West Seattle, Washington
23 Friday
7:22 PM: Thanks for the tips! The Northern Lights have shown up tonight – above, a photo from Kevin Freitas, looking north from The Triangle. The possibilities change almost from minute to minute – here’s one page that West Seattle skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen has often recommended for gauging the situation. She has advice on local aurora-watching (including a cloud-cover map – that’s a factor tonight) here.
9:34 PM: Some have had luck this past hour – see photos in comments below!
(WSB photo: WS Rotary president Ron Palmer and Justice Mary Yu)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu could keep that job for up to seven more years until the court’s mandatory retirement age of 75.
Instead, she’s hanging up her robes at the end of this year. “I’m not going to work until I die,” she explained in a speech to the Rotary Club of West Seattle today.
Her appearance came two months after announcing her retirement, Justice Yu returned to her former home neighborhood – she said she lived in West Seattle 25 years. Here’s our full video of her speech and the Q&A that followed:
Justice Yu’s appointment to the state’s highest court 11 years ago made history on multiple fronts – the first Asian, the first Latina, and the first LGBTQ-community member to serve on it. She told the Rotary today that she’s not able to speak about political matters until two months after she retires, so they didn’t hear any commentary on issues of the day. They did get a lesson in how the State Supreme Court works, and the fact our state has a “non-unified” court system, meaning every county’s Superior Court, every city/town’s Municipal Court, all operate independently – if a case is pending against you in one jurisdiction, for example, another jurisdiction can’t deal with it, might not even be able to see the records. Yu said there’s a chance the state might move to a unifid system some day, and that “might be a good thing,” in her view.
In addition to explaining how the court works – watch the video for all those details – she also talked about where the court works: The Temple of Justice, recently closed for a while to get upgrades – Justice Yu said it hadn’t had central heat or potable water – now it does. “It’s a beautiful building … even if you’re driving somewhere else [and passing through the Olympia area) … stop in and see it – the courtroom is open – and all of the justices love giving kidds tours!”
She also talked about the Washington court being “the second most-cited court in the nation, after California,” particularly because of this letter sent out at the time of the nation’s 2020 “racial reckoning.” She also observed that the court doesn’t set an agenda of what it’ll consider – “people bring us cases.”
Q&A included a followup on the “unified vs. non-unified” court issue Justice Yu had. brought up, what interaction they have with federal court (in light of the immigration situation) – she explained the difference between “constitutional federal judges” and “administrative judges,” saying they had no interaction with the latter. And she said Washington was a trendsetter on relying heavily on its state constitution. Also, a retired lawyer asked about the court’s funding, and that led to a musing from Yu on the philosophy of not funding courts through fines and fees.
Thanking her for her visit, the club donated to Harvest for Hunger in her honor.
ALSO AT TODAY’S MEETING: That wasn’t the only hunger-fighting donation made at the meeting – Rotary-affiliated Interact Club members from West Seattle High School took up a donation that totaled more than $430.
The Rotary Club of West Seattle (a WSB sponsor) meets for lunch most weeks, Tuesday at noon – go here to find out about upcoming programs/speakers.
4:13 PM: Seattle Police investigating 911 calls about possible gunfire in an alley in or near the 10400 block of 42nd SW have just reported finding at least one casing. A possibly related vehicle was described as a dark Audi SUV. No injuries reported. The first calls about this came in around 3:45 pm; an officer told dispatch about the casing at 4:10 pm.
ADDED WEDNESDAY EVENING: We obtained the narrative from SPD (which redacted names and some other details):
On 11/11/25, at 1544, I, XXXX XXXX, employed as a police officer, within the city of Seattle, when I was dispatched to a shooting call located at [10400 BLK] 42nd AV SW, in the alley to the west.
There was multiple 911 callers about this call.
Upon arrival of the listed location, I noticed a possible scene in the alley but there was no one to speak to. I did notice a camper in the driveway of the location, which I knocked on.
A female, XXXX, XXXX X, exited the camper and spoke to me. I noticed she had blood on her hand and her face, which she stated she was knocked down. XXXX further stated as she was walking her dog, she noticed two unk male, one with a face mask running towards her. As she turned to get away from them, one of them knocked her down and then proceeded to hear two-gun shots go off. XXXX stated she noticed a white or tan pick up truck and a black or dark color, possible Audi driving away from the alleyway.
XXXX was scene by Seattle Fire and was cleared to remain on scene.
As I was on scene, I did locate XXX shell casings within the alleyway. I photographed the shells before I collected them. These were later placed into SPD evidence.
During this time another shooting call came out at the Westwood village, SPD 25-331398. The caller to this call was identified as XXXX, who later showed up to the listed location, identified as XXXX, XXXX XXXX.
XXXX stated as she was within the garage at the listed location (also in the alleyway), she overheard what she believed gun shots. As she left the garage, she noticed a subject who she identified as “XX” chasing her boyfriend, XXXX, XXXX X. XXXX noticed XX holding a firearm. Both subjects got into their vehicles and drove away.
XXXX believed this incident was retaliation due to XXXX and XX had gotten into a physical altercation, possibly from SPD 25-313595. During this incident, no one was located.
As I spoke to XXXX, XXXX had called her and stated he did not want to speak to the police. As I got back to my vehicle, I noticed a white pick up driving up to the alleyway. I asked the driver if he was XXXX but he stated he was not.
I did find a neighbor with footage of the Audi speeding through the area, which was uploaded to axon.
I was able to review the video. I noticed as the possible Audi travel North bound in the alleyway. As it did so, an unknown subject fired shots. After the shots came out, an unknown subject is seen running towards the Audi in the alleyway.
Today’s updated vote count has just been released, one week after vote-counting began on Election Day. In the not-yet-settled Seattle mayoral race:
SEATTLE MAYOR
Katie Wilson – 137,217 – 50.08%
Bruce Harrell* – 135,871 – 49.59%
So far, 277,860 ballots (counting write-ins) have been counted in the mayor’s race, while King County Elections says it’s received 282,382 ballots from Seattle voters. That – 4,522 ballots uncounted.
Veterans Day commemorations come in all sizes. The senior-living center Quail Park of West Seattle invited us to stop by and say hello to three residents it’s honoring today:
Above, John Poska served in the Army/Reserve from 1964 to 1970. Below, Randy Curntt served in the Navy for five years after graduating from the US Naval Academy in 1972:
Quail Park also presented a certificate of recognition to Larry Johnson, a retired police captain:
The special program Quail Park presented today, in morning and afternoon sessions, featured music.
Quail Park is on the east side of The Junction.
(WSB photo, Thanksgiving 2024)
Just in, the official invitation to this year’s free Thanksgiving feast at The Hall at Fauntleroy, presented by its operators for more than 20 years as a gift to the community:
All are welcome on Thanksgiving Day – Thursday, Nov. 27th from 12 pm-3 pm – for this year’s annual Free Community Thanksgiving Meal! The delicious meal, created by Tuxedos & Tennis Shoes Catering Sous Chef Zach Mosely, will include a traditional turkey dinner and all the trimmings, with desserts donated by the community. No need to RSVP, just show up at Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California Ave SW) on Thanksgiving Day between 12-3pm.
This event happens with the help of many wonderful volunteers, and we are blessed that all volunteer spots are just about filled. Here is the link for more information and to see where help is still needed
Gently used warm clothing, new blankets and socks, and dessert donations can be dropped off at our SODO office at 4105 Airport Way S, 98108 on Wednesday, November 26th from 10 AM to 3 PM or can be dropped off at The Hall at Fauntleroy on Thanksgiving Day from 10 AM to 1 PM.
This isn’t just intended for people in need – anybody and everybody is welcome, as has been the case every year.
It was a longtime holiday staple at 35th/Barton – Tony’s Trees, the wintertime enterprise of the family who ran the Tony’s Market produce tent in warmer months – first longtime proprietor Tony Genzale, and then his son Joey. After Joey stopped running the business, the short-lived new ownership didn’t offer trees last year. The corner now hosts other businesses, primarily junk hauling and a Mexican-food truck. But then, multiple readers pointed out, a banner appeared proclaiming the return of Tony’s Trees this year. We have since heard from the operator. His name is Anthony Morella, and he says he’s a relative of the Genzale family: “Joey’s a distant cousin of mine but I grew up around him and I worked selling the trees with him for the last 5-6 years. We wanted to keep the name in memory of Tony and Joey’s old fruit stand.” Here’s the plan for the tree lot: “We are going to be selling locally cut Washington Christmas trees in all types of sizes. We will also be offering white flocked trees. On top of that – a Christmas market with wreaths, garland, Christmas plants, and more.” The photo above is some of their future trees, before cutting time. He adds, “We will be open 9-8 Monday – Thursday and Sunday and 9-10 Friday – Saturday,” starting right after Thanksgiving.
We list tree sellers in our forthcoming West Seattle Holiday Guide, so this and others will be featured there – details always appreciated at westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Bald Eagles, photographed by Rainer Klett)
Here’s our Tuesday list, starting with Veterans Day notes, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, with Veterans Day notes first:
CLOSURES: Most government facilities, including libraries; here’s the Seattle Parks open/closed list.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES RECOGNITION: From WSF:
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, we will honor all veterans with a whistle salute. All operating ferries will sound their horns at 11:11 a.m., recognizing the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.Each vessel in operation tomorrow will also fly the flag of one of the six military services and the Merchant Marine flag.
FREE FOR VETERANS: Alki Spud Fish and Chips‘ customary offer for veterans and active-duty military is explained here. (Anyone else with offers? Message us and we’ll add.)
Here’s what else to know for today/tonight:
FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE: Here’s the city lookup link to find local food banks and more.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play on a gray day! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course. Today’s program: State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu, soon to retire, speaks. (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting, community members welcome; here’s the agenda. In the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse conference room. (9131 California SW)
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
WESTSIDE DANCE WITH DEAN: All-ages dance lessons, no partner necessary, first lesson free! 6:30 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space for you. Space allowing, newcomers are welcome, and the first class is free.
OPEN MIC: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), “all voices welcome.” 21+.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you participate.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Five locations for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Kersti Muul reports Southern Resident orcas from all three pods are southbound just passing through the Bainbridge-Seattle ferry lanes.
UPDATE: They’re northbound.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Veterans Day.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Partly sunny, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:09 am; sunset will be at 4:37 pm.
(Monday’s sunset, photographed by Brooke Gosztola)
HOLIDAY NOTES + TRANSIT TODAY
Schools are closed.
No charge for street parking in areas of the city where there are pay stations.
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is back on a three-boat schedule, with M/V Cathlamet, M/V Chimacum, and M/V Sealth. 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 – Today it’s running the 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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