West Seattle, Washington
08 Tuesday
Thanks to Lynne for the tip. If you want to have Husky Deli ice cream and/or deli food for your holiday-weekend picnic, cookout, etc., be sure to get it by closing time Friday – Husky has announced it’ll be closed Saturday, Sunday, and (Labor Day) Monday. Here’s the happy reason: Jack Miller‘s son Tony is getting married. When we contacted Jack to verify the closure plan, he told us that Tony has something else big in his near-future – “he is currently going to be returning to the store in October, which we are all very excited about.”
3:32 PM: The 4th Avenue exit from the eastbound West Seattle Bridge is closed because of what – according to police radio – started as an attempt to stop a suspected DUI driver in West Seattle. The suspect got onto the bridge, then took the 4th Avenue exit and crashed. The suspect then reportedly refused to get out of the car, but police eventually took him into custody.
3:46 PM: The offramp has reopened.
As we reported recently, Metro relented on its original decision to not restore bus traffic to SW Barton until next spring, even though the repaving work is done. They then decided it could be restored “within weeks.” No date at the time of that announcement, but now a date is set, according to SDOT’s project spokesperson Matthew Howard:
King County Metro intends to restore bus service schedule to the area surrounding the recently finished SW Barton Layover project beginning Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. They will be relocating routes 21, 60, 125, and RapidRide C Line service around Westwood Village. Routes will return to the original pathways and stop patterns on Southwest Barton Street south of Westwood Village and no longer operate on the temporary (detour) route on Southwest Trenton Street. Riders will start to see rider alerts at affected bus stops as soon as the end of this week. We appreciate the patience of riders during these temporary reroutes while this important city work was taking place.
Thanks to the commenters who reported there was more to the story of a crash on the West Seattle Bridge we mentioned around this time yesterday. We followed up with SPD; here’s the police narrative we obtained:
At approximately 1323 hrs officers responded to a call on the West Seattle Bridge of a person running into traffic. The CAD call showed the following remarks:
CHECK FOR MALE WALKING UP THE RAMP TO THE WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE. NO WEAPONS SEEN. WOULD BE GOING EB ON THE BRIDGE.
The West Seattle Bridge has no sidewalks, and is open to vehicular traffic only. Over a dozen people driving their vehicles on the bridge called in to 911 to report the subject … running and chasing cars carrying a dinner plate.
Prior to officers arriving it was updated that he had switched from walking and running in eastbound lanes to walking in westbound lanes. While running around in traffic several vehicles had to take evasive action to avoid hitting (him). Two vehicles ending up becoming involved in a collision that caused an airbag deployment.
(He) was located by officers walking westbound on the West Seattle Bridge. Due to him walking in traffic, making vehicles take evasive action to avoid hitting him, and causing a vehicular collision he was placed under arrest for pedestrian interference.
He was booked into jail and spent just under 24 hours there before being released this afternoon; he is still facing the charge for which he was arrested; it’s a misdemeanor.
12:34 PM: Thanks to Larry for the tip. The aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan should be in view off West Seattle’s west-facing shore if it’s not already – multiple sources say it’s headed out from Bremerton. It’s been homeported there for two years while getting major work done at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard.
12:51 PM: Thanks to Mark Bauschke Photography for the photos.
This is believed to be a trip for post-maintenance sea trials, so we’re likely to see it pass by again, inbound, relatively soon.
We went to SW Barton Place, uphill from/east of Westwood Village, about an hour and a half ago to check on the “RV remediation” sweep announced via no-parking signage. Heading uphill, we saw crews on both sides of the street.
Continuing eastbound in hopes of getting a clearer view, we then passed about half a dozen parked tow trucks, each with a vehicle attached; we pulled into a Delridge/Henderson parking lot just in time to see five of them parade away:
With that, the downhill side of the street has been completely cleared of vehicles. We went through late last night for a baseline and counted three RVs/trailers among other vehicles (sorry, no “before” photo). We don’t know if any of the towed vehicles were confirmed stolen or just towed because they were in violation of the parking restrictions, but we’ll follow up.
(Late-summer sunset photo sent by Chris G)
Here’s 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).
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Get info at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), 11 am.
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily splashing season continues, whatever the weather, at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
WADING POOL CLOSED: The last pool still operating is at Lincoln Park (noon-7 pm, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), but it will be closed today because of cool weather.
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!)
ONLINE PERSONAL SAFETY TRAINING: Free, 2-4 pm; registration info is in our calendar listing.
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 Paparepas.
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)
NEEDLE DROP AT THE SKYLARK: Community vinyl night! Bring an album and choose a side to play, 5 pm. Sign up for a time slot here! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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!
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 Will Rainier & The Pines, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
JAZZ NIGHT AT THE CENTER: 7 to 9 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), $10 at the door.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), get a preview of new music by Movements – free, all ages.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: 7 pm, the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meets at NH Fire Station (1243 SW 112th) – all interested in the unincorporated area, White Center and beyond, are welcome.
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, DJ Viejo Perro Blanco 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!
Family and friends are sharing this remembrance with the community in memory of Craig Mattson:
Craig Andrew Mattson
1953 — 2026Craig Andrew Mattson passed away on June 10th, 2026, peacefully at home with his beloved wife, Jane and their kitties by his side, after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.
Craig was born and raised in West Seattle to John Orville Mattson and Shirley Ann (Joy) Mattson. Craig attended Lafayette Elementary School, James Madison Middle School, and graduated from West Seattle High School in 1972.
Craig had a lifelong love of cars specifically General Motors and Chevrolet Trucks. His father was manager of Gene Fiedler Chevrolet in West Seattle and he followed in his footsteps and began working there at age 17 in 1970 and later became a mechanic. Craig later worked for Clarklift of Washington for a year before returning to the Huling family at Huling Brothers Chevrolet.
Craig met his sweetheart, Jane Marie Nelson in 1976. They married in 1977 and settled in Des Moines.
Craig and Jane had many adventures together, traveling to car shows, and visiting family in Montana. Craig loved and cared for many animals, especially cats.Craig also had a love for history, reading, and collecting antiques. He even owned a Cadillac Flower Car which won many awards at car shows that he and Jane drove it to. Craig was also a member of the Professional Car Society. He loved tinkering, fixing, and working on all his cars.
Craig’s second career began after he left Huling Brothers in 1995 and went to work across the street for Dick and Arlene Kennedy at Howden-Kennedy Funeral Home. Craig became an apprentice funeral director and embalmer. He enjoyed serving families in their time of need.
He lastly worked for the First Call Plus company in Kent, where he was the head hearse driver and fleet vehicle maintenance manager. Funeral Homes across the state would call when they needed extra help or a hearse & driver for a funeral, and Craig was always there.
Craig left us too soon but we will remember him fondly everyday. He is survived by his wife Jane, sister Susan Mattson, sister in laws Jan Perry and Bernadette Nelson, brother-in laws Jim Nelson, Joe Nelson, John Nelson and Mike Perry and 8 nieces and nephews, 5 great nieces and nephews, several cousins and his beloved 4 kitties. A memorial service celebrating his life will be held at a later date. Please check back here for more information.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Seattle PAWS or a charity of your preference. Or Craig would like it if you would take care of a cat in need.
Please share memories, photos, and condolences on the guestbook, located at: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/craig-mattson
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
7:30 AM: Texter reports crash on WB bridge near 99 but says no lanes blocked so far.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 3, 2026.
BACK TO SCHOOL WEEK CONTINUES
School starts today for Highline Public Schools (grades 1-12), the district immediately south of West Seattle. Most other area schools/districts are already open.
Also, one more reminder that since last school year, school-zone speed-ticket cameras have been added on Admiral Way for Alki Elementary and on California SW for WSHS and Lafayette Elementary.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast is for more showers today, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise will be at 6:30 am today; sunset will be at 7:45 pm.
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!
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