URBAN FARMING WORKSHOP: 9 am at Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon), second-to-last workshop in a series that will teach you about growing food in an urban community garden, as previewed here. Today’s topic: “Spring gardening. Be ready for the growing season.”
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Third-to-last week to shop at this 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, with a focus on BIPOC farmers/vendors!
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
NO KINGS 2.0 PRE-RALLY: One week before the next mass “No Kings” demonstrations, West Seattleites will meet up at Alki Statue of Liberty today and walk around drumming (etc.) to spread the word. (61st SW and Alki SW)
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).
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.
‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain, third weekend for the current play at the Junction playhouse; ticket link in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Cray 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 as usual 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!
Here’s a unique way to celebrate customer loyalty. Last night, the Great American Diner and Bar in The Junction was the scene of a plaque-hanging in honor four local women who have been dining together there regularly for four years.
Since 2021, Tia Rooney and her friends Miesha, Meaghan, and Ashley have been meeting at Great American Diner at least once a month for dinner, dating back to when they were new moms. “All of our kids were born about two weeks apart, and now they’re all about two and four years old. We all went through the same phases of life together.” Tia said. Having a common meeting place and time gave them something to ground themselves through the trials and tribulations of early parenthood. “As working mothers and parents, it’s important to have community.” she said. It was also a way to unwind. “We’re always meeting in the evening when our kids go to bed.” she said with a smile.
But beyond that, they also wanted to support the diner itself. “It was great to find somewhere where we can just sit as long as we want, without much pressure to leave. Excellent service.” Meaghan said. Tia shared the same sentiment. “It’s an incredible and safe space in the community. We have deep respect for the owner.” she said.
The plaque will be permanently displayed at the same booth where “The Four Moms” have met for the past four years.
P.S. We asked about their favorite menu items: Two votes for the eggs benedict, one each for the patty melt and reuben sandwich. For drinks, the chocolate milkshake and French 75 cocktail.
Three weeks until Halloween! Tonight’s featured decoration photo was sent by Erika last night. She said, “I just encountered a good one … near the intersection of 9th Ave SW and SW Cloverdale St. Lots of scary clowns. Photo attached is just a small part.” If you have – or have seen – a display your West Seattle neighbors should see, please send a photo to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photos by Dave Gershgorn. Above, guide Alana Kayat points out where spawners can rest as they move up the creek)
It’s almost arrival time for Fauntleroy Creek‘s spawning salmon, but first, a school group arrived to learn about them. Judy Pickens from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council sent this report with a preview of what’s ahead onshore:
On Thursday, 44 kindergarten students from St. Francis of Assisi School in Burien came with two dozen teachers and parents to explore salmon habitat in lower Fauntleroy Creek. Volunteer naturalist Shannon Ninburg designed the experience to build on what the students had been learning about salmon in their classrooms. While escorting small groups along the channel, 10 volunteer guides shared their knowledge of what the students were seeing, hearing, and touching.
(Students, with guide Dennis Hinton, spot something of interest)
The field trip was just over two weeks before the annual drumming hosted by the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, which will kick off Salmon Watch 2025. The all-ages free event on Sunday, Oct. 26, at 4 pm will include drumming, singing, and an opportunity to welcome spawners when they come in from saltwater. Bring a drum or shaker of any kind or just yourself to circle at creek level behind the house below the fish ladder viewpoint (SW Director & upper Fauntleroy Way SW). Heavy rain will cancel.
The watch will likely continue to almost Thanksgiving; we will publish updates here, including word of a weekend “open creek” to which everyone will be welcome
With less than a week until King County Elections sends out general-election ballots, the candidates in the most closely watched race, Seattle Mayor, appeared side by side at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly lunch on Thursday. Below is our recording of the forum in its entirety; after it, toplines of what the candidates said.
Incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson answered questions from moderator Brian Callanan for almost an hour, after a brief introduction by West Seattle Chamber executive director Rachel Porter. Wilson founded and heads a nonprofit advocacy organization, the Transit Riders Union. Harrell was elected as mayor four years ago, two years after leaving the City Council, on which he’d been for more than a decade.
Moderator Callanan explained that the candidates had been provided the questions in advance, adding that they were developed by the Chamber’s board and advocacy-committee members. He also wanted to make it clear that he was serving as moderator in his Chamber role as a member representing his volunteer work organizing the Loop the ‘Lupe event every year, NOT in his role as a Seattle Channel host.
The candidates were each given two minutes to introduce themselves before the questions began. Below are toplines – watch the video to get the candidates’ full responses; everything below is a paraphrase unless it’s within quotation marks:
WILSON INTRO: “I’m running for mayor because I love this city.” She has spent 14 years as a “coalition-builder.” Homelessness, public safety, affordability are the major problems she feels the city’s facing.
HARRELL INTRO: “I entered public service on a very simple basis – to solve problems.” He says the city has invested in affordable housing and homelessness strategies, and says Seattle Police are “rebuilding.”
Question: What policies will you use to support small businesses, particularly those led by women, BIPOC, and other at-risk groups?
HARRELL: Mentions several city programs providing support, including capital access and storefront-repair fund.
WILSON: Has been talking to many small businesses and knows “the struggle is real.” Says small-business struggle is connected to housing affordability, especially so employees don’t have to live far away. Will work with BIAs and Chambers on safety issues.
Question: New or expanded tax measures on the ballot – residents and businesses affected – how will you ensure city lives within its current revenues before imposing new taxes?
WILSON: Hamstrung by state’s regressive tax system; she worked to pass Jump Start payroll tax “that has enabled mayor to balance the budget.” Need to take a hard look at everything the city spends on. Have not spent effectively on hotel-based shelter beds, Pro Publica investigation found.
HARRELL: Pro Publica article indicated we were “winding down the problem.” Otherwise, “we want to look at where we are wasting money.” Has to ask department heads about how they’re spending money. Working on multi-department permit process’s efficiency. “I know systems thinking.”
Question: West Seattle has a homelessness problem but lack of shelter and services. What is your plan for a city-owned/supported shelter in West Seattle, or helping nonprofits access the support needed to provide services?
HARRELL: Did not initially provide WS-specific answer. Homelessness has risen around the country and state, not just the city. “I resent that I’m getting blamed” for the problem. Seattle is bearing the brunt of it, though, but we can’t shoulder it ourselves. Will continue pushing for regional solution, but if it doesn’t work, we’ll do it ourselves. (On rebuttal, he says King County Regional Homelessness Authority put out a call for proposals but did not get any from West Seattle.)
WILSON: What we’re doing right now is not working. Yes, it’s rising everywhere. But Seattle is “national outlier.” We’ve lost shelter capacity every year Harrell’s been mayor. Will be her #1 priority to expand shelter around the city. Current policy is just to move people around. Regarding WS, she was talking to shelter operator Keith Hughes and shocked that he is operating the only shelter, she’ll “work with you all to make sure we can open up more enhanced shelter in West Seattle because we absolutely need that.”
Question: Lack of access to affordable housing, drug treatment, etc. How will you strengthen regional partnerships to address that?
WILSON: ‘Housing First’ is very successful when done right but we’re not necessarily doing it right. “City has a very important convening role to play” to “create realistic pathways” for people experiencing homelessness. Currently have “a system of dead ends.”
HARRELL: “The issue is the intersectionality between public-health crisis (with drugs) and a public-safety crisis.” He doesn’t control public health but does control public safety. “We will arrest criminals doing criminal conduct.” But nowhere to take people for treatment – crisis care centers will help, “we’re building those systems as we speak.”
Question: It’s been recently reported that SPD might be undermining the CARE department’s ability to provide 911 alternative response. How will you improve relationship between the two departments?
HARRELL: Both report to his public-safety chief Natalie Walton-Anderson, and “they get along well.” They get together and sometimes disagree. SPD has done part of the CARE job for decades … so hard time letting it go. But we’ve worked it out, and we’re doubling the CARE Department in the budget.
WILSON: Read the Seattle Times article about this; it’s disturbing. Commitment to alternative response made during 2020 protests. I support that. Disturbing to learn CARE Team has not been allowed to exercise full role. Why did this come out as newspaper exposé instead of being disclosed other ways?
HARRELL: It’s no scandal when the people I hire disagree. Crime is down.
WILSON: I’ve heard this has been a problem a long time.
Question: National Guard troops activated by Trump Administration in other cities. How would you respond?
WILSON: Need to show we are all united, regional, local, state governments, other institutions, “when we become united, we’re a less attractive target.” Need to fight in court, be smart, be prepared. Mayor’s surveillance expansion bothered me because data is not secure. Also disturbed to hear SPD answering ICE requests faster than journalists’ requests.
HARRELL: “We are leading the way with our fight.” Touts two executive orders issued yesterday, including prohibiting masks for ICE, not allowing staging on city properties. “We are loud” and making sure protesters know what to do. Says other regional leaders like governor and Portland mayor looking to him for leadership.
Question: Light rail coming to West Seattle could displace up to 70 small businesses. What financial and technical assistance will city provide to help them survive?
HARRELL: Going to do here what we did in Rainier Valley. “At the end of the day, we have to give you resources” – mentions some of the programs he noted earlier in response to a different issue. But, he also notes, it’ll be a fight to keep the West Seattle light rail project “because some people don’t want it,” but he thinks WS and Ballard are going to be good investments ‘for your children and your grandchildren.”
WILSON: Glad that Legislature allowed higher cap on assistance. “Some interesting tradeoffs” regarding building quickly, “rip the band-aid off” vs. “slow death,” need to discuss “to make sure we’re getting the best outcome.”
Question: Transportation Levy got voter approval, traffic’s still a concern, what does success look like at end of levy?
WILSON: Projects delivered on time and on budget, “and we don’t have a great track record with that.” G Line was problem-plagued. Communication with those affected by projects needs to improve.
HARRELL: I know what failure looks like – the inconveniences of the West Seattle Bridge closure – going to circulate a letter about related labor disputes and make sure “that doesn’t happen again.” He tries to “calm down” the transportation discussions, like cars vs. bikes. “What success looks like is” $1.5 billion spent with Vision Zero goals achieved.
Question: Given contentious national political landscape, how will you ensure Seattleites feel supported and involved in decisionmaking process?
HARRELL: I’m a Seattle person and very approachable. Have worked for your trust. “We are living in the craziest times … radioactivity in politics … I’m not perfect … If I make a mistake I’ll (own up to it).’ Says he gives himself permission to make five mistakes a day.
WILSON: This is personal to me – “I started the work I do back in 2011 because King County Metro” was going to make big cuts, and “bus riders were not feeling heard.” She has worked “to build that collective power.” Wants to govern in a way that empowers people. Hard to get buy-in if decisions are made top-down.
A lightning round ensued, with responses limited to :30, and questions admittedly more “light-hearted.”
Question: Where would you rather spend a Sunday afternoon, Pike Place Market or Alki Beach?
WILSON: Alki because “as a transit person” she loves riding the Water Taxi.
HARRELL: Alki – “it’s a gem” – because that’s where he learned to scuba-dive.
Question: If Seattle had official mascot, what would it be?
HARRELL: Some kind of a Husky-like … with a Mariner player to it.”
WILSON: Sockeye salmon.
Question: What is your go-to coffee order to survive the workday?
WILSON: “I’m really boring … normal tall latte.” Mentions that dates to when she was breastfeeding her daughter (now 2) and had to drink a lot of milk.
HARRELL: “I’m a simple coffee person … just a drip with cream and sugar. That’s a boring drink and I’m going to stick with it.”
Question: Which Seattle event is your can’t-miss event every year?
HARRELL: (Took a while to think of this) Opening game of the Huskies.
WILSON: “Not really an event but …” fall colors at Japanese Garden in Arboretum.
Question: If you could name a new ferry, what would you call it?
WILSON: (Admitted she was stumped, offered mayor the first turn, got more time but couldn’t think of one till someone in audience suggested recycling “Sockeye Salmon” from the “mascot” question.)
HARRELL: (Admitted he was stumped, finally suggested he’d name it in honor of former mayor Charles Royer.)
Closing statements followed.
WILSON: “I’m an outsider with an insider’s perspective. … I’ve seen how this city works and too often how it fails to work for the people of this city.” The mayor’s job is about assembling a competent team and she has experience doing that. Touts endorsements by labor and political groups, and that she received 51 percent of the vote in the primary.
HARRELL: “As your mayor I’ve tried to lead this city with … honesty, integrity, kindness, and strength.” … “There’s a lot of work still to do.” Says Wilson recently said she didn’t intend to run for public office, and he thinks her “lack of preparedness … shows.” During these times, he contends, “experience matters.” Touts endorsements by other elected officials.
REBUTTAL: After Harrell concluded, Wilson rebutted his allegations that she’s never hired an employee and never balanced a budget as “simply not true.” He countered that Pro Publica has listed the Transit Riders Union as having “zero” employees.
WHAT’S NEXT: King County sends out ballots next Wednesday, October 15. Dropboxes open the next day, October 16. You’ll have until 8 pm November 4 to return your ballot. It’ll include four ballot measures and 14 city, county, school, and state races.
(Photo of new calf J64 and mother J42 by M. Sears, permit # 27052)
West Seattle-based The Whale Trail is presenting three activities to celebrate the season of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales’ return to this area – here’s the lineup:
Welcome the Orcas 2025
The southern resident orcas return to central Puget Sound each year, following winter salmon runs. Welcome the Orcas is a series of community events to celebrate their return.This year’s activities include a kickoff at Elliott Bay Brewery, a Pod Passport game, a writing contest, and of course, watching southern residents from shore. Join us for one or all! Visit thewhaletrail.org to learn more.
Kickoff, Elliott Bay Brewery (West Seattle), Thursday, October 16th, 5:30 to 8:30. Celebrate the orcas with the Whale Trail Board and special guests. For every pint of Orca Pale Ale sold, Elliott Bay will donate $1 to The Whale Trail!
Pod Passport Activity. We’re partnering with businesses around the peninsula for this fun and free community game. How it works:
-Participating businesses will display a poster in their windows. Each poster includes the unique ID (letter and number) of a specific orca.
–The passport cards contain the matrilines, or family trees, of J, K and L pod. The goal is to find all members of a pod.
-Visit businesses to get the orcas checked off. Take a picture of your completed card and upload to our website for a chance to win an orca-themed prize!
-The passport activity will launch at West Seattle Harvest Fest on October 26 and go to December 15th.
–Calling all businesses! We’re looking for passport partners to put a poster in their window! We need 75 storefronts so there’s a poster for every orca. Sign up on our website or reach out to info@thewhaletrail.org.
Writing Contest. Tell us a story, write a poem, or create a short graphic novella about the southern resident orcas. Submit your work by 12/15. Three winners will be selected for each age category. We can’t wait to read and see your work!
The Whale Trail is a nonprofit advocacy group that, among other accomplishments, has led the installation of dozens of interpretive signs along the West Coast “whale trail” – explaining the Southern Residents and other marine mammals to shoreline visitors and viewers.
No home games for our area’s two high-school varsity teams this week, but one team already has played its road game and remains undefeated: West Seattle High School is now 5-0 after defeating Lakeside last night, 24-7. That puts head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s team atop the Metro League with the best overall record. The Wildcats are on the road again next week but after that, they have one last regular-season home game, 7 pm Thursday, October 23, vs. Nathan Hale.
King County Road Services now says tonight’s South Park Bridge closure is canceled and that the work requiring the bridge closures is complete, so they’re not expecting any more. The recent closures have all been necessary because of the in-water contamination cleanup that resumed earlier this month.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The artworks on display are placed all around Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
NO STAY ‘N’ PLAY: The free drop-in indoor playtime for little ones is canceled this week
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.
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.
WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK BENEFIT: “Cultivating Community”‘s is the theme for the WCFB’s fundraiser at Sea Mar Community Center (9635 Des Moines Memorial Drive), 6 pm – check here to see if tickets remain.
MUSIC AND THROWING: 6:30 pm at Axe Kickers in Top Hat (10843 1st Ave. S.):
Come join us for an incredible night of live music and unlimited axe throwing featuring Seattle’s own Moonlight Remedy, Eric, Thompson, and the undercover Cowboys, and more. Food truck on site, live music, and unlimited axe throwing, all for $20 at the door!!!!
21+.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: This week no home games for local teams at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex.
LIVE AT EASY STREET:Live music with KOBA, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: Weekend 3, curtain at 7:30 pm. See our calendar listing for the ticket link and synopsis. (4711 California SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight. (4547 California SW)
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live bands – tonight, Bexley, Fox Medicine – 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!
On October 12, the nation’s oldest collegiate a cappella group, the Yale Whiffenpoofs, will present a special performance in West Seattle, hosted by the Endolyne Children’s Choir (ECC). This concert will be the Whiffenpoofs’ only Seattle stop on their 2025 World Tour, making it a truly exclusive event.
After a memorable performance with ECC last year, the Whiffenpoofs are excited to return to West Seattle. Endolyne Children’s Choir singers are thrilled and honored to once again share the stage with this legendary ensemble.
In a generous show of support, the Whiffenpoofs are donating a significant portion of the concert’s proceeds to support ECC’s mission of providing inclusive, transformative choral education to young singers.
Since their founding in 1909, the Whiffenpoofs have performed a diverse repertoire of vocal jazz, folk, pop, and Broadway hits for audiences on all six inhabited continents. They’ve performed everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the White House, captivating listeners including U.S. Presidents Obama, Clinton, Reagan, and both Bushes. They’ve also appeared on popular television shows such as The Sing-Off, The West Wing, and Glee.
One of the central messages the Whiffenpoofs share during their global tours is that music can create extraordinary opportunities for young people. This special performance aims to inspire the next generation of musicians, encouraging them to pursue their passion for music.
Endolyne Children’s Choir is a non-audition, community-based choir, based in West Seattle since 2003. ECC empowers young singers to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and develop performance skills. ECC singers enrich the local community while fostering a lifelong love for music and the arts.
The concert is at 6:30 pm Sunday, October 12, at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW) and tickets are available here.
Washington State Ferries – WSF is back to three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any other changes.
Water Taxi – Today, regular West Seattle service, last day of summer/early fall schedule, so tonight (Friday, October 10) is the last night this season of planned later-night service.
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!
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
About 50 people were in attendance as the Southwest Precinct Advisory Council had its fall gathering Tuesday night at Alki Masonic Hall in The Junction.
The crime-drop stats we’ve reported in coverage of many recent neighborhood meetings were mentioned, – particularly the Southwest Precinct’s status as the only precinct with no 2025 homicides – but much of this meeting focused on concerns voiced by neighbors and community advocates regarding the Westside Neighbors Shelter, the Triangle facility that remains West Seattle’s only emergency shelter. Many of the concerns had been aired at the shelter last Sunday at its open house and Q&A session (WSB coverage here), with shelter manager Keith Hughes in attendance. But he wasn’t at the Precinct Advisory Council meeting, where many community residents followed up on their concerns and expressed interest in how police might be able to address them.
Chris Mackay, a member of the council and executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association, said the problems facing the shelter felt overwhelming to the local community. “The shelter has done an amazing amount of work on volunteer hours, donating materials and money, but at this point, it’s clear they’re in way over their heads, and the impact on the community has been extreme.” She related a story about recently bringing in someone from an intervention group to take a look at the shelter and meet with one of the guests there, who walked them through a day in their life. They went with the person to Junction Plaza Park, where they met up with four other people who had been at the shelter that day, and, she said, all of them seemed to be in a clearly visible opiate-induced haze.
This was the main concern brought up at the meeting: that drug use and theft by some shelter users has spilled over into the broader surrounding community. Many attendees wondered what options were available to deal with the issue.
Wes Collier, the 2nd Watch Lieutenant for the precinct, was there to represent the voice of the police. “The best thing for SPD is to build a relationship with the shelter and understand what the goal is. We don’t want to shut it down, but we want it to be safely run and not affect the rest of the neighborhood.” He suggested that the community might have more impact in resolving issues if they effectively communicated with police when incidents occur. He suggested this could be as simple as calling 911 when appropriate to respond, or requesting police patrols via the SPD website. He also said that they recently started focusing on ongoing police patrols in the area around the shelter, with an emphasis vehicle visiting adjacent problem areas.
One community member was willing to put their foot forward in an attempt at proactive engagement with these community issues. Abi Harmon, a nearby resident, said she was working on being a point person for creating a “Good Neighbor Agreement” in coordination with the shelter and other local residents. Such an agreement would clarify the standards of the shelter, as well as creating standards and paths for communication with neighbors, and ways that each group can help the other. (If you would like to contact her about joining the group collaborating on the agreement in coordination with the shelter, you can email abiharmon at gmail.com.
From District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office, district director Erik Schmidt was also in attendance. He emphasized that getting funding for either increased patrols or the shelter would require the public to make budget requests directly to the councilmember’s office. But, he said, none had come in. “Anyone can bring an ask to the office, but no one has so far.” Schmidt said that Councilmember Saka’s office would be receptive to anyone who would like to do so. He also said that recently, both he and Saka had asked for more emphasis patrols in the area for all hours of the day.
Rachel Porter, executive director for the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, also was there as a member of the advisory council. She said she was in talks with shelter owner Hughes on how the community might be able to help the shelter
After almost an hour of discussion regarding the shelter situation, the topic changed – SPD offered an update on crime statistics for the Southwest precinct for the year. These were delivered by South Precinct Crime CoordinatorMatt Brown, substituting for Jennifer Satterwhite, as she is on maternity leave.
These stats have been mentioned in multiple community meetings, but they were noted again here: Total crime cases for the Southwest Precinct are down by 16% year to date, going from around 3500 reported instances in 2024 to 2800 in 2025. Burglaries are down by 31%, and robberies are down 30% in the same period. Incidents of shots fired are also down, with 77 reported so far this year, down from 86 reports in 2024. Of these, seven had a wounded victim, with no fatalities. Brown wanted to put a special emphasis that still, to date, the Southwest Precinct remains the only precinct in Seattle with zero homicides in 2025.
After the report on statistics, a few more questions from the community:
One was regarding the usage of personal security cameras, and how they might be used as evidence for police cases, or to report incidents of crime. Lieutenant Collier said that any contribution from these would be an aid to the police. “You can share evidence with SPD. It takes all of us to make our community safer, including collaborating with SPD on evidence.” He pointed to the recently announced Connect Seattle program (renamed since our report last month, when it was the Community Camera Registry) where citizens can list cameras on their property so the police can request footage of them if needed for an ongoing case.
Another community member asked for an update on whether anything was being done to stop street racing on Alki and Harbor Avenue. Lieutenant Collier said that the precinct is currently holding meetings to plan for summer 2026. They are currently looking at stronger patrols in the area, particularly around Don Armeni Boat Ramp, and will be working with Parks on increased enforcing for traffic and noise violations.
The Advisory Council’s community lead, Ella McRae, closed out the meeting. “A more connected community is a safer community.” she said. She highlighted that the next big event for the precinct was a drug takeback day, in partnership with the DEA. This will be held on October 25th, between 10 am and 2 pm at the precinct (2300 SW Webster). She noted, with a wry laugh, that the Southwest Precinct had the largest amount of contributions last year.
Thanks to Tony Tschanz for the photo peeking inside Do Si KBBQ, in the former Duke’s spot at 2516 Alki SW. The pic arrived just as we were writing this update: Six months after the news that KBBQ – famous for its tabletop grills and abundant sides – was coming to the space, Do Si has announced it is soft-opening at 11 am Monday (October 13). Hours once they officially open will be 11 am-9 pm Mondays through Thursdays, 11 am-10 pm Fridays through Sundays. This is an expansion location; they original Do Si (“the place”) is in Kent. (They’ve opened Alki reservations here.)
Tonight’s Halloween decorations were sent by Treair, from SW 106th/Seola Beach Drive.
Treair explains, “This is my house.. I made all of the big stuff minus the two 12-ft skeletons, those Home Depot provided.”
We’re showing Halloween decorations nightly again this season – if you have a display to show off, please send pic and info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(What we’ve shown already is archived here, along with other Halloween-season coverage, newest to oldest.)
(Google Street View image of 2345 Hobart SW, from this past August)
City-convened public meetings about development sites are few and far between these days; not only has development slowed down, but design review has largely became a staff function, and that program had been the major reason for community meetings. Next week, though, a West Seattle development proposal is the subject of an online community meeting, and a neighborhood group is explaining why.
The site is at 2345 Hobart Avenue SW in Upper Alki [map], and the proposal is for one three-story house and one three-story triplex, plus six offstreet-parking spaces. The community meeting, online at 5 pm Wednesday, October 15th – requested by neighbors, per the comment file – is to address the project’s request for a variance because of the Environmentally Critical Area that’s part of the site.
Neighbors have formed a group called the Friends of Bonair Place, and a spokesperson told us, “The site proposed for development has a history of landslides, sinkholes and infrastructure issues going back to 1934 – 1935.” They note a WSB story covered a utility problem there in early 2009. “We are doing what we can to ensure that there is broader awareness of this public meeting for several reasons: 1) due to the unique conditions of this steep slope wooded site and the wider impact it could have beyond Hobart Ave, 2) because many neighbors near us were not sent the attached notice, and 3) because last year SDCI granted an ECA variance for a project adjacent to the proposed site. The variance was granted without a public meeting and is managed by a different Land Use Planner, David Sachs. (2349 Hobart Ave SW)” (Joe Hurley is the planner listed as working on the subject of next week’s meeting.)
The city’s file says the site originally went into the system in 2020 with a proposal for five townhouses. That followed various other proposals in previous years, according to city files, including one for eight units. The current proposal includes this site plan showing the developer’s calculations of how much of the Environmentally Critical Area the project would encroach on; it says the site totals 11,532 square feet, that 8,971 sf of that are ECA, and that they believe 1,315 sf of their buildings’ footprint would cut into that.
To participate in (or just watch) the 5 pm October 15 meeting, here’s the link; you can sign up here to comment during the meeting. The meeting notice also has a phone number and access code for participation.
5:49 PM: That’s artist Babs Fulton with some of her whimsical work, on display during tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk, at West Seattle Arcade (2758 Alki SW), where you can meet her until 8 pm. The arcade is at the northernmost end of tonight’s participating venues, which stretch from Alki to Morgan Junction. See the list of tonight’s shows and receptions here; most last until 8 pm. More photos later!
10:50 PM: Adding more photos from Oliver Hamlin for WSB – first,Fulton’s cat sculpture “Catrol-Alt-Delete”:
In The Junction, Anna Krumpos poses in front of “Shade” at ArtsWest.
Krumpos’ art “Shade” and “Drift,” made with a digital HB pencil.
At CAPERS (WSB sponsor), as part of The Art of Music, Terra Nova Duo performed “My Cherie Amor”:.
Another Art Walk venue that Oliver visited tonight in The Junction was John L. Scott:
There, he photographed artist Philip Malkin:
A block south at Verity Credit Union, artist Raquel Garcia was exhibiting:
At Bonjour Vietnam, Jeffrey Starkes showed oil paintings:
Erlan Vazquez was the featured artist at VAIN:
Tyson Foster held an “open studio” at Junction 47, showing how a blacklight transforms his work:
4:55 PM:Metro has sent an alert that the 5:25 pm and 6:05 pm West Seattle Water Taxi runs from downtown are canceled, as are the 5:45 and 6:25 pm runs from Seacrest to downtown. “Mechanical problems” are blamed; there are also cancellations for the Vashon Water Taxi and Kitsap Transit Fast Ferry, so we are following up to see whether the “mechanical problems” are with the terminal rather than vessel(s).
6:01 PM: No word on what the problem was, but Metro says the Water Taxi and other vessels are back in service, so the canceled trips are reinstated.
SPD announced this afternoon that they arrested five people, ages 38 to 65, during an “organized retail theft operation” at the Westwood Village Marshalls store on Wednesday. Here’s their summary:
On the afternoon of Oct. 8, patrol officers and detectives in the General Investigations Unit (GIU) conducted an operation at a retail store in the 2600 block of Southwest Barton Street, which suffers a significant amount of theft.
Detectives teamed up with loss-prevention employees to identify and apprehend suspects they caught stealing. Ultimately, five suspects were arrested for shoplifting.
One of the suspects had an additional misdemeanor theft warrant and a felony warrant for narcotics. Officers placed another suspect, who was with one of the arrestees, into custody for a robbery warrant. Police booked him into SCORE jail.
Police booked three suspects into the King County Jail.
Officers identified and released one of the suspects. He, and all of the suspects, are permanently trespassed from entering into the store.
Police recovered $460 in stolen merchandise.
“This was a team effort and could not have taken place without the hard work by GIU detectives, patrol, and partnership with the loss prevention employees at Marshalls,” said Sergeant Austin Davis. GIU detectives will handle all of the follow-up investigations.
We’re checking with city/county prosecutors to see if any had hearings this afternoon.
A day of big fun at Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in Delridge is just wrapping up. We stopped by for photos after Paula from the Boren STEM PTA told us about it – the older students organize and run it for the younger students to visit:
She explained, “Fall Fest is a fun celebration of fall and community complete with games and food! It is also an opportunity for our oldest students to give back to their community and inspire our younger students.”
It’s also educational: They told us, for example, that the organizers ran the activities like businesses and were keeping data on participation to analyze, to see what might be worth bringing back at next year’s Fall Fest!
The fair was open for five hours during the school day.
P.S. As mentioned in our morning traffic roundup, no classes tomorrow at STEM and other Seattle Public Schools.
Thanks for the tip. Traffic is backing up toward the eastbound end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge because of what was initially reported as a spinout crash. So if you have to head this way via I-5, you might want to wait a while.
West Seattle Joiners is a new organization evangelizing something that’s been at the heart of WSB for more than a decade and a half – making sure you know about what’s going on in the community, and how to jump in, whether it’s checking out a small club or getting involved with a not-so-small organization. The Joiners are working to bring people together face to face, and their first events – just under a month away – will do just that. Here’s the full announcement we just received:
Community is better in person. Looking to find your people—or your purpose—in West Seattle? Mark your calendar for a weekend of community, conversation, and connection with two back-to-back events designed to inspire civic engagement and local belonging.
Friday, November 7 – Film Screening: “Join or Die”
Kick off the weekend by joining West Seattle Meaningful Movies for a special screening of the documentary Join or Die—a thought-provoking film that explores why joining clubs, civic organizations, and community groups matters more than ever. Stay afterward for an engaging audience discussion about how connection and participation can strengthen our neighborhoods.
Location: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation
7141 California Avenue SW
Time: Doors open at 6:45 PM | Film begins at 7:15 PM | Discussion until ~9:15 PM
Admission is free! Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.
Saturday, November 8 – West Seattle Joiner Jamboree
Continue the momentum at the West Seattle Joiner Jamboree, a vibrant community fair featuring over 40 local clubs and organizations from West Seattle and White Center. Meet current members and discover new ways to get involved–from social clubs and service organizations to creative and outdoor groups.
Location: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (Fellowship Hall)
3050 California Ave SW
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Admission is free! Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.
Experience the film, then explore the connections, and leave inspired to join in and make a difference right here in West Seattle.
If this California sea lion turns up again on a local beach, Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network hopes to hear about it. SSMMSN’s Lynn Shimamoto explains why in this report and photo from its appearance at Lincoln Park:
On Wednesday, Seal Sitters responded to a call about a California sea lion at Lincoln Park. Bree, the caller, was rightly concerned – Seal Sitters first responder found an emaciated and lethargic sea lion lying on the beach only 25 feet from the sidewalk.
Volunteers set up a perimeter to keep people and pets away, well aware that the sea lion may be suffering from a transmissible infection. Just before the sea lion swam away in the early afternoon, marine mammal veterinarian Dr Stephanie Norman arrived for a visual assessment.
Dr. Norman thinks the animal’s symptoms suggest leptospirosis, though the sea lion could also have cancer. According to our stranding partner SR3, California sea lions are currently experiencing an outbreak of leptospirosis. This zoonotic disease primarily affects the kidneys and is often fatal to sea lions. Humans and their pets can contract lepto through direct contact with urine or feces, or contaminated water or soil.
The stranding network hopes to test the sea lion and evaluate for treatment when it hauls out again. If you see a marine mammal on the beach, please call the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-SEAL (206-905-7325).
Sorry for the delay of our list of what’s happening today/tonight, but here it finally is, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead):
DROP-IN COWORK HANGOUT AT THE VOID: Coffee and connections, new weekly casual coworking hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Explore options for your fall gardening! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The artworks on display are placed all around Southwest Library (9010 California SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: 4 pm, West Seattle HS hosts Garfield for girls’ soccer at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING: The rebuilt high school in White Center opens its doors to the community tonight for a celebration and self-guided tours, 4-7 pm. (830 SW 116th, White Center)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Jeremy’s Chicken.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Aimed at families with preschoolers through 4th graders. 4:30-6:30 pm open house. (35th/Myrtle)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Dozens of displays and venues, from Alki to Morgan Junction, most open starting at 5 pm. To see who’s having receptions tonight, as well as who’s offering food/drink specials, see this page.
THE ART OF MUSIC: To enhance tonight’s Art Walk, three mini-concerts are scheduled, all 6 pm-7:45 pm, at venues in The Admiral District, The Junction, and Morgan Junction. See the artists and venues here.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online presentation/discussion, this time about navigating gender. Our calendar listing includes info and the registration link.
JOHN LENNON TRIBUTE AT TIM’S: In White Center tonight: John Lennon celebration with Joe Ross and Friends, live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), it’s the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Is walking more your speed? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
4:55 PM: 
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