West Seattle, Washington
26 Tuesday
(WSB photo – Skeleton Theatre stage site)
After more than a decade and a half, the West Seattle front-yard animatronic Halloween show Skeleton Theatre is about to hang up its (bone) spurs. We stopped by the corner of 36th/Hanford after the Skeleton crew started building this year’s stage/set, and they told us this would be their last year. The website‘s not updated yet for this year, but it has tons of history on this longtime local Halloween favorite, which dates back to the mid-’00s (they even did an online version for pandemic year 2020). It’s usually full of corny jokes, lighting and sound effects, and of course, the animatronic skeleton stars. All they would tell us about this year’s show is that it’s called “Junior,” and that the name would make sense when we see the show. The schedule is the same as previous years – Halloween night and the night after (October 31-November 1), 6 pm-9 pm, more or less continuous shows with a reset break between them.
3:23 PM: It’s the traditional kickoff to Hallo-weekend – West Seattle’s first round of business-district trick-or-treating, happening right now in the Admiral District. The onslaught of trick-or-treaters hasn’t quite arrived yet, but the businesses at and around Admiral/California are ready and waiting – above, the Bebop Waffle Shop crew; below, the folks at Baked Custom Cakes:
And don’t miss the spooky ceiling-dwelling spider at Alki Bike and Board (WSB sponsor):
Here’s what the Circa crew cooked up:
This year the trick-or-treating is just the first event in an expanded slate – some grownups-only events are happening too. See it all on the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide page, including the full list of where and when you’ll find special trick-or-treat events in the next few days. This one in Admiral is on until 6 pm – more photos later!
5:44 PM: As promised – more scenes from around the Admiral District!
Lots more trick-or-treating this weekend – again, see the list in our Halloween Guide!
That’s the long-vacant-and-vandalized house at the far north end of Delridge Way, officially known as 3804 23rd Avenue SW, in our photo from late Thursday afternoon. Earlier this month, thanks to a reader tip, we reported on an “emergency order” by the city, as part of a longrunning investigation of violations, telling the owner to “close” the house immediately, among other things. It’s since been boarded up and cleaned up, but not because the owner took action.
A reader sent us that photo on Tuesday. An accompanying photo showed a junk-hauling truck with a company name we recognized as a city contractor we’ve seen before at encampment cleanups. We subsequently asked the Department of Construction and Inspections about the property’s status; here’s the reply from spokesperson Bryan Stevens:
An Emergency Order (EO) was issued on October 10 under case 1056926-VI for a vacant building open to entry, outdoor debris, and vegetation. The EO required compliance from the property owner by October 16. The required maintenance was not completed by the property owner, so SDCI commissioned a contractor to secure the lower openings and complete the cleanup to close out the EO condition. The cost will be billed to the property owner along with related inspection fees. The building will continue to be monitored via monthly inspections through our Vacant Building Monitoring Program. However, the public should continue to file a complaint if they notice the building open to entry or additional debris. Complaints can be filed online or via phone at 206-615-0808.
We asked about the amount that’ll be “billed to the property owner”; Stevens said he wouldn’t be able to get that for us until next week. The site has had various development plans under various owners over the year; most recently, there was a proposal to renovate the house, but that plan doesn’t appear to have advanced beyond an early stage.
(WSB photo)
The signage is now covered at what was The UPS Store in Jefferson Square. In case you missed it, The UPS Store, Inc. told us Wednesday that the store no longer was affiliated with the corporation, and that’s why the corporate website labeled it “permanently closed.” The business remains open, however, just not as a UPS Store. We went back this morning and talked to a manager who said that they’re not sure what’s going to happen with the business next, but here’s what’s happening now: They plan to be open 9 am-4 pm daily. If you get mail there, that’s still accessible. Same with package deliveries. But in terms of outgoing packages, all they can accept are pre-labeled returns. Meantime, we’re trying to reach the owners to see if we can find out more about the business’s future.
SIDE NOTE: After hearing from a concerned customer of the now-ex-UPS Store, Bree at Alki Mail & Dispatch sent us a note with an offer for anyone else with concerns: “If they are able to have their packages redirected to us here at Alki Mail (4701 SW Admiral Way), we would be happy to hold them and keep them safe. We usually charge a $4 holding fee for non-mailbox customers, however, in light of the situation, for anyone coming from the UPS store, we will be happy to provide this service to them for free for the time being. We also have mailboxes available for rent for those in need and we can also accept pre-labeled packages across all the carriers but unfortunately, we cannot accept any QR code returns. I’m here for my community and want to do whatever I can to help!” (Any other local providers of similar services with similar offers are welcome to contact us too. Readers had several suggestions in the comments on our previous story.)
Thanks to Jen for the photo and report: “Chief Sealth sophomore Federica Dilley qualified for state with a podium finish in 14th place at the Girls 3A all-SeaKing District 2 cross country championships. She had a PR time of 19:11.” That’s for a 5K race. Here are the full results. The state championships are scheduled for November 4 in Pasco.
(Bird’s Nest Cup Fungi, photographed at Seattle Chinese Garden by Rosalie Miller)
Two-part list for today/tonight. First, from the WSB West Seattle Halloween Guide, starting with today’s biggest event:
ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING: The biggest event for today/tonght is Admiral District business trick-or-treating, 3-6 pm. Look for businesses at and around California/Admiral with signs indicating they’re participating. Streets do NOT close for this, so if you’re driving through the area, please be extra-careful.
Also from the Halloween Guide listings for today/tonight:
PUMPKIN BEER: Pumpkin Junction, second-to-last day – pumpkin beers on tap at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open noon-midnight today.
GLASS PUMPKINS Art-glass pumpkin patch @ Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way), noon-4 pm.
SPOOKY SHOW: Nightfall Orphanage, spooky experience at 4544 51st Place SW, 7-10 pm each night. No admission charge, but charity donations requested – food or funds.
STEPHANIE’S LIFELINE BINGO BENEFIT: 6-11 pm bingo party and costume contest in White Center, fundraising for this West Seattle-based nonprofit. Details in our calendar listing.
MEEDS MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE: The legendary Meeds Manor Haunted House is opening for a 7-9 pm benefit night tonight (and then not until Halloween). Details in our calendar listing. (3011 45th SW)
‘ROCKY HORROR’: Rocky Horror Picture Show! 8 pm at Admiral Pub (2305 California SW).
HALLOWEEN DRAG – ** SOLD OUT! ** West End Ghouls, annual Halloween spooktacular version of the monthly drag extravaganza at The Skylark, is sold out.
Now, from the year-round WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s what else is happening today/tonight:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Open 10 am-2 pm for plant shopping, north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor gym for kids 5 and under and their caregivers, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE CONTINUES: 10 am-6 pm, Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open – you have one more week to see the work displayed by community members in its annual Southwest Artist Showcase.
PEGASUS POP-UP: Pegasus Book Exchange is celebrating its “40th-ish” anniversary with a pop-up at California/Oregon – storytime at 11 am, book and merch sales 11 am-6 pm.
SCRABBLE CLUB: You’re invited to play 12:30-1:30 pm at Margie’s Café inside the Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open 1-6 pm on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), student-produced wine by the glass or bottle.
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open – wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SILENT DISCO: Dance like nobody can hear you! 6:30-8:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 7-9 pm, folk-rock music with Dublin Abbey at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). No cover, all ages.
DANCE NIGHT AT THE SPOT: Fridays are DJ Dance Night at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather November 18 to celebrate the lives of Larry and Sherron Richter. Here’s the remembrance being shared with their community:
Larry James Richter
(December 20, 1944 – April 20, 2022)Larry Richter of West Seattle died peacefully on April 20, 2022 at the age of 77 from Alzheimer’s and prostate cancer. A West Seattle native, he graduated in ‘63 from WSHS and was a member of the ‘61 Metro All-City Championship Golf Team, along with his brother Ed. For his first job, Larry walked down the hill to the golf course to collect balls from the driving range for just pennies a ball. In addition to being an avid golfer since childhood, one of his greatest joys on the golf course was meeting his wife of 57 years, Sherron. Larry enjoyed the outdoors such as boating, camping, fishing, and walking around the neighborhood with his cat Midnight.
Larry’s many accomplishments include playing golf for and graduating from UW, being a C.P.A. and small business owner, YMCA board member, Vietnam vet, but he was most proud of his children, Jen (Jenny) Parker and Katie Demorest, as well as his grandchildren Renee, Rachel, and Kenny. He was a loyal friend and devoted family man who was loved by many.
Sherron Lynn Richter
(May 13, 1945 – June 29, 2023)Sherron, also a life-long resident of WS, passed away June 29, 2023 after fighting a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 78. While she loved spending time with her kids and grandkids, she was ready to join her husband Larry in heaven.
A Chief Sealth HS grad, she had a passion and talent for sewing and arts-n-crafts. She made the cutest fabric dolls and pencil toppers that she sold at local events. Sherron would play an occasional round of golf with friends and family before her MS made that impossible.
Sherron devoted her life to her husband Larry and kids Jenny and Katie, always making them her #1 priority. She was always there to chauffeur her kids, step up as a Girl Scout leader, PTA president, Bluebird leader as well as timing hundreds of hours at swim meets. Sherron helped Larry with his tax business often into the wee hours year after year. Those of us who were lucky enough to know her were loved.
****
A combined celebration of life for Larry and Sherron will be held November 18 at the West Seattle Golf Course at 2 pm. Light appetizers will be served, so please RSVP to Richtercelebration@gmail.com by November 8th. In lieu of flowers, the family has recommended a donation in their honor to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society or Multiple Sclerosis Foundation.
(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)
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, October 27th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the upper 40s, frost advisory this morning. Sunrise today is at 7:45 am; sunset, 5:59 pm.
HALLO-WEEKEND
For the next three days, and again on Tuesday, lots of trick-or-treating and other special events, so be extra-careful! Our <strong>West Seattle Halloween Guide has the full list, but especially note that Admiral District trick-or-treating 3-6 pm today is usually very busy, and on Sunday, “Halloween in The Junction” closes an extra block of California – south of Alaska – for a costume parade, trick-or-treating, and activities 11 am-2 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.
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!
(The seven size/shape options that represent the nine alternatives)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Nine possible sizes and shapes for Fauntleroy’s new ferry dock were shown by Washington State Ferries when it convened the project’s Community Advisory Group last night for the first time since Septtember 2022.
Since then, WSF has extended the timeline for the project by two years. And ferry-system leaders said they expect to have to ask the State Legislature for more money, no matter which option is chosen.
In addition to reviewing the nine possibilities, group members also picked up on some new factors in the discussion. For example, they noted that WSF managers brought Captain’s Park into it for the first time – that’s the tall-tree-dotted lookout spot atop the embankment immediately across lower Fauntleroy Way from the dock entrance. After a followup question from advisory-group member Judy Pickens of Fauntleroy, WSF’s David Sowers said that if it were determined that Fauntleroy Way needed an extra lane for smoother traffic flow, they’d have to cut into the bluff. “Not something we want to do but something our consultant brought up.” Pickens warned it would surface a multitude of issues, including archaelogical considerations.
But let’s get back to those alternatives. First, here’s what they ruled out in the first two levels of screening possibilities:
And here are the basics for the two concepts they settled on:
Note that slide says “same size.” Reviewing the nine options, advisory-group member Frank Immel of Fauntleroy observed that the first three are described instead as “similar size,” and would be at least 18 feet wider than the current dock. Design-team manager Edd Thomas attributed that to “design standards” including lane width on the dock, plus the addition of bike lanes and a motorcycle staging lane. So, starting with the “similar size” Alternative A and its two ticketing variations, here are the options – note that 124 cars is something of a magic number because that’s the capacity of the Issaquah-class ferries serving the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route:
‘
(See color renderings in the full slide deck.) Here are characteristics that all those options have in common:
This meeting wasn’t to settle on one of them – in fact, the Community Advisory Group members were also asked for feedback on the proposed criteria that WSF staff will udr to screen them. But they did have questions. One that came up multiple times was whether the dock can remain somehow partly in service during construction, or whether all boats will have to be diverted. Sowers said that hadn’t been decided yet. Was overhead passenger loading under consideration? They still need to “study” it. What about a second slip? Sowers said that can’t be “completely ruled out” but it would cost at least $40 million more than they have in the budget – a budget that they expect will ultimately be inadequate anyway, requiring a request to the Legislature for more money just to build the basics.
Another question – why are two “A” options the only ones that might incorporate either Good To Go or “advanced” ticketing, which had been discussed extensively at previous meetings as possible ways to speed up loading and avoid backups on Fauntleroy Way? The reply was that they only considered using them to get more “bang for the buck” if the smallest size was chosen.
And in addition to the question mentioned earlier about Captain’s Park, concerns also surfaced about Cove Park. WSF had previously scrapped the idea of over-land dock widening, particularly because of possible effects on that beloved, community-stewarded beach immediately north of the dock. Yes, there’s likely to be “some effects,” WSF’s environmental lead Marsha Tolon acknowledged. She also spoke to another environmental factor – how the project could affect eelgrass in the cove.
The online meeting (Friday morning update: see the video here) wrapped up after two hours; WSF promised to bring the group together again after a much-shorter time, “early next year.” After that, they’d likely have community meetings. A preferred alternative is to be chosen by 2025, with construction starting by 2027.
FEEDBACK: If you have something to tell the WSF project team, FauntleroyTermProj@wsdot.wa.gov is the email address to use.
Both of these are near Admiral (where business trick-or-treating kicks off Hallo-weekend tomorrow afternoon!):
The photo above is from Nichol, whose display is at 2752 38th SW. The photo below is from Wyatt, who has a message, too:
Hi, community! We are slowly but surely catching up to all of your amazing displays, and before long, our block will be in full spook to welcome all of you Trick-or-treaters to our annual Halloween spectacular! Come by for some new items, ideas, and humorous twists! I want to note that my display doesn’t and never will have an age limit for trick-or-treating. I love putting together an experience for all to enjoy, and believe that everyone should have some hot chocolate for Halloween!
Wyatt is at 40th/Charlestown. See everyplace we’ve featured by scrolling through our Halloween coverage archive; for the dozens of events coming up between now and the big night, see our West Seattle Halloween Guide!
8:06 PM: Police have 35th SW blocked at SW Dakota (map) for cleanup after a crash. We don’t know much about the crash – apparently no major injuries, as SFD has already closed out its one-engine no-medic-unit response. But the SDOT incident team was called because of a fuel/oil spill “running down” 35th southward, so that has to be cleaned up before they can reopen the street.
8:42 PM: Officers just told dispatch that the street has reopened.
6:52 PM: Before sunset, we passed Seattle Public Utilities crews working on Delridge Way, just south of Louisa Boren STEM K-8. We checked the SPU water-outage map, and no problems – nor planned work – were listed. But now after a tip from Sam, who is without water in the Sylvan Way area, we’ve checked again, and SPU has an outage listed, affecting at least 59 customers – as shown on the map, and apparently a bit beyond.
UPDATE: Per the SPU map, service was restored at 7:21 pm.
As we’ve noted before, HomeStreet Bank in The Junction chooses a local business/organization to spotlight each month. This month, it’s West Seattle Runner (which, like HomeStreet, is a WSB sponsor), and proprietors Lori and Tim McConnell stopped by Wednesday for a prize drawing – branch visitors are invited to enter each month. (With Tim and Lori above is HomeStreet’s Joyce Leslie.) This month’s winner gets a pair of shoes of her choice from WSR (which is at 2743 California SW in Admiral; HomeStreet is at 4022 SW Alaska in The Junction).
(Photos by Tom Trulin. Above, students locate, identify, and measure lichen on a tree in upper Fauntleroy Creek)
By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog
Students have been conducting water-quality research in Fauntleroy Creek since 2002 and this year was no exception. Fourth graders sampled two sites Tuesday to check abundance and diversity of aquatic insects as indicators of water quality. At the same time, a second group of fourth graders, also from Louise Boren STEM K-8, piloted another “real science” study by examining lichen as indicators of air quality.
(Shannon Ninburg demonstrates the importance of recording data as students examine gravel samples from upper Fauntleroy Creek)
Volunteer educator Shannon Ninburg engaged about 30 students in following established protocol to collect and examine substrate samples from the upper and lower creek. They then identified all the macroinvertebrates they found, including the stonefly, mayfly, and other larva that are a major food source for juvenile coho salmon during their year in the creek.
Lindsey Conrad reviews lichen growth forms before students head out to find examples)
Simultaneously, volunteer botanist Lindsey Conrad led another 20 students in examining lichen they found at upper and lower sites near the creek. “Our priority this first year was to refine methodology,” she said. “We want the protocol we use going forward to provide worthwhile data while exposing young students to the excitement of doing hands-on research.”
As has happened every year, students found macroinvertebrates at both sites, though abundance and diversity differed. “Despite the fact that pollution is common in urban waterways, the students found that Fauntleroy Creek supports species that must have clean water to survive,” said Shannon.
Lichen teams found several growth forms at both sites and traced samples to establish baseline sizes. “We’re now assessing how to improve the methodology,” Lindsey said. “Our goal is that the findings of student scientists year after year will reveal what lichen have to tell us about air pollution.”
The Fauntleroy Watershed Council will share study findings and conclusion with specialists who track water and air quality in this region.
2:29 PM: Thanks to Lynn Hall for that photo of the Olympics this morning, seen in their fall/winter coat (of snow) for the first time this season. Here in the lowlands, colder weather is approaching, and the National Weather Service has issued two alerts: a Frost Advisory for midnight tonight until 9 am Friday, a Freeze Watch for late Friday night through Saturday morning. The NWS explains: “For the Frost Advisory, temperatures as low as 34 will result in frost formation. For the Freeze Watch, sub-freezing temperatures as low as 30 (are) possible.”
P.S. Also remember that the cold weather means West Seattle’s volunteer-and-donation-powered emergency shelter is opening – we’ll be checking back to see what’s still on the wish list.
3:51 PM: One more great view of the snowy Olympics, this one sent by David Hutchinson:
Last night’s Sound Transit open house at the Alki Masonic Center in The Junction, the agency’s first in-person West Seattle meeting in many months, was largely a kickoff for a new round of feedback – which you can provide via this survey if you weren’t there to put sticky dots and/or notes on easel displays.
Though the final routing (alignment) of the $4 billion West Seattle Link Extension won’t be settled until after the final Environmental Impact Statement, its four planned stations – The Junction, Avalon, Delridge, and SODO – have ST-“preferred” locations on which the design discussion is focusing.
The feedback ST sought last night, and is seeking via the survey, focuses on possible projects near, and leading to/from, the stations, as well as the potential mixed-use Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) that’s likely to be built on station-adjacent sites that are used for construction staging. Regarding the station siting, here is the main graphic for The Junction’s station:
For Avalon (which, it should be noted, is still under consideration for removal from the plan to save money):
For Delridge:
We’ve requested the PDF version of all the meeting displays from Sound Transit and expect to have that later thi afternoon, plus it’s supposed to be added to the project website. Also note: We’re only focusing on the line as it crosses the Duwamish River and heads into West Seattle, but SODO is considered part of the West Seattle Link Extension too, so you’ll see that in the full package. In this round of feedback, the Delridge has the largest number of potential “projects” proposed, and the survey will take you through each one (you can choose to give feedback on one specific station, or all four). It’s open until December 20th.
Aside from an in-person version of the survey, last night’s gathering did include a few remarks from the stage, but rather than presenting project information, it was mostly an introduction of who and what was in the room. Nonetheless, we recorded video just in case. The first speaker is Jason Hampton, ST’s current point person for this project; the graphics projected onto the stage screen were images of ST stations elsewhere in the city:
As speakers noted, there was a significant city presence at the event too, since that’s who would lead the many potential transportation projects connecting to the stations. There was also a pitch for the draft Seattle Transportation Plan (feedback on that continues through Tuesday, October 31). Once the survey’s over, ST promised to return to West Seattle “early next year.” The timeline for the project continues to estimate the West Seattle extension will open in late 2032.
ADDED OCTOBER 30: We’ve also published this separately but for the record, the meeting graphics as shown on easels and tables are here.
(WSB/WCN photos)
10:49 AM: Thanks for the tip. A worker on the vacant site north of the former Bizarro restaurant, on the west side of 16th SW in downtown White Center, found what’s described to us as an unexploded grenade this morning. The King County Sheriff’s Office called out its bomb squad (officially the Bomb Disposal Unit), which is there now. The street is still open and the stay-out zone isn’t affecting any open businesses, as that’s the side of the street that has yet to fully recover from fires.
We’re told this is a very old grenade, possibly World War II-era.
11:31 AM: If you’re in the area and noting a helicopter, our story seems to have attracted the shared TV helicopter. We’ll be checking back at the scene on the ground in a bit.
11:36 AM: Thanks to the nearby business owner who just texted to say the grenade has been safely removed from the site and the Bomb Disposal Unit deputies are packing up to leave.
6:19 PM: We followed up with KCSO, whose spokesperson Sgt. Eric White tells us the grenade was “eventually turned over to Joint Base Lewis McChord/JBLM EOD people. BDU was not able to discern if the item was a functioning grenade or not. Due to this, precautions were taken and it was treated as a functioning grenade.”
(Thanks to everyone who sent Wednesday rainbow photos! This one is from James Tilley)
Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE CONTINUES: Until 6 pm, Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open – go in to see the work displayed by community members in its annual Southwest Artist Showcase.
PEGASUS POP-UP: Pegasus Book Exchange is celebrating its “40th-ish” anniversary with a pop-up at California/Oregon – storytime at 11 am, book and merch sales 11 am-6 pm.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to find out where they’re playing today.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room and wine bar open 1-6 pm on the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
MONSTER DASH PACKET PICKUP: If you’ve already registered for Saturday’s West Seattle Monster Dash – or want to register in person – stop by West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) 3-6 pm. (Or register here!)
THURSDAY FOOD-TRUCK POP-UP: 4-8 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), Paparepas will be visiting.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also at HP Corner Store, meet up at 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run!
OPEN HOUSE: Summit Atlas charter middle/high school (35th/Roxbury) invites prospective families to an open house tonight, 5:30-8 pm.
GRIEF & TEA: Dealing with loss? Get support – and tea – at this event, 6 pm at My NecessiTea (3237 California SW).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) at (corrected time) 6:30 pm for a 3-mile run – more in our calendar listing.
BLUES NIGHT: 7 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.
THURSDAY THROWDOWN: All-vinyl DJ night at Revelry Room (4547 California SW, alley entrance), 8-11 pm.
We publish daily lists as reminders, but you can look ahead any time, to any day, by visiting our calendar!
(Awaiting the Great Pumpkin on 34th near Barton – photo by Mark Watters)
The big Hallo-weekend is almost here, with trick-or-treat events, carnivals, haunted houses, spooky shows, even a run through the forest and paddling on the Sound! We don’t want you to miss out on any of it, and that’s why we’ve been updating our West Seattle Halloween Guide, where you’ll find a list of more than three dozen Halloween/Dia de Muertos options unfolding over the next six days. (And if we’re missing something, please let us know so we can add it! Thank you!)
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, October 26th.
WEATHER AND SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high near 50. Sunrise today is at 7:44 am; sunset, 6:02 pm.
ROAD WORK ENDS
Thanks to DC for the tip. SDOT confirms that the Delridge repaving work north of Genesee is complete, so all lanes have reopened..
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!
Last Friday we reported on two purse-snatch robberies, and police tracking two suspects to Westwood Village. At the time, we only confirmed one arrest, but today we learned from police that both suspects were taken into custody. They are both still in custody, according to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which filed felony charges against both of them today in connection with one of the robberies.
Both are 15 years old, according to the charging documents. They are charged as juveniles so we are not publishing their names; we’ll call them Suspect #1 and Suspect #2. Suspect #1 is charged with second-degree robbery and second-degree identity theft; Suspect #2 is charged with second-degree unlawful gun possession and second-degree identity theft.
Here’s what the court documents say happened: Both were in a car – driven by an as-yet-unknown third person – that pulled up while the victim was walking near 45th SW and SW Stevens. Suspect #1 got out and ran up on the victim from behind, pushing her down and pulling her purse off her while she screamed. He got back in a car described as a blue Kia or Hyundai, which sped away. Police tracked two of the suspects to Westwood Village, where they had just used one of the victim’s stolen credit cards to buy a Sony PlayStation. Photos in the court documents show them inside the store, still in the pulled-up dark hoodies seen at the time of the robbery:
Outside the store, they became aware of police’s arrival, and separated. Suspect #1 went into Target, where police caught up with him and ordered him outside. Still outside, Suspect #2 dropped the PlayStation and ran, but police caught up with him too. He told them repeatedly, “It’s in my pocket,” which is where they found a 9mm gun with a “loaded magazine in its magazine well.”
As we reported Friday, it was determined to have been stolen in Federal Way. Two of the victim’s credit cards were found on the ground outside the store.
Both suspects are scheduled for arraignment tomorrow. Checking court records, we learned both were charged in other cases earlier this year. The court files are extensive so we didn’t download everything but here’s what we’ve learned by reading 15 documents from four of the cases:
*Both suspects are local – Suspect #2 lives in West Seattle, Suspect #1 in White Center.
*Suspect #1 was charged last February with carjacking a man in Burien almost a year earlier. Then this past April, he was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, a Kia taken from Kent. In August he was sentenced to a month of electronic home monitoring. After 8 days he cut the bracelet. He was arrested again September 12th and held for 22 days until being released three weeks ago when it was determined he had fulfilled his sentence.
*The September 12th arrest also involved Suspect #2. They were found with a stolen Kia at Bellevue Square. The car was found to contain items belonging to a woman robbed at gunpoint earlier in the day in Tukwila. Suspect #2 was charged in the stolen-car case, and has another hearing next month.
*Suspect #2 also was charged with assault in March of last year for an incident at Westwood Village in which he hit and kicked and seriously hurt a schoolmate. This case was resolved with a deferred disposition, where if a juvenile stays out of trouble for a certain amount of time, the case is closed and cleared from the record.
We will continue following this case.
ADDED THURSDAY: Both pleaded not guilty at arraignment hearings today. Suspect #1 remains in detention at the Youth Services Center, deemed a “threat to community safety.” While Suspect #2 was also described that way in court documents, he is on electronic home monitoring.
Now tonight’s Halloween decoration spotlight: Darrell sent photos of the display he createdin the 9000 block of 18th SW – a sight to see, day or night:
If you’ve seen the Halloween display at Trader Joe’s – Darrell’s responsible for that too!
Just six nights until Halloween – and dozens of events in the days and nights until then – we’re still adding to the list on our West Seattle Halloween Guide page!
If you got a Silver Alert tonight about a missing 78-year-old West Seattle woman, you’ll want to know that police have just reported she has been found safely and returned to her family.
Sadly, no such happy ending so far in the case of Jim PriceV, the 86-year-old West Seattle man now missing more than a month. His Silver Alert is still in effect:
Jim’s wife told WSB this week that there are still no clues as to what happened to Jim, last seen leaving his home on Pigeon Point the evening of Monday, September 18th. Various information related to the case and the search can still be found at jimpriceismissing.com.
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