West Seattle, Washington
11 Tuesday
11:13 PM: Police are investigating Alki gunfire that was reported this past half-hour. One report even came from an officer in the area who told dispatch he had heard a possible shot, and dispatch told him they had just started getting calls. One of those calls was from a resident who said their apartment window near 63rd and Alki had bullet damage. No injuries. So far all police know about who might have done this is a report of a “dark SUV.” If you have any information, contact 911 and reference incident 25-246138.
ADDED 2:38 PM TUESDAY: We obtained the report narrative from SPD – most redactions (names and addresses) are theirs:
At 2253 hours I was in the area of the 2700 block of 64 Ave SW checking the area on another call, 2025-246087 when I heard a single gunshot coming from the vicinity of the 3000 block of Alki Ave SW.
Dispatch advised they were receiving several 911 calls regarding shots fired and provided the following information.
‘’ 1O GUNSHOTS TO THE NORTHEAST, NOTHING ELSE’’
I checked the immediate area around Alki Beach and I did not locate a scene. There were several pedestrians and beachgoers in the area but no one flagged me down.
Dispatch then advised that XXXX was calling from (address), advising that someone had shot through her bedroom window.
I relocated to XXXX address and contacted her and her husband XXXX. They told me the following, XXXX had been asleep in their bed on the 3rd floor. XXXX had gone upstairs and was sitting in bed next to XXXX looking through her phone. She heard 6-10 shots coming from the vicinity of Alki. While debating whether to call 911 she heard another gunshot from outside her residence and felt a pressure in the bedroom. This woke up XXXX reported hearing a crackling sound. XXXX went downstairs and checked outside. When he returned to the bedroom and turned on the light he and XXXX saw a bullet had pierced their bedroom window and into the ceiling.
The bullet entered the bedroom about 10 feet from where XXXX and XXXX were on the bed. I was unable to recover the projectile. I took photos of the damage via AXON Capture and XXXX and XXXX provided an audio statement. I provided them a business card.
Officer XXXX recovered a 9mm fired cartridge casing from in front of the residence. I submitted this casing into evidence.
XXXX and XXXX approached and advised they had heard several shots from the vicinity of Alki before seeing a dark smaller SUV turn into the alley … They then heard a single shot.
XXXX was able to show Officers a video he took on his phone. In it I observed small red SUV turn into the alley and immediately afterword the single gunshot was heard. … I was also able to speak with XXXX. He advised he had been in his residence (address) when he heard the initial volley of gunfire coming from Alki Ave SW. He then heard the single gunshot come from the alley. He did not have any suspect description.
XXXX and XXXX advised that their cameras and their neighbors’ cameras did not record anything. The surrounding area was checked by several Officers but no additional scene or victims were located.
This Thursday, a new documentary about social media and children/teenagers will be shown in West Seattle. Here’s the announcement from organizers, inviting you to be there for the film and a discussion afterward:
On Thursday, August 28 at 6:00 p.m., the Admiral Theatre in West Seattle will host a free, one-night-only screening of “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media” — a gripping new documentary that pulls back the curtain on how social media companies are knowingly harming children.
The film exposes a chilling truth: our kids are addicted to their screens because that’s how these platforms were built to work. With algorithms engineered to exploit developing brains, apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat aren’t just influencing youth culture — they’re fueling a public health crisis.
The statistics are staggering.
-95% of teens use social media; over a third are on it “almost constantly” (Pew Research).
-57% of teen girls report persistent sadness or hopelessness (CDC).
-The American Psychological Association and U.S. Surgeon General have both issued urgent warnings linking social media to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation among youth.But there’s another side to this story — and it starts right here in Seattle.
The Social Media Victims Law Center (SMVLC), headquartered here, is featured prominently in the film. Led by former tech insiders, SMVLC is preparing a landmark case against Snapchat, arguing the company’s design knowingly contributes to child exploitation, addiction, and harm. They are representing families who’ve experienced devastating losses, including Aaron Ping, who lost his teenage son in December 2024 and will speak on the post-film panel.
The panel also includes:
Laura Marquez-Garrett, attorney with Social Media Victims Law Center
Kelly Stonelake, former Meta employee and whistleblower
Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., public policy expert and “The Screentime Consultant”Moderated by: Sarah Gardner, CEO of the Heat Initiative
The screening is free and open to everyone; RSVP here to save your seat(s).
Whether or not you use the Seattle Public Library, its new community survey is meant for you. Here’s the announcement:
The Seattle Public Library wants to hear from you!
Everyone in Seattle is invited to take a brief community survey that will help shape the Library’s future
How do you feel about The Seattle Public Library’s spaces, collections, programs, and services? Take our brief survey and let us know! Not a Library user? We want to hear from you, too!
The Seattle Public Library is conducting a survey from Monday, August 25 through Wednesday, Sept. 24 to hear from the community, including what is working well, what could use improvement, and what Seattle residents would like to see from the Library in the future.
Visit spl.org/CommunitySurvey to learn more and take the survey.
The survey is available in print and online, and it is available at all Library locations. To ensure the Library receives feedback from a statistically significant and representative sampling of Seattle residents, the survey has been mailed to 15,000 households and translated into six languages other than English, including Amharic, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese.
To thank participants for sharing their thoughts, Library consultant Olympic Research and Strategy (ORS) is offering a chance to win one of 20 $50 VISA gift cards. To enter the gift card raffle, participants can enter their email address, which will only be used for the raffle and not included as part of survey analysis.
If you’re interested, SPL’s announcement included a summary of how the survey was developed:
The Library hired ORS to provide support on survey development, delivery, and analysis of results. ORS also facilitated four community workshops held at the Beacon Hill, Capitol Hill and Greenwood branches. Over 30 community service providers participated to share direct feedback about Library spaces and services. These organizations represent many interests, ranging from youth, seniors, and low-income family services to literacy and education advocates, housing providers, and arts organizations.
The Library also provided more informal feedback opportunities with patrons at more than a dozen locations. Patrons were encouraged to share how the Library makes them feel, what the Library could do to improve, and even what their dream library might look like.
Feedback provided through the survey, workshops and engagement activities will help inform how the Library shapes its services and spaces to better serve our community.
Two special events this week at Morgan Junction restaurant/bar The Neighborhood (6503 California SW) – first, tonight, through 9 pm, they have a pop-up with Crave. The Neighborhood is usually closed on Monday nights but is open tonight especially for the pop-up. (Free appetizers for diners with reservations – check here.) Then this Wednesday night, it’s the monthly dine-out benefit night, which they’ve been doing the last Wednesday of every month. This week the beneficiary is Alki Beach Academy, the day-care center in the path of light rail. The Neighborhood will donate 15 percent of all sales – in-store and online, food and beverage – that night (August 27) to ABA. And a side note in the announcement we received of the aforementioned events: “We have redone our menu, which will be launched tonight! Some restructuring was done, we added some things, and removed some others, so come on by and check it out!”
Reminder: The Mariners games tonight and tomorrow are the last ones for which Metro will run extra later-in-the-evening West Seattle Water Taxi service, with the last boat leaving Pier 50 downtown at 9:30 pm. After tomorrow (Tuesday, August 26), the WSWT goes back to the regular summer schedule of extended evening service only on Fridays and Saturdays.
The container-ship captain arrested for alleged boating under the influence is now charged. We reported Saturday about the arrest of the captain after his ship, MSC Jubilee IX, docked at Terminal 5 in West Seattle; he had been reported by a pilot on board to navigate the ship through Puget Sound. The Coast Guard’s weekend news release said the case had been referred to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, so we inquired this morning about the status, and got word the captain was charged this morning. 48-year-old Oleh V. Danylin is charged with Operating a Vessel While Under the Influence, which is a gross misdemeanor. The charging documents say a breathalyzer test the morning of his arrest last Wednesday put his blood-alcohol level at .25. One of the investigators who wrote the documents noted, “The odor of intoxicants emitting from his person was so strong, it filled the room,” even though a fan was running. Investigators also wrote that Danylin denied having had any alcohol and claimed he’d used Listerine moments earlier. According to the King County Jail docket, he was booked into KCJ Wednesday night and released Thursday afternoon; the KCPAO says he was freed on personal recognizance but had to surrender his passport – the charging documents identify him as a citizen of Ukraine – and has another hearing coming up this Wednesday.
P.S. Jurisdictional note from KCPAO spokesperson Casey McNerthney: “Most DUI cases in King County are handled by the cities in which they occur. However, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has jurisdictions on state roads, unincorporated King County, and some cases on the water, such as this one.”
We noted here last Thursday that Morgan Community Association president Deb Barker had confirmed work was finally set to resume this week at the long-idle, fenced-off, excavated Morgan Junction Park expansion site north of the original park [map]. We just went by to confirm that crews really did start work today; just before we took our photos, a truckload of fill was dumped into the site from which contaminated soil was removed:
This work, expected to last at least three weeks, will prepare the site for hydroseeding and interim public use before the actual park features are added in about a year – maybe, or maybe not, including a “skate dot.”
(Seattle Public Utilities photo)
When Seattle Public Utilities announced two months ago that the South Transfer Station in west South Park would close for three-plus weeks for “upgrades,” the target reopening date was August 29. We pinged SPU at the end of last week to ask if they were still on schedule for that. This morning, the reply: No. Here’s the extension announcement:
South Transfer Station Closure Extended Through September 10
Alternative Drop-Off Locations Updated for Seattle ResidentsSeattle Public Utilities (SPU) has extended the temporary closure of the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, until September 10, 2025, to allow critical safety upgrades and give the newly replaced tipping floor sufficient time to reach full strength before reopening to the public. This essential project involves replacing 35,000 square feet of tipping floor used for waste handling to ensure safe, efficient operations and to protect the well-being of staff and the public.
During the extended closure, SPU urges customers to postpone non-essential trips and to make use of alternative disposal options. Please note the following changes:
Now through August 30: Customers with Seattle ZIP codes and small residential loads may use King County’s Bow Lake and Renton Transfer Stations.
August 31 through September 10: Customers with Seattle ZIP codes and small residential loads should instead use Seattle’s North Transfer Station.
Large trailer loads and hydraulic-lift vehicles should continue to use Seattle’s North Transfer Station or WM Eastmont during this time.
Before visiting any transfer station, SPU recommends customers:
-Visit www.seattle.gov/south-transfer-station for a full list of disposal alternatives by material type and load size.
-Confirm hours, accepted items, and fees directly with the alternative facility.
-Sort and secure all loads properly.
-Bring smaller loads and plan for increased traffic at open stations.
-Use the “Where Does It Go?” online tool to explore donation, recycling, or curbside pickup options for common items.
(Late-summer ‘leaf art,’ as photographer Jerry Simmons described it)
Here’s our Monday list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):
SPORTS TRYOUTS: As noted here last week, West Seattle HS sports tryouts start this week (aside from football, which has already begun) – here’s what athletes’ families need to know.
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION CLOSURE CONTINUES: SPU just extended the closure – full story shortly; if you have to haul/dump something, find an alternative, or wait.
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to little ones and their parents/guardians/caregivers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm for one more week. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL: Also continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm. Fee.
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is the last West Seattle pool still open for the season, for one more week, noon-7 pm. Free.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular 2 pm Monday “briefing meeting” is NOT happening today because the council is on recess until after Labor Day (here’s the calendar).
ART SALON: 4-6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor):
This is a monthly gathering of artistic, creative people interested in drawing, painting, printing, journaling, collaging and other creative pursuits. The purpose of this gathering is to provide encouragement and community. Creative people at all stages of development, both casual and professional, are welcome but this gathering is especially for beginners, people who are self-taught, and/or those who simply enjoy making art and think a monthly social gathering will help them make time each month for art! Together, let’s create a safe space for people of all abilities and interests to make art in the company of other creative people. This event is free! Bring your own supplies. Water based mediums only please.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee; book a spot here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play tonight! Easy Street Records’ every-other-Monday Music Quiz at 6:30 and 7:30 pm (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45; the meditation meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
SALSA & BACHATA CLASSES: Learn the dances with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW), 7 and 8 pm classes.
POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
With summer slowly segueing into fall, we’re continuing to publish announcements for fall-sports signups as well as other activities. Today – here’s what one of our area’s lacrosse organizations wants you to know!
Looking for a fast-paced, team-oriented sport for your child? The Southwest Lacrosse Club (a.k.a. SW Titans) is launching its 2nd Annual Fall Ball season — a welcoming, skill-focused program for boys in grades 3–8.
Whether your child is brand new to lacrosse or played last spring, this 10-week season is a great way to learn the game, stay active, and have fun with friends. Practices begin in late September, with one exciting “jamboree” game day in November and a tournament weekend to close the season in early December.
We believe lacrosse should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we offer:
-Full and partial scholarships
-Loaner equipment
-Simple scheduling for busy families
The SW Titans’ mission is to inspire, teach, and empower young athletes through safe, inclusive lacrosse experiences that build confidence, teamwork, and community pride.
We proudly welcome families from West Seattle, White Center, South Park, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, and Normandy Park. Lacrosse also complements sports like football, ice hockey, soccer, and basketball—so kids can transfer skills while having a blast.
“Think fast, run hard, and play with heart—Fall Ball is your chance to jump into the game!”
“SW Titans lacrosse is for kids who love to move, compete, and be part of something big.”
“I didn’t know anything about lacrosse at first, but now I love it. It’s fast and fun!” – Jayden, age 11
Want to learn more or sign up? Visit & Register at swlacrosseclub.org or email us at swlctitans@gmail.com with any questions.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, August 25, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The Extreme Heat Warning alert is now extended until 5 am Wednesday. Sunday was Seattle’s hottest August 24th on record, with a high of 90 degrees. The forecast for today is sunny, mid-80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:19 am; sunset will be at 8:02 pm. Tomorrow will be the last sunset in the 8 pm hour until April 16, 2026.
(Sunday’s sunset – photo by Victoria Gnatoka)
ROAD WORK
-SDOT says Admiral Way Bridge work should be almost wrapped up this week, meaning Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge will reopen.
-WSDOT says tunnel-texture work has shifted to southbound 99:
All southbound SR 99 lanes through the tunnel will close from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Monday, Aug. 25, through Thursday morning, Aug. 28, for texturing the driving surface. All southbound SR 99 traffic will need to exit to Denny Way. The Sixth Avenue North on-ramp to southbound SR 99 and the right lane of southbound SR 99 will close an hour earlier at 10 p.m. A signed detour around the tunnel closure will use city streets and southbound I-5.
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 other weeknights with Mariners home games.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners at home vs. San Diego tonight, 6:40 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Reopened Sunday afternoon after a day and a half of work. Here’s the view 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!
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