West Seattle, Washington
12 Friday
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.
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.
How should/will Seattle grow in the next 20 years? The city revises that plan every 10 years or so, and as we’ve been reporting, the first package of changes is nearing a vote. Before City Council voting next week, councilmembers have one last major public hearing tomorrow, broken into online and in-person sections – here’s a final reminder from the office of District 3 Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, who has been heading up the process:
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The Select Committee for the Comprehensive Plan, chaired by Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), will hold its third and final public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan and associated legislation on Friday, September 12.
The Select Committee will hear public comments on the amendments for two pieces of legislation: the One Seattle Comprehensive Plan and the Permanent HB 1110 Legislation, with the goal to have a final committee vote between Sept.17 and 19.
This public hearing will be separated into two sessions, with separate registration windows for each session. Session I will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be reserved for remote public comment. Session II will begin at 3 p.m. and will be reserved for in-person commentors.
Each speaker will be provided one minute to give their comments. Individuals will only be permitted to comment at one session.
The Select Committee may recess if there are no registered speakers present at any time. The Select Committee will recess for lunch between Session I and Session II.
Public Hearing information
WHO: Select Committee on Comprehensive Plan
WHAT: Public Hearing (two sessions)
WHEN: Friday, September 12
9:30 a.m. for remote public comment
3 p.m. for in-person public comment
WHERE: Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall, 600 4th AvenueHow to register
Session I: Registration for remote speakers – 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.Session II: Registration for in-person speakers – 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
Councilmembers’ proposed amendments to the original proposal include citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck‘s amendment to add Alki as a Neighborhood Center – a designation identifying a certain area as a growth hub – and District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s amendments to change the boundaries of three Neighborhood Centers already proposed for West Seattle. You can see the agenda for tomorrow’s public hearing, with all relevant documents linked, by going here.
Three reader reports so far today;
STOLEN CAR ABANDONED AFTER CRASH: Sent by Ryan:
Stolen Hyundai crashed into our parked car in front of our house around 4:30 AM. Driver ditched the scene but left the car.
This happened in the 4600 block of SW Oregon. SPD incident # is 25-264916.
TOOLS TAKEN: Sent by Angie:
This morning at 5:30 AM, my boyfriend and I were woken up to news that someone reported his work van for Heartwood Builders was broken into. It was parked under a street lamp at 56th and Alki Ave SW. They broke in via the front window and then got in through the side of the van. Nail guns and other tools were stolen. Some have his name etched or written in marker “Jon Ferrand.” This is the 2nd time his work van has gotten vandalized and tools stolen from it. We plan to ask the neighbors today if they have Ring camera video they are willing to share. Given we live across from the water, I frequently see out of place individuals. I intend to start taking pictures of vehicles and license plates that I feel are suspicious as I am often up late working.
CAR WINDOW SMASHED: Also overnight – reported by a texter:
I live on Beach Drive SW [6300 block] and woke up to my car window being broken.
No police-report numbers yet for the second and third reports above, but we’ll add them if we get them.
Thanks to Aaron for the tip: The traffic signal at 42nd/Alaska in The Junction is dark. That makes it an all-way stop. Checking the Seattle City Light map, we see there’s a two-customer power outage right at that spot, blamed on “equipment failure,” so it is on SCL’s radar.
(WSB photo/video by Tracy Record)
That’s the flag in front of Seattle Fire Department Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, lowered to half-staff at 8:46 this foggy morning as the station joined in a department-wide remembrance on the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Crews at SFD stations around the city read aloud names of some of the 343 firefighters who were killed that day – we recorded the crew on duty at Station 37 during their reading, followed by a moment of silence:
(Station 37, at 35th/Holden, is home to Engine 37 and Ladder 13.) Underscoring the hazards firefighters face, it was reported in New York today that more than 400 New York firefighters have lost their lives since the attacks because of 9/11-related illnesses/diseases – even more than were killed that day.
(Wednesday night sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Long before the sun sets tonight, it’ll be West Seattle Art Walk night – with music – and that’s how our highlight list begins:
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5-8 pm is the time window for most of tonight’s art receptions, happening from Alki to Morgan Junction, with previews here. This month’s venues include West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor) featuring Carmen Leslie‘s exhibition “Smoke Show,” 5-8 pm
WEST SEATTLE ART TOUR PREVIEW: One Art Walk stop has a big bonus – 5 to 9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), meet some of the artists who are getting ready for this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, coming up Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21.
ART OF MUSIC: Four free mini-concerts, 6-7:45 pm – preview the musicians and venues here (this month in Admiral, The Junction, Morgan Junction).
(PHOTOGRAPHIC) ART + MUSIC: Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) presents “Contact High,” a 10-person photography and music show, 6-8:30 pm.
Now – here’s what else is happening today/tonight, 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.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Still time left in gardening season! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), free.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), free.
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: West Seattle HS girls’ soccer plays Seton Catholic, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield. (34th SW/SW Myrtle)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
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 Swagg-n-Wagon.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle! And tonight – as mentioned above – the West Seattle Art Tour preview!
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society speaker series features Lisa Meoli on “Trails Through Time,” focusing on the West Duwamish Greenbelt.
DUSTY 45s FT. MONTY BANKS: Free live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
WESTIES RUN CLUB, BEER RELEASE: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run, followed this time by a beer release at the brewery.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer to walk? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Got room for a tree? Seattle Public Utilities‘ Trees for Neighborhoods program just might have one – or more – to give you, free! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
We have many remaining free yard trees from this year’s program, and are looking for residents, businesses, schools or places of worship that might have some yard space and interest in planting trees.
This is an annual program that offers 1,000 trees per year with a tree species list of about 12-14 species that changes every year. Seattle residents, businesses, or schools who apply can receive free tree(s) delivered to their home, school, or business with a water bag and a bag of mulch for every tree! Along with tree delivery, water bags, and mulch, participants who receive a tree(s) will get summer watering reminders for the next 5 years, be invited to free mulch giveaways and free pruning workshops, as well as other educational opportunities to continue supporting our tree stewards for years to come after they plant their trees. This Fall, we will be hosting Planting and Care workshops (both in person across the city and virtual) to teach participants how to plant and care for their tree(s) before tree deliveries start in October – November.
(Here’s) an insert that showcases the yard trees we have remaining; more information about them is listed on our website as well. There is an application process because we want to make sure we know where to deliver the tree(s) someone applies for, what Planting and Care workshop they would like to attend, and have the correct contact information for each participant for watering reminders, future event invitations, and any programmatic updates this Fall.
The application to apply can be found with the QR code on the insert or by using the direct link below:
civiform.seattle.gov/programs/free-trees
6:02 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 11, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for a mostly sunny day, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:41 am; sunset will be at 7:28 pm.
ROAD WORK
Construction on 16th moves north to the SW Holden vicinity today, per Metro alert. Speaking of …
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 another 6:40 pm game, this time 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 11:59 am)
11:37 PM: Police are investigating gunfire reported on Harbor Avenue SW near Don Armeni Boat Ramp. Those reports include one person who said a bullet came through the window of their residence in the 1300 block of Harbor, and police arriving in the area report “several windows struck … on the north side of the building … at least four apartments hit.” They also heard from one person who said they saw a person firing a gun.
11:40 PM: Police are checking to ensure nobody in those apartments was hit, and they’re planning to block off Harbor for now while they look for evidence.
11:46 PM: Officers told dispatch they’ve verified that everyone inside the building is OK. They’re trying to get SFD to come out now to help secure the broken windows so glass doesn’t fall on people/vehicles below.
9:11 AM: Here’s the initial SPD summary:
At 2328 hours, radio broadcast a call of nine shots in the area of Don Armeni Park. More calls came in of shots into an apartment building in the area. Officers arrived in the area and immediately located apartment window with shots through them. They gained access to the building to check for gunshot victims which there were none. As other officers arrived, they spoke with witnesses on the street who stated there was an argument in the park between a male and female. Witnesses stated that someone from the apartments yelled at the two arguing and the male turned and fired shots at the apartment building, hitting the six windows. Officers spoke with the subjects inside the apartments with broken windows and none of them said that they yelled at the people in the park. Witnesses all said immediately after the shots a vehicle sped away from the scene. A few subjects were able to get video of parts of the incident. SFD responded to attempt to secure the windows and the manager of the building was contacted for repair.
11:59 AM: Just went over for a look at the aftermath. Added a photo above. A crew was there breaking out what remained of one of the higher-up damaged windows.
Another West Seattle writer is up for a prestigious award. Journalist Claudia Rowe‘s book “Wards of the State: The Long Shadow of American Foster Care” 
is on the longlist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction, announced today. Paper Boat Booksellers co-proprietor Eric Judy tells us that Rowe is a West Seattleite, and that her book is in stock at Paper Boat (4522 California SW). Here’s the full list of nonfiction nominees. The award program’s website describes the book as follows:
In Wards of the State, Claudia Rowe offers readers a deep understanding of the foster care-to-prison pipeline. Through interviews with psychologists, advocates, judges, and the former foster children themselves, Rowe paints a heartbreaking picture of the lives shaped by this broken system.
The awards will be presented November 19 in a livestreamed ceremony.
Earlier today, we published a reader photo of the ongoing work on the new Alki Elementary. We checked in with project manager Brian Fabella, who confirms that the project remains on track to be open in time for next school year, and forwarded the latest neighborhood newsletter about the project. It includes this road-work alert:
Our next steps include right-of-way storm extension work on 59th Avenue Southwest. Work will begin on 9/15 and involve closure of 59th Ave. SW until 10/15. Access for local traffic will be maintained, but through traffic will be restricted. After 10/15, road work will continue, but will not require closure to through traffic.
ORIGINAL 4:43 NOTE: Don’t know why yet. If you’re seeing officers and/or deputies on the ground right now, let us know.
5:09 PM: Helicopter has moved on. We think we know what was going on but trying to confirm.
5:50 PM: Had to dig through archives of a couple channels but found it: They were looking for a stolen car after getting a “LoJack hit” and they circled while deputies on the ground near 34th/104th checked out the possibilities.
Community-group meetings are starting to resume after summer hiatus. Last night, the Fauntleroy Community Association board met, online only in a last-minute change after learning their usual venue, the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse conference room, was unavailable. Here are our topline notes:
CRIME STATS: First guest was Jennifer Satterwhite, longtime crime-prevention coordinator from the Southwest Precinct (a civilian position). She summarized the latest precinct-wide crime stats, saying reported crime overall is down 15 percent – that’s 530 fewer incidents than by this time last year. The precinct has had (corrected) 69 confirmed gunfire incidents this year, six fewer than a year earlier, with six resulting in injuries, zero deaths. She also said robbery is down 25 percent, burglary down 30 percent, and motor-vehicle theft is down 35 percent. On the subject of burglary, she said this summer has been devoid of burglaries along the lines of “broke in through an open-because-it’s-summer” window or door, but she continues to urge people to assess their own homes with a critical eye: “If you were a burglar, where would YOU break into your home?” She added that alarm systems aren’t fail-safes, because so many alarms are false that SPD only responds to the ones where an intruder is confirmed. She offers free home assessments; email her at jennifer.satterwhite@seattle.gov if interested. (Side note – the next community meeting to talk about crime and safety, the Southwest Precinct Advisory Council, is set for 6:30 pm October 7 at Alki Masonic Center in The Junction.)
FALL EVENTS: We’ve previewed these already – the FCA Pumpkin Search is October 4, the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is October 19. (The latter is supported, but not presented, by FCA, and there was a lengthy discussion of how much the association is able to give to the donation-and-volunteer-powered festival this year and how its support could or should be integrated into festival operations.)
REZONING: The City Council‘s public hearing this Friday on the Comprehensive Plan and accompanying rezoning was discussed. FCA leadership had worked with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka on revising the boundaries for the proposed Endolyne/Fauntleroy “Neighborhood Center,” primarily to remove the schoolhouse – a nonprofit-owned community center – as well as some Fauntleroy Way frontage. Whatever you think about it, president Frank Immel said, it’s important to let the councilmembers know. Chris, a community member in attendance, asked how the FCA had arrived at the position that the Neighborhood Center boundaries should be reduced. He’s been in attendance at the board meetings and didn’t recall a vote or other way of determining that was the consensus. FCA board members explained community members had sent 600 letters expressing opposition to the rezoning as proposed, though they also said, “We don’t oppose the upzone – we are accepting change.” There was an extensive discussion of how/whether issues like this could/should be taken to the community before taking it up with the city. It was also noted that unlike other neighborhood groups, the FCA does a community survey every two years to ask what issues are of most interest and where residents stand on them; here are the 2023 results. (More info about Friday’s City Council hearing, including amendment links, are in today’s newsletter sent by Councilmember Saka.)
FERRY MATTERS: No new date for the final Community Advisory Group meeting on the terminal rebuild. In day-to-day matters, it was noted that Vashon Island schools – like others – are back in session, and while island-bound students usually head out on the 7 am boat, on Fridays the Vashon schools start two hours late, so they’re headed out at 9 am.
OTHER PROJECTS: Also mentioned fairly briefly, the Fauntleroy/Rose pedestrian improvements (as discussed at the previous Morgan Community Association meeting), the Fauntleroy Creek culvert emergency repairs (which are supposed to be complete before the Fall Festival, otherwise parking-lot activities will be moved to the schoolhouse grounds), and the Brace Point power-cable-replacement project.
The Fauntleroy Community Association board meets second Tuesdays, 6 pm, usually in person and online – go here for info.
Tomorrow brings September’s West Seattle Art Walk – last one of summer! – featuring these venues for art and/or food and drink specials:
Three highlights:
*The Art of Music brings four mini-concerts. 6-7:45 pm:
Trevor Ras @ Welcome Road Winery [WSB sponsor] in the greater Admiral District
Katydids @ Verity Credit Union in The Junction
Taryn Hadfield @ Darby Winery in The Junction
Bob Antolin/Chet Corpt Duo @ Alki Arts in Morgan Junction
Preview the performers and their music by going here.
*The West Seattle Art Tour preview, at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), 5-9 pm
*Alki is abuzz with art this month, with receptions at West Seattle Arcade, Gary’s Place, and the Log House Museum – details are all here (along with other venues around the peninsula hosting receptions Thursday night)!
(WSB is a community co-sponsor of the West Seattle Art Walk)
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