If you’re ~30+, you likely have a 9/11 story to tell. We received the following story from West Seattle banker Ryan Sales, including a mystery that someone who reads this might be able to solve:

On Remembering 9/11
After 25 Years

Morning Edition on NPR was my alarm clock for years starting in college at the University of Utah. Bob Edwards was most often the sound that pulled me from sleep.

I believe it was Seattle Mariners left fielder Charles Gipson who dove to catch the final out for the Mariners’ 104th win on Monday, September 10th, 2001. World Series fever had Seattle in an epidemic of Mojo fever.

I slept on that Mojo high.

Homer Simpson woke me up Tuesday morning around 6:05 pacific time. Homer was oddly talking about a “propjet” crashing into the North Tower, World Trade Center 1. As my brain’s cartoon Mojo haze gave way to weekday workday consciousness, I realized Homer was Bob Edwards, who was now talking about passenger jets and not prop-jets. His vocal tones were deepening into an uncharted baritone of serious.

The walk to work from my West Seattle, Admiral District apartment to the Junction felt like an episode from The Twilight Zone. No planes. No cars. No walkers or joggers.

This was pre-smartphones.

I arrived at work and began opening the West Seattle First Mutual branch where Pegasus Pizza is located today. My manager Dotty joined me next. Shock was our conversation. First Mutual had already sent out closure approval emails. But Dotty and I resisted the initial closure request. We put out coffee and dragged out a small lunchroom curved-screen TV.

We opened to no one. Quiet. Blue sky.

A couple people and a couple calls. After a half-hour our audience was five.

There was a tall, close to 6’2” gentleman who walked in slow and calm, eyes up, baseball cap down, who talked with Dotty for a few short minutes. It was a little over an hour after opening. About four people were still at the small TV with coffee. I was working hard to be busy with unsettled calm and shock augmenting my caffeine nerves. I had breathing and focus. He slowed as he approached the corner of my desk.

This is my first and only effort to recount with certain inaccuracy what he said to me that Tuesday. September 11th, 2001.

I’m proud you’re open today. I was the front line of our country on D-Day. When the ramps of our Higgins Boats opened at Omaha, I watched two good buddies shot up. I made it to beach, and we knew we were lucky. But we knew even more we were there for a responsibility. We had lots more work to do. Later they moved me to the Pacific. And I had to find beach under fire again. The responsibility for doing our job was our greater service. A service I believe we did well for our country.

Now it’s your generation. It’s you. Thankfully, and with blessing there’s no bullets at your desk. But I saw many closed doors in the Junction today but yours is open. You are the new front line. Customer Service. Now you serve with the greatest responsibility to serve our country. Thank you.

I thanked him back in a cloudy muffle of near tears.

If you lived in West Seattle in the late ’90s and early 2000s and frequented the Junction, you likely remember and know him. He was well known and well liked. He lived on Beach Drive. Who was he?

He is who I remember 9/11 for. No one who worked that Tuesday and served in response to it are forgotten. They are a remembered frontline that lives on in honor and kindness the way that World War II veteran lives with my memories. The responsibility and service he talked about with me is the responsibility and service we carry for all from 9/11.

I will be first at work today. I will open. I will remember with a full day of focus breathed with responsibility and service to the community of our country.

By Ryan J Sales
09/11/2026

UPDATE: Why did the goat cross the road?

| Delridge | Pets | West Seattle news

12:28 PM: Apparently because it’s lost. We have multiple reports including this one:

We found a brown and white goat crossing Delridge by Home Depot on Orchard. She has horns and is currently at the gas station tied up by a food truck.

Here’s a photo we received (larger size substituted):

(We usually list lost pets on this page but this one’s unusual!)

2:38 PM: We just learned the goat escaped from the nearby Vietnamese Cultural Center (which, we should have remembered, is promising a “goat show” as part of its Children’s Moonlight Festival 2-4 pm Saturday). We’ve sent contact info to all parties and hopefully a reunion will ensue.

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A dozen more things to know about for the rest of your West Seattle Friday

September 11, 2026 11:36 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

We’ve been away from the desk for much of the morning, so here’s a belated list of highlights for the rest of your Friday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WEST SEATTLE/FAUNTLEROY YMCA GOLF TOURNAMENT: Until mid-afternoon, more than 100 golfers are on the greens at the West Seattle Golf Course, raising money for Y programs in this first-ever tournament. We were there as golfers teed off and will be going back so we can bring you a full report later.

CRAFTS AND PUZZLES SALE: Until 2 pm, you can stock up on what you need to keep busy during the long dark months ahead – shop at Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Shop at The Mount (4831 35th SW).

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Late-summer gardening? The center has plants! Open until 3 pm on the north end of the main campus of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, and/or buy a bottle.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.

JEWISH NEW YEAR: Rosh Hashanah starts at sundown tonight (official sunset time is 7:29 pm).

TWO BANDS AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, show at 8, Double-Wide Lawn Chair and I-90 Fiasco. $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Funkadelic analog reissue! Hear it tonight, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), all ages, free.

KENYON HALL CABARET: 7:30 pm, Kenyon Hall‘s monthly drag showcase (7904 35th SW), all ages.

SPINNING: Revelry Room (4547 California SW) regular Friday night spinning – with DJ Lady Cco tonight, starting at 9 pm.

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, Russian Blue & Art Gecko, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.

MEGASTAR KARAOKE: 9 pm at Max’s Triangle Pub (9454 Delridge Way SW).

If you have something for our event lists and ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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9/11, a quarter-century later: Seen at Alki Statue of Liberty

September 11, 2026 10:19 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Alki Statue of Liberty | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

Another sight on this 25th anniversary of 9/11: As of about an hour ago, one bouquet, with a small American flag, had been placed by the Alki Statue of Liberty. The statue, a decade and a half before it was recast and surrounded with a plaza in 2007-2008, was a gathering point after 9/11 – candles and luminarias stretched along the promenade. In 2013, the gallery Alki Arts – located at the beach back then – hosted an exhibit with many of the bags that held candles and were marked with messages (here’s our coverage). A sample of that memorabilia – and the pre-recast statue – are part of the new “Beyond Alki” exhibit at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens), which you can visit today until 4 pm.

ADDED 11:20 AM: Just found out you can also see many of those bags online – the Southwest Seattle Historical Society just posted about that.

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9/11, a quarter-century later: West Seattle firefighters remember

September 11, 2026 8:59 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

That was the scene minutes ago at Station 29 in North Admiral, one of the Seattle Fire Department stations where firefighters paid tribute this morning to the hundreds of first responders who lost their lives because of the 9/11 attacks – 25 years ago today. Each fire station read aloud some of the names of those lost.

ADDED 10:35 AM: Here’s our video of the ceremony, starting with lowering the station flag to half-staff:

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TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD/PATH WORK: Friday + weekend notes

September 11, 2026 6:03 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning. It’s Friday, September 11, 2026.

WEEKEND WORK ALERT

From WSDOT:

People traveling on the northbound State Route 99 First Avenue South bridge should plan for lane closures Saturday, Sept. 12 and Sunday, Sept. 13. The following closures are planned from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.:

Saturday, Sept. 12

The right lane of the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South bridge.

Sunday, Sept. 13

The left HOV lane of the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South bridge.

Washington State Department of Transportation bridge-maintenance crews will use these lane closures to perform annual bridge inspections.

Also,Saturday is the start of the foot/bike path closure by the West Seattle Bridge for Sound Transit work.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here; reminder that buses return to SW Barton in and near the Westwood Village area as of tomorrow (Saturday, September 12).

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is now on a two-boat schedule this week, with a third boat expected soon; check the alert page for specifics. Also note a lane reduction expected at the Fauntleroy dock overnight tonight because of utility work

West Seattle Water Taxi Regular summer schedule, with later-night schedule Fridays (tonight!) and Saturdays (for one more month).

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast is for cloudy skies, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise will be at 6:41 am today; sunset will be at 7:29 pm.

BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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!

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS hosts Roosevelt to kick off season’s second week

September 10, 2026 10:30 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

Chief Sealth International High School students and other fans offered a variety of reasons to cheer in the early going of the Seahawks’ first home game of the season tonight.

They hosted the Roosevelt HS Rough Riders at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.

Our photographer was there for part of the first half. Chief Sealth was down 10-0 at halftime.

In the second half, head coach Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks managed to get six points on the scoreboard – their first points of the season – but Roosevelt added points too, and left with the win, 31-6.

Next week, Chief Sealth is on the road vs. Ballard HS (7 pm Friday, September 18).

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Seen on last West Seattle Art Walk of summer 2026

September 10, 2026 6:40 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Brightening up this gray – but still technically summer – evening, are West Seattle Art Walk artists!

Lynsey Boyle is one of two artists showing their work tonight at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor).

Her visual art is complemented by Loretta Philp‘s stoneware:

And WSN is hosting the West Seattle Ukulele Players too:

ADDED: In The Junction, we stopped to see photographer Maxine Gardner, showing her work at Snip-Its Haircuts for Kids (4506 California SW) tonight:

She’s outside with raffle tickets, but don’t miss what’s on display inside:

Wildlife photos too!

Art Walk is on until 8 pm.

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Scenes from second West Seattle Junction Sweet Stroll

September 10, 2026 6:05 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

The second-ever West Seattle Junction Sweet Stroll continues until 8 pm, and you can still get a ticket – just go to the check-in table in front of KeyBank at California/Alaska:

Above is one of the four treats your ticket is good for, a Molly Moon’s Ice Cream mini-flight – below, you also get your choice of Husky Deli mini-scoop:

Two berry-pie choices from A La Mode Pies:

And pumpkin-spice beverage plus donut from Top Pot:

You get all those for $25,

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FOLLOWUP: City fires contractor for Morgan Junction EV lot, and sets another new completion date

September 10, 2026 4:15 pm

| 20 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news

(Recent photo of site’s SW Morgan frontage)

For months, we’ve been tracking the saga of the future Morgan Junction EV lot (4118 SW Morgan), with Seattle City Light most recently saying the work had stopped because of a design flaw, and promising an update by the end of August. That didn’t materialize, so we asked SCL what was up. They promised an update by end-of-day today, and here it is:

City Light construction engineers have resolved the structural design issue that stopped work at the site in July. Separately, the City has terminated its contract with the project’s original contractor due to performance issues and is bringing on a new contractor to complete the remaining work. We expect the charging station will be completed by September 2027.

The original contractor was Zenisco. The lot, intended to have eight chargers open for (paid) public use, was first announced in 2022 and expected to be built that year. SCL is now promising “quarterly updates.”

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VIDEO, PHOTOS: Ceremonial groundbreaking for West Seattle RV/tiny-house site Glassyard Commons

September 10, 2026 3:49 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
for West Seattle Blog

After months of taking photos from outside the gate, we got our first close-up look this afternoon at the state-owned West Seattle site (7200 2nd SW) being transformed into Glassyard Commons, with 72 RV parking spaces and 20 tiny houses. Each of those metal stakes, site operator LIHI explained, marks the utility connections for an RV.

We were there for the ceremonial groundbreaking – a month and a half after work started at the site – organized by LIHI, whose executive director Sharon Lee led off a half-hour speaking program.

We recorded it all on video:

We broke the news of the RV/tiny-house plan for this site in January, after discovering documents in city files, but it had been eyed as a potential sanctioned-encampment site for years. LIHI has a $3.3 million/year contract to build and operate Glassyard Commons, leasing the land from the Washington State Department of Transportation after legislation was passed enabling state land to be used for “community benefit,” Lee said, adding they hope to lease the site “for many years to come.” The goal, she said, is to get RVs off the street, not just as a place to park, but to get the occupants into permanent housing, and to destroy the RVs – so the ones that come in won’t be going out.

Who will be coming in? Lee reiterated that priority will be given to District 1 (West Seattle, South Park, part of south downtown) RV residents. Jen Manlief (above), who manages the Vehicle Outreach Program, said it won’t be an “easy yes” for RV residents, but they have been working with some potential future Glassyard Commons occupants for months, and the selling points include mental-health services and other assistance in getting back on their feet. We asked how early they would be signing people up to move in, and she said that they would probably have a list about a month in advance of what’s now an anticipated “mid-November” opening, according to LIHI. (Minimum age will be 18.)

Mayor Katie Wilson wasn’t there, but Human Services Department director Tanya Kim spokr, saying the city will be funding more new shelters – two tiny-house villages, a “master-leased” building, and two shelter “expansions” (locations were not mentioned). Kim described those as “more opportunities for people to say ‘yes’ to.”

Bob Kettle was the only City Councilmember at the event; he explained that this aligns with his role as Public Safety Committee chair, and also that he had direct district experience with Salmon Bay Village, the RV lot that LIHI operated relatively briefly (closed because its owner decided to repurpose the site for pickleball). He said that during its time in operation, he noticed fewer RVs on nearby streets, and said the ones he did see were in better condition.

Rev. Erica Williams, representing the site’s “faith sponsor” New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, declared projects like this to be part of the “liberation and well-being of all people.”

And LIHI’s Marta Kidane offered gratitude to the people of West Seattle and South Park, and also invited community members to sign up for the Glassyard Commons Community Advisory Committee, which will meet monthly online to discuss updates and concerns. (LIHI-operated West Seattle tiny-house site Camp Second Chance also has one that has plenty of room for more participation too. Contact marta.kidane@lihi.org if you’re interested.

Then, after the speeches, the photo op:

And the work continued, with promises of another gathering at the site when it opens in mid-November.

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Another meeting with Seattle Police next week: Alki Community Council

September 10, 2026 2:14 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Neighborhoods | Safety | West Seattle news

We’ve already reported on the meeting that Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is organizing next week to talk about Roxhill Park safety with Seattle Police and other agencies/departments, at 3:30 pm Thursday (September 17). We’ve just learned that a few hours later, another trouble spot – Alki Beach – will be discussed with SPD Southwest Precinct leadership. It’s the regular monthly gathering of the Alki Community Council, 7 pm Thursday (here’s agenda info on the ACC website). After another turbulent summer, there’s lots to discuss, and it’ll be in the usual location, Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: M/V Sealth, getting ready to return to service

September 10, 2026 11:34 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Seen at sea | Transportation | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip and photo! If you noticed the state ferry M/V Sealth “spinning” in Elliott Bay this morning – it wasn’t a problem or a rescue. The Sealth has been undergoing maintenance and today it’s on sea trials, confirmed during the Washington State Ferries online community meeting that’s under way right now. If all goes well, it will return to the Triangle Route (Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth), which is on two-boat service right now until the third is available.

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West Seattle Art Walk, Sweet Stroll, ferry meetings, clogging, history, football, more for your Thursday!

September 10, 2026 9:58 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Cormorant Cove photo by Bob Burns)

Here’s our lively list of what’s happening around West Seattle in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – THANK YOU to everyone who sends events for us to share!):

CRAFTS AND PUZZLES SALE: 10 am-2 pm, stock up on what you need to keep busy during the long dark months ahead – shop at Emilie’s Treasures Thrift Shop at The Mount (4831 35th SW).

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, plant sales featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).

TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES MEETING #1: 11 am online, first of two sessions of this periodic community update/Q&A opportunity (they’re doing it again tonight at 6 pm) – our calendar listing has the registration links for both.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can be there to listen!)

NEW BEGINNER CLOGGING CLASS: Learn to clog! Get started today, 1:30-2:30 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds),

WEST SEATTLE SOCIAL HOUR: Want to meet people – in person? Camp West (4539 California SW) is hosting a weekly “social hour” where you can drop in (21+) and do that!

DROP-IN CHESS: The regular High Point Library Thursday event is happening today – people under 18 can drop in 4-5:30 pm to play. (3411 SW Raymond)

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS – this week and every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) hosts a food truck. Tonight it’s Cascadia Pizza.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: 5-8 pm all around the peninsula – use this interactive map to see who’s hosting artists and where! Here are Art Walk participants we’ve heard directly from:
*West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW) – also featuring the West Seattle Ukulele Players
*Snip-Its Salon for Kids (4506 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE SWEET STROLL: Same hours as the Art Walk, added optional activity, as previewed here – one ticket gets you treats from four Junction venues!

HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) welcomes volunteers weekly to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks – you can take some home too. Just be there 5-7 pm!

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle. While you’re there, check out the ongoing West Seattle Art Tour preview, as part of tonight’s Art Walk!

WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES MEETING #2: If you couldn’t attend the midday version of this periodic community update/Q&A opportunity, they’re doing it again tonight at 6 pm – our calendar listing has the registration link.

POSTCARDING PARTY: 6-8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), gathering to fill out postcards to encourage recipients to vote.

PRICK AND POUR: 6 pm succulent-planting night with Terraplanted at Wolfpack Cellars in White Center (9617 16th SW)

POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – BYO console.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run, with a track-workout option.

DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Joe Ross & The Birdwatchers, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)

HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: Home game tonight for Chief Sealth IHS at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 6 pm vs. Roosevelt.

WORDS, WRITERS, SW STORIES: 6 pm online, the SW Seattle Historical Society‘s monthly speaker series features Jennifer Ott on the Seattle waterfront’s history.

TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)

AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, DJ Supreme La Rock at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), starting at 8 pm.

KARAOKE AT MAX’S TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm to closing time, your chance to sing! (9454 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily highlight list? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle Elementary teacher grateful for snack support last year and seeking it again

September 10, 2026 9:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Community help “meant the world” to West Seattle Elementary teacher Cheyanne Chadwick and students last year, to ensurre after-school program participants had snacks. Here’s her request for this year:

School’s back in session, and this year my after-school program at West Seattle Elementary is starting two weeks early! I’m so excited to dive into the project-based learning we’ve got lined up. Think students building models of Antarctic research stations after talking with a real scientist at McMurdo Station, plus our fourth annual arcade showcase. My students are incredible young engineers, problem-solvers, and leaders, and I can’t wait to see what they build this year!

Last year, the West Seattle community stepped up to help me expand my snack offerings, enough for seconds and thirds, so no student would go hungry. That’s no small feat when 80% of my students qualify for Free and Reduced Lunch. And it worked: unlike the year before, not a single student dropped the program because of hunger!

This year my program is growing again to welcome even more young scholars. Feeding this many young people is expensive, but it’s important to me that I give my students more than a single bag of Goldfish in the long hours between lunch and dinner.

I hope the West Seattle community can help support my students again this year. Small monthly gifts end up being the most helpful, because they mean I can count on snacks all year long. $5/month provides about a week of string cheese for a classroom, $10/month covers about a week of hummus cups or apple slices, and $25/month is a full week of fresh fruit, veggies, and cheese for all my students.

One-time gifts are just as welcome too! You can donate at this link and it goes directly into my snack budget. Donations of single-serve, shelf-stable snacks (like the ones below) are also so appreciated! I’m happy to pick up in the West Seattle area if folks email me at cheyanne.chadwick@stempaths.org.

Favorite items include:

Pirate’s Booty

Fruit leathers (gelatin-free)

Animal crackers

Z-bars

Pretzel chips

Freeze-dried fruit chips

Goldfish crackers

Cereal/granola bars

Whole-grain cracker packs

Apple/yogurt pouches

Veggie straws

Popcorn

Peanut butter/cheese crackers

You can also drop snacks off at the front office (just let the office assistant know it’s for Cheyanne) or order delivery directly to the school.

However you’re able to support, it means the world to my classroom and me!

_____

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TRANSIT, WEATHER, TRAFFIC: Thursday notes

September 10, 2026 6:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, September 10, 2026.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi Regular summer schedule, with later-night schedule Fridays and Saturdays (for one more month).

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here; reminder that buses return to SW Barton as of Saturday.

Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is now on a two-boat schedule “for about one week” because M/V Cathlamet is out of service; check the alert page for specifics.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast is for cloudy skies, then clearing, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise will be at 6:40 am today; sunset will be at 7:31 pm.

BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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Summer of artistic apprenticeship brings two new local murals created by young artists

September 9, 2026 11:33 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(First two photos courtesy Urban Art Works)

That’s one of two new local murals created by youth artists who were part of this year’s Mural Apprentice Program with Urban Art Works, It’s been installed at Southwest Youth and Family Services headquarters in North Delridge.UAW’s Laura Wetter explained via email:

This is the third mural Urban ArtWorks has completed at this facility in Delridge. For this year’s mural at SWYFS, nine youth apprentices with the Mural Apprentice Program completed the program; and one previous graduate and member of our advanced Base Crew program worked as a Teaching Assistant with a professional Teaching Artist. The mural (is) located at the top of the stairs, creating a welcoming environment.

Youth designed the mural with an intention of inspiring others, and creating calming and peaceful imagery. People and flowers are placed along a path that winds up a mountain, symbolizing the process of reaching a goal and a better future. Hopeful messages in diverse languages emanate from the top of the mountain in a rainbow of colors. Translated messages and languages include: “Dream Big” in Khmer, “You Are Enough,” in Spanish, “We Are One” in Somali, “Trust the Process” in Mandarin, “Breathe” in Arabic, “Gratitude & Love” in Amharic, and “You Are Not Alone” in English.

We found out about the SWYFS mural while covering the recent unveiling of another Mural Apprentice Program creation, this one installed at the Technology Access Foundation‘s Bethaday Community Learning Space in White Center.

The students who created this mural worked primarily in Burien over the summer, learning other skills in addition to working with art.

The mural, designed collaboratively, was meant to exude community spirit.

The summer program, for which participants received a stipend, also had cohorts at two locations in Shoreline, The Delridge program had partial support from a West Seattle Garden Tour grant.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: Vivid sky tonight, seasonal touchstone tomorrow

September 9, 2026 8:34 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

In case you were watching the Seahawks‘ win instead of the sunset, here’s what you missed! The photo above is from Chris Frankovich; below, from Denise:

Tomorrow night is a seasonal touchstone … the official sunset time is 7:31 pm, last post-7:30 sunset until March 27, 2027.

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Seattle Fire stations to commemorate 9/11, 25 years later

September 9, 2026 7:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Friday marks 25 years since 9/11, and again this year, Seattle Fire Department stations around the city will pay special tribute that morning, as announced today.

8:46 a.m. – 9 a.m. flag raising at fire stations: Seattle Fire stations will read aloud the 343 names of the FDNY firefighters who lost their lives on 9/11. They will also hold a moment of silence at each station. Residents are welcome to stop by their neighborhood station to observe the ceremony.

That’s one of several commemorations planned by SFD and SPD on Friday (full list here). The five fire stations in West Seattle are:

*Station 11 – 16th/Holden
*Station 29 – 2139 Ferry SW
*Station 32 – 38th/Alaska
*Station 36 – under the bridge west of the north end of Delridge Way
*Station 37 – 35th/Holden

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Roxhill Park community-safety meeting next week

September 9, 2026 6:00 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle police

(WSB photo: Police at Roxhill Park after August shooting)

After a recent shooting and stabbing, plus the rapid return of a cleared encampment, Roxhill Park has generated more community concern than ever. Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is hosting a community meeting next week to address topics including safety, accessibility, and environmental stewardship of the park’s rare peat bog. Participants will include Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, Seattle Parks, King County Sheriff’s Office, and Unified Care Team representatives. The meeting will be at 3:30 pm Thursday, September 17, and will include Q&A; all are welcome. Here’s the flyer that Village Green (2615 SW Barton, east of the park) is circulating.

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Ash Grove Cement’s tire-burning rate can’t rise, Duwamish River Community Coalition says after two-year challenge (Thursday update)

September 9, 2026 3:55 pm

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| Environment | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Wikimedia Commons file photo by Jmabel)

3:55 PM WEDNESDAY: The Duwamish River Community Coalition says it’s succeeded in its longrunning challenge to the Ash Grove Cement plant – just south of the West Seattle Bridge – seeking to burn tires at a faster rate. From the DRCC’s announcement:

The Duwamish River Community Coalition (DRCC) has won their two-year battle against the Notice of Construction (NOC) Permit issued by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) for the Ash Grove Cement Company (Ash Grove). The NOC permit would have removed the 30% limit on the tire-burning rate at the facility; records show Ash Grove would have combusted up to 3.7 tons of tires (about 43% of total fuels) per hour to heat their cement kilns. Due to high metals emissions that would have resulted from this change, PSCAA reinstituted the 30% cap on tire burning. The reversal stems from years of advocacy and litigation by DRCC and Front and Centered, as well as results from heavy metals testing requested by the community.

Tire burning releases particulate matter, heavy metals, and hazardous air pollutants known to harm human health in many ways, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and other chronic health problems.

As a frontline community, the Duwamish Valley is already disproportionately exposed to higher rates of air pollution resulting in serious health impacts. Some of these impacts include the highest rates of childhood asthma hospitalizations in King County and a life expectancy ten years less than other neighborhoods without these exposures, like Laurelhurst, only ten miles away.

Over 500 community members and 30 local businesses joined with DRCC, Front and Centered, and Earthjustice in strong opposition to the permit during the public comment period. Community members also led a protest in front of PSCAA headquarters in November of 2025, demanding their health be prioritized and the 30% limit remain in place. Despite this community advocacy, PSCAA issued a Final NOC to Ash Grove that eliminated the cap on burning tires at Ash Grove’s Seattle facility. In January 2026, DRCC and Front and Centered filed an appeal before the Pollution Control Hearings Board challenging that notice of construction order. Because PSCAA has reinstated the 30% limit, DRCC and Front and Centered dismissed their appeal.

“In frontline communities like the Duwamish Valley, any increase in air pollution is unacceptable, and should be faced with the highest level of scrutiny,” said Paulina López, Executive Director of DRCC. “For too long, communities like ours who already bear a disproportionate share of environmental harms have also been forced to shoulder the responsibility of monitoring neglectful government decisions and advocating for our health.”

By issuing a final permit that allowed for increased tire burning without instituting measures to control the corresponding increase in pollution, decision-makers at PSCAA failed to take seriously community concerns that have ultimately been proven true.

DRCC and the community’s advocacy led PSCAA to add a condition to the Final NOC permit (issued Dec 2025) that required testing for hazardous air pollutants – arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, manganese, nickel, and selenium – following the increase in the tire-firing rate. If the testing showed an increase in emissions of any pollution, the previous 30% rate would remain in place.

In June 2026, Ash Grove conducted the required testing, and results showed an increase in cadmium air pollution from Ash Grove’s increased burning of tires. Cadmium is a Class-1 carcinogen, known to cause lung and prostate cancer, and bioaccumulates in the kidneys and bones, causing kidney damage and bone demineralization. As a result, PSCAA reinstituted the 30% limit on tire combustion, to prevent an increase in metals emissions.

“Without the overwhelming outcry from the Duwamish Valley community, DRCC, and our partners” said Mia Ayala-Marshall, Clean Air Program Manager at DRCC, “PSCAA would have allowed this modification to occur without proper testing, further exposing our community to more dangerous air pollution that impacts our health.”

The news release also says they are urging advocacy for legislation that could prevent similar situations:

Under Washington’s current laws, permitting processes do not require polluting businesses to consider the effects of historical environmental racism and the cumulative health risk burdens that Frontline communities face. Legislation like the CURB Pollution Act is an important next step in ensuring that our communities have the healthy environment we all deserve.

DRCC – whose clean-air advocacy is detailed here – and Front and Centered say they voluntarily dismissed their appeal today. (Here’s the document.) We’re seeking comment from Ash Grove, which has operated the Seattle plant for more than a century.

ADDED 9:26 AM THURSDAY: Here’s the statement sent to us in response to our request for comment:

Ash Grove will continue to comply with its existing permit obligations. We are committed to being a
responsible environmental steward and operating in full compliance with regulatory requirements. We
appreciate the collaborative review process and will continue exploring opportunities to advance our
sustainability objectives while meeting environmental and community expectations.

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