11:17 PM SATURDAY: Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the video of transient orcas off Constellation Park late today. He explains, “I went down to Constellation Park to see the transient orcas that were reported via the Salish Wildlife Watch WhatsApp group. I saw these four transient orcas (a.k.a Bigg’s Killer Whales) pursue a harbor seal that was swimming directly toward us. The whales were approximately 100-150 feet away when I captured this video.” The video isn’t gory – in fact, Jamie believes the seal got away: “I have a photo of a seal catching its breath on the surface ~20 feet away from us after the orcas began to head back toward Vashon.” If it indeed got away, it’s lucky, as transient orcas are the ones that feed on other marine mammals such as seals and sea lions (while the endangered resident orcas prefer fish).

ADDED 9:07 AM SUNDAY: David Hutchinson sent photos, including one of the seal:

ADDED SUNDAY AFTERNOON: As mentioned in comments, Jamie Kinney also has a photo gallery from the event. He gave us permission to republish some, too – here are three that caught our eye:

This year’s ‘mystery fireworks’ turn up tonight in Tacoma

September 28, 2024 9:15 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

If you think you’re hearing fireworks in the distance … you are. Way in the distance. Tacoma, to be specific. The Seattle Times says that’s where what appears to be this year’s edition of the September “mystery fireworks” = seen and heard from a barge between Bainbridge and Blake Islands last year – has popped up. (We were watching for central Puget Sound alerts earlier this month, but didn’t see this as we don’t monitor the South Sound. Thanks to the texter who pointed out the story.)

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Small fire at vacant house in Westwood

September 28, 2024 8:20 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle fires | West Seattle news | Westwood

Seattle Fire is at the scene of a small fire that initially was dispatched around 7:30 pm as a large “full response” but then was almost immediately downsized – Ladder 13 was first on scene and able to deal with it quickly. It’s at a vacant, boarded-up house in the 2200 block of SW Trenton [map], northeast of Westwood Village. The fire’s now out, and SFD’s investigator is on scene (and calling just now for police assistance, so we’ll be following up on that). No injuries reported.

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SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: Pre-sunset double rainbow

September 28, 2024 7:17 pm

| 14 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to everyone who texted and emailed photos of the spectacular double rainbow just before sunset! Above, Stewart L. saw it while looking toward downtown; Grant saw it from The Junction:

An unidentified texter saw it from Westwood Village:

Kevin Freitas got the extreme closeup:

ADDED 8:14 PM: Chris Twombley saw it in Morgan Junction:

The brightness was hard to capture on full-arch views, but Lacey‘s photo shows it:

Here’s the Terminal 5/Harbor Ave. view from Tracey Kipp of West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor):

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, outbound

September 28, 2024 6:54 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Jeremy Barton for the photo! Shortly after 5 pm, the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) sailed past West Seattle, northbound. It’s been a month and a half since the carrier arrived in Bremerton, its new homeport.

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TRAFFIC REMINDER: Spokane Street Viaduct ‘weekend closure’ ended mega-early, again; SDOT says project has ‘bit more work’

September 28, 2024 5:09 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Traffic-cam screenshot from late this afternoon)

5:09 PM: If you missed the update in our daily event list – just a reminder, the Spokane Street Viaduct (extension of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5) is wide open. The originally announced “full weekend eastbound closure” ended mega-early, as did the planned westbound closure last weekend, after just some overnight work Friday night to Saturday morning. As one reader notes, the eastbound side is freshly striped, so this could be an indication the resurfacing project is nearing its end; we hope to get an update from SDOT on Monday.

8:01 PM: We got this reply tonight from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:

There’s a bit more work to do [on the project overall], but if the weather allows it then the crews will try to minimize closures during the daytime if possible. The announced closure schedule was based on how long it has previously taken to complete work on this project and also took into account uncertainty in the weather forecast on both weekends. Fortunately, the crews have become quite efficient at this stage in the project and good weather allowed us to get more work done than expected on the Friday night of both weekends.

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS stays undefeated with Friday night win

September 28, 2024 3:10 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

The Chief Sealth International High School varsity football team is one of two with a Metro League-leading 4-0 record, after a win over previously undefeated Ingraham HS last night in the nightcap at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Above, We were there for the first half of the 33-7 win. Above, #3, senior Xavier Nguyen, a very busy runner last night; below, #12, junior MJ Filitaula, scored the Seahawks’ first TD:

Chief Sealth was ahead 10-7 at the half, and the defense kept Ingraham scoreless in the second half.

Head coach Daron Camacho‘s team plays Lakeside next Friday (October 4), again at home at NCSWAC, 6 pm.

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FOOTBALL: West Seattle High School’s first win of the season

September 28, 2024 2:07 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)

Both local high-school teams played home games last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. The first game was West Seattle High School‘s first victory this season, 31-7 over Lincoln HS.

We dropped in during the second half for photos. Scoring while we were there included, above, #13, junior LJ Moody, with a TD; below, #34, junior Scott Bremen, with a field goal:

Head coach Anthony Stordahl and the Wildcats play at Memorial Stadium downtown next Saturday, 2 pm October 5 vs. Franklin.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: 2 unexpected thefts

September 28, 2024 12:47 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports today, both thefts in unexpected circumstances, both sent by people named Sarah:

STOLEN WHILE LOADING: Thefts of items left in vehicles for hours aren’t surprising. Sarah H did not expect this theft to happen during the process of loading up for an outing:

This morning as we were about to leave for a backpacking trip, both our backpacks full of camping gear were stolen from in front of our house between 7:06 and 7:08 am as we were loading our car near PCC. It happened so fast that we believe it was a vehicle driving by, as we essentially had our backs turned. The backpacks are teal green (Osprey) and a gray/black (Gregory). If you happen to have any sightings or camera footage, please let us know. Most of our backpacking gear was from our wedding registry and we are heartbroken!

(added) Police report # is 24-275862.

(added) Sarah H’s stove was found by commenter Tom. They’ve connected. One more detail: They believe the thieves were in a “beige or silver 4-door sedan.”

STOLEN WHILE CHARGING: We’ve heard of public-charger cord thefts, but not so much the type of theft Sarah D is reporting:

Yesterday I went outside and found that someone had stolen my electric plug to my car. It was plugged into my electric car and a box on the street. I live on 40th Ave SW. Only reporting because other people leave their plugs in their cars overnight and wanted people to be aware.

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WEEKEND SCENE: West Seattle Eco-Fair

September 28, 2024 11:16 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Environment | West Seattle news

“All is not lost.” So said Pope Francis in his environmental encyclical Laudato Si, and student projects based on it are part of what you’ll see at this year’s West Seattle Eco-Fair, happening right now in the Our Lady of Guadalupe gym (Walmesley Center, northeast side of 35th/Myrtle). Local sustainability-focused organizations are there to talk with you, too, about actions large and small that you can talk. Some of the participants are already very busy in the community, such as A Cleaner Alki:

And West Seattle Bike Connections:

We published the full list of participants here. Another reason to go: retired TV meteorologist Jeff Renner presents a talk at noon. Till then, learn about everything from throwing away less (WM Northwest and Ridwell have displays) to getting outdoors more. And see what the two parishes presenting the Eco-Fair, OLG and Holy Rosary, are doing:

The Eco-Fair also is mindful of the upcoming election, with a voter-registration opportunity right by the entry doors, and tabling by opponents of I-2117, the November ballot measure that would repeal the state’s Climate Commitment Act.

The Eco-Fair continues until 2 pm today.

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WHALE SIGHTING: Headed this way

September 28, 2024 9:29 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

9:29 AM: Orcas are in central Puget Sound, southbound through the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry lanes, Kersti Muul tells us via text. Let us know if you see them!

9:35 AM: Kersti updates that it might actually be a baleen-whale sighting (usually humpback or gray).

9:42 AM: Confirmed to be a humpback.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 35 notes!

September 28, 2024 6:00 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what to know for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – but first, traffic reminders:

SPOKANE STREET VIADUCT, 1ST AVE. S. BRIDGE, AND … Resurfacing work continues on the Spokane Street Viaduct (continuation of West Seattle Bridge between 99 and I-5), so the eastbound lanes are scheduled to be closed all weekend – that COULD end early, so check cameras before you go (9:31 am note, per commenter and camera, it DOES appear to have ended early, like last weekend) … Also, the 1st Ave. S. Bridge is scheduled to have two southbound lane closures now until noon today, for maintenance … And if you’re leaving the peninsula, review these alerts (including the 520 bridge across Lake Washington) first!

Now the events:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

THE MISSING PIECE TURNS 4: 9 am-10 pm, The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW) celebrates its fourth anniversary with a variety of special offerings and sales – details in our calendar listing.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.

INTRODUCTORY TRAINING ON TRANSFORMATIVE JUSTICE: 9 am-5 pm daylong training at Westside Unitarian Universalist (7141 California SW), community invited to learn “caring ways to engage with community relationship, conflict and trust-building.” More information, including registration links, in our calendar listing.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)

WEST SEATTLE MINI ALZHEIMER’S WALK: Not going downtown for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s? Join the West Seattle Caregivers Support Group for an unofficial walk around Gatewood. Meet at 39th/Holden by 10 am. Free and friendly … wear purple if you can.

WEST SEATTLE ECO-FAIR: As previewed here, it’s your second annual chance to talk with local advocates and organizations about what you can do to make a difference in our beloved planet’s environmental challenges. 10 am-2 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle), highlighted by Jeff Renner speaking at noon.

READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: Don’t miss a free chance to get in the spirit of Preparedness Month before it’s over! 10 am-10:45 am “prep party” with Alice Kuder from Just In Case, at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) – our calendar listing has RSVP info.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

SSC GARDEN CENTER, WITH THE OTTER PUP: Summer gardening season isn’t over yet! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm. Plus: The Otter Pup is open by the center, with coffee, ice cream, and other treats!

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

DREAM DINNERS TEST KITCHEN PARTY: 11 am-1 pm, learn about solving the perennial “what’s for dinner?” problem at Dream Dinners West Seattle‘s Test Kitchen Party, previewed here (with info on RSVPing via text). Dream Dinners is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square (4701 41st SW).

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Bonus Saturday session of long-distance get-out-the-vote advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

OKTOBERFEST AT THE GOOD SOCIETY: 12 pm-10 pm, street party to celebrate Oktoberfest, with beer, food, even a costume contest at 5 pm. (California/Lander)

OKTOBERFEST AT THE BEER JUNCTION: 12 pm-midnight, the three-day celebration continues, with “brats, beer, pretzels,” more. (4511 California SW)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

DOG ICE-CREAM SOCIAL: Noon-2 pm at Mud Bay (2611 California SW) as part of Neighborhood Pet Store Day festivities.

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

SONG CIRCLE: 1-3 pm, monthly gathering with Sandra – details in our calendar listing, including how to contact her to get the location.

BIKE RIDE: As part of Oktoberfest, The Beer Junction is organizing a Bike Club ride, “all bodies welcome,” 2 pm, meet behind the store (4511 California SW).

(added) VOLLEYBALL: Undefeated West Seattle HS hosts Eastside Catholic at 2 pm. (3000 California SW)

BURGER PLANET ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 3-7 pm, the White Center restaurant (9614 14th SW) celebrates its first anniversary with a costume contest, gaming tournament, costume contest, and more – details in our calendar listing.

SAVE THE MIGHTY WURLITZER! 2 SHOWS: As previewed here – at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), two benefit shows today/tonight will raise money to help preserve the historic hall’s organ – 4 pm and 6:30 pm. At last check some tickets remained for both – buy yours here.

‘ROCK BLOCK TO SOOTHE YOUR SOUL’: 3-band lineup at Tim’s Tavern (9655 16th SW) in White Center, doors open 6 pm: 7 pm Actual Wolf, 8 pm Any Given Session, 9 pm Seola Station. $15/door.

AT THE SKYLARK: Monthly “West End Girls” West Seattle drag extravaganza! 7 pm doors, 8 pm show, ticket info here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

GUARDS AT THE TAJ: “Dark comedy” in its third weekend at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm – get tickets here.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Repoman. (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

KARAOKE AT THE PIZZERIA: Saturday is for singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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