West Seattle, Washington
13 Saturday
WSB PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN, VIDEO BY TRACY RECORD
State Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González was first to roll down the route of this morning’s Fiestas Patrias Parade in South Park, presiding as Grand Marshal this year. He wasn’t the only participant for whom justice resounded – another was the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, always advocating for environmental justice:
One entry carried tributes to legendary fighters for justice and health:
Several displayed the inspirational slogan “Si si puede” (Yes, we can):
Fiestas Patrias is primarily a celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, all displayed in abundance during the parade, with multiple folkloric-dancing groups:
Culture also rolled and bounced down the parade route with members of the Eazy Duz It Car Club, too:
The vehicles representing parade organizer Sea Mar Community Health Centers‘ many branches were lavishly decorated, some whimsically with characters in the spirit of family health.
Meantime, schools participating today included Chief Sealth International High School, whose cheer team walked the route, followed by members of the 2-0 football team:
The Sealth and Denny International Middle School program Proyecto Saber had an entry too, as did Concord International Elementary, with the most pointed signs of the parade, including “No Human Is Illegal” and “Abolish ICE.” Other participants were simply exuberant:
The last major entry featured more than 50 horseback riders – and one other livestock sighting:
Relatively few government reps in the parade – District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka was in it, as were some Seattle Police and a Metro bus. After the parade, which lasted almost an hour with some long stopdowns, Sea Mar’s Fiestas Patrias celebration at Seattle Center downtown opened; it continues tomorrow.
(WSB PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN)
The sunlight gleamed while the volunteers gleamed. Above are the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) and Scouting America volunteers who fanned out this morning to 20 sites where residents/owners had volunteered more than 40 fruit trees for gleaning – harvesting so the fruit could be given to local food banks.
The sites were identified after the Rotary’s open invitation to the community earlier this summer.
Volunteers fanned out to the 20 sites after a short group meetup this morning.
(Scout Brita Gill picks an apple in front of a house that volunteered five trees, including apples, pears, and plums)
(Rotarian Martha Sidlo)
(From left, scout Josie Gill, rotary member Martha Sidlo, and scout Brita Gill pick fruit from a volunteer’s trees)
Once the gleaning was over, it was time for the next step in the process. At the West Seattle Food Bank, development director Robbin Peterson took this photo of volunteers delivering what eventually amounted to more than 840 pounds of fruit!
(Bryan and Mike from WS Rotary, Robert from White Center Food Bank)
Robbin observes, “It was a beautiful and fun day in community, getting to meet neighbors and ne friends, while doing good for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.” The gleaning event was also in partnership with City Fruit, who facilitates this kind of harvesting year-round.
2:38 PM: The Southern Resident Killer Whales of J-Pod have been seen in central Puget Sound, “coming south all day” per Kersti Muul. That would be their first visit of the season, she adds. But they’re in the news today for a sad reason – a loss. Another newborn calf has died, the Center for Whale Research reported:
Late in the morning on September 12th, several sources alerted CWR researchers to apparent sightings of a southern resident killer whale pushing a deceased calf in Rosario Strait. CWR researchers arrived in the area in the early afternoon, and sadly were able to confirm that southern resident J36 was pushing a deceased female neonate, with umbilical cord still attached.
Based on the size of the calf, we estimate that the calf was either full term or near full term. It is unclear if this was a stillbirth or if the calf died shortly after birth. Based on when we last observed J36, this calf would have been born within the last 3 days.
Researchers from SR3, SeaDoc Society, and the Whale Museum soon arrived on scene and conducted further documentation and measurement. We will share more when we can, and work with the other research teams to piece together what information we can about this calf and J36’s status.
Kersti notes that the mom, J36, has lost one of her offspring before – J52, whose death at age 2 1/2 we noted eight years ago.
2:41 PM: Just as we were publishing the notes above, we heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who plans to be at Emma Schmitz Overlook (across from Me Kwa Mooks, 4500 block Beach Drive) with binoculars to share. She estimates the orcas might be in view from West Seattle, looking north, by about 3:15 pm.
3:01 PM: No orca-watching after all – Donna just told us the orcas turned around at West Point (northwest edge of Elliott Bay) and are headed northbound.
In case you can’t believe it’s free, the sign reiterates it – the Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s Give-and-Take Sale is full of items donated so that people can take what they need. Free of charge, or you can make a monetary donation to the PTA. Thanks to Mel for the photo and for this quick video look at the sale setup at the school:
HP Elementary is at 1012 SW Trenton, and the Give-and-Take Sale continues until 3 pm.
(WSB photos)
One week from today – Saturday, September 20 – it’s the next Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup. We’re reminding you today in case you want to spend part of this weekend deciding what to recycle! The church partners with 1 Green Planet twice a year to accept a wide variety of dropped-off items – offering the service free of charge – and the time window is 9 am to 3 pm, so you don’t have to rush and get caught in a big backup. The church’s lot is at 9140 California SW; here’s the list of what will and won’t be accepted next Saturday:
Here’s the PDF version.
Welcome to the weekend! Here’s our West Seattle list for Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
GIVE AND TAKE SALE: Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s annual donate-if-you-can, take-what-you-need sale! Drop off donations starting at 8 am; shopping starts at 9 am. Monetary donations benefit the PTA (and therefore students). At HPE (1012 SW Trenton)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
(Photo by Ana Del Claro)
SECOND-TIME SALE: Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) has its big sale this weekend, starting with shopping hours 9 am-4 pm today, as previewed here.
OTHER GARAGE/YARD SALES: See this weekend’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
GENERATIVE AI = ONLINE HARM: Speaker presentation at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 9:30 am.
FIESTAS PATRIAS PARADE: 10 am in South Park, annual celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, starts at 14th S./S. Henderson and heads north on 14th to Cloverdale, then west.
ALKI KAYAK TOURS’ END-OF-SEASON SALE: Watercraft and gear, both new and used, with deals, demos, and a chance to try before you buy! Details in our calendar listing. 10 am-6 pm at AKT HQ at Seacrest Boathouse (1660 Harbor SW).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, sweet treats, body-care products, more!
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
ALKI HISTORY TOUR: Two spots left on the Log House Museum‘s walking tour, per its website! Meet at the museum at 11 am. (61st/Stevens)
COLMAN POOL POST-SEASON SESSIONS: Second-to-last day this year! 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). While you’re there, see the West Seattle Art Tour preview work!
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
BENEFITS OF NW NATIVE PLANTS: Garden Hotline presentation at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 1:30 pm.
RAT CITY YOUTH SHOWCASE: 2 pm-4 pm open mic for youth music and poetry at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th), free.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Hear David Bowie‘s “I Can’t Give Everything Away” at 6 pm, with giveaays. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Etchings, Pine Circle, Blip. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Topspin at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
For the second consecutive Friday night, Chief Sealth International High School won their football game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. This time, though, the Seahawks weren’t the home team – that designation belonged to their opponents, Franklin High School. The Seahawks kept the Quakers from getting close to the end one the entire night, with a final score of 20-0. They didn’t get on the board until almost literally the last second of the first quarter, when #1, senior Ogi Petronijevic, kicked the first of his two field goals:
The first TD, though, came from one of the freshmen on the Sealth squad, #3, Marquis Tovia:
That was at 7:15 to go in the first half. The Seahawks’ other TD was by senior #21 Marshawn Tovia-Ford, and the halftime score was CSIHS 17, FHS 0. The second half saw only a Sealth field goal but plenty of penalty flags as well as injuries on both sides, and though the Quakers started to make a little progress late in the game, they ran out of time. As noted earlier, Sealth plays West Seattle High School at NCSWAC next Friday, 7 pm.
West Seattle High School‘s football team was supposed to kick off its season last Friday in Yakima, but wildfire smoke canceled the game and trip. So tonight’s game at Interlake HS in Bellevue was the delayed season opener. The Wildcats, under head coach Anthony Stordahl, emerged triumphant, 14-7. Next week they play crosstown counterparts Chief Sealth IHS in the annual Huling Bowl, 7 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), where CSIHS won again tonight (that story next).
(Added: WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)
10:48 PM: An initial “rescue extrication” response was quickly downsized this past half-hour when crews got to the scene where a driver was reported to have gone over the embankment from Hamilton Viewpoint onto California Way below. They reported that the driver, a man in his early 20s, was out of the car and conscious, so no extricating was necessary. They’re now evaluating the driver for impairment.
11:02 PM: California Way remains closed while officers await an SDOT crew to clean up the fluid spill from the crash.
11:45 PM: Officers just told dispatch the street has reopened.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Summer recaps, a look ahead, and an impending farewell headlined last night’s Seattle Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners meeting. We monitored it online for items of potential West Seattle interest.
The farewell was from Senior Deputy Superintendent Christopher Williams (file photo at right), who declared the meeting to be likely his last, as he will soon be retiring after 33 years of service. Through the superintendent changes in recent years, Williams has led the department (and declined offers of the top job, we’ve been told), including more than five years as acting superintendent a decade ago; he is a former West Seattleite and Chief Sealth alum.
He presented the Superintendent’s Report last night; that and the review of the summer season for aquatics and recreation contained a number of highlights for Seattle parks during this summer. This discussion went over the continuing success of the Parks Department’s ongoing efforts to provide a variety of events at parks across the area. His notable examples included the partnership with GreenStage, whose productions of Shakespeare plays saw an attendance of 11,600 people for 53 performances across 17 parks, including their performances this summer at several West Seattle parks, such as Lincoln Park and Camp Long.
Fauntleroy Church invites you to shop all weekend! Here’s a preview:
The doors will open at 9:00 am tomorrow on another huge Second-Time Sale at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW). Members and friends of the congregation have been donating quality items for these annual sales since 1992 and this year is no exception. Expect to find bargain prices on housewares, jewelry, books, furniture, toys, linens – you name it and you’ll likely find it in the sale. Hours: Saturday 9:00 am-4:00 pm and Sunday 11:30 am-3:00 pm. Cash, check, or Venmo welcome. Here are a few exceptional things in the sale:
1920s leather-topped desk
Vintage hand-crocheted queen/king bedspread
Antique Italian wine cart with inlay
Bevy of Pop! figures and mountain of new cookware
(All photos by Ana De Claro)
(WSB photo)
4:12 PM: If you passed that scene at Fauntleroy/Webster near the Solstice Park tennis courts, you might have assumed it was “just” a crash. But one driver fled the scene on foot, and officers say witnesses told them he tried to randomly hit multiple pedestrians before the crash, which reportedly involved another driver who tried to stop him. Police told us the car whose driver they were seeking was not stolen, so far as they can tell, but couldn’t tell us anything more. We’re still gathering information on this – police have just tracked a possible suspect to Fauntleroy/California.
4:15 PM: Officers just told dispatch a witness has positively identified the person they’ve detained in Morgan Junction. We’re still checking on what if any injuries were suffered at the original scene.
SATURDAY UPDATE: Police have released a short summary, which indicates the driver who deliberately hit the suspect’s car was an off-duty officer:
At 1522 hours, officers were dispatched to a hit and run collision in the SW precinct. Updates came over radio that the suspect was fleeing on foot, but witnesses were providing updates of the suspect’s location. When officers arrived on scene, it was determined that the suspect was driving erratically and trying to run over pedestrians. An off-duty SPD officer witnessed the attempted assaults and Type II force was used by that officer to stop the suspect. Patrol immediately began an area check and was able to locate the suspect. He was taken into custody and booked into KCJ for investigation of Assault.
We will be pursuing additional followup information; meantime, we’re still waiting to hear back from SFD regarding whether anyone was injured.
Separate from the upcoming emergency repair work on one of the culverts that carries Fauntleroy Creek underground, Seattle Public Utilities is ramping up for the 2-year project to replace another one, on 45th Avenue SW north of the Endolyne business district. At the meeting organized by the Fauntleroy Community Association earlier this summer (WSB coverage here), SPU promised a full community briefing/Q&A gathering, and they’ve just announced it will happen on October 2:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is hosting a public meeting with light snacks in the Vashon Room at the Hall at Fauntleroy located at 9131 California Ave SW. The project team will share information and project updates about the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project on October 2, 2025 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm!
There are three culverts on Fauntleroy Creek: a lower culvert at Fauntleroy Way SW, a middle culvert at 45th Ave SW, and an upper culvert at California Ave SW. SPU is implementing a phased program to replace two of these culverts, those at 45th Ave SW and at California Ave SW. The Fauntleroy Way Culvert [east of the ferry terminal] and associated fish ladder were built in the late 1990s and are not part of the Fauntleroy Creek Culverts Replacement Program.
The October public meeting is your opportunity to hear from the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project team and ask questions … The presentation will include a project overview, design update, and expected construction impacts during the two years of construction. In addition, you will hear status updates for the Emergency Culvert Repair work under California Ave SW.
SPU plans to replace the aging culvert under 45th Ave SW near SW Wildwood Pl. The culvert is a structure that channels Fauntleroy Creek under the roadway. Replacing this culvert will restore fish passage, reduce the risk of culvert failure, improve resilience to anticipated climate change, and provide safer working conditions for crews.
SPU also plans to replace the aging culvert under California Ave SW. As design begins for that project, SPU has determined that an emergency repair is necessary to establish stabilization until the culvert can be replaced with a fish-passage structure in the future.More information can be found on the program website.
Here’s the city’s current timeline for this project:
• Planning and Early Design: 2018 – 2023
• Mid-Design: 2023 – 2024
• Final Design: 2024 – 2025
• Construction: Spring 2026 – Summer 2028
Whale-watching on Alki is a popular pastime. It’s not usually this kind of whale-watching, though – Marianne is hoping someone will spot Boris the stolen whale:
REWARD: Boris, our beloved whale, has been stolen from our house near Alki. He has very special meaning to our family, so much so he was specifically called out in the paperwork of the sale of the house. Please contact me if you have any information or saw anything. If he returns magically there will be no questions asked, please please please help me find Boris for my children and our family.
No police-report number yet (we’ll add when available). Boris’s home is near 60th/Stevens.
Two biznotes about sales happening today:
END-OF-SEASON WATERCRAFT/GEAR SALE: Today is the first day of a three-day sale by Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest:
We have a variety of used kayaks, paddle boards, and accessories available at amazing prices. The event will also include on-water demos and a chance for the community to buy and sell their own watercraft.
Alki Kayak Tours’ End-of-Season Boat Swap & Gear Sale! Join us Friday, Sat, Sun (Sept. 12th,13th & 14th) for amazing deals on gently used & consigned kayaks, paddle boards, paddles, life jackets, and more! (wet suits, dry suits & paddle clothes, etc. as well as 25% off select new gear and merchandise). Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save big and gear up to explore the breathtaking Pacific Northwest waterways!
When: Fri 9/12 12:00-6:00
Sat 9/13 10:00-6:00
Sun 9/14 11:00-6:00Where: Alki Kayak Tours
1660 Harbor Ave SW
‘NAME YOUR PRICE’ JUNK SALE: Razzie’s Junk Removal, at the former Tony’s Market (35th/Barton), is selling off some of what it’s collected, to celebrate its 1-year anniversary. Stop by before 4 pm today.
Proprietor Raz Vorng explains, “Most of the items come from customers’ homes. A lot of these things are stil in good condition and I can’t see myself tossing it out, owners simply wanted them gone. Normally I donate everything to nonprofits, but recently they asked me to pause since they’ve been overwhelmed with donations. Because of that, I’ve started setting aside the good items we collect.” And today, they’re available for purchase, you name the price.
Just got word of a disaster drill next week with a helicopter component that may draw notice over southeast West Seattle, South Park, and White Center. From Seattle Fire:
The Seattle Fire Department and Washington National Guard are conducting an aviation drill in the South Park/White Center area on (Tuesday-Wednesday) Sept. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The purpose of the drill is to practice rescue operations in the event a fire in a high-rise building or a natural disaster (such as an earthquake) were to occur. The community may see a National Guard helicopter circling in the area during the drill.
The Joint Training Facility (9401 Myers Way S.) will be involved. We noted a similar drill nine years ago.
(Western Honey Bee stocking up on late-summer pollen – photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Here are 13 Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
‘WE ARE WEST SEATTLE’: West Seattle small businesses band together for a spotlight week, continuing today, explained in our calendar listing.
CITY COUNCIL HEARING: Last major public hearing on phase 1 of revised Comprehensive Plan/rezoning starts now (9:30 am) with online comment, and in-person comment at City Hall at 3 pm. This preview explains how to participate. (Watch live here. ADDED – The online testimony ended at 12:19 pm; in-person will start at 3, and also be streamed.)
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor playtime for little ones is back, 10 am-11:30 am Fridays at Arbor Heights Community Church. (4113 SW 102nd)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: 12:30-1 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle: “We have wines for picnics, cookouts, hikes, camping, boating, and even just hanging out on the deck.” Plus, preview West Seattle Art Tour artists’ work!
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) features the monthly Songwriters’ Showcase tonight, 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: One local-team home game at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin, 7 pm, which is also when West Seattle HS plays at Interlake.
MOVIE AT MAARTEN PARK: See the original “Star Wars” tonight at dusk! Free. (42nd SW/SW Juneau)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: “Improvisational dance experience” with Chonk, doors 7, show 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Peg tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with DJ – tonight, DJ Mike Illvester – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather September 26 to remember Ray Giacomini, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
Romano “Ray” John Giacomini was born December 7, 1930, and went to heaven on August 23, 2025.
Ray was born in Gary, IN to Lorenzo and Luiga “Louise” Giacomini, Italian immigrants from Udine, Italy. Our Dad and Nonno is survived by his daughter, Tina Huston, son-in-law, Jeff Huston, his granddaughters, Mallory Huston and Paige Huston, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Louise, his parents Lorenzo and Louise Giacomini, his brother Larry Giacomini, and brothers-in-law Mimo Campagnaro and Fred Campagnaro.
Ray was born at the beginning of the Great Depression. His father became unemployed, and the bank closed – taking his parents’ savings. This left a big impact on him and affected the way he looked at life. Ray graduated from Merrillville High School in Merrillville, IN. He worked in the steel industry before enlisting in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After leaving the U.S. Army, he attended Purdue University and received a degree in Electrical Engineering. He secured a job with Boeing and left for Washington state, which he affectionately called “God’s country.” He vowed never to return to the cold winters of Indiana.
While at Boeing, Ray met a beautiful security clearance clerk, Mary Louise Campagnaro, and they married in June 1962. Soon after, Ray was transferred to Vandenberg AFB to work on missiles. After a few years, he went to work for Lockheed in San Diego. During his career in San Diego, Ray worked on the DSRV, Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicles. San Diego became home, residing there for over 50 years.
Ray was a family man. His family always came first. He was a wonderful provider, a great teacher, and a fixer extraordinaire. Ray and Mary Louise enjoyed many years of retirement and travel with family and friends. Their devotion to their granddaughters made a huge impact on their lives. We are eternally grateful for the additional years we had with him. Rest in Peace, Dad and Nonno. Continue to watch over us and provide guidance. Give Mom and Nonna a hug and kiss from us – SEE YOU LATER, ALLIGATOR!
Funeral mass is Friday, September 26th at 11 am, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4210 SW Genesee St. Interment immediately following at Holyrood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Autism Society of America, San Diego Chapter SWIM PROGRAM. 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123
(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)
8:59 AM: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run is down to two boats.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 12, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for a partly sunny day, high around 70. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:43 am; sunset will be at 7:26 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Construction on 16th around SW Holden is scheduled to continue.
-Monday, 59th SW in Alki is scheduled to close for a month at the school-construction zone.
SATURDAY ALERT
The Fiestas Patrias Parade in South Park on Saturday morning will close parts of 14th South and South Cloverdale, and reroute Metro Route 60.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Issaquah, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners‘ homestand continues with a7:10 pm game vs. the Angels.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
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!
(Added: WSB/WCN photo)
9:42 PM: Thanks for all the tips about Guardian One over north White Center. We’re catching up on what King County Sheriff’s Office dispatched as a stabbing and robbery, apparently at or near a bus stop on the White Center side of 15th and Roxbury. More info to come.
9:53 PM: The person who was stabbed has been taken to Harborview Medical Center.
10:06 PM: Deputies have one possible suspect detained; meantime, they’re clearing the original scene.
ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: We checked with KCSO, and they add, “Upon canvassing the area, one deputy located a group of men; he identified one matching the description of one of the suspects; he was taken into custody and then it was discovered there was a felony for his arrest from the DOC for escaped community custody. The deputy found scissors and a box cutter on him.” The investigation continues; if you have any information, you can refer to KCSO case C25027702.”
Maybe you’ll find Matt B‘s son’s bicycle, dumped in your neighborhood …
This 20” olive green Novara bike that belongs to my 4th grader was stolen from our place today near 37th and Cambridge. It was taken from our driveway between 2:30 and 4:45. They threw my kid’s helmet on the ground. The rear fender was no longer on it. Just in case it turns up somewhere … he doesn’t know it’s missing yet and will be heartbroken.
SATURDAY: See comments for the saga of how the bike owner’s mom got it back.
5:41 PM: A “thunderstorm of art” is how one attendee described our first stop on tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk:
It’s happening in the back room at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) – the preview of the upcoming WWest Seattle Art Tour. Many of the artists who’ll be spotlighted on the two-day tour are at Viscon Cellars tonight:
And of course, so are examples of their art:
Taste wine, taste art – you can do both if you want at Viscon Cellars until 9 pm (and the preview art will be up the next two days too). Meantime, here’s the list of Art Walk venues:
Tonight’s specific venues and shows can be previewed here – and go here for the lineup of the Art of Music mini-concerts, which start at four venues at 6 pm!
6:28 PM: Alki is a hotspot this Art Walk, with shows at three venues, including the Log House Museum, tonight showing work by Shannon Kringen:
The artist had stepped out for a moment when we stopped by, but should be back if you visit. Some of her items are reminders that she was long famous on public-access TV – what YouTube has become, in part – as Goddess Kringen. Meantime, Art Walk night is also a rare chance to see the museum in the evening (it’s regularly open Fridays and Saturdays noon-4 pm) – it’s at 61st/Stevens, open tonight until 8.
7:31 PM: Alki Arts (6030 California SW) is the southernmost Art of Music venue this month – we visited for a quick clip of the instrumentalists playing there tonight:
That’s Bob Antolin and Chet Corpt (Chet’s playing the kora), with tonight’s setting sun behind them and to the right.
(October 1, 2024, WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)
Almost a year has passed since the shooting that killed 57-year-old Dr. Tammy Towers Parry at her house south of The Junction, known for its large flag and QAnon sign. As The Seattle Times first reported this morning, investigators have concluded their review of the case, and decided that the process server who killed her would not be charged. According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office memo, which we obtained this afternoon, the Seattle Police detective assigned to the case decided not to refer it to the KCPAO for charges, but requested they review the evidence for a second opinion. Here’s a verbatim excerpt from the resulting memo dated June 3 (note that NCD-RP means the person’s name has been redacted – also note that although the memo says October 2, 2024, the shooting was on October 1):
… The evidence here indicates that P NCD-RP and G NCD-RP approached Towers’ foreclosed-upon home in West Seattle on October 2, 2024 just after 1:00 pm, in broad daylight, to inform Towers that P NCD-RP had purchased the home at auction, and that she needed to vacate the premises. They had previously attempted to make contact with Towers, and had left a card on her front door. According to both P NCD-RP and G NCD-RP, who were separated just minutes after the shooting, and still gave consistent statements, Towers came to the door brandishing a shotgun. P NCD-RP and G NCD-RP immediately retreated, as P NCD-RP yelled that he was simply there to serve Towers with papers. Towers opened the door and walked onto the porch, said “I see you!”, and something to the effect of “I’m going to shoot you!” and ‘racked’ the shotgun. She pointed the shotgun first at P NCD-RP – who was backing away toward the street – and then at G NCD-RP, who had retreated to the side of the porch and was standing just over 6 feet away. C NCD-RP, who was carrying a handgun in a hip holster, with a valid CCP, drew his firearm and fired at Towers twice. Officers responded less than 3 minutes later, and found Towers on the porch with a loaded shotgun that had a round chambered.
In talking to Towers’ family during your follow-up investigation, you learned that Towers was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) about 10 years prior to her death. Her father, a doctor, informed you that about 10% of MS patients develop brain lesions that cause delusions indistinguishable from those experienced by a person suffering from paranoid schizophrenia, and that he believed Towers was exhibiting the symptoms of this condition. In the last few years, Towers had grown increasingly paranoid and had cut off ties with her family. She had grown deeply distrustful of government, a fact that was borne out by your investigation into her troubling social media presence, her recent loss of her license to practice medicine, and a recent confrontation with local law enforcement in Montana. That confrontation stemmed from another property dispute; similar to her discontinuation of mortgage payments on her West Seattle home, she had ceased paying utilities on her Montana property, but did not believe the government had a right to cut off her utilities service.
For all of the above reasons, this case is indisputably tragic, but also insurmountably an apparent use of lawful force. On this evidence, our office would not file criminal charges against Mr. G in this matter. …
As we noted in this followup last year, Dr. Towers Parry was a longtime physician who gained notoriety in 2021 for a video indicating she was at the January 6 U.S. Capitol riot.
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