(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand unless otherwise credited)

After all that rain, dozens of salmon spawners are approaching the entrance to Fauntleroy Creek. That’s what longtime salmon-watch volunteer Dennis Hinton told the 100+ people who gathered to ceremonially welcome them home this afternoon: “They’re out there, and they’re coming!”

(This photo and next by Dave Gershgorn)

It’s a fall tradition, inviting community members to gather near the creek, to sing and drum during a short gathering that also includes writing messages for the returnees.

(Judy Pickens and Dennis Hinton)

The gathering was emceed by Judy Pickens, who – along with husband Phil Sweetland – also has long volunteered for Salmon in the Schools, which will be different for local participants this year as culvert work in Fauntleroy Creek will prevent the release of campus-raised fry, which Judy says will be taken instead to West Seattle’s other major salmon-bearing stream, Longfellow Creek.

But the springtime releases are just part of the circle of life – there’s “home hatch” too, thanks to some of the returnees (347 spawners counted last year). The songs led again this year by Jamie Shilling (above) told the story, as did the drumming – which, as Judy recounted, is meant to mimic the female salmon’s tail slapping the creek bed, making a redd for her eggs.

Participants were discouraged today from going to creekside because – like so many other areas of West Seattle – trees lost limbs last night. But as an afternoon sunbreak peeked through the still-standing trees, a creek-reminiscent blue banner was held over tiny dancers:

Those in attendance ranged from infants to seniors – including 93-year-old volunteer Dick Paynter, honored as the eldermost volunteer in the Watershed Council’s ranks:

(Dennis Hinton and Dick Paynter)

Dick declared himself “overwhelmed” by the honor and explained how much the creek work has meant to him, with his interest dating back to his college years as a fisheries major.

And the singing went on, softly: “Hey, hey, coho … return, return, return.”

Once they do start returning, Judy promises updates, as always, and watch for word of a potential “open creek” event if and when weather, safety, and salmon permit.

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WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Street of screams?

October 26, 2025 8:50 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Halloween | West Seattle news

We missed last night’s Halloween-decoration showcase because of the windstorm, but we’re back on schedule tonight. We’ve already featured multiple displays on 47th SW, and here’s another one – also featured in past years – this year, Sandy sent the pic of the mega-decorated home on 47th between Hinds and Hanford. Four more nights, and then Halloween will be here! Not too late for more photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – see what we’ve already shown by scrolling through our Halloween-coverage archive here – thank you!

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WEEK AHEAD: City Council budget-amendment proposals might include Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild money too

October 26, 2025 6:49 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

On Friday, we mentioned the list of city-budget amendments that District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka is mulling as the council goes into the next phase of budget revision/review. Another West Seattle project on his possibility list: The Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild. HPIC trustee Kay Kirkpatrick sent word of this along with a status update on the project, 4+ years after fire gutted the historic community center:

HPIC (the Highland Park Improvement Club) is thrilled to be moving along with our next Phase of Replacement of the HPIC building lost to fire in 2021. This groundwork phase includes utilities upgrades and footing & foundation strengthening.

We’ve included some photos of interesting points that happened over the last couple of weeks; including replacement of our power pole (above) and transformer with upgrade to the alley service line, trenching power conduit to the building wall, and trenching for footings for the west side deck and trellis.

The digging of the deck trench revealed old historic footings from the Barbershop that stood west of the first version of the HPIC building in the 1930’s.

As we do this work we continue to fundraise for our next phase, Framing and Dry-In of the building structure. We are thrilled that Councilmember Saka has included HPIC in this proposed list of amendments to the City Budget, which would make significant City funding available to help complete reopening this vital Community Resource.

We are asking fellow D1 residents to consider taking a few minutes to lend support by contacting City Council members as they deliberate on these proposals.

Councilmembers’ official lists of proposed amendments are expected to go public tomorrow. Starting 9:30 am Tuesday, they will be reviewed, department by department. There are also opportunities for public comment – see the Tuesday agenda (which will be updated tomorrow) for information on that.

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WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: Tree trouble persists

October 26, 2025 3:39 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

3:39 PM: It’s hard to fully appreciate the precarious dangling status of that branch on a wire/cable over the center of the Admiral Way hill without driving/riding under it, as we did (photo taken by passenger) this afternoon. We mentioned it in our as-it-happened windstorm coverage overnight, and it’s one of multiple trouble spots lingering today, with cleanup yet to come. Not seen in our photo, the cones and signage beneath it. If you know of other trees still blocking roads, aerially or otherwise, please let us know if you can so we can check on their status before the am commute – thank you!

5:52 PM: Two readers sent photos of the tree above, in the 9700 block of 42nd SW in Arbor Heights. … Below, not a major traffic hazard, but a look at another downed tree we mentioned last night:

The tree on 21st that fell last night was in the driveway at Croft Place. Damaged multiple cars. You can see one under it if you zoom in on the third photo.

7:07 PM: Sent by Megan – trees still down in the 4000 block of 18th SW:

There are still 2 fallen trees blocking 18th Ave SW since 9:30 pm last night. This is a one-lane road and the only access. Every house after the trees, like mine, cannot leave. We called 911 last night because the trees also took down power lines. I called again a few hours ago and were told our case was called in but no idea when help will come.

ADDED: Sent Sunday night by Nathan:

Just wanted to warn parents and kids heading to Gatewood Elementary in the morning that there is a tree down and leaning on a power line on the West side of 44th Ave SW, near Myrtle – across from the school. We’ve alerted SCL but they have yet to respond.

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UPDATE: Flooding closes Jefferson Square CVS

October 26, 2025 12:40 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

12:40 PM: Thanks for the photo! Multiple readers have reported that the CVS store in Jefferson Square is closed because of flooding. No details yet.

12:53 PM: We just went to try to find out more. Store staff told us the flooding was from an internal plumbing problem, not the weather, and they have a cleanup crew coming soon; they expect to be open tomorrow.

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PHOTOS! West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival 2025, soggy but spirited

October 26, 2025 11:03 am

| Comments Off on PHOTOS! West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival 2025, soggy but spirited

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB, unless otherwise credited

11:03 AM: Yes, the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival is on, starting with the costume parade – led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band (whose musicians were most of the costumed paraders) – and the chili cookoff (inside ArtsWest this time).

Trick-or-treating has begun too.

11:33 AM: Hardy crowd – performers too – Rain City Ropeworks is starting their performance at California/Alaska.

Meantime, the chili’s going fast – you get a flight, amd a vote, for $20, supporting the West Seattle Food Bank:

Competitors are Margie’s Cafe, Easy Street, Shadowland, The Westy, Husky Deli, Cafe Osita, The Neighborhood, Elliott Bay – Papa Tony’s had to drop out.

Don’t miss all the activity booths on California south of Alaska! (added) Among the businesses and organizations that braved the rain, three WSB sponsors – Fitness Together:

(This photo and next two by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)

Westside School:

And Mode Music Studios (represented by their nonprofit organization Mode Music and Performing Arts)

12:09 PM: Wouldn’t be Halloween season without the Seattle Thrillers, who’ve drawn a crowd:

Good news is – Rain’s eased for now.

1:03 PM: Final hour – trick or treating continues, and the band’s performing, and the break in the rain continues too!

1:09 PM: Chili cookoff results just announced:
#1 – The Westy
#2 – Husky Deli
#3 – Easy Street Café

(added) Three of the winning venues’ proprietors are in this photo:

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WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: Anyone missing a canoe?

October 26, 2025 9:47 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Photo sent by Lauren)

Thanks to the readers who’ve sent photos of that canoe, which turned up this morning on the west-facing beach at Lincoln Park

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UPDATE: Rescue response for truck crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge

October 26, 2025 9:18 am

| 29 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS breaking news

9:18 AM: Thanks for the tip. Just after a reader called to tell us about this, after passing the scene while going the other way, SFD is just arriving at what they describe as a “rolled-over box truck” on the westbound West Seattle Bridge. One person is reported trapped, another got out. Updates to come.

9:22 AM: The person is reported to be safely out. SFD is dismissing most of its responders. We haven’t seen a photo, and there’s still no working traffic camera in the area, but from what the reader told us, sounds like this is at or near the curve.

11:59 AM: Thanks to Mike for sending a photo:

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West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, Fauntleroy Creek salmon welcome, more for your Sunday

October 26, 2025 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons, pre-windstorm)

The wind has calmed and the weekend continues, with another two-part list today – first, the Hallo-weekend #1 events:

WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION HARVEST FESTIVAL: This is West Seattle’s biggest fall festival! 11 am-2 pm in The Junction (the Farmers’ Market starts at 10 am as usual but everything else is at 11 or later), with California closed between Oregon and Edmunds, Alaska closed between 42nd and 44th. From the West Seattle Junction Association, here’s the schedule (with trick-or-treating at booths and businesses starting right after the parade):

11:00 – 11:30 AM
–Costume Parade led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band (meet at Junction Plaza Park, 42nd SW and SW Alaska)

11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
–Activity Booths + Sidewalk Trick-or-Treating + Free Kids’ Area + Cornhole Games

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
–Chili Cook-Off
Taste your way through nine local favorites competing for the title of Best Chili in West Seattle! For $20, you’ll get a flight of chili samples and a voting token to crown your favorite. All proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. Tickets at KeyBank corner, chili served inside ArtsWest.

11:30 – 11:45 AM
Rain City Ropeworks Performance – All-Ways Intersection

12:00 – 12:20 PM
Seattle Thrillers Performance – All-Ways Intersection

12:30 – 1:00 PM
Pie-Eating Contest + Chili Cook-Off Winner Announcement

1:00 – 2:00 PM
Halloween House Music with Jack Chandelier

DIA DE MUERTOS TIN ART WITH VAQUERO AZUL: Visit Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to make this seasonal art! 1-3 pm, drop-in.

SPOOKY MUSIC: The Seattle Met Singers will feature “spooky music” during their 2 pm concert at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW)

SPOOKY TRIVIA: 9-11 pm at Poggie Tavern (4717 California SW).

For our second list – here’s what else is up, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings!) and inbox:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run starts at Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon).

WEST SEATTLE SKI SWAP, DAY 2: Get geared up for snow-sports season! Shop this year’s Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor)-presented swap 10 am-4 pm at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), second and final day.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As mentioned above, it’s open as usual, and part of today’s festival – usual spot on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in fall produce season , plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, more.

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE:One more week to visit Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see what artists are showing this year! Open today 10 am-6 pm.

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

**NOTE POSSIBLE TIME CHANGE** HUSKIES PLAYERS AT CVS: The converted-to-CVS drugstore at 5217 California SW is hosting an 11 am-1 pm ommunity event involving UW football players. **NOTE: 11 am-1 pm is what CVS’s PR people sent us; a commenter said they think it’s beeb changed to 3-5 pm, but we haven’t confirmed that.**

POT YOUR OWN FALL ANNUALS: While supplies last! 11:30 am-3:30 pm at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BE READY! Alice Kuder‘s fun “Ready Freddy Preparedness Party“ is back, to get you on the journey to peace of mind for knowing you’re ready for a disaster which will probably never happen. 1 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Kick back and enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) is the gathering place for this monthly meetup, 3 pm, but arrive early to get your beverage and chat. Our calendar listing has details on this month’s book/movie.

CONVERSATIONS ON ART: Part of an open house/art display 3-5 pm at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW).

PAINT AND SIP AT THE PUB: 3-5 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW); our calendar listing has info and the registration link.

WELCOME THE COHO HOME: Rain or shine, Fauntleroy Creek‘s salmon spawners will be welcomed with singing and drumming at upper Fauntleroy Way and SW Director at 4 pm, all welcome to join, as previewed here.

LIVE AT EASY STREET: 5 pm, Kassa Overall album-release party at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) – free, all ages.

MONTHLY TRIVIA AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).

UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: 7:30 pm, free to play. (4302 SW Alaska)

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sunday nights are live music nights with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation

October 26, 2025 12:55 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Seattle Police are investigating gunfire again, second early morning incident in a row in West Seattle. This time, after numerous 911 calls from people who thought they heard gunfire, they received a report from someone who said they saw it – reporting an “Asian man, mid-to-late 30s, medium to heavy build, green jacket, in a blue Subaru” firing shots into the air at 27th/Roxbury. No injuries or property damage so far; police were heading that way to see if they can find evidence.

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