West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
11:03 PM: 911 has dealt with two waves of calls about suspected gunfire this past hour or so. The first, in the Alki area, was determined by police to be fireworks. But the most recent, in Admiral, was just confirmed as gunfire. Police report finding at least two shell casings in the 2700 block of 44th SW [vicinity map], which is just south of Lafayette Elementary. No injuries or property damage reported so far.
12:54 AM: No further info on this. As always, we’ll be following up with police later today and will add any additional information we obtain.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: We have the police-report narrative:
At 2251 hours I was dispatched to a report of a shooting in the vicinity of [3000 BLK] 45 Ave SW. The following information was provided by dispatch.
“J/O, 6 SHOTS FROM THE EAST”
There were additional 911 calls reporting additional shots being heard as well as racing vehicles. The reports consistently placed the shots/vehicles moving to the east toward the West Seattle Bridge.
No one was reporting having seen any suspects or vehicles and no one was reporting any injury or property damage.
I checked the surrounding are with other Officers. Other Officers located [MULTIPLE] XXXX fired cartridge casings in the 2700 block of 44 Ave SW. The casings were in the middle of the street. No damage or injured persons were located in the vicinity. Some neighbors stepped out and advised they had not seen the shooting. Their cameras did not record.
The report concludes with the officer writing that they photographed the scene and collected the casings to submit into evidence.
(Added: Texted photo)
9:48 PM: SPD and SFD are on the scene of what’s described as a collision between a driver and motorcyclist in the 1600 block of Harbor Avenue SW. The 18-year-old rider is reported to be injured but his injuries are not described as life-threatening. Most of the street is blocked, though, officers have told dispatch, and they’re calling tow crews for both the car and the motorcycle, so avoid the area for a while.
9:54 PM: The rider is being taken to a hospital. According to emergency radio, he was believed to be speeding when he hit the driver.
10:51 PM: Police just told dispatch the street is clear.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
After Sound Transit discovered West Seattle light rail’s potential price tag had swollen to $7+ billion, the agency examined the rest of the ST3 plan … and now reveals another big number: The overall cost of building out the system could be up to $30 billion more than last year’s Long-Range Plan estimate.
That was the biggest news from the Enterprise Initiative briefing at this afternoon’s Sound Transit Board meeting (which also noted cost-projection jumps in other aspects of the transit system, such as the cost of providing service, and a drop in expected revenue). No new project-specific estimates yet – for West Seattle or any other ST3 project – but staffers promised they’re coming and will be provided to board members as soon as next month.
One of the Seattle reps on the board, City Councilmember Dan Strauss, asked how the estimates could jump that much in a year.
Deputy CEO Terri Mestas said the agency had been using a different methodology and hadn’t really taken a “bottom-up” look at the cost projections until after the West Seattle revision.
Before getting the new numbers, the board first voted on guiding principles for the Enterprise Initiative, after a spirited discussion over an amendment provided by the board’s other City of Seattle rep, Mayor Bruce Harrell. He wanted to be sure that decisions took into account the need to serve centers of growth and employment; some board members suggested that was a thinly disguised way to focus on Seattle, a perennial sore spot for non-King County board members, since ST is funded by and serves people in Snohomish and Pierce Counties too. After more reminders about the need to finish the system’s “spine,” the amendment passed 8-6, and the main motion with the principles passed too. (Harrell circulated this statement after the meeting.)
After that, CEO Dow Constantine began the update on the Enterprise Initiative, what it’s uncovering, and where it’s going. Most of what he said is in this memo. Here’s the excerpt related to capital projects including West Seattle light rail:
Capital Program: We are projecting $14–20 billion in added costs (2025 dollars), or $22–30 billion in year-of-expenditure dollars, for ST3 light rail projects. These increases are primarily driven by extraordinary COVID-era construction inflation, right-of-way cost escalation, and the added complexity of project design and delivery. The affected projects include:
o The West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma Dome, Everett, Tacoma Community College, and South Kirkland–Issaquah Link extensions.
o Infill stations at Graham Street and Boeing Access Road
Constantine stressed that he believes they have plenty of time to “make a course correction,” but they’ll have to, because if they don’t, “we will eventually see our program become unaffordable.” He insisted that ST “is n strong financial shape right now.” And deputy CEO Victoria Baecher Wassmer added that “there is still significant financial capacity to deliver ST3.”
But in what form? That’s the multi-billion-dollar question, presumably to be determined next year. Deputy CEO Mestas elaborated that they obviously have more latitude over “pre-baselined projects” (of which West Seattle is one). Thoughg this wasn’t meant to be a meeting where cost-cutting ideas were proposed, one did emerge toward the start of the meeting: Board member Claudia Balducci, King County Councilmember from Bellevue, said ST should look at whether a second downtown tunnel is really necessary.
Meantime, deputy CEO Mestas went on to further elaborate about what ST says has pumped up the overall costs, including tariffs – though board chair Dave Somers, Snohomish County Executive, suggested it might be a bit too early to blame those – labor shortages, supply-chain disruptions, and the cost of acquiring right-of-way, and offered what amounted to a four-point plan on ways costs could be reduced:
It should also be noted that in addition to higher costs, today’s presentation also featured projections of lower revenue and financing:
Next month, board committees will bite into aspects of all this:
The big-picture decisionmaking is expected to be along the timeline on the lower half of this slide:
See the full slide deck here. Archived video of the meeting will eventually appear here.
Remember the streetcorner flower fundraiser a few weeks ago? Another one is happening tomorrow morning, this time on behalf of boosters of the Chief Sealth IHS girls’ swim team. Same general area, along 35th SW on the east side of the 8300 block (just north of Thistle), dahlia bouquets for $10. This will be happening 10 am-noon Friday, as long as the flowers last (last sale, for Girl Scouts, sold out early!). Though school doesn’t start until Wednesday, the team’s already practicing, so it’s fundraising time too!
Separate from upcoming projects to replace two culverts that carry Fauntleroy Creek under local roads, emergency repairs are needed for the California SW culvert in the Fauntleroy Church/Y/Schoolhouse area. Seattle Public Utilities has announced the start date:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will be making emergency repairs to a storm drainage culvert under California Ave at the Fauntleroy Creek crossing. Severe cracks and breaks have damaged the culvert crossing and within the Fauntleroy Church parking lot and will impact and wash out the arterial should it fail. This emergency project is intended to provide asset life until the greater culvert replacement project is constructed.
LOCATION
California Ave SW (Fauntleroy Church parking lot)SCHEDULE & HOURS
Work will start as early as September 22 and will last through October 2025
Monday through Friday, 7 am to 5 pmANTICIPATED IMPACTS
-Equipment in the right of way on California Ave SW
-A new traffic pattern on California Ave SW, with flaggers directing traffic thru the work zone during working hours
-Parking restrictions near the work zone
-Pedestrian and bike lane detours
-Increased construction traffic, noise, dirt, and vibrations
-Pavement excavation and restoration
-Limited access to driveways during construction work hours
Here’s the construction notice featuring all of the above.
(WSB photos)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There is a flurry of activity in the Jefferson Square parking lot today, with containers being unloaded ahead of the reopening of the former Bartell Drugs as a CVS Pharmacy store tomorrow.
The store is closed today, as dozens of workers tote up inventory, bring in display cases, and change over the computer systems. Assistant Manager Ryan tells WSB all of the staff is continuing to work in the store, including the pharmacists. As we previously reported, prescriptions that have been handled by Bartells will be moved to CVS automatically. The store will also start to accept the CVS reward card, though Ryan said depending on how the system switchover goes, that may not happen on day one.
What may take a little longer is all the training that staff will need, and Ryan asked customers for patience. “We’ll be relearning a lot of stuff,” he says, and having the help of CVS managers for the first few weeks. At the end of that time, he also expects more inventory to start arriving. “When we get more product, we’ll be busier,” which means more options for customers. “Working with more products is nice for everyone.”
He’s expecting more variety and more seasonal items, but it’s unclear how much the Bartell and CVS inventories will overlaps. Ryan did say that after they reopen tomorrow, selected items will be on sale, as much as 75 percent off.
CVS at Jefferson Square will be open tomorrow starting at 9 am and follow the same open hours as Bartells did.
The Admiral Bartell Drugs store is scheduled for a similar transition next week, as we first reported two months ago. Staff there tells WSB today that the store will close at noon Tuesday (September 2) and will reopen Wednesday (September 3) as CVS. Part of one aisle has selected Rite Aid-branded items at a 90 percent discount right now.
We’re told the Admiral staff is staying on, too. This will be the third and final West Seattle drugstore taken over by CVS as a result of the Rite Aid bankruptcy; the Westwood Village Rite Aid was not acquired, and closed permanently earlier this week.
(Photo courtesy South Seattle Cooperative Preschools)
Again today, we have word of a major fall event announcing both its date and its invitation to prospective sponsors! This time it’s the West Seattle Monster Dash, a fun run that raises money for West Seattle cooperative preschools:
In its 14th year, the West Seattle Monster Dash is a costumed 5k trail run/walk and Kids’ Dash.
Paid registration includes a T-shirt featuring a new design by Alex Van Gilder (all races) and bib with timing chip (5K only). Kids’ Zone with games, activities, prizes, and a photo booth open from 9-11:30 am.
Date: Saturday, October 25
Time: 5k begins at 9:30 am, Kids’ Dashes at 10:30 am
Location: Lincoln Park, Shelter #1Registration opens Monday, September 1st; Early Bird Pricing through the end of September is $35 for the 5k and $20 for the kids Dashes.
All proceeds go to support South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools!
Now seeking 2025 Sponsors: Would your business like to make a monetary or in-kind donation?
Please complete our Sponsorship Form.
(WSB photo, Wednesday evening)
That’s what remained of the 20+-year-old wooden-schooner sculpture Paragon at həʔapus Village Park by Wednesday night. As we reported Tuesday, a city contractor was hired to down the wood, leaving the supports for an expected replacement that Paragon artist Don Fels said he is planning. Fels had told WSB he planned to be on site for the demolition, so we asked him about that via email last night, and also about his timeline for the replacement:
I was there for the first 3 hours. I found it too emotional to stay any longer. I of course knew what was going to happen but that didn’t make it any easier. I don’t take personally what occurred, but nevertheless on a personal level it was very difficult to witness. The demo contractor was good to talk with and appreciated that it wasn’t easy to see something that had represented so much effort and community involvement disappear.
Here’s what he told us is ahead, after a “very hard” year of back-and-forth with the city about the replacement:
I’ve signed the contract with the City for the new iteration of the Paragon. I hope the design phase will be concluded in the next weeks and then we can submit the plan to the City. Once they approve it, fabrication at the Nucor mill will begin. I hope and expect we will install the new boat section in Spring 2026.
As we first reported a year ago, the city said it had to “de-accession” (disown) and then demolish the wooden bones-of-a-boat sculpture, a familiar sight to those who travel West Marginal Way SW south of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse, because it had deteriorated and might collapse. Fels contended the city could have maintained it in a way that would have prevented major deterioration. More backstory is in our original report from last year.
(Sunflowers and visitor, photographed by Tom Trulin)
Even as the holiday-weekend quiet approaches, there’s plenty to do! Here’s our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Still lots of time left in gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm. Free. (1100 SW Cloverdale)
WADING POOL: Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, near north lot) will be open noon-7 pm. Free.
BRACE POINT PROJECT MEETING: Noon-1 pm, Seattle City Light has an online community meeting for info and Q&A about the long-planned Brace Point Underground Cable Project. Go here to register for the meeting link.
COLMAN POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the heated salt-water pool on the shore is open with sessions noon-7 pm – see the schedule here. Fee.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD MEETING: 1:30-4 pm, as previewed here, with update on the Enterprise Initiative that’s likely to affect the West Seattle light rail project. The agenda has info on attending and/or commenting online or in person.
END-OF-SUMMER PARTY AT WEST SEATTLE LIBRARY: 3-4:30 pm, drop in to celebrate what’s been a summer of lots of reading! And enjoy free cake! (2306 42nd SW)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library’s weekly event is canceled today (see special event below!).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C. Davis Texas BBQ.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5-8 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW), all skill levels – our calendar listing has details and the RSVP link.
MAGIC AT THE LIBRARY: 5 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), see world-class magician Maritess Zurbano. Free, all ages.
DUSTY 45s WITH ABBIGALE: Free live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Rather walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
FREE FILM: As previewed here, screening of “Can’t Look Away: The Case Against Social Media,” 6 pm at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), with panel discussion.
THE HIVES LISTENING PARTY: Free, all-ages event at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, be among the first to hear “The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives” – with freebies and giveaways.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind and Teenage Rampage, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 13 to celebrate the life of former longtime West Seattleite Ron Wirtz. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:
Ronald Joseph Wirtz passed away suddenly on July 6, 2025. He had been dealing with lung cancer and is now at rest and in peace, in the long arms of our compassionate creator, Jehovah Shalom.
Ron was born in Marshall, MN in 1938 to John Joseph Wirtz and Loretta Catherine Longtin Wirtz. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Wirtz; stepson, Jason Gooding (Angela); step-grandchildren, Gloria and Josiah Gooding; and 3 brothers, John and Don Wirtz and Gary Seiler, and a sister, Bonnie Johnson (Randy); and many nieces and nephews, including a great grand niece.
At 15 years old, Ron moved to Germany with his mother, stepfather, 3 brothers and a sister; later to Columbus, GA. At a young age, Ron worked summers on farms, learning to operate heavy equipment. He joined the Army National Guard at age 18, serving in “C” Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Infantry from 1956 – 1958. Ron returned to Marshall to graduate from Central Catholic High School in 1957. He was graced by the hospitality of Dick Catton’s family and Herman Seiler. Ron worked at the Gas Station Co-op and as a janitor at the high school to pay for his rent and tuition. After high school, Ron followed his father to the Seattle area to work at Boeing while continuing his service in the National Guard from GA to Marshall and then at Sand Point Army Naval Airbase in Seattle.
Ron soon left Boeing (then known as “The Lazy B”) to work in a more fulfilling role in construction and excavation. He was able to purchase his own equipment, become self-employed, and start his own business in 1968 as Advanced Ditching & Excavation Services, Inc. Ron enjoyed his work and gained a reputation for being “The Best.” He strived to offer the best, most reliable service possible and was known for being dependable, fair, on time, efficient, conscientious, safety oriented and willing to go the extra mile. Any hang-ups or breakdowns on a job site were remedied ASAP. Ron took pride in his equipment, his work, his customers and was often up at 4:30 AM, to return home at 7:00 PM. He never failed to affectionately say goodbye to his wife in the morning and return with a warm happy greeting, after a long day’s work.
Recreationally, Ron enjoyed a lifelong passion for golf, gardening and gym workvouts. His friends were important to him and he earned some endearing nicknames:vScoop, Scooper, Dingo, Legend, Wirtz-Man, The Best, Larger-than-Life, The Old
German, Stud Muffin, Dirt Whxxx. Ron was known for extending random-acts-of kindness, such as secretly paying for a young family’s dinner in a restaurant or gifting a young boy a *$Bennie* after he and his father finished a round of golf with him.Ron was a romantic and was sure to remember birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day and holidays. He loved his wife as much as humanly possible; protected andvprovided for his loved ones and prayed for God’s mercy on his soul. He will be remembered as a good man and dearly missed.
A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, September 13, at 2:00 PM at Calvin Presbyterian Church, 18826 3rd Ave. NW, Shoreline. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to Calvin Presbyterian Church or another charitable organization of your choice.
(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)
9:22 AM: Reader in comments says a crash is blocking SW 107th at 18th SW in White Center.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, August 28, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast suggests chance of showers, then sunny, high around 80. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:23 am; sunset will be at 7:56 pm.
ROAD WORK
-SDOT says Admiral Way Bridge work should mostly wrap up before week’s end, meaning Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge will reopen (closure sign was still up as of end-of-day Wednesday, though).
-WSDOT says tunnel-texture work is done.
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 Issaquah, 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.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – 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!
| 14 COMMENTS