to Easy Street. You are in for a treat. All ages. For fans of Stranger Things music, Sisters of Mercy, and all your favorite goth-industrial bands. Bar will be open.”

BAR PARTY: Revelry Room hosts Halloween Get Down, with DJ Mister Moon at 8 pm, costume contest at 9:30 pm. (4547 California SW, off the alley)

Now, the non-Halloween happenings, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POSTCARDS TO VOTERS: 10:30 am at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), meet up for long-distance political networking.

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE CONTINUES: Final week! Noon to 8, Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open, and you’re invited to come see the work displayed by community members in its annual Southwest Artist Showcase.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm at the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School plays a postseason game against Rainier Beach, 6 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown. (401 5th Ave. N.)

LEARN ASL: Free class, 6 pm at West Seattle Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th SW) – info’s in our calendar listing.

SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm, you can play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).

FREE TRACK RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.

THE CLAY CAULDRON: 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance or drop in to work on your project(s).

SING! Singers have an open invitation to join the Seattle Metropolitan Singers – “all treble voices welcome” – just show up for one of their rehearsals, Tuesdays 7-9 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play Tuesday nights – 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW); also, 7:30 and 8:30 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at The Lodge (4209 SW Alaska).

BELLE OF THE BALLS BINGO: Play bingo with Cookie Couture at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), 8 pm. Free, all ages!

You can look ahead any time via our event calendar – if you have something to add to it, please email the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOUTH SPORTS: Here’s a chance to try lacrosse, free

October 31, 2023 9:00 am

| Comments Off on YOUTH SPORTS: Here’s a chance to try lacrosse, free

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

This Saturday, youth interested in lacrosse can try it free! Here’s the announcement explaining how:

The West Seattle Youth Lacrosse Club coaches will be hosting a FREE all-ages, all-experience lacrosse session for boys & girls on Saturday, November 4th from 9 to 10:30 am at Walt Hundley Playfield in West Seattle. RSVP via the link below, and please share this opportunity with anyone in your circle who might be interested in an introduction to the sport. Whether you’re a returning player, or you’ve never picked up a lacrosse stick before, we’d love to have you attend! RSVP: forms.gle/HvQbXJsperNLhkyC7

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Halloween Tuesday notes

October 31, 2023 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Halloween Tuesday notes

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Halloween – Tuesday, October 31st.

WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly cloudy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise today is at 7:51 am; sunset, 5:53 pm. Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am this Sunday, when we “fall back” an hour.

HALLOWEEN

No large-scale events tonight, but you may find some side-street closures as part of the Trick Or Streets program.

FERRY-DOCK WORK

Tonight is scheduled to be the second night of repair/repaving work at the Fauntleroy dock, as explained here.

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.

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!

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