West Seattle, Washington
04 Friday
(File photo)
Two weeks after a committee recommendation to pass it, the Sound Transit Board gave final approval today to a plan to acquire more than 50 properties for West Seattle light rail. About half of them are in West Seattle (here’s the full list), including the infamous vacant house above, 3804 23rd SW, across from The Skylark. We’ve followed its saga off and on for almost the entire span of the nearly 20 years we’ve been covering local news on WSB, dating to a community advocate leading city councilmembers on a tour of North Delridge problem properties in 2009. Over the years, it’s had various development proposals, despite its odd spot perched over a busy onramp to the high bridge; it seemed on the ropes in 2017, and has changed hands multiple times, last sold for $245,000 in 2018 … now it seems ST will become its final owner.
ALSO AT TODAY’S BOARD MEETING: The board approved a $765 million budget amendment that among other things includes money for these acquisitions (which are only a start – it was noted that more will come before the board before year’s end). ST executives clarified, in response to board questions, that this isn’t extra money being added to the project – it’s just moving money around so it can be spent, (“Like moving it from the savings account to the checking account” was one description.)
That’s how Mara captioned these photos she sent us of work under way today on the north Lincoln Park waterfront trail, with a bit more explanation:
The uncovering of the retaining wall holding up much of the North End of the Park trails around the water. Thank you to Seattle Parks and Recreation for bringing the park back to life.
Much of the Lincoln Park infrastructure is a lot older than 40 years old – built in the 1930s. We’ll check with Seattle Parks tomorrow to see if they can tell us more about the retaining-wall work.
4:31 PM: Thanks to Jenn Dowell for that photo of the full moon that’s peaking tonight at 9:18 pm our time. Tonight also brings a lunar eclipse, peaking right around that time (lots of info on Space.com). The biggest question here is whether the moon be visible then, or whether clouds will block it – we’re seeing some hope for breaks in the cloud cover.
9:10 PM: Visible from Highland Park!
NOTE: Thanks for the photos! We received a few by email and will add them Friday morning.
If you’ve swum lately in Lincoln Park‘s outdoor salt-water Colman Pool, you’ve probably noticed the water’s chillier than usual. A reader told us about the pool’s heater breakdown, which we mentioned in our daily event list while waiting for repair info from Seattle Parks. Now we have it: “Repairs are currently scheduled for tomorrow and are expected to be complete by early next week.” Colman Pool’s seven-day-a-week operations continue through this Sunday (August 30) and then it’ll be open for three post-season weekends – September 5-7, 12-13, and 19-20 – before closing until next year.
After we published local author Bob Wyss‘s announcement that his book “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal“ is a finalist for this year’s Washington State Book Awards, readers pointed out two more local writers on the finalist list:
-In the same category as Wyss’s book, General Nonfiction/Biography, is Claudia Rowe‘s “Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care.”
-In the Poetry category is a book that was launched with an event in West Seattle last year, Katy E. Ellis‘s “Forty Bouts in the Wilderness.” Ellis lives on Vashon Island now but has West Seattle ties including her five years co-curating the WordsWest Literary Series.
Good luck to all! Winners will be announced in mid-September.
When Sound Transit announced last week that it needed to do some work that would close the bike/foot path near the West Seattle Bridge, much discussion ensued, mostly involving the description of the work zone. Then readers said they went through the area during what was supposed to be the closure, but found it open. Today, we received this explanation from Sound Transit:
Our planned West Seattle Bridge bike path closure near Delridge Way SW, 22nd Ave SW, and SW Charlestown Street has been cancelled. When our engineers began their work, they encountered unmarked utilities and
communications cables and decided to postpone their work until mid-September.We’ve received input and suggestions regarding the signed bike detours during this closure. Our team is reviewing the comments and feedback, and will consider them when planning future bike path closures and detours. Be on the lookout for more details about our rescheduled bike path closure.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact the WSLE project team at westseattlelink@soundtransit.org or 206-903-7229. You can also contact the after-hours construction hotline at
Also on the topic of West Seattle light rail – now with an estimated opening date of 2035 – the full ST board is scheduled to vote this afternoon on two related items, dozens of property acquisitions and a budget adjustment that will pay for them.
(Olympics this morning, photographed by Lura Ercolano)
Welcome to today’s list of what’s happening around West Seattle, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, plant sales featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily splashing season continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
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: The last pool still open is at Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: As seen at the Admiral Block Party! From newbie to pro, 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 be there to listen!)
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD MEETING: West Seattle property acquisitions are on the agenda (which explains how to participate/watch), 1:30 pm downtown or online.
WEST SEATTLE SOCIAL HOUR: Want to meet people – in person? Camp West (4539 California SW) is hosting a weekly “social hour” where you can drop in (21+) and do that!
DROP-IN CHESS: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is happening today – people under 18 can drop in 4-5:30 pm to play. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS – this week and every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) hosts a food truck. Tonight it’s El Gran Taco.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) welcomes volunteers weekly to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks – you can take some home too. Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle. While you’re there, check out the ongoing West Seattle Art Tour preview!
GRIEF IS CRAFTY: 6 pm at The Missing Piece (California/Alaska), monthly craft circle for grieving people – info in our calendar listing.
POSTCARDING PARTY: 6-8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), gathering to fill out postcards to encourage recipients to vote.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run, with a track-workout alternative.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Christy McWilson, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at 2 Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW), this month reading “American Afterlives.”
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Aerosol, Leonard Jarvey and the Sock Monkeys, Failed 504, Superbrown, 8 pm, all ages, $10 cover. (3803)
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, DJ Toph One at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), starting at 8 pm.
KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to closing time, time to sing! (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily highlight list? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
This year’s “carnival of community” at Holy Rosary School, WestFest, is just a few weeks away, but it’s not too late to become a sponsor:
WestFest is Coming – Friday, Sept 18 & Saturday, Sept 19!
WestFest is just around the corner! Each year, WestFest brings together our community for two days of fun—complete with a packed beer garden, delicious food booths, thrilling rides, lively bingo, and entertainment in the gym. It’s a wonderful tradition that draws families and neighbors from across the area.
We’d love for you to consider sponsoring WestFest 2026. Sponsorship not only supports Holy Rosary School but also provides your business with excellent visibility through event signage, recognition, and community connection.
For details on sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to Ava Roozbehani at avaroozbeh@gmail.com.
Thank you for your support!
-The WestFest Committee
Killer whales are currently “milling” in north Elliott Bay, Kersti Muul tells WSB.
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, August 27, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for increasing sunshine, high in the low 70s. Sunrise will be at 6:21 am today; sunset will be at 7:59 pm (8 pm sunsets will return in mid-April).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
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:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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!
4:01 AM: SFD has sent a big response to the 3600 block of SW 107th for a reported residential fire.
They discovered and extinguished a deck fire.
11:50 AM: We asked SFD about the cause. Spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB:
Our investigators ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined and shared their findings with Seattle Police. The fire likely started on the deck, but firefighters were able to extinguish it before it could extend into the building. No injuries were reported.
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