West Seattle, Washington
08 Thursday
The White Center Food Bank – which serves part of West Seattle too – distributed 1.7 million pounds of food last year to more than 15,500 people last year. We’re now just eight nights away from your chance to support that work. WCFB returns to the White Center HUB – site of its former home at 8th SW and SW 108th – for “Back to Our Roots” on Friday night, October 9. Two acclaimed White Center eateries – Tomo and Patrick’s Café & Bakery – will cater; Tanoa Polynesian Productions will perform; White Center Community Development Association executive director Aaron Garcia and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay will speak. It starts that night with dinner at 6 pm; get your seat at the table by buying a ticket here,
5:17 PM: Thanks to the Alki Elementary parent who forwarded this note sent to families by the school’s principal Mason Skeffington:
Dear Alki families,
I want to share with you some information on an incident from today that has affected some students in our school community.
This morning at approximately 9:15 a.m., it was reported that a stranger approached the fence line and attempted to lure three students away from the playground while they were playing near the fence at recess. The stranger shared that she had something in her car that she wanted to give the students. Our brave students recognized that this was a stranger, ran from the adult and went to report to our trusted adults on staff. The students were unharmed.
Upon learning of the incident, I immediately alerted our SPS Safety and Security, and they responded immediately with support from the regional support specialist. I contacted SPD, provided the details of the incident, and the investigation is ongoing and a case number has been assigned. I also alerted all staff at Alki and especially those assigned to recess duty. We will continue to remain extra-vigilant in supervision of recess, at arrival and dismissal, and throughout the school day as we move forward.
I’m sending you this letter to assure you that we are doing everything we can to support our students, and to suggest ways you may help your children.
Please know, the safety and well-being of Alki Elementary students is our top priority. You can help your children stay safe by talking to them about personal safety.
Remind your student to always be aware of their surroundings and not talk to strangers or go anywhere with them. If you are looking for guidance and tips, these resources might be helpful:
Scholastic: Talking about stranger safety
Seattle Police Department Personal Safety Tips
SPS Coordinated School Health Mental Health ResourcesWe all play a role in school safety. You can text or call the SPS SaferWatch School Tipline 206-222-4357 to report any threats to SPS schools. This phone number is managed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, all year round.
If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 26-292903. We’ll add anything more we find out.
6:51 PM: Here’s the narrative of that police report, provided by SPD:
At 1309 hours, the principal … called 911 to report a suspicious incident that occurred around 0915 hours. He stated some 1st grade students reported an unknown woman had approached the playground’s fence while they were playing. She told the children she had a crown in her car and was trying to get the children to go with her to see it. None of the children went with her but she told the children she would return later. School pick-up was at 1425, so I headed to the school to be present while the children were being released from school.
While being a presence at the school, XXXX approached me and we discussed the incident. He said 3 1st graders had told faculty about the incident and could only describe the female as “grandma age” and in a silver car. I asked if faculty was outside at the time of the incident and he said there were, but none of them saw anything. I asked if there were XXXXX playground and the sidewalk. He said XXXXX.
I told XXXX I would document the incident in case anything further should occur. He said staff was going to be having a meeting about the incident so they are all aware and more vigilant in the future.
Two days away from your next chance to drive up, ride up, walk up to the Fauntleroy Church lot (9140 California SW) for the fall Recycle Roundup – here again is the official list of what you can and can’t drop off:
Recycle Roundup is happening from 9 am to 3 pm on Saturday, October 3, in collaboration with recycler 1 Green Planet. Free (though volunteers will be happy to accept donations to support this twice-yearly event).
After a question from reader Abhi, wondering about the status of The Last Parlor – the event venue planned by Cori Luckenbach in the space where she used to run Bebop Waffle Shop (now a pop-up next door) – we checked in. Abhi was worried because the boards over the windows had stopped mentioning The Last Parlor, almost two years after Cori announced the plan. Not to worry, Cori told us, “The Last Parlor is very much alive!” As for why the exterior at California/Admiral stopped mentioning it, she explained, “I held off on painting a Parlor update because the new windows were supposed to go in any week, and then the boards would come down. That ‘any week’ kept moving.”
She continued, “The good news is that the windows arrived [earlier this week] and are being installed. Once they’re in, the wood comes down and I can finally paint the façade and show the neighborhood what’s been happening inside.”
The Last Parlor’s website was down for a bit too (we can relate) – that compounded Abhi’s concern – but it’s back up now, and you can sign up there for updates. As for an updated projected opening date, Cori says the interior of the 1906 building had to be brought up to code for an “assembly space” and that dealing with the city has been a “long, detailed (awful) process” – but the end (and The Last Parlor’s beginning) is in sight!
We heard a dispatch late last night for a reported burglary attempt at Addy’s Pet Shop in Highland Park, and obtained the report narrative today:
On 9/30/2026 while working fully uniformed patrol as unit 3W22, I was dispatched to 1XXX SW Henderson St XXXX for the following: “RP [reporting party] SAW VIA CAMERA UNK(NOWN) PERSON TRYING TO PICK LOCK AND BREAK IN LOCK 10 MIN AGO.” I arrived on scene and found a broken door handle … on the east side door. Pictures were taken of the damage and uploaded into digital evidence. I contacted the reporting party XXXX … She explained that she witnessed a White/Male/Adult dressed in a gray hoodie, red backpack, light blue baseball cap with white lettering, and dark pants try and pick the lock. When the suspect was unable to open the lock, they proceeded to break the handle off with a piece of lumber. The suspect left the property when XXXX yelled at him through the camera. The suspect was last seen headed south to Henderson St SW.
If you have any information, the SPD incident number to reference is 26-292243.
The two most recent coyote-sighting reports we’ve received were both south of Admiral.
CHARLESTOWN HILL: Reported by Edward this morning:
This morning approx. 10:55 AM in our backyard near 47th & Charlestown. First time in 25 years!
NEAR MADISON MS: This sighting was reported by Thomas last week: “Walking with my dog … We crossed paths with a coyote on the 3200 block.of 45th. This is 1 block north of Madison.”
Our customary reminder: We report coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm. Learn about them, and other wildlife, here.
(Dogwood tree, photographed in Fauntleroy by Phil Sweetland)
Here’s our list of what’s happening around West Seattle in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – THANK YOU to everyone who sends events for us to share!). PLEASE NOTE: Since we’re still experiencing some technical instability today, we’re trying to include source links where possible so you don’t get hung up waiting for our server:
FREE INDOOR PLAY SPACE: 9 am-noon at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau).
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, plant sales featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email [email protected] to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can be there to listen!)
NEW BEGINNER CLOGGING CLASS: Learn to clog! Join the class today, 1:30-2:30 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
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! 4 pm.
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 Asian Crazy.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: In girls’ soccer, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Nathan Hale, 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) …In volleyball, the undefeated CSIHS team hosts Ingraham in the Chief Sealth gym, 7 pm (2600 SW Thistle).
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.
NEEDLE DROP AT THE SKYLARK: Monthly “community listening party,” 5-11 pm, sign up for a spot to play the album you bring to share! (3803 Delridge Way SW)
READY FOR A TSUNAMI? This rescheduled presentation at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 6 pm, has what you need to know.
LEONARD COHEN’S ZEN LIFE: 6 pm presentation at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
POSTCARDING PARTY: 6-8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), gathering to fill out postcards to encourage recipients to vote.
TALKING ABOUT REPARATIONS: Discussion series continues, presented by Admiral Church, held online via Zoom, 6 pm, info in our calendar listing.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – BYO console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm community run, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander).
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s ft. Look Sharp Aim True, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
FREE CONCERT AT ALKI UCC: 7 pm, live jazz with The Susan Pascal Trio at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
(added) WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: BYOB(ook) and read! 7 pm, various venues, listed here.
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
‘THE CHINESE LADY’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, third week begins for “The Chinese Lady” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – info including ticket link is in our calendar listing.
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: 8 pm start. (Behind 4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT THE PUB: 9 pm to close at Max’s Triangle Pub, your chance to sing! (9454 Delridge Way SW)
Working on an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily highlight list? Please email info to [email protected] – thank you!
Family and friends will gather October 10 to remember Nancy Barker, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:
Nancy Lee Barker passed away on August 4, 2026, at the age of 84 in Seattle. She was born on February 23, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to Malcolm and Margaret (Walker) Barker.
As a child, Nancy lived in Japan for several years with her parents and four of her siblings while her father was stationed there. She later attended Fort Lupton High School in Colorado, where she was a cheerleader. During high school, she lived with a neighboring family as a companion and caregiver for their daughter, who was paraplegic.
After graduating, Nancy moved to West Seattle at the invitation of her sister. Determined to find work, she went door to door in downtown Seattle asking for a job and was hired as a telephone operator at Pacific Northwest Bell. Over the course of her career, Nancy became a trainer and mentor, developing deep, lifelong friendships with many of the women she worked with. She continued working for Bell as a communications specialist until her retirement.
While working for the phone company, Nancy met and later married Walter “Walt” Sharp. Together, they purchased a small bungalow overlooking Puget Sound on the west side of West Seattle. They later expanded the property, building a beautiful, light-filled home above the original bungalow, which Nancy eventually used as a rental unit.
In 1978, Nancy and Walt welcomed their son, Keegan. He was Nancy’s whole world. Her fond memories of Japan remained with her throughout her life, and after Keegan grew up and moved away from home, Nancy hosted many Japanese exchange students, welcoming them into her home and her life.
Nancy was known for her great sense of style and regularly received compliments from friends and strangers alike. She closely followed politics and world news, hoping and praying for peace. She cared deeply about her family, especially her son Keegan, as well as Fauntleroy Church, her many friends, and her cats.
A three-time cancer survivor, Nancy never let illness keep her from enjoying the activities she loved, including gardening, hiking, walking, swimming, cooking, and hosting beautiful holiday parties. She enjoyed movies, music, and art of all kinds and enjoyed watching Real Time with Bill Maher. For many years, she participated in the Jingle Bell Run with friends and volunteered with NAMI. She also sang in the Fauntleroy Church choir for more than 18 years and was an active member of three fellowship groups: Sisters, Sojourners, and Solo Seniors.
Nancy is survived by her siblings Patricia Deatrich, Malcolm (Butch) Barker, Sherry Schmidt, and Barbara Loomis, many nieces and nephews, as well as her dear friends Sara and Sarah and their children, whom she regarded as family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Malcolm and Margaret Barker; her siblings, Lawrence (Larry) Barker and JoAnn Windholz; and her beloved son, Keegan Sharp.
A memorial service will be held on October 10, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Fauntleroy Church, United Church of Christ, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lifelong.org in loving memory of her brother Larry, or to the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research in honor of Nancy.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to [email protected])
6:03 AM: Good morning and welcome to October.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise will be at 7:08 am today, while sunset will be at 6:48 pm.
ROAD WORK
The second phase of SW 106th repaving in Arbor Heights is scheduled to conclude today – between 35th SW and 39th SW.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the three-boat schedule (until next Monday, October 5, when it goes to two boats for a month). Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with later night runs Fridays and Saturdays through October 9th, one week from tomorrow.
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 trouble 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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