West Seattle, Washington
22 Thursday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Morgan Community Association usually packs a ton of updates and revelations into its quarterly meeting, and that’s exactly what happened tonight at The Kenney during the MoCA gathering facilitated by president Deb Barker.
SEATTLE CITY LIGHT EV LOT: Lizzy Kay and Grant Barton from brought an update on the eight-charger lot at Fauntleroy/Morgan/42nd. As we first reported back in xxx, the utility fired its contractor (in late July) and is now working with the entity that bonded the contractor (a surety) to figure out what happens next and when. Next month, they hope to have that information. It won’t have to go out into a full bidding process, she said. “We are absolutely committed to completing this project,” she said. A change emerged in Q&A – all eight chargers will be City Light owned and operated (no Tesla charges after all). Until the work resumes, City Light is checking on the site periodically, and wants to hear about any problems you might see.
MORGAN JUNCTION PARK EXPANSION: Olivia Reed from Seattle Parks said this project is on schedule and budget, with construction anticipated in “late summer” next year; they’re moving toward the 60 percent design milestone. Trae Yang from Parks, the project manager, talked about “risks” on the project, such as the storm-main extension issue. “I’ve found a path forward” with a funding source to cover its costs, she said. That source is a “reimbursement” situation so they have to do the work and then go after the money. Another “minimized risk” was a mysterious culvert discovered under California and beneath the skate-dot site, but she’s had some challenges finding documentation about it – there apparently once was a bridge spanning a ravine. Her “construction sequencing” plans will help ensure the culvert “is not going to be a problem for us.” Some things, she said, “we’re not going to know until we dig.” That could mean they’ll find pockets of contamination not detected before, but she has a “pretty healthy contingency” set aside. She also mentioned a geotechnical report that shows the soils under the skate-dot site “are not as good as we hoped” so they’re working to analyze what that could mean. Construction pricing has been fluctuating wildly too, she said. “Everything could change tomorrow and we could see double the cost.” She also mentioned they’re considering a mid-block crossing based on the anticipated increase in park usage.
In Q&A, Yang said the Eddy Street issue hadn’t been settled yet. She also said they can’t just buy material like concrete now and set it aside – “fixing construction pricing is something we’re not allowed to do.” Beveridge Place Pub co-owner Terri Sink said she hopes that as many of the native plantings can be retained as possible: “We look forward to being partners on the project.” We asked about the current project budget, since they’d mentioned feeling good about it: $1.25 million for the north parcel, $720,000 for the south/skate-dot parcel. Reed said the skate-dot implementation plan will be added to the website soon.
TRAFFIC CONCERN: A father and daughter who live near Fauntleroy/Holly mentioned a school-bus stop at California/Holly requiring a group of middle-schoolers to cross there, in a spot where people come “ripping through” in both directions. So they’re trying to get some improvements there, reaching to SDOT. The daughter said waiting for cars to stop might take a long time, but stepping into the street to ensure drivers can see her can be dangerous too. They’re hoping for support and encouragement, and are already talking with the Safe Routes to School team. michael.harold@gmail.com
POLICE UPDATE: Lt. Pat Daly from the Southwest Precinct brought West Seattle stats first – “crime is down but we understand that may not match the perception in the community.” Big drop in violent crime, down 17 percent; property crime down six percent; auto theft down 31 percent; slight uptick in thefts, 1704 this time last year, 1742 this year; slight uptick in robberies, 90 last year 94 this year, but “our robbery detectives identified a ring of about five individuals responsible for 18 of them, we’ve made some arrests. … A lot of that was convenience stores.” 79 shots-fired incidents so far last year, 70 this year. Morgan Junction specific, 21 burglaries so far this year, less than half what had happened this year; auto theft up a bit, 51 this year compared to 47.
NEW BIZ: Upward Physical Therapy is now open at 6040 California SW. Proprietor Maureen Babcock said it’s been “fun” since opening last December. She’s lived in West Seattle for eight years. They “provide holistic, individualized care” in the gap between injury rehab and “true physical performance.” They also have classes such as getting ready for ski/snowboard season and getting ready for hiking season. Outdoor enthusiasts are their specialty, as well as male pelvic-floor issues and Parkinson’s Disease.
MORGAN HAZARDS WALK: Barker read a reminder from Emergency Hubs organizers about the Morgan Junction Hazards Walk set for 10 am Saturday, meeting outside Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor). Rain cancels.
(Added: Photos by Chi Krneta)
CANDIDATES: Lively Q&A happened after each of four candidates got five minutes to intro themselves. (We’ll be publishing in-depth interviews with all four in the days ahead, but here are a few quick points from what they said at MoCA.)
State House 34th District Position 2
Mary Anito – Education, housing, health care are her three big issues. She mostly said those are all problems that we need to solve, without proposing specific solutions.
Joe Fitzgibbon* – As House Majority Leader, he gets to “do more,” and is proud of his previous environmental leadership. He led the House in the biggest tax-reform package in decades and touted the small-business tax cut and “Millionaires’ Tax” that were part of it. He said there are “policies to pursue” that can increase affordability. (He did not offer specifics.)
King County Council District 8
Nick Duda – “I’m worried about the direction” our city’s heading in. He says it reminds him of Detroit. He says his three key issues are public safety – crime might be down but he’s not hearing that from people he doorbells – public health – particularly addiction and how it factors into homelessness (he said San Francisco-esque policies could be pursued) – financial accountability. He also thinks local/regional leaders have spent too much time worrying about the federal situation.
Teresa Mosqueda (who joined online because she had to stay home with her 7-year-old daughter) – she referred to some of what had been discussed earlier in the meeting and said Safe Routes to School were important to her early advocacy work. Health is a huge issue for her, particularly ensuring people have health insurance and access to affordable care, so she wants the county to invest in its clinics as well as Harborview Medical Center. She also touted investing in affordable housing and arts/culture.
Q&A: First for Mosqueda and Duda, what would you do first, specifically? For one, Mosqueda said, permitting to accelerate housing. For one, Duda said, better tracking of people through homelessness and criminal-justice processes.
Next for Fitzgibbon and Anito, education funding – define “basic education” and the state’s responsibility. Fitzgibbon said there was a new definition in 2017 and then prototypical modeling. That all worked for a few years but now we need to “uncap the revenue stream” to properly fund it. Anito said we need to “properly fund” everything; she mentioned the. PTA at her school, Alki Elementary, funds gaps “but that is not equitable.”
Q for Anito and Fitzgibbon – An attendee felt climate change is the transcending-all issue. She said Anito hadn’t said anything about it.”Climate change is a given” but “it is not EVERYTHING.” She says she’s a scientist but we have to solve the other things first. Fitzgibbon mentioned all the climate laws that passed but we have to figure things out like batteries. The datacenter bill that failed in the State Senate will be revived and should bring in a quarter-billion dollars.
Q for incumbents – lots said about revenue generation, so what taxes/fees have you opposed? Fitzgibbon mentioned an energy tax in 2015, a statewide payroll tax, and a real-estate excise tax. Mosqueda mentioned an “impact fee on housing” that would have been imposed on developers building housing. Duda asked to chime in and went over a list of taxes and fees he said his opponent had supported; Barker steered him back to the question, what would you oppose? He cited one specifically, the latest sales-tax increase passed by the County Council.
Q for Fitzgibbon – if the Millionaires’ Tax survives, what percent would he commit to K-12? He said he thinks more than the 40-50 percent of the state budget that currently goes to it.
Sign of a good meeting – attendees and guests lingered in at least half a dozen follow-up conversations afterward.
NEXT MEETING: MoCA usually meets on third Wednesdays in January, April, July, and October – watch for location announcements at morganjunction.org.
Tonight’s spotlight decorations were sent by MacKenzie:
Warning! An unidentified flying object has crash landed in Arbor Heights. Assistance is requested from available nearby specialists of all ages who are brave enough to join the crew of NASA scientists as we open and enter the presumed extraterrestrial ship. Be prepared to confront alien life forms, inspect non-human technology, and collect samples from the quarantine site. Those willing to go where no human has gone before should arrive at 10427 41st Ave SW on October 31st and look for the spaceship door…
Got decorations worth spotlighting, or seen some? Photos/tips welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
SDOT‘s project to convert a driving lane to rolling/walking space on the downhill side of the Highland Park Way hill is proceeding. The project has now gone out to bid, summarized this way on the city’s site:
Project Description: Improve bicycle and pedestrian connections by widening existing asphalt path and installing downhill protected bicycle lane with concrete barriers, including channelization, landscaping, paving, drainage, and curb ramps. For the purpose of the Bidder/Subcontractor list, this project includes Electrical and Rebar installation.
Engineer’s Estimate: $1,700,000 to $1,800,000
Project Location: Highland Park Way SW between W Marginal Way SW & SW Holden St
You can see the plans here. Bids are expected to be opened on Wednesday, November 4. SDOT revealed the “final design” three months ago; SDOT said at the time that construction will “begin as soon as February 2027.” The idea of removing a driving lane to install a bicycle lane dates back six years, though at the time it was proposed for the uphill side; it was eventually shelved, but resurfaced in a proposal for federal funding in 2022.
For everyone asking about the emergency response in the 5600 block of Beach Drive SW, per police radio, a person is being treated for what’s reported to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
(If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of self-harm, the 988 hotline is open 24-7.)
Seattle Fire Department Ladder 11‘s assignment late this morning didn’t show up on the SFD log, where often a sight like that might be logged as “automatic fire alarm,” so we asked SFD. Spokesperson David Cuerpo says it was just training: “Ladder 11 was on Alki Ave conducting a training exercise at Don Armeni Park. Then they tested their aerial ladder on Alki Ave SW to determine whether they could access the roofs of several low-rise apartment/condo buildings (they could).”
West Seattle’s newest pizza option starts serving up pies this Friday and is taking pre-orders now. Mo Goldberger emailed us with news he’ll be opening Mo’s Dough at the Distinguished Foods kitchens/take-out spot across from the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor). First, we asked about his backstory:
I was a software engineer at Amazon for 4 years. I was very unhappy with my job and quit in July to pursue something that I’d be happier doing. My wife Becca, who had been in school, graduated and got a great job, so it gave me the freedom to give the dream of having a pizza shop a shot.
I have no restaurant experience, but I’ve been making pizza (and bread/dough based things) seriously for about 4 years now. I’ve been obsessed with pizza since I was a kid; I’d eat it almost every day for breakfast and lunch and sometimes dinner as well. As an adult, I became pretty obsessed with making and perfecting pizza, and I’m super excited to get to share it with the neighborhood!
Now, more about the business:
We make vegetarian Neapolitan-style pizza, and it’s pre-order only at order.mosdoughseattle.com
I don’t think words can describe how excited I am to share this: Mo’s Dough’s grand opening is this weekend! We’ll be selling pizza on Friday, October 23 (pickup 5 to 9 pm) and Saturday, October 24 (pickup 2 to 9 pm), and pre-orders are open now. We’re starting with a small menu and small batches so we don’t lose quality as we grow, and we plan to add more pizzas and more nights soon.
Though it’s take-out only, Mo notes Distinguished Foods (4611 36th SW) has a few outdoor tables if you want to have your pizza fresh out of the oven.
Two West Seattle light-rail notes today:
MORE PROPERTY ACQUISITIONS: On the agenda at tomorrow afternoon’s monthly meeting of the Sound Transit board is another round of property acquisitions for the West Seattle Link Extension project; see the list in this document. Of interest, though, is the explanation that most of the properties’ owners/tenants won’t have to relocate. Here’s what the resolution would do:
• Authorizes the acquisition of all or part of 64 parcels located in Seattle for the West Seattle Link
Extension (WSLE) projecto Three properties (one townhome on Pigeon Point, and two non-residential properties) will be acquired in full fee.
o A portion of one industrial property will be acquired as a partial fee acquisition.
• A mix of permanent and temporary easements will be acquired on the remaining 60 properties, including private property and lands controlled by the Port, City of Seattle, and BNSF Railway.
• One residential acquisition and one non-residential full fee acquisition will require relocation. Sound Transit will work with those impacted to ensure they have access to relocation advisory services and other eligible relocation benefits.
As you’ll see on the list and map, the properties are near the SODO end of the project as well as West Seattle/Harbor Island. The meeting is set for 1:30-4 pm; the agenda explains how to attend in-person downtown or online.
INFO SESSION FOR BUSINESSES: The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is co-sponsoring the first of four info sessions for local businesses, next Monday – here’s the announcement just sent with us to share with you:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Rainier Valley Community Development Fund will host a free West Seattle Link Extension Information Session on Monday, October 26, from 5:30 to 7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center’s Thelma Dewitty Theater.
The Chamber is bringing organizations and business resources together so West Seattle businesses can learn what assistance is available, who to contact and how to prepare for light rail construction. Sound Transit and Rainier Valley Community Development Fund will participate, providing project information and discussing resources for businesses.
This is the first of four sessions planned with Rainier Valley Community Development Fund. These sessions will give business owners regular opportunities to meet organizations that can provide support and information as we work together to keep West Seattle businesses operating through construction.
Refreshments and snacks will be provided. The event is free and open to all West Seattle businesses. Onsite and neighborhood parking are available. Nearby transit includes routes 50, 125 and RapidRide H.
The venue is at 4408 Delridge Way SW. You can RSVP by registering here.
Registration link:
(WSB file photo)
1:02 PM: We reported in July on a project planned for that site in the 5000 block of Delridge Way SW, listed as Puget Park Flats, with 29 units planned for “affordable homeownership,” to be built by Habitat for Humanity. Today the city announced a new round of housing-project grants, almost $14 million, and this project is getting a share of that – we have a message out to the city to ask exactly how much. The city announcement says the 29 units will include 17 two-bedroom units and 12 three-bedroom units. The site has been vacant for years but once held a triplex.
11:59 PM: Office of Housing spokesperson Nona Raybern tells WSB tonight that the city granted $5.29 million for Puget Park Flats and $1.26 million for another Habitat project in West Seattle that’s also part of this round of funding, six 4-bedroom townhouses in the 8800 block of 10th SW in Highland Park.
We’ve reported before on crows digging up grass in search of grubs … but readers Shannon and Steve are looking for advice in discouraging larger diggers:
We live near the corner of 44th and Dakota. Three healthy racoons have been visiting us at night over the past week and rototilling our lawn in search of grubs. We have been researching sustainable options to discourage the racoons and recover our lawn, but we have not had much success. We’d love to find out if anyone has experienced this and what solutions have worked. Thank you for any guidance you can provide.
And in case you wondered (we did), yes, it’s definitely raccoons – they later sent pictorial proof:
Advice, anyone?
9:56 AM: 911 callers from Beach Drive just reported “a loud explosion, and then the power went out” – and indeed, the Seattle City Light outage map shows 262 customers out of power in South Alki, as of 9:48 am. No word yet on the exact cause but the “explosion” generally suggests an equipment problem – atop a pole, for example.
10:09 AM: Pole-top problems also can be caused by wildlife – and commenter Lamont‘s observation of a dead pigeon beneath a pole at 61st/Beach Drive indicates that’s what likely happened here.
12:33 PM: We’ve been unable to update till now but Lamont noted in another comment that the power was restored shortly after 10:30 am – so the outage lasted less than an hour.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here is our highlight list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which you can preview any time – our daily highlight list is meant to be a reminder rundown, with last-minute additions too):
READING WITH TODDLERS: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
TALK ABOUT PHARMACOGENETICS: 10:30 am at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), community welcome.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Noon to 6 pm today, visit Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the work on display this year!
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW)
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm, free drop-in homework help for K-12 students, at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 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.
DRAG BINGO: 6-8 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW), hosted by Jolene Granby – our calendar listing has the reservations link.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup – still on SW Lander west of California (outside at The Good Society).
MUSIC AT SEBASTIANO’S: 6-8 pm Spanish guitar at the wine shop (3278 California SW).
EVENING FAMILY STORY TIME: 6 pm at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run from West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight, all welcome, all paces.
PRACTICE SPEAKING SPANISH: A local group of Spanish-language learners gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) to practice – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30-8:30 pm. 21+. Rotating musician lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Find out what’s new with Morgan’s big city projects and hear from candidates in two local races you’re voting on, 7 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW) or online; the agenda explains both.
KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your craft project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW) for a charmingly crafty evening, 7-9 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Play music bingo at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle Wednesday trivia venues: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And Wednesday trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW) with Phil T.
BASEMENT BINGO: Halloween Edition at The Corner Pocket (4302 SW Alaska), 7:30 pm.
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)
DANCE WITH BALORICO: Lessons at 8 pm and 9 pm at VivaArts (now at 4736 California SW) -sign up here.
SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale, South Park). Passes available!
KARAOKE: Sing at Admiral Pub starting at 9 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation? Please email us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Signed up for Saturday’s all-ages West Seattle Monster Dash yet? It’s happening in upper Lincoln Park, with the 5K at 9:30 am and the Kids’ Monster Dash at 10:30 am – costumes, a Kids’ Zone, DJ, food and warm drinks, photos, fun, and fundraising that will make more of a difference this year than ever, because local co-op preschools’ funding remains unsettled. Find out more and sign up, at monsterdash.westseattlepreschools.org
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the low 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:37 am today, with sunset at 6:09 pm.
(Tuesday sunset, photographed by Jen Popp)
CLOSURE REMINDER
SDOT is scheduled to close the low bridge to drivers from 7 am Saturday (October 24) to 4 am Monday (October 26).
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is now on the two-boat schedule with an unscheduled third boat. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Sailing on the regular fall/winter schedule.
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!
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Two new food establishments are poised to open on California Avenue in the first half of November, bringing new food and drink options and late evening operating hours to a block where restaurant food options are limited after 10 pm.
As we first reported a year ago when they signed the lease, franchises Dave’s Hot Chicken and Gong Cha will be moving into the former Haymaker space at 4706 California Ave SW, which is being divided into two separate storefronts. Now the franchisees are ready to talk about the grand openings for each business, along with employment opportunities. Both franchises are owned by the Keshap Group out of Kirkland and sisters from that family business are heading up the franchise development in Washington state. Prachi has Gong Cha, while Sana is opening the Dave’s Hot Chicken stores.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
“The West Seattle permit took a little longer than expected,” says Sana Keshap. In the intervening months, Keshap has opened several Dave’s from Redmond to Tacoma, including one in Issaquah just last week, with Kent and Lynnwood locations slated for December. “I love this brand very much and I want to give it my all. When we’re opening back-to-back like this, it’s tough. I’m getting support pulled in to make sure these openings go smoothly.”
Keshap says the grand opening will be no later than November 13th, though there’s a possibility they will be able to move it up to the first Friday of the month, depending on how construction wraps up. A soft opening will happen the day before. She says they’re expecting a significant crowd in the early days based on the Keshaps’ Capitol Hill location (also a Dave’s/Gong Cha combo), which had more than 2,000 customers during their openings days. While they will eventually be on delivery apps, they will wait until the volume of customers is manageable. “We want to make sure we take care of everyone who shows up in person.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken offers a variety of fried chicken, in 7 levels of spiciness, along with fried mozzarella, fried cauliflower, mac & cheese, shakes, Slushers and other drinks. Keshap says along with serving the community, they actively look to support it with things like fundraisers that donate a portion of sales on a given day. “We have fundraising programs at all our stores. We have a website where groups like sports teams can apply on line and request a date.”
Assistant managers are already being hired for the West Seattle store, and additional positions are being advertised on Indeed. Keshap says the next round of hiring will be for the rest of the store staff, with training ahead of the grand opening. Open hours will be 10am-11pm Sunday-Thursday and 10am-12am Friday and Saturday.
Gong Cha
The bubble tea purveyor, a Taiwanese brand with 2000+ stores worldwide, has just one store so far in Washington. West Seattle’s store will be the second, so Prachi Keshap is bringing the general manager of their Capitol Hill store to help with the grand opening here. She says they only have immediate plans for two more locations, in the region: Tacoma and Portland.
Prachi says Gong Cha encourages an extended soft opening, so they will do that starting November 12th or 13th, with a grand opening on December 3rd and 4th. She says the Gong Cha grand openings often have activities like face painting or performances—details still be worked out. But she says there will be “buy-one-get-one” specials on select drinks during the grand opening.
Gong Cha’s offerings include traditional tea and boba drinks, plus rotating seasonal specials. A recently released horchata-based drink has been so popular at the Capitol Hill location that they expected to run out of supplies for it before the end of the weekend. Prachi says Gong Cha is much more than a typical bubble tea shop because of its reach and international connections. K-Pop star Felix is their global brand ambassador and the stores feature special merchandise like plushies that fans often line up ahead for hours to buy. She also says a limited number of stores, including the new West Seattle one, will have a Super Wu machine. “It’s named after the founder [Wu Zhenhua], but it’s a machine that basically helps us to accurately measure out the drinks.” She says orders generate a QR code, which the Super Wu reads and then dispenses ingredients, making for a consistent product.
Fliers are already up at the Capitol Hill shop advertising open positions in West Seattle, “Then we’re going to be putting up window clings at our West Seattle location. So we’ve started getting resumes in and we’re starting to look.”
Keshap says the Capitol Hill shop has its busiest hours starting around 9-10 pm and into the early morning hours. She knows West Seattle customers may be on a different schedule, which means the hours may change over time. “So we’ll match Dave’s hours and kind of see where we land. Maybe open an hour later [or] close 2 hours earlier.” With separate entries, the stores can complement each other without being tied to the same hours. Gong Cha will also be on the ordering apps.
(WSB photo – Morgan Junction ballot drop box)
Two more weeks to vote – the deadline is Tuesday, November 3. This year’s advice from election officials and advocates has been “vote early” – but so far, most haven’t done that. As of tonight, King County Elections reports receiving ballots from 75,189 of the county’s 1,450,207 registered voters. But when you break it down further, by various jurisdictions, the City Council district that includes West Seattle, District 1, has the highest percentage of ballot returns of any City Council district so far – 6.94%.
The West Seattle Junction ballot drop box – one of four in WS – is the second-most popular one citywide:
If you haven’t voted yet, you can preview who and what’s on your ballot by going here and following the “current election” tab. Ballots in West Seattle include 4 county races, 2 unopposed; 3 state-legislator races, 2 unopposed; U.S. House, WA District 7; 5 State Supreme Court justice races; 2 Appeals Court judge races, both unopposed; 5 District Court judge races, 4 unopposed; 7 Municipal Court judge races, 6 unopposed; 1 city ballot measure; 3 state ballot initiatives.
No ballot yet? Call 206-296-VOTE. Not registered yet? Go here.
(Rain City Ropeworks photo from last summer’s National Championships)
This Sunday is your next chance for a big dose of fall fun – the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival, 11 am-2 pm on Sunday. One of the groups that’ll perform at the Walk-All-Ways intersection is Rain City Ropeworks – here’s how you can jump into their concurrent fundraiser:
Rain City Ropeworks, a youth jump-rope team, is holding its first fundraiser of the year with a sponsor drive.
The campaign culminates at the Harvest Festival on October 25. Sponsors will be displayed at the team’s booth, and Gold-Level Sponsors will be announced during a performance in the Walk-All-Ways intersection. This is a great opportunity for local businesses and the public to show support!
The team’s booster club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Funds help athletes who need financial assistance participate and support programs that build creativity, confidence, belonging, and lifelong fitness.
To donate, visit the team’s sponsorship page, which has the donation form and nonprofit details. Donations can also be sent by Venmo to @rain-city-ropeworks, or supporters can email fundraising@raincityropeworks.org to arrange another payment method.
To learn more about our team, please visit our team brochure.
Near the 40th/Charlestown water standpipe, you’ll again find Wyatt‘s Halloween display – one he says is extra-special:
This year’s display is especially meaningful to me. It represents years of hard work building confidence and resilience. After years of setbacks in the experiential design job market, I was suggested part-time event security. A year and a half in, I’ve gotten to experience places I used to question my worthiness of. One of those is working on the field for Seahawks games, watching defining plays happen right before my eyes, followed by the roar of Lumen Field. I wanted to give my neighborhood the closest I could to that environment.
My reaper represents my challenges and everything I still face (he’s nice, just acting!), while my energetic tombstone symbolizes me and my comeback through reflection, personal grown and accountability. You’ll also hear some Seahawks nostalgia along with the song I hear after every touchdown!
Got – or seen – another special Halloween display, one we haven’t shown yet (scroll through archives here)? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Police are searching for the suspect in a shoplifting incident that became a robbery when the suspect flashed a handgun at store security to get away. This happened at the Jefferson Square Safeway around 3 pm. The man they were seeking was described as white,40ish, black jacket, light jeans, blue sneakers, with a black handgun.
The Chief Sealth International High School girls’ soccer team wants to see you at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex this Thursday (October 22) – senior Caitlyn Lothspeich sent the photos and report explaining why:
Senior Night is taking place this Thursday. 10/22. We will be playing Cleveland for the district championship [pending a victory tonight].
We will be honoring four seniors including myself and are hoping to pack the stands like any boys’ sport. Fr0m left to right in the picture above: Caitlyn Lothspeich #15, Melanie Perez Ramirez #14, Astrid Rojas #1, and goalkeeper Davis Mapes #00.
The Seahawks are 8-1-2. Thursday’s game starts at 4:30 pm.
(WSB photo, October 3)
Just in, the final tally of what got recycled at a big event two-plus weeks ago – Judy Pickens sent this report:
During the October 3 Recycle Roundup hosted by Fauntleroy Church, 527 households and businesses brought 14.5 tons of recyclables for zero-waste 1 Green Planet to return to the resource stream. Since 2010, these twice-yearly free events have collected a total of 414 tons. The spring 2027 roundup is on the calendar for Saturday, May 1.
(Harbor Avenue fall colors, photographed by Bob Burns)
Time for highlights of what’s happening in West Seattle in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau) welcomes little ones and their caregivers, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, free.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: 10 am to 6 pm, visit Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the work that your neighbors are displaying in this year’s showcase.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering with the election approaching, 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 (4470 35th SW), guest speaker Jaime Loucky of the Washington Trails Association.
CHESS CLUB: All levels! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens of classes, presentations, etc., every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One home match, in volleyball – Chief Sealth IHS vs. Ballard, 7 pm at the school gym (2600 SW Thistle).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: For K-12 students, 4-5:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases. This month’s spotlight is on the “strange, surprising, and spectacular.”
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
MAKE MUSIC WITH WSCO: 5:30 pm, musicians are invited to rehearse with West Seattle Community Orchestras at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle).
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), it’s “Unplugged: A Musical Gathering.” All ages, no cover.
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.
SING WITH THE BOEING EMPLOYEES CHOIR … even if you’re not a Boeing employee! Open rehearsals continue tonight, 6:30 pm, at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), and our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
NO TIM’S OPEN MIC: Tim’s Tavern in White Center is still closed because of sewer trouble.
ON ALKI? LEARN ABOUT THE HUB: If disaster strikes, you’re going to want to know about your Emergency Communications Hub, volunteer-powered, neighbors helping neighbors. If you live/work in the Alki area, you can do exactly that tonight at 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – info in our ongoing calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SING WITH THE METS: The Seattle Metropolitan Singers rehearse in West Seattle, and they welcome new singers too. 7 pm – get the location by email (info in our calendar listing).
TRIVIA X 4: Four Tuesday trivia options – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, 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 to play, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm until 1:30 am, sing at The Poggie! (4717 California SW)
Organizing an event, fundraiser, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
That’s what we found on the door at Seaside Grill (2810 Alki SW) early this morning after going over to check out reader reports that it has closed. One sent a social-media screenshot for an “everything must go” sale listed to start at 9:30 this morning. No notices on the exterior, though.
Seaside Grill opened a little over a year ago in the space where Locust Cider had also closed months earlier. The owner was a co-proprietor of Pegasus Pizza when it was in the Alki space from which it was evicted in 2022 (the restaurant now in The Junction is under different ownership).
The 70th anniversary for Chief Sealth International High School will be a party to remember, with your help. Organizers asked us to share this invitation to the kickoff gathering this Thursday night:
Chief Sealth is celebrating their 70th Anniversary!!
Please Save the Date and Join Us!
Saturday, March 13, 2027 at the Brockey Center, South Seattle College
Volunteers needed: CHIEF SEALTH SEAHAWKS DINNER & AUCTION
Kick-Off Meeting: October 22nd, 7:30 pm @ Whisky West (6451 California SW)
Meet the Co-Chairs Mary & Melanie, Share ideas, Sign up for Procurement, and Share your enthusiasm for our great school!
2027 Auction Website: chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/70thcelebration
Sponsor, volunteer, donate an item, experience or dessert, and/or share a favorite Chief Sealth Seahawks memory or photo. Thank you in advance for your support! 2027 Auction — Chief Sealth International High School PTSA
Tickets will go on sale: December 1, 2026
Questions and Inquiries: auction.chiefsealth@gmail.com
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