West Seattle, Washington
09 Sunday
West Seattle High School‘s football team was supposed to kick off its season last Friday in Yakima, but wildfire smoke canceled the game and trip. So tonight’s game at Interlake HS in Bellevue was the delayed season opener. The Wildcats, under head coach Anthony Stordahl, emerged triumphant, 14-7. Next week they play crosstown counterparts Chief Sealth IHS in the annual Huling Bowl, 7 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), where CSIHS won again tonight (that story next).
(Added: WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)
10:48 PM: An initial “rescue extrication” response was quickly downsized this past half-hour when crews got to the scene where a driver was reported to have gone over the embankment from Hamilton Viewpoint onto California Way below. They reported that the driver, a man in his early 20s, was out of the car and conscious, so no extricating was necessary. They’re now evaluating the driver for impairment.
11:02 PM: California Way remains closed while officers await an SDOT crew to clean up the fluid spill from the crash.
11:45 PM: Officers just told dispatch the street has reopened.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Summer recaps, a look ahead, and an impending farewell headlined last night’s Seattle Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners meeting. We monitored it online for items of potential West Seattle interest.
The farewell was from Senior Deputy Superintendent Christopher Williams (file photo at right), who declared the meeting to be likely his last, as he will soon be retiring after 33 years of service. Through the superintendent changes in recent years, Williams has led the department (and declined offers of the top job, we’ve been told), including more than five years as acting superintendent a decade ago; he is a former West Seattleite and Chief Sealth alum.
He presented the Superintendent’s Report last night; that and the review of the summer season for aquatics and recreation contained a number of highlights for Seattle parks during this summer. This discussion went over the continuing success of the Parks Department’s ongoing efforts to provide a variety of events at parks across the area. His notable examples included the partnership with GreenStage, whose productions of Shakespeare plays saw an attendance of 11,600 people for 53 performances across 17 parks, including their performances this summer at several West Seattle parks, such as Lincoln Park and Camp Long.
Fauntleroy Church invites you to shop all weekend! Here’s a preview:
The doors will open at 9:00 am tomorrow on another huge Second-Time Sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW). Members and friends of the congregation have been donating quality items for these annual sales since 1992 and this year is no exception. Expect to find bargain prices on housewares, jewelry, books, furniture, toys, linens – you name it and you’ll likely find it in the sale. Hours: Saturday 9:00 am-4:00 pm and Sunday 11:30 am-3:00 pm. Cash, check, or Venmo welcome. Here are a few exceptional things in the sale:
1920s leather-topped desk
Vintage hand-crocheted queen/king bedspread
Antique Italian wine cart with inlay
Bevy of Pop! figures and mountain of new cookware
(All photos by Ana De Claro)
(WSB photo)
4:12 PM: If you passed that scene at Fauntleroy/Webster near the Solstice Park tennis courts, you might have assumed it was “just” a crash. But one driver fled the scene on foot, and officers say witnesses told them he tried to randomly hit multiple pedestrians before the crash, which reportedly involved another driver who tried to stop him. Police told us the car whose driver they were seeking was not stolen, so far as they can tell, but couldn’t tell us anything more. We’re still gathering information on this – police have just tracked a possible suspect to Fauntleroy/California.
4:15 PM: Officers just told dispatch a witness has positively identified the person they’ve detained in Morgan Junction. We’re still checking on what if any injuries were suffered at the original scene.
SATURDAY UPDATE: Police have released a short summary, which indicates the driver who deliberately hit the suspect’s car was an off-duty officer:
At 1522 hours, officers were dispatched to a hit and run collision in the SW precinct. Updates came over radio that the suspect was fleeing on foot, but witnesses were providing updates of the suspect’s location. When officers arrived on scene, it was determined that the suspect was driving erratically and trying to run over pedestrians. An off-duty SPD officer witnessed the attempted assaults and Type II force was used by that officer to stop the suspect. Patrol immediately began an area check and was able to locate the suspect. He was taken into custody and booked into KCJ for investigation of Assault.
We will be pursuing additional followup information; meantime, we’re still waiting to hear back from SFD regarding whether anyone was injured.
Separate from the upcoming emergency repair work on one of the culverts that carries Fauntleroy Creek underground, Seattle Public Utilities is ramping up for the 2-year project to replace another one, on 45th Avenue SW north of the Endolyne business district. At the meeting organized by the Fauntleroy Community Association earlier this summer (WSB coverage here), SPU promised a full community briefing/Q&A gathering, and they’ve just announced it will happen on October 2:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is hosting a public meeting with light snacks in the Vashon Room at the Hall at Fauntleroy located at 9131 California Ave SW. The project team will share information and project updates about the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project on October 2, 2025 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm!
There are three culverts on Fauntleroy Creek: a lower culvert at Fauntleroy Way SW, a middle culvert at 45th Ave SW, and an upper culvert at California Ave SW. SPU is implementing a phased program to replace two of these culverts, those at 45th Ave SW and at California Ave SW. The Fauntleroy Way Culvert [east of the ferry terminal] and associated fish ladder were built in the late 1990s and are not part of the Fauntleroy Creek Culverts Replacement Program.
The October public meeting is your opportunity to hear from the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project team and ask questions … The presentation will include a project overview, design update, and expected construction impacts during the two years of construction. In addition, you will hear status updates for the Emergency Culvert Repair work under California Ave SW.
SPU plans to replace the aging culvert under 45th Ave SW near SW Wildwood Pl. The culvert is a structure that channels Fauntleroy Creek under the roadway. Replacing this culvert will restore fish passage, reduce the risk of culvert failure, improve resilience to anticipated climate change, and provide safer working conditions for crews.
SPU also plans to replace the aging culvert under California Ave SW. As design begins for that project, SPU has determined that an emergency repair is necessary to establish stabilization until the culvert can be replaced with a fish-passage structure in the future.More information can be found on the program website.
Here’s the city’s current timeline for this project:
• Planning and Early Design: 2018 – 2023
• Mid-Design: 2023 – 2024
• Final Design: 2024 – 2025
• Construction: Spring 2026 – Summer 2028
Whale-watching on Alki is a popular pastime. It’s not usually this kind of whale-watching, though – Marianne is hoping someone will spot Boris the stolen whale:
REWARD: Boris, our beloved whale, has been stolen from our house near Alki. He has very special meaning to our family, so much so he was specifically called out in the paperwork of the sale of the house. Please contact me if you have any information or saw anything. If he returns magically there will be no questions asked, please please please help me find Boris for my children and our family.
No police-report number yet (we’ll add when available). Boris’s home is near 60th/Stevens.
Two biznotes about sales happening today:
END-OF-SEASON WATERCRAFT/GEAR SALE: Today is the first day of a three-day sale by Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest:
We have a variety of used kayaks, paddle boards, and accessories available at amazing prices. The event will also include on-water demos and a chance for the community to buy and sell their own watercraft.
Alki Kayak Tours’ End-of-Season Boat Swap & Gear Sale! Join us Friday, Sat, Sun (Sept. 12th,13th & 14th) for amazing deals on gently used & consigned kayaks, paddle boards, paddles, life jackets, and more! (wet suits, dry suits & paddle clothes, etc. as well as 25% off select new gear and merchandise). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save big and gear up to explore the breathtaking Pacific Northwest waterways!
When: Fri 9/12 12:00-6:00
Sat 9/13 10:00-6:00
Sun 9/14 11:00-6:00Where: Alki Kayak Tours
1660 Harbor Ave SW
‘NAME YOUR PRICE’ JUNK SALE: Razzie’s Junk Removal, at the former Tony’s Market (35th/Barton), is selling off some of what it’s collected, to celebrate its 1-year anniversary. Stop by before 4 pm today.
Proprietor Raz Vorng explains, “Most of the items come from customers’ homes. A lot of these things are stil in good condition and I can’t see myself tossing it out, owners simply wanted them gone. Normally I donate everything to nonprofits, but recently they asked me to pause since they’ve been overwhelmed with donations. Because of that, I’ve started setting aside the good items we collect.” And today, they’re available for purchase, you name the price.
Just got word of a disaster drill next week with a helicopter component that may draw notice over southeast West Seattle, South Park, and White Center. From Seattle Fire:
The Seattle Fire Department and Washington National Guard are conducting an aviation drill in the South Park/White Center area on (Tuesday-Wednesday) Sept. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the drill is to practice rescue operations in the event a fire in a high-rise building or a natural disaster (such as an earthquake) were to occur. The community may see a National Guard helicopter circling in the area during the drill.
The Joint Training Facility (9401 Myers Way S.) will be involved. We noted a similar drill nine years ago.
(Western Honey Bee stocking up on late-summer pollen – photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Here are 13 Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘WE ARE WEST SEATTLE’: West Seattle small businesses band together for a spotlight week, continuing today, explained in our calendar listing.
CITY COUNCIL HEARING: Last major public hearing on phase 1 of revised Comprehensive Plan/rezoning starts now (9:30 am) with online comment, and in-person comment at City Hall at 3 pm. This preview explains how to participate. (Watch live here. ADDED – The online testimony ended at 12:19 pm; in-person will start at 3, and also be streamed.)
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor playtime for little ones is back, 10 am-11:30 am Fridays at Arbor Heights Community Church. (4113 SW 102nd)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: 12:30-1 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle: “We have wines for picnics, cookouts, hikes, camping, boating, and even just hanging out on the deck.” Plus, preview West Seattle Art Tour artists’ work!
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) features the monthly Songwriters’ Showcase tonight, 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: One local-team home game at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin, 7 pm, which is also when West Seattle HS plays at Interlake.
MOVIE AT MAARTEN PARK: See the original “Star Wars” tonight at dusk! Free. (42nd SW/SW Juneau)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: “Improvisational dance experience” with Chonk, doors 7, show 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Peg tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with DJ – tonight, DJ Mike Illvester – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 26 to remember Ray Giacomini, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
Romano “Ray” John Giacomini was born December 7, 1930, and went to heaven on August 23, 2025.
Ray was born in Gary, IN to Lorenzo and Luiga “Louise” Giacomini, Italian immigrants from Udine, Italy. Our Dad and Nonno is survived by his daughter, Tina Huston, son-in-law, Jeff Huston, his granddaughters, Mallory Huston and Paige Huston, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Louise, his parents Lorenzo and Louise Giacomini, his brother Larry Giacomini, and brothers-in-law Mimo Campagnaro and Fred Campagnaro.
Ray was born at the beginning of the Great Depression. His father became unemployed, and the bank closed – taking his parents’ savings. This left a big impact on him and affected the way he looked at life. Ray graduated from Merrillville High School in Merrillville, IN. He worked in the steel industry before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After leaving the U.S. Army, he attended Purdue University and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He secured a job with Boeing and left for Washington state, which he affectionately called “God’s country.” He vowed never to return to the cold winters of Indiana.
While at Boeing, Ray met a beautiful security clearance clerk, Mary Louise Campagnaro, and they married in June 1962. Soon after, Ray was transferred to Vandenberg AFB to work on missiles. After a few years, he went to work for Lockheed in San Diego. During his career in San Diego, Ray worked on the DSRV, Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles. San Diego became home, residing there for over 50 years.
Ray was a family man. His family always came first. He was a wonderful provider, a great teacher, and a fixer extraordinaire. Ray and Mary Louise enjoyed many years of retirement and travel with family and friends. Their devotion to their granddaughters made a huge impact on their lives. We are eternally grateful for the additional years we had with him. Rest in Peace, Dad and Nonno. Continue to watch over us and provide guidance. Give Mom and Nonna a hug and kiss from us – SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR!
Funeral mass is Friday, September 26th at 11 am, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4210 SW Genesee St. Interment immediately following at Holyrood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Autism Society of America, San Diego Chapter SWIM PROGRAM. 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
(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)
8:59 AM: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run is down to two boats.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 12, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for a partly sunny day, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:43 am; sunset will be at 7:26 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Construction on 16th around SW Holden is scheduled to continue.
-Monday, 59th SW in Alki is scheduled to close for a month at the school-construction zone.
SATURDAY ALERT
The Fiestas Patrias Parade in South Park on Saturday morning will close parts of 14th South and South Cloverdale, and reroute Metro Route 60.
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/early fall schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners‘ homestand continues with a7:10 pm game vs. the Angels.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
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!
| Comments Off on FOOTBALL: West Seattle HS wins delayed season opener