West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
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.
(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 75 confirmed gunfire incidents this year, eight 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)
Thanks to Don for the photo taken south and upslope from the new Alki Elementary School, expected to open next school year. Don reports, “Masons are working on exterior wall insulation and brick veneer at the third floor level of the south side. The contractor is using a mobile crane to fly HVAC equipment into the mechanical penthouse through the roof.” The district webpage about the project (which includes a live project-site webcam) hasn’t been updated lately, so we have an inquiry out to see if the project’s still on track. The school students and staff, meantime, have just started their third year at the former Schmitz Park Elementary campus.
Quick reminders about what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CLOSING DAY FOR SOUTH DELRIDGE WALGREENS: The Walgreens store at 9456 16th SW permanently closes at noon today, as we’ve been reporting.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
NO AMERICAN MAH JONGG TODAY: Afternoon meetups are sstill on hold until The Missing Piece reopens in its new West Seattle Junction location.
HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: The Chief Sealth IHS girls play Seattle Christian at 3 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting, 6 pm online. Here’s the agenda, which includes the registration link.
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required.
FREE ART CLASS: 6 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: An energetic way to enjoy your late-summer evening – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.
‘TWILIGHT’ OUTDOOR MOVIE: As previewed here, Seattle Parks is screening the “Twilight” movies at parks around the city this month, and tonight it’s “Twilight: Eclipse” at Lincoln Park’s ballfield #4. (8011 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
LISTENING PARTY: King Princess‘s new album is “Girl Violence” – hear it early at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 7 pm, with giveaways (you could win a signed copy!).
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: Last time this summer! 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
MUSIC BINGO: at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You can be in the spotlight – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: The singing starts at the pub at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:39 AM: Thanks for the tips. 68 homes in North Admiral/Upper Alki have been out of power since just before 5 this morning. The Seattle City Light outage map blames it on a tree. Dave says that tree’s at Sunset/Atlantic, and sent this photo:
1:03 PM: The map shows that, since our last check a couple hours ago, the outage is down to 18 customers.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, September 10, 2025, the first early-release Wednesday of the Seattle Public Schools year, so be extra-alert in the early afternoon.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for afternoon clearing, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:40 am; sunset will be at 7:30 pm.
ROAD WORK
Construction on 16th near SW Kenyon is alternating traffic through one lane, with a flagger.
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 vs. St. Louis.
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!
We’ve heard tonight from multiple West Seattle High School students about an announcement that apparently affects most Seattle Public Schools high schools: Starting next Monday, less than two weeks into the new school year, high-school lunchtime will be split into two. Here’s a screenshot of the announcement sent to WSHS families. One WSHS student, Lemuel Turpaud, asked us to publish this message about it:
I am a member of West Seattle High School, their ASB, and many clubs, and I have an important message to share to the community. Seattle Public Schools will be requiring all high schools in the district to change from one unified lunch to two separate lunches on Monday.
This proposal will kill clubs at the high school. Last March the West Seattle Rocketry Club reached out to the West Seattle Blog, and from our amazing community received over $1,200 to fund our rocketry competition. This support from the community allowed for the team to continue their project, and have financial safety going into the next year. Now with the change of school lunch policy, the Rocketry Club and other student run clubs will be facing a much larger problem than funding. Splitting the lunch period divides students’ only shared free time to meet and join clubs. This decision will kill many clubs, specifically the smaller clubs that are created as passion projects by dedicated members of the school; Rocketry Club being one of those.
Students districtwide from almost ten schools are planning on walking out on Monday, September 15th ,if the policy is not reversed.
We ask the West Seattle community to stand with us. Please contact the school board and urge them to preserve a unified lunch period so student clubs, opportunities, and community can continue to thrive. Thank you.
– Lemuel Turpaud, Class of 2026
Another WSHS student sent the link to an online petition about this plan and other changes/problems in the district. We will be contacting the district first thing in the morning to find out more about this change (including why it, and the bell-time changes that will result, wasn’t implemented at the start of the year).
ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: No explanation from the district. Our inquiry was answered with exactly the same verbiage used for last night’s announcement.
Two months ago, we and other media got a look inside SPD’s Real-Time Crime Center, in which SPD tracks incidents shortly after they happen. The center’s access to cameras will expand after two City Council votes tonight – here’s the meeting video:
The votes (on legislation linked on agenda page 7) followed more than 100 people speaking almost entirely against the expansion, but only two councilmembers – citywide rep Alexis Mercedes Rinck and Northwest Seattle’s Dan Strauss – voted no. Many of the people who urged the council to reject the bills said it wasn’t even so much the cameras themselves that they opposed, but the possibility that the images and information they gather could be used against particularly vulnerable residents such as immigrants and LGBTQIA+ people. Councilmembers, particularly Public Safety Committee chair Bob Kettle, insisted that the bills have more safeguards than similar ones in other cities. But more than anything, the councilmembers who supported the surveillance expansion said that they were most moved by crime victims they’ve heard from and met with, and they felt cameras would be an important “investigative tool.” They also said immigrants are concerned about crime too, not just federal enforcement; District 1 Councilmeber Rob Saka said he’s sensitive to immigrants’ concerns since he represents areas including South Park and High Point, and is the son of an immigrant himself.
While one part of the legislation will install new SPD cameras in new locations – the “Capitol Hill Nightlife Area,” the stadium area, and the Garfield High School vicinity – another part will connect the Real-Time Crime Center to ~150 SDOT cameras (city traffic cams are mapped here, including the ones in West Seattle). The camera’s project’s goals are stated in one of the agenda documents:
In regard to overall outcomes, the goals of this project are:
1. Reduction in gun violence, human trafficking, and other persistent felony crimes in selected areas.
2. Reduction in 911 calls in selected areas.
3. To minimize crime displacement outside of selected areas.
4. Improved police response times, crime clearance rates, and community satisfaction measures.SPD will also report the rate of arrests and prosecutions that occur as a result of the initial pilot and any negative unintended consequences, such as over or under policing. The program will be data-informed and guided. It will terminate if data suggests the technology is ineffective.
Five amendments were considered before the final vote; the one that passed would enable a 60-day “pause” in the program if there was evidence the data could be or was being accessed for civil immigration enforcement.
That’s the new flooring inside the South Transfer Station in west South Park. We checked in with Seattle Public Utilities this afternoon to see if it was going to reopen on the announce revised date, tomorrow, and the reply was “yes.” Here’s the official announcement:
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is pleased to announce that the South Transfer Station, located at 130 S. Kenyon Street, will reopen to the public on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, following a temporary closure for critical safety upgrades.
The project included the replacement of over 35,000 square feet of tipping floor, ensuring continued safe and efficient operations for both customers and SPU staff. With this work now complete, SPU welcomes all public customers and account holders back to the station.
SPU extends its appreciation to residents and businesses who postponed non-essential trips to the station during the closure and used alternative locations or donation/recycling options. Thank you for skipping a trip, planning ahead, and knowing where to go. Your efforts helped reduce congestion, supported a smooth upgrade process, and kept our community and workers safe. SPU appreciates your patience and cooperation.
To help keep the station running efficiently, SPU encourages customers to:
• Sort and secure loads before arriving
• Check station hours and accepted materials on the SPU website
• Use the “Where Does It Go?” tool for donation, curbside collection, and recycling options and disposal tips.
Back in July, we brought you the story of the Carlson family, including twin baby girls in the fight of their very young lives against cancer. This weekend you have another opportunity to help them – here’s the announcement we were asked to share:
Tibbetts United Methodist Church is inviting the greater West Seattle community to help support a local family whose twins, Lucy and Josie, are in the fight for their lives. Both babies have been diagnosed with infant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (an incredibly rare and aggressive cancer for babies of this age) and are currently enduring intense chemotherapy and extended hospital stays. At Tibbetts, we want to respond in hope, with love and action. We will be raising awareness and showing our support for the Carlson Family at a potluck on Sunday, September 14th at 11:30 am at Tibbetts UMC Adams Hall (Corner of 41st and Andover). Please bring a dish to share and join us as we gather for food, fellowship, and to raise funds for the Carlson Family through their GoFundMe. All are welcome.
2:42 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police have received calls this past hour about two masked men in The Junction, photographing people and businesses. Officers checked them out in the vicinity of the Post Office and Eagles aerie; they told dispatch the men weren’t doing anything illegal (permission is not required to photograph anyone or anything visible from a public space like a sidewalk or street). What some who’ve seen them report to be unsettling is their outfits (here’s one photo texted to us), reminiscent of what plainclothes ICE agents have been photographed wearing, but one report we’ve received say the men identified themselves as “independent media.” They were also described as “belligerent.”
2:55 PM: Someone just called this into 911 again, and officers told dispatch they’d made contact earlier and “there’s nothing we can do.”
3:31 PM: As noted in comments, this is apparently a practice called 1st Amendment Auditing, carried out by provocateurs. It would explain why we thought we heard officers tell dispatch the men were “auditors.”
4:40 PM: We’ve received a couple photos of both.
(File photo from a reader – that long stretch of greenbelt is the WDG)
The largest remaining contiguous stretch of forest in Seattle is right here on the peninsula. This community announcement coalition we invites you to answer a survey meant to help shape its future:
The Ridge to River Coalition (R2R) announces the 2025 West Duwamish Greenbelt Public Survey. All community members are invited to share experiences, connections, and ideas for Seattle’s largest remaining forest. To take the online survey, visit the R2R website r2rduwamish.org and click the “Share Your Ideas” button.
The West Duwamish Greenbelt is an amazing natural area in the city. It stretches from the West Seattle Bridge to White Center. The forest is a vital habitat for birds and animals. It offers opportunities for recreation, walking on trails to destinations, or simply enjoying the outdoors close to home.
The Ridge to River Coalition is a group of your neighbors from West Seattle and Duwamish Valley groups. R2R is working to create a community vision for the greenbelt that supports environmental stewardship, respects its cultural context and addresses the needs of the surrounding communities.
This is your opportunity to have a say in what would make the greenbelt welcoming and useful. The survey will help shape a community-led Vision and Concept Plan. In 2026, R2R will return to gather public feedback on specific proposals developed from survey responses and environmental studies by our consultant team.
This planning is made possible by a grant from the King County Parks Levy Fund. The Ridge to River Coalition is sponsored by the Seattle Parks Foundation in partnership with Seattle Parks and Recreation. Technical assistance is being provided by the National Park Service’s River and Trail Corridor Assistance Program.
Your survey responses will help shape the future of the West Duwamish Greenbelt. Several language options are offered. To learn about R2R and take the survey, visit the R2R website r2rduwamish.org and click the “Share Your Ideas” button, or go directly to the survey at https://survey.zohopublic.com/zs/AODzlN.
(WSB photo from 2024 South Park Fiestas Patrias parade)
In case you wondered, this year’s Fiestas Patrias celebration – presented by Sea Mar – is on this weekend, beginning with Saturday’s annual parade in South Park celebrating Latin American heritage and culture. This year’s theme is “Our Voice, Our Strength“; State Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González is the Grand Marshal this year. Dozens of entries, from folkloric dancers to horseback riders, will head eastbound on South Henderson to 14th Avenue South at 10 am Saturday (September 13), then heading north on 14th to South Cloverdale, and turning westbound. It’s a relatively short – 45 minutes last year (WSB coverage here) – but spirited parade. Sea Mar also presents a Fiestas Patrias event all weekend at Seattle Center (see the program and schedule here).
(Late-summer garden photo by Stan Delles)
Here’s our Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are invited to this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) features speakers Abigail Quic and Antonio Cruz Sánchez, PhD, regarding youth leadership training.
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm weekly meeting, with agenda items including surveillance-camera expansion. Meeting is open to public comment both online and in person – the agenda explains how.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
UPDATE: FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting, community members welcome, LOCATION UPDATE: ONLINE ONLY – go to fauntleroy.net/meetings to register. Here’s the agenda. (9131 California SW)
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
CREATE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), register in advance to work on your project(s).
LIVE AT EASY STREET: In-store show with Catholics, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: New classes begin, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four options for Tuesday night trivia – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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