West Seattle, Washington
27 Wednesday
10:32 PM: We don’t know why yet – nothing obvious on police radio, and the helicopter’s arrival happened while we’d stepped away from the desk for a few minutes. We’re working on it. If you’re seeing a police response on the ground, let us know (comment, or text 206-293-6302).
10:45 PM: One other tidbit of information, there are no SFD responses for injury incidents in the area – while SPD calls are not consistently logged online, SFD calls are, so that much we can say. Those who’ve seen police on the ground say it’s focused in the EC Hughes and Navos vicinity and that Holden is blocked at 30th.
10:49 PM: Guardian One has departed, headed north and out of West Seattle. Eventually we’ll find out what this was about and will update when we do.
11:24 PM: No official word from police but tips and indications (plus the lack of monitorable radio traffic – we have listened back to everything archived and there was nothing, which suggests it’s on an encrypted channel) indicate this is a warrant operation.
11:38 PM: According to a tipster and to an incident number mentioned over police radio a few minutes ago, this is somehow related to a North Seattle shooting earlier in the week.
2:16 AM: CSI units have been to the investigation scene (which is reported to be on 28th SW) and just told dispatch they’re leaving now.
10:46 AM: SPD has just published confirmation of the warrant arrest and says that shooting now has claimed the victim’s life, so the suspect faces a murder charge. (So basically, Guardian One was there in case the suspect bolted during the warrant operation. And the “shots” people heard would have been “flashbang” noisemaking devices sometimes used during warrant operations, standoffs, etc.) We will track the case; the 28-year-old suspect is in King County Jail this morning, and will have a bail/probable-cause hearing either this afternoon or tomorrow.
(WSB file photo)
As reported here last night, today’s special meeting of the Seattle Public Schools Board included consideration of the plan to in essence vacate the former Roxhill Elementary – now “Roxhill Annex” – building at 9430 30th SW, by moving its two programs to new locations. Board members gave their unanimous approval tonight to moving the Southwest program of alternative high school Interagency Academy to Southwest Youth and Family Services‘ North Delridge HQ (a former location of the program) and moving BRIDGES, which is for young adults living with disabilities, to the Chief Sealth International High School campus. The reason for vacating the building was described as “issues with the facilities,” without elaboration; as we reported previously, the agenda document made mention of “safety” issues. Board member Liza Rankin wondered why the programs were moved to the Roxbury/30th building in the first place, considering that it had been considered unfit for its previous program, an elementary school (moved to the renovated EC Hughes Elementary building in Sunrise Heights in 2018). Board member Michelle Sarju expressed concern about the plan to move BRIDGES to portables at CSIHS, seeking reassurance that accessible bathrooms would be added to the program’s future portables before school started. Staffers couldn’t cite a date for completion of that work but said they’d look it up later. The plan for moving Interagency SW back to SWYFS apparently isn’t finalized yet either, as the status was described as “discussing a contract.” There was no presentation about nor discussion of the Roxhill building’s future; as we noted in our preview, the agenda document said simply, “The site is being evaluated for continued use for instructional purposes and is not recommended for closure at this time.” Since there was no mention of what that “continued use for instructional purposes” might entail, we’ll be following up with the district.
When we reported last month that Pegasus Book Exchange owner Fred Epps had died, arrangements weren’t finalized for his Celebration of Life. Now, his family says the plan is set, and asked us to share the announcementword:
Fred Epps from Pegasus Book Exchange passed away in June. His Celebration of Life will be held at the Center for Active Living on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 between 11 am and 3 pm. All are welcome – please come and share your stories!
If you aren’t able to attend (or even if you are!) we encourage you to leave a message on his memory page:
pegasusbookshop.com/fred-memories
August 16 would have been Mr. Epps’s 72nd birthday.
Two reports in West Seattle Crime Watch today:
BUSINESS ARSON: The photo shows some of the damage done when someone set a fire in a restroom at West Seattle Arcade (2758 Alki SW) on Tuesday. We asked arcade owners Elyssa and Matt about the incident after obtaining the report from SPD today; it says an employee called 911 before 7 pm after smelling smoke and then discovering the restroom filled with it. As shown in the photo, provided to us by the arcade owners, the report says police – arriving after firefighters were gone – discovered “soot covered walls, top to bottom. the sit=down stall area appeared to have the majority of smoke/flame damage coming up the wall adjacent to the toilet. SFD knocked a hole in the wall leaving a pile of debris.” The report says the owners estimated $6,000 to $10,000 worth of damage. We contacted them by email to confirm this had happened (the police report had redacted the business name) and to ask if there’s anything the community could do to help; the reply – “I don’t know that there’s much people can do other that come play at the arcades. It means everything to us to see people having fun here! We believe the fire was started by some kids, and we are submitting video to SPD of everyone that went into the bathroom before the fire.” If you have any information, the incident # is 25-215401.
HIT-RUN INVESTIGATION: CP sent the photo and request for witnesses:
My husband and I parked our car on 40th Ave SW between Sound & Fog cafe and Bank of America on July 29 from 3:28 pm to 4:46 pm. When we returned, someone hit our car and broke off our bumper. I was wondering if anyone has photos or camera footage of the incident.
The SPD report # is 25-216041.
(Added: Screenshot from SDOT traffic cam at 35th/Holden, showing responders outside Station 37)
3:01 PM: A “hazardous materials response” is happening right now at Seattle Fire Station 37 (35th/Holden). So far, according to radio exchanges, they’re reportedly dealing with a leaky 55-gallon drum of an “unknown substance,” in the alley behind the station. Police are being brought in for traffic control, so avoid the area for now. Updates as we hear them.
3:05 PM: Officers just told dispatch they’ll be blocking the east side of 35th/Holden, which is right in front of the fire station.
4:18 PM: No updates but it’s still an active incident.
4:31 PM: SFD just announced that they’ve determined the drum did NOT contain a hazardous substance, so the response is ending.
7:49 PM: We followed up on two questions with SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo. His replies: “The 55-gallon drum likely contained unfiltered water. How it ended up there is under investigation.”
Two local businesses are inviting you to upcoming anniversary celebrations:
DINNER PARTY FOR MIOPOSTO ADMIRAL’S TENTH: Mioposto in Admiral (2139 California SW; WSB sponsor) has hit a milestone, 10 years in business, and invites you to celebrate next Tuesday night:
Join us at Mioposto Admiral on Tuesday, August 5th from 6-9 pm for food and drink specials and live music from Shaun Crawford from 6-8 pm! You may have seen Shaun gracing the stage with local acts RUB, Stephanie Anne Johnson, Bearaxe, Acid Tongue, and many more. Now you can catch him solo and vibe to his unique mix of soul, indie, and southern charm. Come bask in the sun, raise a glass, and help us celebrate 10 great years.
The restaurant opened a decade ago in a space that had previously housed a longtime antique shop.
SWEET 16 FOR CHERRY CONSIGNMENT: Also in August, proprietor Nyla Bittermann is celebrating another year in business for Cherry Consignment – 16 in all!
That photo is from our visit to the shop on the north edge of The Junction, 4142 California SW, two years ago, when she was celebrating 14 years in business. Now it’s Cherry’s “Sweet 16” and the party’s on Saturday, August 9. Nyla’s invitation: “We’ll have all the fun things to ring in sixteen years, with snacks, sips, steals, and surprises. Thank you for making this happen – come let us celebrate you!”
Today we’re welcoming our newest sponsor, Seattle Window Cleaners. Here’s what they would like you to know about what they do!
Meet Seattle Window Cleaners: West Seattle Roots, Citywide Reach
When Martin Skarra acquired West Seattle Window Cleaners in 2021 from longtime West Seattle residents Matt and Becca Bay, he made a clear promise: to continue providing the same care and quality service that the West Seattle community had grown to trust — and to bring that same level of service to homeowners and businesses across the city.
Martin leads a dedicated team committed to delivering excellent results, honest communication, and a hassle-free customer experience. For over 15 years, Seattle Window Cleaners has helped clients maintain beautiful, safe homes and properties, no matter the season.
What We Do
Whether you’re a homeowner in West Seattle or manage properties across the region, our team is ready to help. Our services include:
● Window Cleaning (inside and out)
● Gutter Cleaning
● Roof Cleaning
● Pressure Washing
Although our heart and headquarters are in West Seattle, today we service all of Seattle, as well as Snohomish and the Eastside, and we’re always just a message away if you need a free quote or have questions about your home’s exterior maintenance.
What Makes Us Different?
Our work is done by employees who have gone through some of the most extensive training our industry has to offer. This allows Seattle Window Cleaners to ensure the highest quality, safest practices, and consistent customer experiences across every job.
We are mostly known for our window-cleaning service, but many customers also use us for recurring maintenance such as gutter cleaning and roof cleaning in the fall and winter. In the last few years, we have also started installing Christmas lights under the brand name Seattle Lights.
We’re proud to have earned 603 Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating, and we believe that reputation is built on doing the small things right — being on time, cleaning up after every job, and treating every customer like a neighbor.
Ready for a Fresh Look?
If your home or building needs a seasonal refresh or you’re preparing for summer gatherings, let us take care of the exterior work so you can focus on what matters most. Our team is happy to provide a quote or schedule a walkthrough.
Request a Free Quote or reply to this post — we’d love to help.
We thank Seattle Window Cleaners for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
Thanks for the tips on this and big congratulations to the champions! This report, with photos, is from a proud parent:
Our Home Team Running Club – West Seattle RoadRunners – just took the National Junior Olympics Championship for the 11-12 year old girls 4x4x8 relay in dramatic fashion.
Records fell last Sunday in Savannah, Georgia, as the girls took home the gold and Beau Sitzmann broke the 1981 PNW 3k record. Coached by James Powell, Carson Caprara, and Devin Kemper, these girls are poised to set a new record this winter for the national cross-country championships. This is the second national championship title by these four girls in the last three years. And they go by the acronym of “B.E.S.T” representing each initial of all their names.
Beau Sitzmann (12)
Everleigh Haas (11)
Savannah Brondstetter (12)
Teagan Kemper (12)What these girls have done in the last five years in the name of West Seattle is amazing.
Beau’s recordbreaking achievement is singled out in this event wrapup.
The team is on the road but The Moose is on the loose on Alki Beach this morning. Well – not exactly “on the loose”; the Seattle Mariners‘ mascot had a reason for being here, a Mariners’ Kids Club event (explained here). Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo! (The M’s, by the way, start their next homestand tomorrow.)
(Seen by photographer Jerry Simmons off Duwamish Head on Tuesday)
Here’s our quick reminders about what’s happening, and not happening, in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUMMER FOOD: Go here for info on multiple sites/times/days in West Seattle where kids can get breakfast, lunch, and/or snacks during summer break.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so set your calendar for next Wednesday morning if interested!).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day, 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
ALSO AT HIGHLAND PARK PLAYGROUND: Learn to break! Beginners welcome too. Free 11 am class. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: The open-every-day season continues at Lincoln Park‘s outdoor, heated salt-water pool! Noon-7 pm; see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WADING POOLS: Two pools are scheduled to be open today in West Seattle – Delridge (4501 Delridge Way SW) will be open noon-5:30 pm; Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) will be open noon-7 pm.
LUNCH AND LEARN – SIMPLIFY SPREADSHEETS AND REPORTS: Spend your lunch break learning at West Seattle Coworking‘s flagship location (9030 35th SW), noon, registration link and info in our calendar listing.
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
BLUE ANGELS’ ARRIVAL: One jet arrived for the Seafair airshow on Tuesday, the other six arrive today at Boeing Field (just east of West Seattle), expected 1:30-2 pm.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
‘WILD ROBOT’ READ-ALOUD CLUB: Canceled again this week.
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: The Neighborhood‘s monthly fundraiser benefits Charcuterie by Annelise, another small Morgan Junction business, hit recently by burglars. Dine-in or take out 3-9 pm today and a portion of the proceeds will help them recover. (6503 California SW)
SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: Moving programs out of the old Roxhill building, as previewed here, is on the agenda, as is an update on the superintendent search. 4:30 pm; see the agenda link in our preview story for how to attend in person or via video.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken gizmo instead of tossing it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
CRIBBAGE TOURNAMENT: 6 pm, almost-weekly tournament at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required to play.
FREE QI-GONG CLASS: 6 pm, meet at south lot of Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6 pm, get creative at the studio! (3400 Harbor SW)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Enjoy your evening by joining the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
ALAIN JOHANNES AT EASY STREET: He rocked Summer Fest just a few weeks ago! Now Alain Johannes is back in West Seattle for a free show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, all ages.
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
REGULAR TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn to shine – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Don’t let your unused musical instrument(s) gather dust in a closet .., this dropoff donation drive is just a week and a half away!
West Seattle Community Day of Musical Instrument Donations to Music4Life
Sponsor: West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation (a tax-exempt org.)
Date/Time of Event: Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Key Bank at Alaska Junction (Corner of California Ave SW & SW Alaska Street in West Seattle)
Goal: To receive and acknowledge donations of gently used musical instruments for repair and refurbishing, to enable students in need to participate in school music programs.
Types of Instruments Needed: All orchestra and band instruments, as well as guitars.
Most needed: trumpets/coronets, clarinets, flutes, and violins.
What is Music4Life? Music4Life is a local nonprofit organization that puts instruments into the hands of students whose families cannot afford to rent or purchase, making it possible for them to participate in school music programs.
Why Donate? Many people have lovingly used musical instruments in their garages or attics, or in storage. When reminded, they ask themselves “Why am I still carting this instrument around? Music4Life understands that some people have precious memories of their used musical instruments. We do not want a reluctant giver. We instead want donors who appreciate the unique value of instrumental music in the life and education of a child—and want all children regardless of family need, to experience it. Music4Life partners with preferred, local professional music repair shops for discounted restoration of these instruments.
Contact: Brian Waid (Rotary Club of West Seattle member):
Email: brianjwaid@gmail.com Telephone: 206-714-7535
Or Visit: Website: www.Music4Life.org or www.westseattlerotary.org
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny again today, high in the low 80s (yesterday hit 85). Today’s sunrise was at 5:44 am; sunset will be at 8:45 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Repaving is scheduled to resume on California SW between Holly and Frontenac tomorrow.
-Crews are working on curb ramps for all four corners of 60th/Admiral.
-The major nighttime work ahead on and around 16th SW in White Center continues – details here.
-Admiral Bridge work continues.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, and on weeknights with Mariners home games (and certain special events).
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to 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 (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(Photos courtesy Quail Park West Seattle)
That’s Tommy Criswell with the DubSea Fish Sticks‘ mascot Fin Crispy Jr. at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium this past Sunday. He got to make a baseball dream come true,explains Betsy Henry from Quail Park West Seattle (WSB sponsor):
A dream 70+ years in the making came true for 78-year-old Tommy Criswell, a longtime Seattle resident and lifelong baseball fan as he threw the ceremonial “first fish” at the DubSea Fish Sticks game against the Redmond Dudes on July 27th.
Criswell, who lives at Quail Park West Seattle, checked off a major item on his bucket list when he took the mound at Mel Olson Stadium in King County’s Steve Cox Memorial Park at the start of Sunday’s game.
Born in Texas but a proud Seattleite for most of his life, Criswell discovered his love for baseball at age six when his father signed him up for Little League. That early passion followed him through decades, even as he built a 30+ year career as a physicist with Boeing.
Criswell is also a devoted Mariners fan—his favorite player of all time? Ken Griffey Jr. “I loved how he’d leap into the air to catch the ball—like Spider-Man!” he says, referencing the iconic outfield catch that earned Griffey the superhero nickname in his mind.
Now, more than 20 years after attending his last Mariners game in person (a victory over the Dodgers), Criswell re-lived the magic of the ballpark in a way he never expected—on the pitcher’s mound. Criswell said it was a thrill to throw the first “fish.” When asked what he thought about the experience, he said with his characteristic sense of humor, “that was a slippery fish!”
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