The City Council’s Public Safety Committee meets at 9:30 am tomorrow, with an agenda including their first look at various proposals to change city laws and/or create new ones, in many cases just making city law match up with state law. This memo from council staff gets into key points including:

Firearm & Weapon Restrictions

This bill would adopt various changes made to state law in recent years concerning firearms and other weapons. Generally, firearms regulation is an area of law where cities and other local government entities are preempted from enacting their own unique restrictions, but may choose to adopt changes made by the Washington State Legislature. This bill would adopt RCW 9.41.010 and 9.41.390 which, taken together, prohibit with limited exceptions the manufacture, import, distribution, and sale of a category of firearms known as “assault weapons” defined by reference to a list of specific firearms in combination with a descriptive schema based on certain firearm features. Violations of these assault weapon provisions would be a gross misdemeanor.

This bill would also create a civil infraction in the amount of $1,000 for failing to report the theft of a firearm within 24 hours to the Seattle Police Department.

Finally, the bill would also add libraries, zoos and aquariums, and transit stations and facilities to the existing list of places where weapons are prohibited. Violations of City place-based weapons restrictions would be punishable as a gross misdemeanor. Statutory changes related to firearms and other weapons described above were made to RCW by the state legislature during the 2023 and 2024 sessions.

Then there’s a bill addressing traffic laws – CB 121081 – including these proposals among others, as summarized in the staff memo:

Covered License Plates
This bill would update vehicle license plate requirements to prohibit the use of license plate covers. Existing SMC prohibits plate frames, holders, or other materials that “change, alter, or make a license plate [illegible],” but does not explicitly ban plate covers (e.g. tinted plastic covers commonly in use). This change would mirror a state law change adopted by the legislature in 2024 which was intended to address an increase in the use of plate covers which obscure license plate legibility by law enforcement officers and automated tolling cameras.

Negligent Driving with Vulnerable User Victim
This bill would establish new offenses of negligent driving with a vulnerable user victim in the first and second degrees. “Vulnerable user of a public way” would be defined to mean, in sum: a pedestrian; person riding an animal; or, a person operating a wheeled vehicle other than an automobile. The new first degree offense would be triggered by negligent driving that is likely to endanger a person or property, and results in the death of a vulnerable user. The second-degree offense would be triggered by similar conduct that results in great or substantial bodily harm to a vulnerable user, rather than death. The new first-degree offense would be a gross misdemeanor with a $1,000 mandatory minimum fine and a 90 day license suspension. The new second degree offense would be a traffic infraction. These changes would mirror state law changes adopted by the legislature in 2023.

The full agenda for tomorrow morning’s committee meeting includes how to watch and comment (as well as the other items the councilmembers will consider, including what’s ahead for the Community Safety Initiative).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Man shot at 27th/Cambridge

September 22, 2025 3:15 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(Added: Photo by Tim Durkan)

3:15 PM: SPD and SFD are at the scene of a shooting in the 9400 block of 27th SW, just north of Roxbury. They’re searching for a suspect, though we haven’t heard a description yet, and one person is reported injured, being taken to Harborview Medical Center. Officers have reported that the casings they’ve found at the scene “are from a long gun.”

3:20 PM: The shooter is believed to have left the scene in a black car last seen headed east on Roxbury.

3:37 PM: No word yet on the condition of the victim. Added a photo above – note the multitude of casing markers in the shadows on the ground.

4:31 PM: SFD tells WSB the victim is a 31-year-old man, assessed in serious condition when transported. Archived radio exchanges include police reporting that he was shot multiple times.

9:26 PM: Police have just added a short summary to SPD Blotter, with a few additional details:

At 2:57 p.m., a caller reported gunfire in the [9400] block of 27th Avenue Southwest. Officers arrived, found the man with multiple gunshot wounds to his left arm and leg, and provided medical aid. Seattle Fire Department medics transported him to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.

Bullets also struck two vehicles and a building. Officers searched the area but did not locate the suspect or any involved vehicle.

Detectives with the Gun Violence Reduction Unit are leading the investigation and are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department’s Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

Incident Number: 2025-277371

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FOLLOWUP: Drumroll! Total from Saturday’s Recycle Roundup, and date for next one

September 22, 2025 2:49 pm

| Comments Off on FOLLOWUP: Drumroll! Total from Saturday’s Recycle Roundup, and date for next one

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Saturday)

Were you among the hundreds who dropped off recyclables at Fauntleroy Church during this past Saturday’s Recycle Roundup? Here’s the grand total – and the date for the next one:

Area residents and businesses cast a strong vote for the environment on Saturday by dropping off 11 tons of recyclables during Saturday’s Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. That brings to 395 tons that the congregation and zero-waste recycler 1 Green Planet have collected since partnering for these free community events in 2010. The spring roundup is set for Saturday, April 25, 9 am-3 pm in the church parking lot (9140 California Ave. SW).

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The airport next door: Another chance this week to learn about options proposed for Boeing Field’s future

September 22, 2025 1:21 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

(From kingcounty.gov)

Boeing Field – aka King County International Airport, “one of the busiest non-hub airports in the nation” – is just east of West Seattle, both visible and audible to many here – with aircraft from cargo jets to Blue Angels – and is continuing the process of planning its future. Your next chance to plug in is this Thursday – here’s the announcement:

King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) is gathering input about future airport plans at an open house on Thursday, September 25, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the KCIA Flight Service Station, 6526 Ellis Ave. S.

KCIA invites airport tenants, airport users, and community members to provide input on draft alternatives the airport is considering in the Vision 2045 Airport Plan. Attendees can stop by any time to talk with the study team and share their feedback. The goal is to have a plan that will allow KCIA to adapt and evolve to meet changing aviation demand over the next 20 years. …

More information about the open house:

Get more details and register (optional): kciaplanning.com.

There will be no formal presentation. Free parking is available in the building’s parking lot and on nearby streets. A King County Metro bus stop at Ellis Ave. S and S. Warsaw Street, across from the KCIA Flight Service Station, serves the 124 and 60 lines. Interpretation will be available in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Khmer, Vietnamese, and Tagalog.

If individuals are unable to attend the open house, the study team has posted information for comments on the project website, including the draft alternatives. The study team will accept comments on the alternatives through 5 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) on Oct. 17. These comments will be considered in the second draft of alternatives that will be available for public comment in November.

The study team will host additional open houses and engagement opportunities throughout the process, which continues through mid-2026.

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Volunteers get Fauntleroy Creek ready for spawning salmon

September 22, 2025 11:56 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photo by Dennis Hinton: Gerry Goit finishes clearing channel so spawners coming in under ferry trestle can reach the creek’s mouth)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Saturday’s work party to clear the way for coho spawners to reach the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek was mostly about weeding. A dozen volunteers moved a few drift logs mired in the sand, then turned to addressing beach vegetation chocking the channel. They had the way cleared an hour later but will keep an eye out to make sure it stays open through spawning season.

(Photo by Diana Spence: Fred Fleischmann and fellow volunteers survey magnitude of weeding task)
Salmon Watch 2025 will officially start with the annual drumming on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 4 pm at the house below the fish-ladder viewpoint (SW Director & upper Fauntleroy Way SW). A few volunteers will get a head start by monitoring Fauntleroy Cove for schooling spawners, then two dozen watchers will begin checking the spawning reach daily.

The first spawners in modern history came into the creek in 1994. Since then, 20 has been typical for this small urban creek. Last year was anything but typical, however, when a record 347 had come in by Nov. 24.

If spawners come in, the Fauntleroy Watershed Council will host a weekend open creek for the general public and we’ll announce it here.

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Fall equinox sunset watch, comedy show, music quiz, more for your West Seattle Monday (updated)

September 22, 2025 9:58 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The classic end-of-summer flower, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s our end-of-summer/start-of-fall list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):

ANTIQUE MALL OF WEST SEATTLE SALE: 11 am to 5 pm today, last day of four-day sale. (4516 California SW)

BABY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s noon story time is back! (9010 35th SW)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular 2 pm Monday “briefing meeting”; no public comment, but the agenda explains what’ll happen and how to watch/listen.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Only local competition on the calendar is West Seattle HS golf teams vs. Bishop Blanchet at West Seattle Golf Course at 3:30 pm.

FALL EQUINOX SUNSET WATCH: After fall officially arrives this morning, educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen will lead her change-of-seasons sunset gathering tonight at Solstice Park, 6:15-7:15 (the sun is likely to set behind the trees around 6:50 pm). It’s educational, entertaining, interactive, free, all ages; gather uphill at the park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW).

CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT HIATUS: On hold while The Missing Piece moves to new Junction location.

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-week Music Quiz, 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)

COMEDY AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Tonight’s the night for the monthly show! See who’s headlining, and get tickets, by going here ASAP. 7 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

ALKI MEDITATION CANCELED: Update, not happening this week.

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!

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CAN YOU HELP? Spaces remain in special West Seattle blood drive honoring Susie Tennant

September 22, 2025 8:59 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| Health | How to help | West Seattle news

If you can donate blood, here’s a special chance to do it in West Seattle! We checked and as of this morning, spaces remain in this one-day drive announced just before the weekend:

SMASH Seattle & Music’s In Our Blood are coming together to honor Susie Tennant (RIP), a beloved member of the Seattle music community, with a blood drive on Sunday, October 5, from 9 am-3 pm in the West Seattle Junction.

We’re joining forces with our friends at Easy Street Records, Sub Pop Records, Top Pot Doughnuts, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream, the West Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Market, the West Seattle Junction and the Tennant/Swenson Family to celebrate her legacy and save lives.

Our collective goal is to sign up 48 West Seattleites to donate blood, enjoy free swag, eat sweet treats, and be part of this special tribute.

Blood donors must sign up ahead of time at this link: donate.bloodworksnw.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/98124

Each blood donor will receive:

(1) Limited-edition West Seattle Hard Core Susie Tennant t-shirt, donated by Sub Pop
(1) Limited-edition Musics In Our Blood t-shirt
(1) Scoop of Molly Moon’s Ice Cream
(1) Top Pot Doughnut or Coffee
(1) Easy Street Records sticker

Blood Drive facts & inspo

-It takes 1,000 blood donors every day to maintain blood inventory at our local hospitals.
-Only 62% of the population is eligible to donate blood – for a variety of reasons – and of those, only 3% donate blood.
-It takes 1 hour to donate 1 pint of blood that could save 1-3 lives. (15 minutes to give blood, and 45 minutes for paperwork and prep).
-Every 2 seconds someone in our country needs a blood transfusion.
-You can donate blood every 56 days.
-When you donate blood, you’ll also find out your blood type, which is good to know in case you need blood in an emergency.

Susie’s been gone since early last year. If you didn’t know her, this remembrance talks about her life.

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Change-of-seasons Monday

September 22, 2025 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Change-of-seasons Monday

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, September 22, 2025 – fall officially arrives at 11:19 am (and Alice’s quarterly sunset watch is tonight).

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny and in the upper 60s today. Sunrise will be at 6:56 am; sunset, at 7:06 pm.

ROAD WORK

–59th SW in Alki is closed for at least three more weeks by the school-construction zone.

-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.

-California SW’s Fauntleroy Creek culvert gets a month of emergency repair work starting as soon as tomorrow.

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 through October 10.

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!

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