West Seattle, Washington
02 Monday
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!
(WSB/WCN photos)
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.)
(WSB photos)
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!
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