West Seattle, Washington
04 Wednesday
11:47 PM: Police are blocking Admiral at Olga because of what’s described as a one-car crash on the embankment. No visual, and no mention of serious injuries, but they’re trying to head off the eastbound/southbound traffic before the crash scene.
12:44 AM: One lane still closed on eastbound/southbound Admiral.
12:49 AM … and now Admiral’s fully open again.
Thanks to Barry White for the report and photos from a historic achievement for West Seattle High School‘s cross country runners:
It was a great day at the Sea-King 3A District Championships on Thursday for the West Seattle HS XC runners and Head Coach Shelley Neal. This was the first time in program history that a full boys’ and girls’ team qualified for Districts at the same time.
Congrats to Aran Connolly, Lukas Doig, Clara Peak, and Daisy Pierson, who qualified individually for the WIAA State XC Championship next weekend in Pasco. Doig, Peak, and Pierson all ran PRs on the tough Lower Woodland course. The boys’ and girls; teams both finished 10th overall.
Our two Unified team runners, Elliott Weinmann and Garrison Etheridge, also qualified for State. They and their running partners Liam Baier and Ryan Wade will compete in the first-ever State Unified XC race in Pasco on 11/9 at 2:00 PM.
7:20 PM: Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the video from today’s Southern Resident Killer Whales “superpod” visit! He explains, “Here is an initial video of J, K, and L pods passing by Alki Point. There were easily 40 or more orcas in total across the three groups. I recorded this from Constellation Park, where ~30+ people were enjoying the experience. As I was heading home, I saw more than 150 people watching the whales from the western end of Alki Beach.” Jamie promises more visuals later tonight; we’ll add when we get them.
9:36 PM: From Jamie’s gallery (which you can see here):
The Southern Residents come into the central Sound this time of year chasing their favorite food, salmon – so it’s all intertwined with other sightings, like the coho in Fauntleroy and Longfellow Creeks. (Check out Fauntleroy Creek’s coho during this Sunday’s “open creek.”)
Halloween is segueing right into the holiday season this year. The Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show has opened its three-day run at Fauntleroy Church, and we have photos of some of the artists and their work – above, Diane Bellisario; below, Kristen Miller:
Judy Pickens provides the overview:
The 15th annual Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show will be open this evening at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW) until 8 pm to showcase the creative talents of 18 local artists and artistic crafters. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists. Show hours Saturday will be 10 am-4 pm and Sunday hours will be 11 am-2 pm in Fellowship Hall.
Here’s the work of Yuchen Lin:
Thanks to Ana Cecilia Del Claro for the photos.
… what do you do with the pumpkins? Here’s one solution …
Mark sent the photo and explains, “Two pumpkins each weighing more than 400 pounds were trucked today from Metropolitan Market to a farm in Enumclaw. ‘Yeah, the pigs just love ’em,’ the crew said.”
1:42 PM: Avoid the westbound west end of the West Seattle Bridge for a while – another crash reported.
1:55 PM: From beneath the bridge at south end of Admiral, you can see traffic moving, slowly. Radio traffic indicates it’s a flipped vehicle.
2:01 PM: Thanks to Kyle Pommer for the photo.
2:27 PM: Commenter Jenny reports all lanes have reopened. We’re checking with SFD on injuries.
(Photo sent by Casey)
2:39 PM: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells us, “The occupant of the vehicle got out on their own. Crews assessed an approximately 24-year-old man but no injuries were reported. No transport.”
Thanks for the tips – the changeover has happened on the Admiral Way Bridge, as earthquake-resistance work continues, and traffic is now using the north half of the bridge (which is technically two bridges), with the south half closed to traffic. The outside northernmost lane is handling westbound traffic, and the inside lane is handling eastbound. Pedestrians are also now routed to the north side of the bridge. Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge also remains closed for the duration of the project, into early next year. And commenter Admiral 2009 notes that today’s changes mean Walnut Avenue SW is closed at Admiral.
Meet The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, a returning WSB sponsor. Here’s what The Bridge School would like you to know about what they do:
The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is a small, independent K-5 school located in White Center. Find us on social media to see what our community is up to these days, and read on to learn what we’re all about!
What We Teach & How
Our curriculum is designed to support students as learners exactly where they’re at academically, while prioritizing relationships and social-emotional learning. Classroom teachers have over a decade of teaching experience and use multi-age classes and hands-on learning to excite young learners. With specialized instructors, nature and the arts take center stage with our Outdoor Education and Creative Enrichment programs. Students spend one day a week learning outdoors and have ample time exploring visual arts, music, and theater.
What Makes Our Cooperative School Different
There’s no one way to do co-op at The Bridge School! Families are welcomed into all aspects of the school, from working as teaching assistants in classrooms, to accompanying young naturalists on outdoor days, to leadership and governance. Participation looks different for everyone, as families’ contributions are tailored to fit their availability and skills. For all, however, it’s the shared values of community and support that make The Bridge School a school home for students and adults alike.
Spaces Available for This Year
Are you considering a school change for 24-25? Our small class sizes and focus on meeting each student where they’re at allow us to ease the transition for students joining throughout the year. The community of teachers, students and families welcome each new student with open arms. Our Monday Outdoor Ed and Friday Arts enrichment are also open to homeschooling families. Contact Amanda amanda@bridgeschoolcoop.org for more details about mid-year enrollment.
Come Get to Know Us
All are welcome at our upcoming Open Houses Saturday, November 16th and December 7th 10 am-12 noon. Children are welcome to explore our classrooms and playground and light refreshments will be served. Teachers, current families, and Head of School will be on hand to answer questions and show you around.
How You Can Support the Mission of The Bridge School
We’re so glad you asked! Consider purchasing your holiday wreaths through our Holiday Greenery Sale (open until Nov. 11) and save the date for our annual auction February 1, 2025 – it’ll be a circus-themed good time with performers, games, and unique auction items!
Community members are also welcome to reach out about partnering with The Bridge School. We love to take learning outside the classroom, so if you’re with a small business or non-profit that would like to engage elementary students for community service or learning opportunities, please reach out.
The Bridge School is at 10300 28th SW; here’s how to reach them.
(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Tom Trulin)
November begins! Here are highlights for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there any time to look into the future), First, the Halloween/fall events:
FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE CONTINUES: End of the first week of the dropoff drive at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) to benefit students and families served by the Care Center, until 4 pm inside the school.
INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to “Stay ‘n’ Play” at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Third-to-last day to visit the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the art in this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase. The library is open today 10 am-6 pm.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: As we get further into fall, season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND GIFT SHOW: First of three sessions for this year’s show at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 5-8 pm. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists.
VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for this cozy tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘NIGHTFALL’ CHARITY HAUNT: Annual spooky experience continues post-Halloween, 5:30-9:30 pm, with a “trick-or-treat trail” for the first hour. Private West Seattle residence – go here for more info.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7-9 pm, Gary Benson with Ellen Reed at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN SHOW: Costumes encouraged! Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark, Remainders, Odd Blossom, Leo Leo, Joyla Red. (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10, 21+.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
FOOTBALL: One local team plays tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS vs. Bishop Blanchet at 7:30 pm.
MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s music at Southgate Roller Rink is: Sugar Bones, Midpack, Heavy Bloom. Here’s the ticket link. $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight tonight! (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:37 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales from J Pod are back in the area, Kersti Muul tells us this morning. This time they are southbound, “spread across the channel” and at last report approaching Point Williams (that’s where Colman Pool is at Lincoln Park). Let us know if you see them!
9:42 AM: Kersti says the whales are now headed northbound.
5:08 PM: They’re still in the area, says Kersti, who pointed out earlier that it appeared to be more than J Pod; it’s a “superpod,” according to Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who’s out in the Alki area leading shore-based watching. She says researchers Mark and Maya Sears are out with the whales too – and that most if not all of the Southern Residents are here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, November 1st, two days to go until Daylight Saving Time ends (2 am Sunday, we “fall back” one hour, into Standard Time).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Showery today, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:54 am, while sunset will be at 5:50 pm – second-to-last sunset before the time change.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; traffic may move from the south half of the bridge to the north half today (depending on the weather). 9:42 AM UPDATE: A reader says the switch is being made right now.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Monday alert re: East Marginal:
On Monday, November 4, we will fully close East Marginal Way S between S Spokane St and S Hanford St to install the permanent lane striping on the new sections of the roadway. Access to and from East Marginal Way S from S Horton St and S Hinds St will also be closed. The closure will be in effect from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Routes for people, walking, rolling, and biking will be maintained on E Marginal Way S but may have reroutes to avoid active construction. Please be alert for signage and flaggers directing traffic when traveling through the area.
This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled due to rain.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route this morning; check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
WEEKEND NOTE
*Seahawks home game vs. Rams on Sunday, so it’ll be busy that afternoon in the stadium zone.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(Screenshot from SDOT camera)
According to emergency-radio traffic, there are two crashes on the West Seattle Bridge right now – including five cars on the westbound side. They’re blocking off the eastbound entrance just past 35th/Fauntleroy, and some cars stuck behind a fire engine are turning around to go back the wrong way. So avoid the southwest end of the bridge for a while. No word of any major injuries.
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