day : 24/09/2025 10 results

Note the “all-way” on that stop sign. That’s the new status of Oregon/44th in The Junction. A texter tipped us about it this evening, saying they “almost drove through it” (and we saw someone else do that shortly after we snapped the pic). Many of the added all-way stops recently have been along routes to schools; we’ll check with SDOT tomorrow to see if that’s the rationale for this one (Tilden School [WSB sponsor], Hope Lutheran, and Holy Rosary are within several blocks, and Genesee Hill Elementary is a bit further) or something else.

FOLLOWUP: West Seattle Junction’s outdoor mailbox is back

September 24, 2025 6:04 pm

| 23 COMMENTS

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

Three weeks ago, a U.S. Postal Service spokesperson told us the long-gone West Seattle Junction Post Office drive-up/ride-up/walk-up mailbox was finally close to being replaced. And now, it has been; thanks to Lauren for the tip and photo (thanks also to Gregg, who sent word of it too). The Junction mailbox’s predecessor was stolen more than a year and a half ago. Crime also took out the Westwood Village Post Office outdoor mailbox, damaged in what was described as a break-in earlier this month (we haven’t been to WWV today but will go by this evening to see if that box reappeared too).

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FOLLOWUP: Camp Long Lodge rebuild may still be 5+ years away; Councilmember Saka promises restoration but says ‘other funding sources’ needed

September 24, 2025 5:35 pm

| 13 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

More than 10 months after its historic lodge was ravaged by fire, Camp Long remains open as a park and environmental learning center, but the lodge is years away from full restoration. A reader suggested a followup this week. The newest online update on what’s being done right now details the stabilization work and “pre-design study.” But the update concludes:

Our current estimate is that the renovation construction would begin in 2031.

That’s 3+ years after the early estimate we reported a little over a month after the fire. Part of that might be related to the funding issue mentioned by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, whose newest newsletter includes his report on a Camp Long site visit:

(Photo from Councilmember Saka’s newsletter)

I recently joined Seattle Parks Superintendent AP Diaz at Camp Long to tour the site and see the stabilization work underway following last year’s brazen arson attack that caused significant damage.

Camp Long is truly a community treasure. While the historic lodge remains closed as repairs move forward, many other parts of the park remain open and accessible for neighbors to enjoy. Camp Long continues to be a special place in the heart of West Seattle.

I’ll keep working closely with the Mayor’s Office and Parks Department to ensure the site is fully restored to its former glory – and that it remains a place where community can gather, learn, and connect with nature for generations to come. We will build back better! In the near term (2025-26), we believe that we can fund initial planning and design costs associated with this restoration project by using insurance proceeds. After that, we’ll need to look for other funding sources, with a potential renewal of the Metropolitan Parks District Fund being the most viable candidate (assuming this Fund ends up being considered for renewal upon its expiration in 2027).

But again, Camp Long remains open as a park and offering events; just this morning, in fact, we published a call for organizations to join this year’s “Trail or Treat” event by stepping forward to decorate the park’s also-historic cabins for visitors on October 25.

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New book from West Seattle-based writer, professor, journalist: ‘Black Gold’

September 24, 2025 3:58 pm

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| Environment | West Seattle books | West Seattle news

The chillier, soggier months ahead mean prime time for reading, among other things. We’ve heard lately from several West Seattle authors publishing new books. This week, writer/professor/journalist Bob Wyss is out with “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal,’ and will be at a local bookstore for a reading in two weeks. Here’s the announcement he sent us to share with you:

West Seattle Author’s New Book; Book Talk Set for Paper Boat Booksellers Oct. 9

A new book by West Seattle author Bob Wyss, “Black Gold, The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal,” was released this week by the University of California Press. Wyss will give an inaugural talk about the book on Oct. 9 at Paper Boat Booksellers, 4522 California Ave. SW, at 6:30 p.m.

Black Gold is an environmental history of a product that was once familiar in every West Seattle home. Coal not only warmed winter’s chill it was the spark that powered railroads, the mighty steel and other industries, and it was the primary source that eventually created the American empire. However, America paid a price for burning coal – it was dirty and dangerous, and today it threatens to dangerously overheat the planet at a time when an American President wants to revive it. In West Seattle that means not only dangerously higher temperatures but rising sea levels on our Puget Sound coastline, increased toxic smoke as forest fires become more frequent, and possible droughts as glaciers disappear and winter snow decreases in the mountains.

Black Gold and its message has already drawn some press attention including a national interview at Sea Change Radio on its August 19 broadcast that can be found here. Natural History magazine is publishing an excerpt in its October issue. More information about the book can be found here.

About the Author

Bob Wyss has been a West Seattle resident for seven years. Previously, he was a reporter and editor at the Providence Journal for thirty years, a journalism professor at the University of Connecticut for fifteen years, where he is currently Professor Emeritus. He is the author of three previous books, The Man Who Built the Sierra Club, A Life of David Brower, Brimfield Rush, and Covering the Environment, and edited the anthology How I Wrote the Story. His work has appeared in the The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, Smithsonian, and Rhode Island Monthly.

Thanks to all the local authors who send announcements of new books, local readings, and other news – West Seattle is a hotbed of reading, with several thriving book clubs whose meetings we routinely list in our West Seattle Event Calendar. Much of our book-related coverage is archived here, newest to oldest.

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LAST CALL! Hours left to get Taste of West Seattle tickets. Plus, see the map to plot your tasting strategy

September 24, 2025 2:48 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | WS beverages

Tomorrow’s the night – the Taste of West Seattle, raising much-needed money for the West Seattle Food Bank and giving you the chance to sample dozens of local restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, and cafés’ specialties! We just checked in with WSFB’s Robbin Peterson for the final word in the final hours of advance ticket sales:

Pre-sale tickets are still available for the Taste of West Seattle — but only until midnight tonight! A limited number may be available at the door, but with nearly sold-out attendance, the safest way to secure your spot is to grab tickets now.

This year’s Taste is more than a food festival —it’s a West Seattle neighborhood celebration. Local restaurants, breweries, and bakeries are stepping up to share the best of our community. Here’s the map showing who will be where at The Hall at Fauntleroy:

On top of incredible bites and sips, guests can Have Fun & Do Good with community-powered games:

Plinko for Prizes

and

Raffle baskets loaded with gift cards from favorite West Seattle businesses and restaurants.

All proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank’s programs — from groceries and home delivery to rent and utility assistance—keeping our neighbors and neighborhoods strong.

VIP entry is at 5:30 pm, general entry at 6 pm. You can also see the list of participating venues on this page, where you can get your advance ticket(s) until late tonight. WSB is a community co-sponsor this year; we’ll see you there!

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Duwamish River in-water contamination cleanup is about to resume

September 24, 2025 1:21 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Environment | South Park | West Seattle news

(King County photo, 2024 cleanup season)

The second of three seasons of in-water Duwamish River cleanup is about to begin. This is for the removal of contaminated sediment, in the works for decades, involving Boeing, the City of Seattle, and King County. Here’s the overview:

Construction in the upper reach, the southernmost two miles of the site, is scheduled to occur from October to February for three years, ending in February 2027. In-water construction activities are restricted to these months to protect certain fish species. LDWG completed in-water work for the first construction season from November 2024 – February 2025, with the second season beginning October 1, 2025.

Beginning October 1, the construction contractor will begin dredging contaminated sediment near the South Park Bridge and Duwamish River People’s Park.

Compared to the first construction season, cleanup activities this season will be more visible as the work moves closer to the South Park Bridge, homes, parks, and marinas. The community can expect multiple barges and equipment working on the water, lights for safe work during dark hours, and typical construction equipment noise.

Season 2 construction hours will be weekdays and Saturdays and will occur during both the daytime and nighttime. Work hours will vary based on factors, such as tides and the type of work being conducted (e.g., dredging or placing clean material). Work will be coordinated with Tribal fishing. During the first three weeks of October, in-water construction work is not currently planned for Mondays and Tuesdays when Tribal fishing is most active.

The dredged sediment goes by barge to a landfill on the Columbia River. More background on the contamination and cleanup are here. Cleanup-work updates will be on this website, including upcoming dates – not yet finalized (we’re told the ones currently listed online are likely to change) – for South Park Bridge closures.

P.S. For backstory, see our report from last year, before the first season of this work began.

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CLOSURE ALERT: Training day Thursday for many Seattle Parks facilities

September 24, 2025 11:43 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Heads-up – we mentioned this in our recent report on the Board of Park Commissioners meeting, but in case you missed it, many Seattle Parks facilities will be closed tomorrow for a training day:

Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities and programs will be closed Thursday, September 25, 2025, due to a Recreation Division staff training day.

These facilities and services (will be) CLOSED:

All recreation programs
Community centers and teen life centers
Environmental learning centers
Indoor swimming pools
Amy Yee Tennis Center
Green Lake Small Craft Center
Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center

These facilities (will be) OPEN on regular schedules:

Parks
Volunteer Park Conservatory and Japanese Garden
Boat ramps
Golf courses and ranges

Then on Friday, it’s back to regular schedules.

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HPAC, art, gaming, more for your West Seattle Wednesday! (updated with additions)

September 24, 2025 9:54 am

| Comments Off on HPAC, art, gaming, more for your West Seattle Wednesday! (updated with additions)

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening for fall’s first Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

RESTAURANT OPENING: In Pizza We Crust plans to open at 11 am. (3207 California SW)

NO AMERICAN MAH JONGG TODAY: Afternoon meetups are still on hold until The Missing Piece reopens in its new West Seattle Junction location.

FREE KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm.

FUNDRAISER AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The Morgan Junction restaurant donates part of its proceeds on the last Wednesday of every month to a chosen nonprofit/school/group – today, Aviation High School. Open 3 pm-9 pm. (6503 California SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: hosts Lincoln for slowpitch-softball games at 4 and 5:30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex. Also, Sealth hosts Franklin for a volleyball match at 7 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: 4:30-7:30 pm with an agenda including the high-school-lunch issue. (3rd/Lander HQ and online)

ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, new weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)

HOW TO GET RAINWISE: Eligible for subsidized rainwater-handling infrastructure at your home or business? Get your questions answered at tonight’s webinar at 5 pm.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! 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).

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project is a kitchen sponge holder. (3400 Harbor SW)

FREE ART CLASS: 6-8 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge 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).

CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required, come play!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: An energetic way to mark the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome, regardless of pace!

HPAC IS BACK: The community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge reconvenes tonight at 6:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW). Go here to read about what’s planned for discussion, including public safety and the West Duwamish Greenbelt.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO x 2: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.

TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts 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: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: You’re invited to sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California 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!

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HALLOWEEN: Host a cabin at Camp Long’s Trail or Treat!

September 24, 2025 9:04 am

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| Halloween | How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB file photo)

The start of fall means Halloween season is nearing too, and we’re starting to receive announcements about this year’d events. Among them, one month from tomorrow, Camp Long will again host Trail or Treat – and right now it’s looking for organizations to host and decorate cabins! From Camp Long’s Matt Kostle:

Right now we are looking for organizations to volunteer to host cabins at the event as this event happens in collaboration with public and private organizations. The way it works is each organization “hosts” a cabin by providing some volunteers/staff and treats to hand out while we set up the lighted trails and pathways along with some interactive activities! This is a family-friendly event and has been quite popular the last two years we have done it, bringing in around 1000 people each time! Here’s a link for organizations to sign up to host cabins! Once we get a better idea of how many organizations are participating this year we will send out an updated flyer and map of the event with organizations logos as available. Organizations are also able to decorate the cabins in whatever festive ways they like (keeping in mind that it is family friendly so not too scary) and can hand out/provide whatever info they want about their organizations to the public visiting for the event!

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

September 24, 2025 6:01 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

strong>6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny and in the low 70s is the forecast again today. Sunrise will be at 6:59 am; sunset, at 7:02 pm.

(Fall’s second sunset, photographed by Tony Tschanz)

ROAD WORK

-Repair work on California SW’s Fauntleroy Creek culvert hadn’t moved into the street by end of day yesterday, so no traffic effects yet.

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

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

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.

STADIUM ZONE

Mariners‘ final regular-season homestand continues tonight, 6:40 pm vs. the Rockies.

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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