West Seattle, Washington
16 Sunday
Regardless of what happens with federal food assistance, food insecurity is widespread and community help goes a long way. So some of your neighbors sent word tonight they’re organizing a drive for Sunday, during – and near – the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. Here’s their flyer:
Organizers point out you don’t have to wait for their drive to give the gift WSFB needs most, money – you can do that right now by going here.
Just heard from Stacey, one of the owners of The Missing Piece Café and Game Lounge, who reports:
As one of the co-owners of the popular game cafe/coffee shop, and on behalf of Eric, Lex, James, and the other co-owners, I am so excited to announce the official opening of The Missing Piece is planned for November 7th. The grand opening will follow sometime soon, date TBD.
They’ve been quietly partly open for a bit – last time we went in to check, you could buy a game, for example, but not food or drink yet. If you’ve lost track, they’ve taken over the ex-Pharmaca space behind KeyBank in The Junction, at 4707 California SW, after moving out of their original location at 35th SW and SW Roxbury. Their hours are online. And they’re restarting some regular events, too – like the twice-weekly Mah Jongg games, “effective now,” per Stacey, 9:30-11:30 Sundays and 2 pm-4 pm Wednesdays.
From the WSB inbox … First, from the Waddell Family in Seaview:
The most spirited display in Upper Fauntleroy:
In White Center, Lacey‘s “Last Resort Hotel” – on 18th Ave SW between Roxbury and SW 98th St. – remains open until 9 tonight and will be open 4-8 pm tomorrow (when it might be drier), collecting donations for the White Center Food Bank:
And on 47th between Hinds and Hanford, R-n-B added significantly to their famous display since the reader photo we had earlier:
R (aka Ron) said they were still adding to their display, plus, “We wanted to give a shoutout to Lucy; she brought us a couple of notes of appreciation and we wanted to let her know they now have a place of honor on our refrigerator. Thank you, Lucy! You melted our hearts.”
Thanks to EVERYONE who sent Halloween photos this season, whether of their own displays or others’ – we’ll get going with the winter holidays soon!
South of SW Roxbury, 16th SW is closed in the heart of White Center for the season’s last round of business-district trick-or-treating.
Canopies prevail; treats will be available until about 7 pm, and local bars and restaurants have indoor activities planned too. The White Center Business Alliance organized this and is behind other memorable events too, like the third-Thursday Rat City Art and Food Walk. One lead WC instigator is Puffy Pandy proprietor Donna, who we photographed with son Ivan:
Even hardy pets were out:
4:07 PM: For the second consecutive weekend, the National Weather Service has our area under a Wind Advisory alert. A Flood Watch was already in place for the entire county; now it looks like Seattle is in for strong wind, too. From the alert:
South winds 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 45 mph, expected.
The alert is currently scheduled to be in effect 9 am to 5 pm Saturday, but the time frame can change as meteorologists get a closer look, so get going with your charging and anything else you need to do to be ready.
10:20 PM: The NWS has shifted the advisory’s window earlier, to 5 am to 2 pm. The sustained winds are now expected to be 15 to 25 mph, with gusts still possible to 45 mph.
EARLY SATURDAY: Another revision – now 5 am to 1 pm.
Thanks to Cindi for a second photo contribution today – King County Elections workers picking up ballots at the High Point Library drop box this afternoon. This serves to illustrate today’s daily reminder – Tuesday (November 4) is Election Day, and KCE drop boxes close at 8 pm sharp on that night. Checking the ballot-return statistics, just under 17 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots have come in so far, whether by drop box or USPS mail , one percent more than yesterday. Don’t let your ballot go to waste – big local decisions are on it, including mayor, two citywide councilmembers, city attorney, school-board members (not our district but all seats are up for citywide votes in the general election), county executive, three tax measures, and more. But it’s pretty much too late to use the postal mail and be sure you’ll get a postmark in time, so get your ballot to an official drop box as soon as you can.
Thanks to everyone who sent tips and/or pics of this crash (two vehicles reported involved) at 35th SW and SW 106th in Arbor Heights. We’re told it’s blocking northbound 35th right now. No major injuries reported. (The rain is picking up, and expected to get heavier, so take care out there.)
Proprietors Nicole and Shaun are in costume at West Seattle’s only comic-book store, Tails to Astonish – and costumed trick-or-treaters are invited to visit too. They’ve declared the day “Trick or Read,” with comic freebies and candy for visitors:
The treats include deals, too. They’re having a sale, today only, big discounts on merchandise including trade paperbacks, used back issues, and various toys.
Tails to Astonish is at 5633 California SW and open until 7 pm.
Three biznotes this afternoon:
OPEN HOUSE AT THE SUMMERLAND: Avian King‘s new North Admiral business at 2233 California SW is welcoming visitors this Sunday:
The Summerland is a sanctuary for movement, ceremony and soul. A soul-led wellness studio, for yoga, ritual haircutting, sound and energy healing. Currently in our soft opening phase, we are hosting an open house soft launch event this Sunday 11/2 from 12-3, in honor of Samhain and Dia de Los Muertos. There will be a community altar, if anyone wants to bring an offering for a loved one. A flower, candle, photo, note etc. Info about the studio is on the website at www.thesummerland.studio
We featured Avian in our coverage of last Friday’s Admiral District Trick-or-Treat.
NEW TENANT FOR EX-BOOKSTORE SPACE: Thanks to Mike for the tip. Eight months after Paper Boat Booksellers (WSB sponsor) moved out (now in The Junction at 4522 California SW), a new tenant has uncloaked for 6040 California SW, continuing West Seattle’s newest hot business trend, clinics:
The website for Upward says the sports-physical-therapy clinic has two locations already, in Georgetown and Frelard.
PIZZA CHANGE: Today is the last day that Shawn Millard, founder of West of Chicago Pizza, will be there. A little more than 3 years after West of Chicago moved into the former Chaco Canyon location (3770 SW Alaska), the restaurant announced he’s leaving:
… After 6.5 years of creating the delicious pizzas you’ve come to love, our head chef, Shawn Millard, will be leaving us to pursue new opportunities and his last day will be October 31st.
If you’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Shawn since we began West of Chicago in April of 2019, you know that he brings a level of passion and caring for both his food and our customers that is unmatched. His dedication to quality and creativity has helped make West of Chicago Pizza Company what it is today, and we’re so grateful for everything he’s contributed.
If you’re wondering what happens to the food, fear not! We want to assure you that the menu, quality, and exceptional customer service you expect from us aren’t going anywhere. Our talented kitchen team will continue serving the same deep-dish pies, thin crusts, salads, and sandwiches with the high standards and warm smiles that you’ve come to know and trust. … We look forward to continuing to serve you for many years to come.
We reached out to West of Chicago to find out more about what’s next for Millard; no response yet.
Photo just sent by Cindi:
I’m in the Westwood McDonald’s at lunch time, and Ronald McDonald and the Burger King are ordering from the McDonald’s kiosk.
(No Wendy sighting.)
More than a week has passed since SDOT‘s tentative start date for installing 11 new speed cushions/humps on 60th, 61st, and 62bd SW between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way, but as we’ve been noting in daily traffic/weather/road work roundups, no sign of work. They always warn that it’s weather-dependent, but at this point in the year, the rainy days tend to outnumber the non-rainy days, so we asked SDOT if they’re considering shelving it until spring, No, replied a spokesperson, they’re still planning on installation: “I’m told crews cannot do speed cushions in the rain and so the weather is the reason you haven’t seen them out there. The ‘no park’ signs are being pulled for now, but crews are hoping to start construction next week. That said, I can’t give a set date because the work continues to be weather-dependent.” (The “no parking” signs were marked to expire yesterday.)
(Friday sunrise, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Halloween is here!
EVERYTHING HALLOWEEN ON OUR CALENDAR: Since we’re likely to be adding to it over the next few hours, go here to get the most up-to-date overall list.
That list is where you’ll find private-home displays (and we still have a few more to add – check for an update this afternoon). Some of the other highlights:
TEAL PUMPKIN PROJECT: We have local info here for families interested in non-candy and/or non-allergenic-candy trick-or-treating. (And if you’re participating, it’s not too late to let us know so we can add.)
TRICK OR READ: Tails to Astonish (5633 California SW), West Seattle’s only comic-book store, has free comic books and more for costumed visitors 12-7 pm.
WHITE CENTER HALLOWEEN BLOCK PARTY: Starts with 4-7 pm business-district trick-or-treating (16th SW south of Roxbury)
‘COME AS YOU AREN’T’ AT SKYLARK: 6 pm-midnight, the most famous local Halloween show of all, bands performing at The Skylark costumed (and competing) as other bands – see the lineup in our calendar listing. $25/door, no advance ticket sales. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
DANCE MACABRE AT BEAR ISLAND: 6 pm-11 pm party with live music at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill). No cover.
PUMPKIN JUNCTION: The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) offers at least 15 pumpkin beers on tap to celebrate the season.
DARK CHISME AT EASY STREET: Halloween show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, celebrating new vinyl pressing. Free, all ages.
BENBOW ROOM HALLOWEEN PARTY: 9 pm rock-and-soul dance party. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live music – tonight, Halloween Goth Skate – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
Again, the full Halloween list is here, and we expect last-minute additions. (If you’re looking for all the decorations we’ve featured all month, they’re in our coverage archive.) Now the rest of what’s up:
FREE INDOOR PLAY: “Stay and Play” is open 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), with toys for the little ones and coffee for their chaperones.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Last day to see the community creations on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
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.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am to 11:30 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), free.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th 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.
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
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!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Halloween, Friday, October 31, 2025 – watch out for trick-or-treaters tonight! Also note, we “fall back” an hour when Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 am Sunday.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Cloudy, rain expected in pm, wind too, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:52 am; sunset, 5:52 pm.
(Thursday sunset photographed by Jan Pendergrass)
ROAD WORK
-Fauntleroy culvert repairs in the 9100 block of California SW are expected to last one more week.
-Waiting to hear from SDOT on the new schedule for 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way.
-Not West Seattle, but WSDOT is warning of traffic effects from some regional projects this weekend.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route remains on a two-boat schedule “until further notice.” Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
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, maritime-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!
Thanks for the tips. The “Forest of Shadows“ light show at the Seattle Chinese Garden has been shut down for at least two nights because of vandalism and theft. We got a tip this morning from someone turned away last night, but the production company didn’t reply to our inquiry, there was nothing on the police map, and the online ticketing system appeared to be selling tickets for tonight (took us all the way to asking for payment info), so we hit a bit of a dead end. Then came this photo, sent a short time ago by a reader reporting they were turned away tonight. In addition, a South Seattle College spokesperson (the garden is at the campus’s north end) says show producers notified SSC security they’d been hit by vandalism and theft, no details. The show is geared for the Halloween season and was intended to run a few more days before the same area switches over to the “Astra Lumina“ holiday-season light show next week.
Four more photos sent in but not yet shown, until this Halloween Eve:
Thanks to Joanne, Dana, and Jerry for the, shall we say, watchful displays above and below.
And Frank sent his light display from North Burien.
Tomorrow’s the big night, rain or not … thanks to everyone whose photos and tips have helped make the Halloween season memorable!
(WSB file photo, Morgan Junction drop box)
We’ll be reminding you daily from here on out – Tuesday (November 4) is Election Day, and King County Elections drop boxes close at exactly 8 pm that night. Checking the ballot-return statistics, just under 16 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots have come in so far, whether by drop box or USPS mail (and as noted here yesterday, if you plan to do the latter, don’t wait any longer). Some big local decisions are on the ballot, including mayor, two citywide councilmembers, city attorney, school-board members (not our district but all seats are up for citywide votes in the general election), county executive, three tax measures, and more.
Treats await all ages at the “Fall Fest” party/open house on through 8 pm at the new West Seattle offices of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor).
The branch recently moved to 5415 California SW from the Jefferson Square north-side office building. Left to right above are brokerage vice president Tay Krull, branch manager and managing broker Emma Lazo, and president/CEO Melanie Weidenbach, who told us the new location has more space for team members and customers to collaborate.
60 agents and brokers are on the team. Many are there tonight, as are other fun features including a photo booth. The Berkshire team also says they’re happy to be at street level – “great curb appeal,” Lazo said, like the perfect home.
Yes, with all that “atmospheric river” talk, we’re probably in for a rainy Halloween, so you’ve likely already added an umbrella to your costume plan. But if you’re still considering what to do tomorrow – and over the weekend, for Dia de Muertos – here’s a shortcut to everything that’s in our calendar: Just go here for everything labeled with that category. And if you are having a haunted house or other Halloween event that’s open to the community, send the info ASAP – westseattleblog@gmail.com – and we’ll add it!
The photo and report from Delridge Way SW and SW Alaska were sent by Shane:
Wanted to write as I didn’t see it mentioned on the road work today … it looks like the city (finally) put in an official crosswalk by the Delridge Playfield. It’s just paint and a couple signs but it’s still much clearer to cars that this is an official crosswalk now and hopefully is a step toward real pedestrian safety improvements along this road!
(The median was already there, but without crosswalk markings.) Customary reminder – this corner and others were/are crosswalks even without paint.
Two days until November, and two days until Seattle Public Utilities yard-waste customers can start setting out up to 10 extra bags every collection date this month. SPU sent the annual announcement today:
Seattle Public Utilities offers free extra yard-waste pickup for all household food and yard waste customers each week throughout November.
When customers keep leaves off streets and out of storm drains, it reduces ponding and flooding during fall storms. To support this, customers can put out up to 10 extra bags of leaves for free each collection day in November.Customers should place extra leaves in:
-Paper or certified compostable lawn and leaf bags, or
-Personal reusable containers with lids.Winter weather is here, and SPU encourages customers to take these additional steps to keep streets and drains clear, report problems, and stay informed:
-Report clogged drains through the Find It, Fix It app.
-For urgent drainage, wastewater, and drinking water issues, call SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206-386-1800.
-Sign up for AlertSeattle, the city’s official emergency alert system.
Note that Find It, Fix It, is for NON-urgent issues, so if something is presenting an immediate life-safety hazard, call SPU’s 24/7 as listed, or even 911 if you can’t get through to a live person.
Justin and neighbors are reporting brown water in south Arbor Heights, 35th SW and SW 107th vicinity. The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map doesn’t show any current problems or planned work in the area; fire calls or hydrant testing are other possible causes, but the most important thing to do is to report to SPU at 206-386-1800, since sometimes it can be the first sign of nearby trouble.
We report often on fundraisers – but there are non-monetary ways to help your neighbors and local nonprofits, too. For example: The Center for Active Living‘s volunteer ranks need replenishment. If you might be able to help, here’s what they’re looking for:
(Photo courtesy Center for Active Living)
The Center for Active Living is an activity center for seniors aged 55+, and located at 4217 SW Oregon St in the Alaska Junction. They currently need willing individuals to fill various positions. Volunteers can enjoy connecting with seniors and fellow volunteers in a friendly, relaxed, collaborative environment. In some cases, opportunities are available for friends and family to volunteer together.
Shifts are generally weekdays during the day and can be three to four hours in duration. Volunteers can select a regular shift once a week, same day & time, or occasional fill-in/substitute spots on different days & times based on volunteer availability; must be 18 years of age or older. No experience necessary and training is provided.
There is a critical need for the following volunteer spots:
Dishwasher: rinse, load and unload a commercial-grade dishwasher on Tuesdays from 10am-2pm, and occasional fill-in substitute spots on different days throughout the month.
Café Attendant: take customer orders and prepare sandwiches and salads in The Center’s onsite café; Mondays and Wednesdays 8:30am-11:30pm, or Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11am-2pm.
Other volunteer opportunities:
Chef assistant: help prepare hot scratch-made meals for seniors’ community dining program; fill-in/substitute spots as needed throughout the month
Baker: prepare scratch-made pies, cakes, cookies breads following designated recipes; fill-in/substitute spots as needed throughout the month
Dining Room Attendant: serve beverages and prepared meals to seniors participating in our Community Dining program; fill-in/substitute spots as needed throughout the month.
The Center Thrift Store: several positions including customer service, cashiering, sorting donations, pricing/tagging merchandise; Shop is open seven days a week.
Westside Friends: provide companionship and support to seniors in their homes in West Seattle; schedules vary.
To apply, click the following link to complete a volunteer application: Volunteer – The Center for Active Living or email dannyp@wscenter.org
(Lincoln Park photo by Arlene Rubin)
Here’s what’s happening in West Seattle for the rest of today/tonight – including Halloween Eve spookiness – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead):
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING: Third of three briefing meetings this week, under way now (9:30 start) with a Human Services and public-safety focus, the agenda has info on how to watch.
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple hours! “Work, Game, Craft or Chat! At The Void ~ Coffee & Connect” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)
TODDLER PUMPKINPALOOZA: Free event at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW) for little ones, 10 am-noon.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Fall is a perfect time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Just two more days to see the art on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW); visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
SSC FOOD TRUCK: 10:30 am-12:30 pm at campus clock tower (6000 16th SW), serving community members as well as students, Bavarian cuisine today.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
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 Momo Express, with Vietnamese cuisine.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY ‘FALL FEST’ OPEN HOUSE: Rather than an open house at a for-sale property, tonight the crew at Berkshire Hathaway Northwest Real Estate (WSB sponsor) are hosting one at their new West Seattle offices! Visit 5-8 pm. (5415 California SW)
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!
HALLOWEEN EVE BLOCK PARTY: Super Deli Mart (35th SW and SW Barton) plans an outdoor beer garden, kids’ activities, more for an early Halloween celebration, 5-8 pm.
‘NIGHTFALL’: Spooky “charity haunt” open tonight 5:30-9:30 pm (4544 51st Place SW) – see our preview for details.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now leaving from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run – costumes encouraged!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: This one’s for walkers! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm meeting, 2 Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW), reading “Ghostland” this month.
HEEBIE JEEBIES AT EASY STREET: Live tonight at 7 pm for Halloween Eve, The Heebie Jeebies! Free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Teddy Ruckspin, 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!
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