West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
10 PM: Avoid 35th in the Camp Long vicinity – it’s blocked because of a crash at 35th/Brandon that is reported to involve a motorcyclist. The rider is reported to be seriously injured and being rushed to Harborview.
10:08 PM: Our crew reports that the south end of the closure is at 35th/Findlay. North end is Dawson.
10:15 PM: We talked by phone with Robert, who says he was one of three people who were on scene before emergency responders and had medic training so they worked to try to stabilize the rider, who he said apparently was thrown about 15 feet. There’s also a pickup truck at the scene, as our photo shows:
10:36 PM: Police confirmed to our crew at the scene that the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad detectives are coming, so that means the street’s likely to be closed a few hours. They also confirmed to us that the pickup truck is the only other vehicle involved. Its driver remains on scene.
10:56 PM: Robert sent photos from early in the response, added above and below. We’re asking SFD about the rider’s condition.
11:47 PM: SFD says the motorcyclist, a man in his mid-20s, was in critical condition when transported.
1:53 AM: Detectives have told dispatch they’re clearing the scene and having the pickup towed to SPD’s evidence room. So the street likely won’t be closed much longer.
11:44 AM: Per SPD Blotter, the 21-year-old motorcyclist has died. … This is the third crash in our area to kill a motorcycle rider in the past year and a half; the other two were on West Seattle Bridge offramps (our reports were here and here).
8 PM: The King County Medical Examiner identifies the rider as Alonzo M. Rackley.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society hopes to see you at the Log House Museum tomorrow night (Thursday, August 20) for the official grand opening of its new exhibit “Beyond Alki“:
About Beyond Alki
Alki was first called sbaqʷabqs. It means prairie in Lushootseed, the language of Coast Salish people. It describes how Alki looked—grassy plains and scattered stands of fir trees.
Settlers who accessed federal land grants arrived in 1851 and called it “Alki,” which translates to “by and by” in Chinook Jargon, a trade language of the era. These settlers envisioned a major city from this shore.
As Seattle grew, so did the Duwamish Peninsula – industry developed, waterways changed, and forests disappeared (almost). Newcomers arrived in waves and built homes, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods – each leaving an imprint on the community.
Beyond Alki highlights the significance of Alki Beach, shares stories from communities
across the Duwamish Peninsula, incorporates new interactive experiences – visitors can listen to music from West Seattle’s past including a song Pete Seeger and Woody Guthrie recorded at Ivar Haglund‘s Alki home– and highlights unique artifacts, including the recently acquired Rolf Neslund Memorial Shrine bust.
The museum is on the southwest corner of 61st SW and SW Stevens.
Two Seattle Public Library notes:
ADMIRAL BRANCH HVAC PROGRESS: Thanks to Clay Eals for the photo, taken at midday today. It’s visible evidence from outside of the work that’s going on inside the West Seattle (Admiral) branch’s second week of an expected three-month closure to install new HVAC equipment. The 116-year-old Carnegie Library will finally be air-conditioned, thanks to a federal grant.
SYSTEMWIDE TECH DISRUPTION/UPGRADE: Today SPL announced a major tech switchover/upgrade planned in September, with some temporary service disruptions to result. From the announcement:
In September, The Seattle Public Library will transition to a new integrated library system (ILS), the behind-the-scenes system that manages collections, circulation, and patron accounts. The Library will replace its current ILS, which has been in use for over 20 years and is no longer supported by its vendor, with a new and more reliable, secure, and efficient system.
This major IT infrastructure project will begin at 6 p.m. on Sunday, September 6 and conclude in early October, with most service impacts occurring through mid-September. All Library locations are closed on Monday, Sept. 7 for Labor Day.
During this project, Library buildings will be open as scheduled, programs will continue, and patrons will be able to browse our collections, check out materials from Library staff, and use meeting rooms, study rooms, public computers, Wi-Fi, printers, and scanners. Patrons can continue to check out e-books and e-audiobooks without interruption through the Libby app.
However, due to the scope and complexity of this project, some Library services will be temporarily disrupted, including access to patron accounts, the ability to place holds on physical materials, some online services, self-checkout stations, and pick-up lockers. Patrons will also need to bring their physical or digital library card when checking out materials during this time.
Full details of what’s going to happen and what it means for library users can be found here.
2:01 PM: Also happening right now: A big SFD response in the 7200 block of West Marginal Way SW, reported to be a commercial building.
2:04 PM: SFD says the fire does NOT involve a structure – it involves “materials in a recycling facility.” Still, big response, avoid the area. (Added above, video sent by Kersti Muul, smoke from the fire as seen from 1st Avenue South Bridge.)
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
2:14 PM: It’s at the Waste Management facility, according to what our crew is seeing at the scene (adding photo above). SFD says they’re working on ventilation.
2:19 PM: SFD says the fire is out.
3:59 PM: Added a few more photos. We’re following up with SFD on whether there’s any more info about the cause or what specifically burned.
4:09 PM: According to SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, it was a unique firefighting situation, which started with a call reporting “piles of recycling materials on fire”:
As crews put water on the fire, additional firefighters operated heavy tractor loaders to spread the pile out to help dissipate the heat.
At 2:10 p.m., we sent an AlertSeattle notification within a half-mile radius of the facility advising residents and businesses to close their windows and doors to avoid smoke.
The fire did not extend to the building or vehicles. Our Mobile Ventilation Unit (MVU) was dispatched to the scene to help clear smoke from the facility. The fire was extinguished by 3:41 p.m. No injuries were reported.
The cause remains under investigation.
1:48 PM: SPD and SFD are converging on Roxhill Park after a person was reported shot. Updates to come.
1:55 PM: Police report that several people “scattered” after a gunshot was heard/seen. Our crew is just arriving at the park.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
1:58 PM: Police report finding two casings so far. The victim is being taken to the hospital.
2:38 PM: Our crew is back at the park and reports police have taped off the trails leading to the bog area. They report detectives on scene include at least one with a “GANG UNIT” vest.
As mentioned by a commenter, neighbors have been complaining about a growing encampment in the park – in the area where detectives are working right now, though we don’t know yet whether the shooting was at the encampment or not.
2:50 PM: SFD tells us the victim is a 40-year-old man, assessed as being in serious condition when taken to Harborview.
3:26 PM: Added our video above of the media briefing at the park with SPD’s Det. Shane Weatherford (besides us, the only other media crews there were two from TV). A few new details: The victim had multiple gunshot wounds; he was found in the park’s “wooded area.” He so far has been unable to give police any description information about the shooter; they’re asking anyone in the area who might have a security camera to check video in the 12:30 pm-1:30 pm vicinity and let police know if they have anything of note. You can contact the SPD violent-crime tipline at 206-233-5000.
3:42 PM: Police have removed much of the crime-scene tape. We’ve added a few more of our photos above.
Two followups on safety measures discussed at last week’s Fauntleroy bicycling-safety forum (WSB coverage here), spurred by the death of Maridee Bonadea on SW Wildwood Place in June:
NO-PARKING ZONE: As we reported, the temporary no-parking signs went up on the south side of Wildwood – where Ms. Bonadea died – the day after the forum. We asked SDOT when the permanent signage would be installed, and today they tell us it’s happening tomorrow:
We can confirm that on Thursday, SDOT plans to make the temporary no-parking restrictions on the south side of SW Wildwood Place permanent. The work will include permanent no-parking signs and interim paint hatching with plastic delineators.
We are continuing to evaluate a potential all-way STOP at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Place, including additional data and operational considerations. We’re also continuing work on other safety improvements in the area and expect to have more information to share soon.
TRUCK SAFETY: Also discussed at the forum: Side guards for trucks. Legislation to require them on trucks used by city contractors is under development, according to a slide in this deck prepared for tomorrow morning’s meeting of the City Council Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee, which is chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka. The committee also is scheduled to discuss a package of other transportation-safety legislation Saka is proposing, according to this announcement.
Westwood Village remains on the Southwest Precinct list of hotspots proactively patrolled when possible – as reiterated at last week’s “Our City, Our Safety” meeting – and one of those patrols led to the arrest of someone wanted for vehicle theft early today. We heard radio communication about the arrest, which followed a short foot pursuit, just after 2 am, and obtained the report narrative from SPD this morning:
(The suspect) was contacted for trespassing in the alcove to MOD Pizza, at 2600 SW Barton, which the shopping center has clearly posted and legible, SPD Conditions of Entry signage. He was congregated in the alcove with others, and the business was not open at 0200 hours, leading us to believe he was not a patron of the business and therefore trespassing.
We announced ourselves as Seattle Police to the group and advised they were detained for Trespassing. XXXX started to walk away and was given clear commands to stop. A short foot pursuit ensued, and XXXX was subsequently taken into custody.
Upon verifying his name and date of birth, which was provided verbally, SPD records systems came back with a warrant out of King County Sheriff’s Office for Possession of Stolen Vehicle. SPD dispatch verified the warrant. XXXX was arrested for his outstanding warrant, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and trespassing.
A check of jail records confirms that the warrant was for two 2024 cases in which the suspect is charged, so we’re identifying him. 29-year-old Lorenzo Smith is held in lieu of $10,000 bail.
(River otter, photographed by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time:
SUMMER FOOD FOR KIDS: Local sites are open for kids and teens under 18 to access food – see our story for locations, times, and other information.
READING WITH TODDLERS: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SPRAYPARK’S OPEN: Daily-splashing season at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
ART & SOL CELEBRATION: Free arts activities for all at this 12-2 pm community celebration with Arts Corps at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
SWIMMING POOL’S OPEN: Daily operations also continue at Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), noon-7 pm.
WADING POOLS: Two are scheduled today in West Seattle – Delridge, 12-5:30 pm (4501 Delridge Way SW, final week) and Lincoln Park, 12-7 pm (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, daily through Labor Day).
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Play indoors this afternoon! 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW)
WINE & WILLS: 4 pm, free event at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) – info in our calendar listing. (UPDATE: The center tells us this is fully booked with a long waitlist, so no drop-ins!)
CLIMB AT CAMP LONG: Again this week – two special climbing sessions, 5 and 6:30 pm! Our calendar listing has details. (5200 35th SW)
FREE YOGA FOR 12-STEP RECOVERY: Wednesdays this summer, 5-6:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), no registration but MUST arrive no later than 4:55 pm.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is happening at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup – again this week at The Good Society (2701 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces.
INFO SESSIONS FOR FREE TRAINING PROGRAMS: Also: Get ready for future runs with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor)’s free training programs – two have info sessions tonight, 6:30 and 7 pm, as previewed here.
PRACTICE YOUR SPANISH LANGUAGE SKILLS: A local group of Spanish-language learners, dedicated to practicing, gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your craft project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW) for a crafty night, 7-9 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) at 7 pm … Admiral Pub also has trivia at 7 pm (2306 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … It’s Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
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)
‘RENT’ AT VASHON CENTER FOR THE ARTS: Take a ferry to enjoy opening night of this production of the classic musical! (19600 Vashon Highway)
SALSA DANCING: 8 pm lessons with BALORICO at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale, South Park).
KARAOKE X 2: In the south end, Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW), 9 pm … In the north end, sing at Admiral Pub also starting at 9, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
DANCE WITH BALORICO: Lessons at 8 pm and at 9 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation/visitation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Just two weeks until the first day of school for thousands of local students, including most at Roxhill Elementary, who you can support with this fundraiser we were asked to tell you about – here’s the announcement from Friends of Roxhill Elementary:
Did you know that teachers at Roxhill spend their own money on classroom supplies, snacks for hungry students, and even field trips? Help provide equitable experiences for all students by giving to the 2026 Roxhill back-to-school fundraiser!
With support from our West Seattle neighbors, Friends of Roxhill provides each teacher at our school with classroom support to provide a rich learning environment for every student.
Last year, donations helped provide multiple trips to Seattle Children’s Theater, the end-of-year field day celebration, and countless classroom supplies such as materials for science projects, new books, and headphones to help students focus.
Our teachers shouldn’t have to spend their own money to provide basic materials and experiences for their classrooms. Your donation directly goes to our teachers to invest in student learning.
• $25: Covers one student
• $100: Covers a table group
• $450: Covers one whole class!
The donation link is here.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is the same as most recent days, again – cloudy start, sunny later, high in the mid-to-upper 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:10 am today; sunset will be at 8:14 pm.
(Tuesday night sunset, by James Bratsanos)
(Monday night moonset, anonymous reader photo)
CLOSURE PREVIEWS
Admiral District closure – Friday 10 am through late Saturday night – Admiral Block Party setup and festival will close California SW between Admiral and College, plus College east of California
West Seattle low bridge, NB 1st Ave.S. Bridge: Both scheduled to close all weekend
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; check the alert page for last-minute changes.
BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view (closing this weekend):
1st Avenue South Bridge (NB closing again this weekend):
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!
| 28 COMMENTS