West Seattle, Washington
13 Thursday
Here’s another early warning about utility work that might have a visible, potentially startling, side effect – Seattle Public Utilities plans another round of sewer-system inspections in Arbor Heights, using water vapor. Here’s what SPU wants you to know:
SPU will inspect the sewer system in Arbor Heights in late August- early September using water vapor. The water vapor can look like smoke, but it is a safe, non-toxic, non-staining water-based vapor. The testing helps SPU identify leaks and pipe connection issues and plan for future improvements.
Some of the streets of the testing area include SW Roxbury, 35th Ave SW, 37th Ave SW, 39th Ave SW, Marine View Drive SW, SW 100th Street, SW 106th Street. You can view the attached mailer, which residents will receive about one week before testing, for a full map of the testing area.
Homes and businesses will continue to receive normal water and sewer services and will not be impacted for more than 30 minutes. However, we are prioritizing testing before school starts around Arbor Heights Elementary and Westside School. Summit Atlas, a 6-12 school in the area, will be in session when testing begins. However, we are working with our partners to provide notice and reduce impacts.
Customers can learn more about the Water Vapor Testing process, how to prepare, and where to go with any concerns on our website.
According to our archives, SPU did some of this testing last summer too.
This will be a special weekend for hundreds of local middle- and high-school students: It’s their final weekend of summer break. Summit Atlas, West Seattle’s only charter school, has orientation on Tuesday (August 11) and first day of classes on Wednesday (August 12), per the school calendar, so be aware that increased traffic will be resuming at 35th/Roxbury. Yes, they get out early too – the last day of classes for the coming school year will be June 4.
Two notes regarding ongoing ICE operations in our area:
That photo is from one of multiple readers who messaged us about ICE officers detaining someone in Arbor Heights around 10 am. This was reported to be near 39th SW and SW 107th. One witness says, “They just took someone without asking any questions.” The officers were in vests marked POLICE/IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT and were masked and in unmarked vehicles. No information so far on the person they are reported to have taken away. This happened not far from where another arrest was reported in June.
Meantime, a protest is planned in The Junction tomorrow over the recent West Seattle arrest (reported here) of local contractor Eduardo Aguirre Esparza. Organizers have sent this flyer for the event, 10 am-2 pm Sunday near the Farmers’ Market.
Several people texted this morning with a report of ICE officers pulling someone over in south Arbor Heights. We have since received another report that included this photo:
The texters reported this happened on 35th SW near SW 106th, several blocks from the incident reported two weeks ago.
That photo arrived via text tonight from a reader who wrote:
Totally horrified to see this in our Arbor Heights neighborhood. This is at the intersection of 39th/108th/Marine View Drive … I walked past this spot this morning and the sign wasn’t there.
It might by explained by this photo texted by another reader earlier:
That reader said simply, “Wanted to share that ICE is arresting people in the Arroyo/Arbor Heights area.” We’ve heard second- or third-hand of other recent reports around West Seattle posted in social media, but this is the first we’ve received directly since the ones shown here a week ago.
(WSB video)
Hundreds of family members, friends, and educators gathered last night at Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien to cheer for West Seattle’s first high-school graduates of the year, the 55 graduating seniors of the Summit Atlas Class of 2026. We recorded the ceremony in three parts:
First, dean of culture and instruction Stephanie Day addressed the class, observing that graduation is “a celebration of perseverance. You kept showing up.” She was followed by learning specialist Jen Foster, who read Alberto Rios‘s poem “A House Called Tomorrow,” urging the grads to “make us proud, make yourselves proud. Two of them then spoke, Jacob Airhiavbere and Lilyana Ramirez (her observation: “We’re stepping into a future where nothing is guaranteed”). Following them was a feature unique to this school’s ceremony – the grads’ mentors taking the podium to say something about each and every student they mentored. Our first video segment includes Spanish teacher Jose Perez‘s tributes. He noted that his group (or “pod”) was defined by “growth, authenticity, and resiliency.” The next video segment begins with educator Kristen Smith talking about her “mentees”:
In that clip, she was followed by the third and final mentor to talk about her mentees, educator Jess Barco. Two of the three mentors mentioned the colleges/universities the students are off to, and it was a wide-ranging list – South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) was mentioned most frequently, with some going to its sibling school Seattle Central, others to UW, some to Western Washington University, and others heading far from home to schools including the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and Carnegie Mellon.
Our third clip includes the presentation of diplomas, with closing remarks by Summit Atlas’s first-year executive director/principal, Ebony Harvey:
The grads turned their tassels before leaving the stage, but were told the venue didn’t allow cap-tossing indoors, so they had to go outside for that. Summit Atlas is a charter middle/high school that opened nine years ago on the southwest corner of 35th/Roxbury; this is the school’s sixth graduating class – the first one, in 2021, numbered 33.
OTHER HIGH-SCHOOL GRADUATIONS: Our area’s two biggest high schools, Chief Sealth International HS and West Seattle HS, both have graduation ceremonies on Wednesday, June 17, at McCaw Hall (hosting graduations while Memorial Stadium is being rebuilt) – CSIHS at 5 pm, WSHS at 8 pm.
9:34 PM: If you’re wondering about the sirens in Arbor Heights, especially given the search earlier, this isn’t related – a bicyclist was hit by a driver at 35th SW and SW 108th, according to the dispatch, and the driver is reported to have left the scene. The woman who was hit is not reported to have major injuries so the response is being downsized.
10:38 PM: We haven’t heard anything further such as a driver/vehicle description. A comment below says police are looking for video that may show what happened. Meantime, we’re checking with SFD medics re: the rider.
ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: SFD says the 20-year-old woman who was riding when hit was taken to Harborview by AMR ambulance.
With the school year ending next month,it’s time to finalize where your child(ren) are going to school in the fall. For those still deciding, independent preK-8 Westside School in Arbor Heights (WSB sponsor) is offering online info sessions starting tomorrow:
Westside is hosting a series of Virtual Coffee sessions with our Head of School, Dr. Daryl Wright. These are short, informal Zoom gatherings designed to give prospective families a feel for our community, learn about our approach to joyful learning and high academic standards, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.
Upcoming sessions:
May 7 | 9:00–9:30 am
May 14 | 9:00–9:30 am
May 20 | 11:15–11:45 am
May 29 | 12:00–12:30 pmRegistration is required here, and families will receive the Zoom link after signing up.
5:50 PM: SFD has just upsized the response to an Arbor Heights house fire, in the 10200 block of 44th SW. Arriving units have declared it a “working fire.” We’re headed that way. Updates to come,
(WSB photos)
5:54 PM: Firefighters say the fire – which is centered in the house’s basement – is under control.
6:06 PM: Adding photos. The fire has been declared “tapped” (out). … Our crew at the scene talked to firefighters and they confirm no one was hurt.
12:52 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big police response in Arbor Heights. They’ve converged on a home in the 10400 block of California SW. SFD has a “scenes of violence” response there. Updates to come.
12:56 PM: This was originally reported as a shooting but now confirmed that no one was shot. A person who was in possession of a gun, reported as “walking away,” is being questioned. SFD has been canceled.
MONDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the SPD summary of what police believe happened:
At 1239 hours, a caller reported he had located an unknown man in his house and had just shot him. Officers responded and located the caller outside with a revolver in his hand. Officers gave him commands to put the gun down and the caller followed the orders. The caller was placed into custody without incident. A search of the residence was conducted and did not locate anyone else inside. One shot had been fired (.22 cal.) inside the residence. The caller was sent to HMC [Harborview Medical Center] for an ITA [evaluation for involuntary treatment], the firearm was collected and placed into evidence.
(WSB photos)
Speaking of bowling – that factored into one of the math games and puzzles that were part of the first-ever “Math with the Pack” at Westside School (WSB sponsor) in Arbor Heights.
The Pack is a reference to the “Wolfpacks” program at Westside School involving students in all its grades, Pre-K through 8th, getting together at least monthly in 20 multi-age “packs,” for what the school describes as “fun activities and conversations to build community and belonging.” For “Math with the Pack” afternoon, younger and older buddies – many separated by three grades – paired up for math challenges set up in rooms around the school.
Each student got a passport that was stamped as they completed challenges – many of which incorporated familiar objects like playing cards and dice.
Along with solving the challenge, the students had to be quick studies in learning each one’s rules and goal, so they could complete it in time to get to the next one.
This all didn’t come together on the spur of the moment – Westside tells us “Math with the Pack” had been in the works for a year!
The reward at the end was a slice of pie – originally meant to be in honor of Pi Day on March 14, because the event’s original date was Friday, March 13, but snow truncated that day so “Math with the Pack” – and pie – was delayed to the following week. (One of the challenges, by the way, was Pi Memorization.) The event itself was memorable enough, Westside hopes to make it a community-wide event eventually.
P.S. While visiting Westside, we learned they have some openings for next school year; if potentially interested, go here to find out about the school and see how to visit for a tour.
Bidding has just begun in the online component of this year’s Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA fundraising auction – with a goal to “Bring Back to Music“! In harmony with the theme, this year’s online and in-person auction offerings include two items signed by members of Pearl Jam, donated by its frontman – including the guitar shown above. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you today:
Arbor Heights Elementary School is rallying community support to help bring music back to its students.
Due to district budget cuts, the school had to make difficult decisions for the 2025–2026 school year, including eliminating its music program. For Arbor Heights students, families, and staff, that loss has been deeply felt. Music is more than enrichment — it builds confidence, fosters connection, sparks joy, and supports learning across subjects.
That is the inspiration behind this year’s Arbor Heights PTSA auction theme: Bring Back the Music! The PTSA is working to raise as much money as possible to help reinstate the school’s music program.
The annual auction will be held on March 28, 2026, at The Hall at Fauntleroy and will include dinner, games, a live auction, an online silent auction, and a raise-the-paddle fundraiser.
The effort has even caught the attention of a famous neighbor. Musician Eddie Vedder has generously donated a Fender electric guitar signed by all five members of Pearl Jam (photo above), along with a poster also signed by the band (photo below). The signed guitar will be featured in the live auction on March 28.
While the event is currently sold out, there are still ways to support the cause. Arbor Heights is offering proxy/remote bidding for the live auction, including the signed guitar. Those interested in proxy bidding can contact ahptatreasurer1@gmail.com.
Community members can also support Arbor Heights by making a monetary donation through the Arbor Heights PTSA or by participating in the online silent auction. Your support is appreciated!
Bill reports brown water in Arbor Heights, vicinity of SW 99th and 39th SW. No incidents currently on the Seattle Public Utilities trouble map. Any time you notice this, the SPU number to call is 206-386-1800. It can sometimes be a sign of as-yet-unreported trouble with a nearby line, but it also can be a result of SFD testing a nearby hydrant.
10:02 PM: Just in case you heard the short-lived sirens: A “full response” from SFD was headed for a possible fire in the 10000 block of California SW in Arbor Heights [vicinity map] when dispatch called off all but a few units, saying the fire’s out, but “lots of smoke” remains.
10:06 PM: This was a “food on stove” kitchen fire, reports one of the few units kept on the call.
If you don’t have tickets yet for Saturday’s Recess Monkey show at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor), we just checked and some are still available for this fun kid-music concert open to the entire community – it’s a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank! As the original announcement notes, “Known for their clever lyrics, playful personalities, and upbeat sound, Recess Monkey delivers a lively, interactive musical experience that gets everyone — big and small — up and moving.”
Tickets are only $10 per family. The show starts at 10:30 am Saturday (January 31). Get yours here!
Jake reports brown water near 37th SW and SW 99th. Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map. As always, the reminder – if this happens at your home/business, call SPU at 206-386-1800. (One frequent explanation is hydrant testing, which SFD does as time allows, but that seems unlikely on a freezing night.(
As we reported last Tuesday, that’s a map of the blocks where SDOT plans “conceptual design” of potential new sidewalks and/or walkways, funded by the Seattle Transportation Levy. Full details are in this report, and SDOT is asking for feedback by tomorrow (Tuesday, January 20), so in case you didn’t have time last week, here’s your reminder. levysidewalks@seattle.gov is where to send your comments.
(October WSB photo)
Three months after SDOT‘s Arbor Heights walking tour to talk about possibilities for new sidewalks/pathways (WSB coverage here), the department is out with its report on what it heard and what it plans to do. The report (see it here) includes this map showing blocks “moving into conceptual design” for potential new sidewalks/walkways:
The report was emailed with this brief note from SDOT:
After carefully considering and analyzing all input from the community, we have developed the draft design for the new sidewalks, walkways, and other related Arbor Heights neighborhood improvements. Please review the attached plan and let us know if you have comments by Tuesday, January 20.
The email didn’t include a specific address or survey link for feedback (we’re following up) but the program’s general feedback address is levysidewalks@seattle.gov – whichever blocks are chosen for new sidewalks/walkways, the funding will come from the voter-approved $1.5 billion, eight-year Seattle Transportation Levy, which included funding for 350 new blocks of sidewalks/walkways citywide.
1:22 PM: Thanks for all the tips about the southbound full-code SPD cars. They’re heading to Arbor Heights after a report of someone “brandishing a gun” at or near Summit Atlas middle/high school, which SPD reported has gone “into lockdown” as a result. No gunfire reported, no injuries, but the reportedly armed person was reported to have headed eastbound on Roxbury on foot, described as a Black man in his mid-20s with black puffy jacket, gray sweatpants, possibly accompanied by several other people.
1:32 PM: Police have detained two people at Roxhill Park.
Before we get to today’s event list, a look to something further in the future, but with tickets available now: A fun kid-music concert open to the entire community is coming up at Westside School (10404 34th SW; WSB sponsor) – Recess Monkey is performing as a fundraiser for the West Seattle Food Bank! Here’s the announcement:
Seattle’s beloved kids’ music band Recess Monkey will perform at Westside School on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 to 11:15 am in the Westside Theater. Known for their clever lyrics, playful personalities, and upbeat sound, Recess Monkey delivers a lively, interactive musical experience that gets everyone — big and small — up and moving.
The performance is open to the public, offering a fun, engaging morning of music for families in the Seattle area. Attendees can expect sing-alongs, dancing, and an energetic show that appeals to children of all ages.
Tickets & Info: $10 per family, benefitting the West Seattle Food Bank. Click here to find out more and purchase tickets.
The photo was sent by Arlene, who says someone abandoned this bicycle near her Arbor Heights home:
If you recognize it, please contact us and we’ll connect you.
Four reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
ARBOR HEIGHTS GUNFIRE: Right around the end of the Seahawks game, as usual, some set off fireworks to commemorate the victory, so 911 was dealing with some callers who thought they heard gunfire. In one case, apparently they did. Police reported finding at least one shell casing in the 10700 block of 35th SW. No reports of injuries or property damage.
STOLEN BLACK TACOMA TRUCK: The photo and report are from Christina:
Our 2017 black Toyota Tacoma was stolen overnight from 9000 block of 39th Ave SW near SW Barton between 12:00 AM-7:00 AM on 11/23. Plate: C53336H. VIN: ——-3136. Stickers: Seahawks (rear window) West Seattle Eagle, Teamsters. Broken glass on scene likely smashed rear window. SPD case # 25-343674
Call 911 if you find it.
HOME BURGLARY ATTEMPT: From Richard in Westwood:
Shortly before 400 am I heard noises that I thought were that of a raccoon. I went downstairs to investigate and heard someone trying to break through my high-end security door. I called 911 and the police came and did an area check and found nothing.
Shortly after 700 am I went outside and found extensive damage to the security door. Not only did they break metal parts of the latch, but they used fire to try and melt parts of the door and lock mechanism. I called the police again and the officer said it looked like a very professional job and that he had not seen one like it before. The lock held but the door may need to be replaced. Case number 25-343575.
GARAGE BREAK-IN: This report was sent by Brian:
Our home was also targeted in Seaview on Friday night. Someone broke our car window in the driveway and stole / used garage door remote to gain access to the garage. Nothing apparently stolen other than the remote (maybe intent on coming back? Who knows).
4:13 PM: Seattle Police investigating 911 calls about possible gunfire in an alley in or near the 10400 block of 42nd SW have just reported finding at least one casing. A possibly related vehicle was described as a dark Audi SUV. No injuries reported. The first calls about this came in around 3:45 pm; an officer told dispatch about the casing at 4:10 pm.
ADDED WEDNESDAY EVENING: We obtained the narrative from SPD (which redacted names and some other details):
On 11/11/25, at 1544, I, XXXX XXXX, employed as a police officer, within the city of Seattle, when I was dispatched to a shooting call located at [10400 BLK] 42nd AV SW, in the alley to the west.
There was multiple 911 callers about this call.
Upon arrival of the listed location, I noticed a possible scene in the alley but there was no one to speak to. I did notice a camper in the driveway of the location, which I knocked on.
A female, XXXX, XXXX X, exited the camper and spoke to me. I noticed she had blood on her hand and her face, which she stated she was knocked down. XXXX further stated as she was walking her dog, she noticed two unk male, one with a face mask running towards her. As she turned to get away from them, one of them knocked her down and then proceeded to hear two-gun shots go off. XXXX stated she noticed a white or tan pick up truck and a black or dark color, possible Audi driving away from the alleyway.
XXXX was scene by Seattle Fire and was cleared to remain on scene.
As I was on scene, I did locate XXX shell casings within the alleyway. I photographed the shells before I collected them. These were later placed into SPD evidence.
During this time another shooting call came out at the Westwood village, SPD 25-331398. The caller to this call was identified as XXXX, who later showed up to the listed location, identified as XXXX, XXXX XXXX.
XXXX stated as she was within the garage at the listed location (also in the alleyway), she overheard what she believed gun shots. As she left the garage, she noticed a subject who she identified as “XX” chasing her boyfriend, XXXX, XXXX X. XXXX noticed XX holding a firearm. Both subjects got into their vehicles and drove away.
XXXX believed this incident was retaliation due to XXXX and XX had gotten into a physical altercation, possibly from SPD 25-313595. During this incident, no one was located.
As I spoke to XXXX, XXXX had called her and stated he did not want to speak to the police. As I got back to my vehicle, I noticed a white pick up driving up to the alleyway. I asked the driver if he was XXXX but he stated he was not.
I did find a neighbor with footage of the Audi speeding through the area, which was uploaded to axon.
I was able to review the video. I noticed as the possible Audi travel North bound in the alleyway. As it did so, an unknown subject fired shots. After the shots came out, an unknown subject is seen running towards the Audi in the alleyway.
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