West Seattle, Washington
19 Sunday
10:18 PM: Police and fire are arriving at the scene of what’s reported to be a car that went off the West Seattle Bridge down to East Marginal Way. Four people are reported hurt, three seriously. Updates to come.
(Added: Photo by Tim Durkan)
10:25 PM: They’ve gotten everyone out of the crashed car, which is reported to be a Chevy Cruze that landed upside down. They haven’t said where they believe the car went off the bridge, but this is the address given to the response.
10:30 PM: So far they’re investigating the theory that the car went off the bridge on the offramp to 99. (Of note for those who don’t read this in real time, it’s raining fairly heavily right now.)
10:41 PM: Medics told dispatch all four patients are on the way to Harborview. Two of the four have been described as possibly 17 and 20 years old; the driver has been described as female.
10:50 PM: Added a photo. The ramp to 99 will be closed for the investigation, police just told dispatch.
10:57 PM: Now they’re saying via radio that this is actually the Harbor Island offramp from 99.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The online public meeting for a development proposal at 2345 Hobart Avenue SW (backstory here) was meant for comments on the latest proposal for the site.
But the proposal was so new, city reps weren’t fully acquainted with it, admitted planner Joe Hurley, presiding over the meeting. A project manager for the proposal surfaced during the meeting, as a commenter, to talk about it. When the public meeting was scheduled, the plan had a duplex and a stand-alone house. Now the latter has been removed, and only the duplex remains.
All the same, neighbors are concerned that any development on the site, much of which is in an Environmentally Critical Area, will threaten the stability in the area. They requested a meeting to get their concerns more conspicuously onto the record as the Department of Construction and Inspections reviews the proposal to decide whether to allow part of the project to get an Environmentally Critical Area exemption.
Hurley said the public meeting was the result of nine comments calling for one, mainly concerns about slide risks and inadequate analysis of the site.
The project manager promised a “detailed stormwater analysis” was planned, and that the project would include repairs of the “Hobart washout.” She said the duplex that’s now the only building planned on the site is similar to what’s been approved for a neighboring site; both are owned by the same family, which she notes lives in the area. She suggested the site’s zoning meant they could build more than they’re seeking to. She also said the site holds some “unhealthy” trees but that rather than being removed, they’ll be “snagged” so their roots remain to aid with soil stability. Finally, she said the plan would have two offstreet-parking spaces for each unit (that too had been a concern, more cars than spaces could lead to onstreet parking in an area where the road is already narrow).
One commenter wanted clarity on the percentage of the site’s ECA that could potentially be built over; the meeting’s purpose was to record comments, not answer questions, so that went unanswered.
Others who spoke included a lawyer for some of the property owners, who said they understood that the city couldn’t place an “undue burden” on a property owner by ordering that an entire site be left undeveloped, but, they asked, would allowing one unit instead of two be enough to relieve that burden?
A nearby resident also cited a policy saying that granting an ECA exemption shouldn’t be “injurious” to those nearby, and she thinks this would be – putting her and neighbors at risk. That was echoed by another neighbor, who said the project could be at best an inconvenience but at worst do harm.
The concerned neighbors also got some support from regional tree advocate Sandi Shettler, who called out a deficiency in the site report, saying it didn’t list the existing trees’ species.
Though they didn’t all speak, the meeting drew more than 20 attendees, according to the counter on the video software.
Next step, the city will continue reviewing the project and will make a decision on the exemption request, with the decision open to appeal.
Tonight’s Halloween-season decoration spotlight features ghostly sights in a Fauntleroy yard: A reader who wanted to remain anonymous sent this photo from SW Director Street, west of 45th Avenue SW. Thanks to everyone who’s sent photos and videos – we still have 13 nights to go until Halloween, so please keep sending to westseattleblog@gmail.com – or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!
(Added: Photos by Tim Durkan)
4:44 PM: Police are in the High Point area investigating what radio exchanges described as an armed robbery at Walgreens just before 4:30 pm. They’re looking for two Black men in their early 20s, dressed all in black, 5’9″, one with a gun, possibly having gotten away in a Kia Sorento (no color mentioned). They are reported to have gotten away with cash.
4:47 PM: One person has been taken into custody. … Police just told dispatch a moment later, “a large amount of money has been recovered.” They’re in the 32nd SW, SW Holly, SW Morgan area.
5:06 PM: The suspect in custody is described as a juvenile male. And now police are deducing the getaway vehicle they’re looking for is NOT a Sorento (what it was, they haven’t yet said).
5:28 PM: They’re still searching for evidence near the arrest scene (and the second robber remains on the loose).
7:22 PM: With a K9’s help, officers told dispatch, they’ve found a gun near the arrest scene. Meanwhile, the juvenile suspect was reported to be on his way to the Youth Services Center.
Thanks to AA for mentioning this in the WSB Community Forums: Pete-e Petersen has died, The Seattle Times reports. Our video above shows Ms. Petersen (in glasses) and her wife Jane Abbott Lighty being cheered in December 2012 after they left the King County Administration Building as the first same-sex couple to get a marriage license. They were West Seattle residents at the time; Ms. Petersen was 85 years old that night, and had shared her life with Lighty for more than three decades by then. The Times reports she died a day short of her 98th birthday, that she and her wife have lived at a Shoreline memory-care facility for the past three years, and that Ms. Petersen will be remembered at a public memorial service next weekend, 3 pm Sunday, October 26, at First Congregational Church in Bellevue. (Read Times reporter Catalina Gaitán‘s detailed story about Ms. Petersen’s life here.)
2:31 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo. A multi-vehicle crash, also including a Metro bus, has backed up traffic on the onramp from Avalon/Spokane to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge. Tow trucks were reported to be on the way. No serious injuries reported. But if you need to get to the eastbound bridge, try another route for a while.
3:31 PM: Another texter sent this photo of the bus:
No camera at that spot so we don’t have an update on whether it cleared.
11:32 AM: Thanks to Ian for the first photos. The “No Kings” gathering in the West Seattle Junction is happening now, an informal rally for those not planning to go to the main Seattle rally downtown.
11:37 AM: Hundreds of participants are crossing the intersection on the “Walk All Ways” light, standing on the corners inbetween, as shown by these two traffic camera screengrabs we took :30 apart four minutes ago:
11:54 AM: We have a reporter arriving in the area. Meantime, watching the live traffic cam, it’s not quite Portland-level goofiness, but we’ve noted costumes including inflatable-assisted unicorn, chicken, and dinosaur.(Also, a bald eagle.) Bucky also reports a bagpipe player. … Our reporter says there are also participants at other Junction intersections, including 42nd/Alaska and Oregon/California. And they’re lining California north and south of Alaska, to midblock.
12:19 PM: The 42nd/Alaska group has moved on. Our reporter, who’s been walking the perimeter, saw a few at California/Edmunds. And here from two minutes ago is an updated screengrab from the live-video SDOT cam at California/Alaska:
We’ve also been looking around for any signs of police monitoring; haven’t seen any marked cars or uniformed officers, no reported need for them either.
1:05 PM: We’ve moved on but are keeping an eye on the overhead traffic cam. Here’s a screengrab from two minutes ago:
The “official” end time for this is 2 pm. Meantime, as listed in our event calendar, a South Park group was planning to rally about now, and the “Old Tyme Adults for Democracy” group plans to be at Admiral/California at 2 pm.
1:56 PM: Traffic camera still shows crowds on the corners. Meantime, two more photos sent by readers:
(Photo sent by Jerry)
(Photo sent by Dave)
ADDED 7 PM: Thanks to JCV for sending more photo, including closeups of a couple characters we mentioned above:
We weren’t able to get photographers to last night’s high-school football games but wanted to let you know that both teams won big: West Seattle HS remains undefeated, now 6-0, with a 58-6 win at Ingraham; Chief Sealth IHS is 4-3 after a 57-0 home win against Nathan Hale at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Next week, WSHS plays Hale at 7 pm Thursday at NCSWAC; CSIHS plays on the road Friday vs. Lincoln.
(Northern Flicker, photographed by Don Brubeck)
Here’s our West Seattle list for your Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Kick-start your weekend with a run! West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
SALTY HALF MARATHON & 10K: 8:30 am from Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW).
VACCINE CLINIC: 9 am-3 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), open to all, but follow that link to get an appointment first.
URBAN FARMING WORKSHOP: 9 am at Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon), last workshop in a series about growing food in an urban community garden, as previewed here. Today’s topic: “Summer gardening. Daily harvesting and succession planting.”
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
GUIDED WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: Meet at 9:30 am at Pathfinder K-8 lot’s south end (1901 SW Genesee)
HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9:30 am-noon, visit to learn about the school. (42nd SW and SW Genesee)
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Second-to-last week to shop at this market! Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, sweet treats, body-care products, more, with a focus on BIPOC farmers/vendors!
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE WRITING GROUP: On hiatus; no gathering this week
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
NO KINGS WEST SEATTLE: If you can’t or don’t want to go to the main regional gathering at Seattle Center, hundreds are planning to rally at California/Alaska, 11 am-2 pm.
DREAM DINNERS FREEZER SALE & OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-1 pm on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, stop by, pick up ready-to-cook meals, learn how DD works. (41st SW/SW Alaska)
GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH & BLOWING DEMO: Noon to 4 pm, Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) is open for live glass-blowing demos, and art-glass pumpkin-patch shopping, as part of “Refract.”
‘FEATHER IN THE WIND’ ART POP-UP: 12-6 pm, second day of multi-artist weekend show in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
CLAY CAULDRON RETIREMENT CELEBRATION: 1-3 pm, food, music, crafts, with studio closing at month’s end (5214 Delridge Way SW)
SOLIDARITY SOUTH PARK: In conjunction with No Kings, all welcome to meet up at South Park Plaza just southwest of South Park Bridge and walk up onto the bridge.
ARTSCORPS BACK TO SCHOOL CELEBRATION: 1 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), all welcome.
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
OLD TYME ADULTS FOR DEMOCRACY: 2-2:30 pm demonstration at California SW and SW Admiral Way.
MASONIC LODGE OKTOBERFEST: One last chance to get your beer and brats on! 2-6 pm at Alki Masonic Lodge (40th SW and SW Edmunds), $15 at the door.
PRIDE FAMILY BOOK CLUB: 2:30 pm at White Center Library (1409 SW 107th), the White Center Pride Committee hosts this gathering for rainbow families and allies.
FREE FOOD: Burb’s Burgers celebrates 1 year at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) with free food for the first 60 people who arrive, starting at 3 pm.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
‘CUP OF BLESSING’ FOR WS FOOD BANK: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) presents this benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank, 5 pm, details in our calendar listing. (4105 California SW)
FALL FESTIVAL AT BRIDGE SCHOOL: The cooperative elementary (10300 28th SW) invites everyone to its fall festival, with cider, popcorn, more.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Roo Forrest and Friends play originals and covers. All ages, no charge.
ARTSWEST GALA: “An Eternal Feud,” fundraiser at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) for ArtsWest, 6 pm.
LAUNCH PARTY: Treo Organic Salon in Fauntleroy is launching a hair-care line and inviting you to the launch party tonight, 6-10 pm. (9251 45th SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE POGGIE: Two bands, Soul Dust and Primate Five, 7 pm, no cover. (4717 California SW)
‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm curtain, final weekend for the current play at the Junction playhouse; ticket link in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)
OUT AT THE BOX, HALLOWEEN EDITION: 8 pm drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), 21+, no cover.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7) tonight it’s Bigfoot Curious, Dreams Down Deep, 21+, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SALSA DANCE PARTY: 8-10 pm at Pegasus Pizza (4720 California SW).
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s Soul Focus FM at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes as usual with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
One year ago today, WSB co-founder Patrick Sand died, suddenly and entirely unexpectedly.
As Patrick’s widow and WSB co-founder, I want to acknowledge the anniversary with two words:
THANK YOU.
There are so many people to thank, I have to repeat it:
THANK YOU.
Thank you to friends I never realized were friends. Thank you to community members who showed me that Torin and I weren’t the only people who loved Patrick. Thank you to everyone who helped sustain us in so many ways, especially in those agonizing early weeks. Thank you to everyone who reads WSB, everyone who texts and emails story tips, photos, video, calendar listings, lost-pet reports; everyone whose questions lead to stories; all the local businesses and organizations who have continued to sponsor us (or joined the team), so this work can continue. Thank you to everyone who’s worked for and with us this past year – Patrick is irreplaceable, but for WSB to keep going, much of what he did has to be done by someone, and some wonderful, talented people have stepped forward.
THANK YOU.
On to WSB’s 19th year, our second without Patrick. Gone but never forgotten.
-Tracy Record, WSB editor/publisher
It’s a Halloween haunt … and a charity fundraiser. Starting tonight, “Nightfall” is back at 4544 51st Place SW [map]. The crew explains that this year, “We are raising money for Washington’s National Park Fund and non-perishable food donations for West Seattle Food Bank.” Here’s the (spooky, beware) trailer:
Here’s when you can visit:
Dates: 10/17, 10/18, 10/24, 10/25, 10/30, 10/31, 11/1
Times: 5:30-9:30 and open until 10 on 10/31. 5:30-6:30 every night is Little Frights with more light outside, brighter light inside, sounds only, and no jump scares – this is perfect for younger children, timid adults, or first-time haunters.
Tickets: $25 general admission or $20 with non-perishable food donations for up to 6 guests plus fees and taxes. We only accept cards or Apple Pay, no cash.
Important Info: Please check the website for details on parking, as this is in a residential street with limited parking. We are also a home haunt, so please be respectful of our neighbors.
(WSB photo, Rep. Jayapal’s town hall @ The Hall at Fauntleroy, 2024)
This is not only the 17th day of October, it’s also the 17th day of the federal government shutdown. Got a question about it? The shutdown will be the main topic of a Town Hall in West Seattle with our area’s U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal next Tuesday at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), 6 pm. RSVP required; here’s that link.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Projects, crime stats, and City Council candidates were on the agenda when the Morgan Community Association had its quarterly meeting this past Wednesday at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene. About a dozen people attended, both in person and online.
The big news to come out of the meeting was the cancellation of next year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival. The festival was usually one of the first of the summer, held in June, featuring local musicians, vendors, and a place for other local community groups to advocate to attendees. The reason given for its cancellation given was a combination of a lack of funding, issues with overall attendance, and a lack of variety in new groups to bring to the event. “We need new blood to bring the festival to life … In additional conversations, we determined those things had not occurred.” said Christopher Miller, MoCA secretary. (President Deb Barker could not attend, so board members led the meeting.) He also said, however, they were considering other opportunities for MoCA to present events: “We are looking at new ways to activate public space in one-off ways, looking at projects like that, and other directions we can try to go when the [Morgan Junction] park (addition) is open.”
The other big news was that the park addition site will be open to the public as soon as November as it transitions between phases of development. The site has been hydroseeded , meaning that a new blanket of grass will grow soon over the filled and leveled site, expedited by the rainy season.
Olivia Reed, a planner from Seattle Parks and Recreation, came to deliver a presentation on the status of the site, north of the existing park. “The [additional site] project will go into construction winter 2026 [as in, December of next year], so the fencing around the site will be removed in the next couple of months, and it’ll be open until construction begins.” she said. She also said that the addition site project progress is on pace, with the primary design consultants are under contract. They are working now on finalizing the design requirements for the project. She said there will be additional chances for the community to input feedback on the proposed design before construction begins. (The issue of how and whether it will include a skatable area has not yet been settled – here’s our recent update after a site meeting with Parks reps and community members including the group MJAWA that has long been working for the feature to be in the project.)
Rain or shine, the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is happening Sunday, 2-5 pm. There are indoor activities as well as outdoor activities, as always. We have the map and schedule for your planning – but first, a reminder that the festival includes a cake contest, so if you want to enter a cake, drop it off on festival day by noon at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south end of the schoolhouse, 9131 California SW) – more info here. Here’s the map:
And here’s the schedule (PDF version here if you can read that more easily):
It’s all free except food/drink concessions, supported by donations and volunteers.
1:49 PM: We first showed you that map back in August, when SDOT confirmed where it’s planning to add speed cushions on 60th, 61st, and 62nd SW in the heart of Alki. After a reader spotted the first preparatory outlines this week, we asked SDOT for an update on the construction timeline. They say installation will start as soon as next week (Monday, October 20 and beyond), weather permitting, and hope to provide us more details shortly. Here’s the original construction notice.
2:39 PM: Update from SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali: “The start of construction has been pushed to Wednesday, October 22, due to rain … Construction is expected to last about four days total across all three streets, with each block impacted for roughly one day. The schedule will continue to be weather dependent since wet conditions prevent asphalt work.” Sidewalks are expected to remain open but drivers might have to detour during “active construction.”
(Seen on West Seattle’s most-famous marquee! WSB photo)
Better late than never – now that the busy morning is ending, here’s a quick look at the afternoon/evening – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH & BLOWING DEMOS: Noon to 4 pm, Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way) is open for live glass-blowing demos, and art-glass pumpkin-patch shopping, as part of “Refract.”
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Community creations are on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, until 6 pm today.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: 12:30-1 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
M’S VIEWING PARTY AT THE SKYLARK: No show tonight so The Skylark is opening at 2:45 pm and ready to rock the house with M’s support, and food/drink specials, during Game 5, first pitch just after 3 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
(added) FREE FOOD AT OUNCES: 3 pm, first 60 customers, in celebration of Burb’s Burgers‘ first year there. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: As previewed here, the West Seattle HS girls play Seattle Academy at Hiawatha Playfield (2700 California SW) at 4 pm and are hoping for a good community turnout as they celebrate their senior players.
WINE & PUMPKIN PAINTING: 5 pm at West Seattle Mercantile (3270 California SW). Check to see if openings remain!
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
‘FEATHER IN THE WIND’ ART POP-UP: 5-7 pm opening reception for multi-artist weekend show in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)
‘PEANUTS’ MUSIC AT EASY STREET: Listening party with Vince Guaraldi‘s “Peanuts” tunes, 5-6 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: One home game for a local team tonight, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Nathan Hale at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex, 7 pm.
BINGO! 7 pm at Admiral Pub, assuming the game’s over! 21+. (2306 California SW)
‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: Final weekend, curtain at 7:30 pm. See our calendar listing for the ticket link and synopsis. (4711 California SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Tony H. (4547 California SW)
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live bands – tonight, Dick Rossetti and Bulk Male, MANTA – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:42 AM: Two incidents have the West Seattle Bridge down to one lane each way in almost the same spot, as shown in the traffic camera screengrab above. We’ve been mentioning the eastbound incident in our morning traffic roundup but now that there’s a westbound incident too, we’re breaking this out. Both involving truck trailers going sideways. Avoid the bridge for a while!
9:57 AM: Tow trucks are reported to be on the way (for both trucks/trailers).
10:16 AM: The first tow crew to arrive is on the westbound side; they’re trying to strategize how to temporarily block the 1st Avenue onramp too so they can work on getting this turned around so the tow crew can pull it away going west. Meantime, both outside lanes are now moving on the eastbound side, though the sideways truck is still there.
10;27 AM: Down to one lane again on the eastbound side again while they deal with tows. They’re going “eastbound in the westbound lanes” to get that truck/trailer off the bridge – using the inside westbound lane even while traffic continues westbound in the other lanes.
10:40 AM: The westbound side is now clear. On the eastbound side, they’re still working on the tow.
10:44 AM: And now the eastbound side is clear.
(Added: Reader photo)
9:20 AM: Avoid Sylvan Way in the Home Depot vicinity for a while. SFD has a midsize response for what’s described as a “large structure fire in the woods,” after what might have been a propane explosion. They’re blocking Delridge/Orchard too.
9:25 AM: Past the north side of Home Depot, police say one eastbound lane is open.
9:34 AM: Police report “fire is starting to pull their hoses out of the street” so this is wrapping up. No word of any injuries.
Tutoring is about to start for local educational nonprofit Invest in Youth but they’re still short tutors for students at Roxhill and Sanislo elementary schools. If you can give a little time to make a big difference here in West Seattle, here’s how!
We have students lined up by their teachers as those who they believe will most benefit from our one-on-one tutoring program but we still need tutors.
–Roxhill Elementary at E.C. Hughes, Tuesdays 2:40 – 3:40 pm
–Sanislo Elementary, Mondays 2:40 – 3:40 pm
Tutoring starts soon and runs through May 2026. If you can commit to one hour a week and you’re interested in connecting with your local community to narrow achievement gaps for neighborhood students we want to hear from you!
You’ll meet one day a week with the same student in the classroom with other student-tutor pairs, and work on math and reading fundamentals, all while serving as a mentor to foster lifelong academic success.
No experience is necessary; just a commitment to show up for one hour, one day a week.
Visit our website for more information or complete our tutor application to begin tutoring this fall.
(9:22 am screengrab from SDOT camera looking eastbound)
9:23 AM: Thanks for the tip. A sideways semitruck is blocking the eastbound bridge near the 99 exit.
9:35 AM: Now there’s word of a crash going the other way. We’ve started a separate story.
10:46 AM: As we’ve reported in that separate story, the bridge is now back open both ways.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, October 17, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today says things will start to get rainy, clearing later; high in the upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:31 am; sunset, at 6:16 pm. (We “fall back” one hour in two weeks.)
ROAD WORK
-Reader reports speed-cushion outlines have started to appear on 61st south of Alki, one of three streets in line for them; we have an inquiry out to SDOT about construction timeline.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule, but Metro IS adding extra runs again tonight for the Mariners game. (Though it’s an earlier game this time …) 10 AM UPDATE: Metro says, “The 6:45 p.m. run from Pier 50 will be delayed to ensure that it will be at capacity before sailing. If there are still passengers waiting after the 6:45 run, there will be one additional sailing from Pier 50 — time TBD.”
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners again host Toronto in Game 5 of the best-of-seven American League Championship Series, now tied 2 wins each. Today’s first pitch is shortly after 3 pm.
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, maritime-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!
(WSF recording of Wednesday’s Community Advisory Group meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A long journey has come to an end for the Community Advisory Group that has been a sounding board for the Fauntleroy ferry-terminal replacement project.
The group was convened four and a half years ago as Washington State Ferries navigated the process of determining a concept for the new dock, and included members from all three communities on the route – Fauntleroy, Vashon, and Southworth. WSF brought them together online last night one last time, 10 months after their previous meeting (WSB coverage here).
Nicole McIntosh, who returned earlier this year to the role of terminal-engineering director, introduced the meeting and thanked the group members for their contributions and said they hope to continue collaborating with them as the project moves forward.
Facilitator was Laura LaBissonier Miller. She turned it over to WSF’s Hadley Rodero for a timeline update (previewed here on Tuesday), with design/construction expected 2028-2031.
A key document discussed at the meeting was the PEL (Planning and Environmental Linkage) report – which led to the decision to settle on a version of “Alternative B,” longer and narrower than the current dock, holding up to 155 cars (almost twice as many as the current dock).
They believe this will minimize impact to Cove Park, north of the dock, among other attributes.
What’s next – environmental review, but they don’t know yet exactly what level of it. Community engagement will be part of it and WSF promises to go above and beyond the bare minimum required.
They’re also working to “secure full funding” for the project (for which $100 million is budgeted for starters – in a question later, they reiterated that this project so far is state-funded so they’re not expecting the federal-funding chaos to affect it).
Q&A ensued. First question: CAG member Susan Frith asked, How will they determine what the final design will hold, since right now it’s a range of 124 to 155? WSF’s Charles Torres said the difference is four lanes versus four-plus lanes, which could help WSF staffers sort – but “we don’t want to overbuild,” he noted.
CAG member Judy Pickens asked if they’ve learned more about what will happen with a dock stretching further out “into the weather.” Short answer, not much; Torres said the initial response was “it’s probably going to be fine, we’re only going out another 240 feet or so.”
CAG member Justin Hirsch says he’s more worried about underbuilding than overbuilding, and had a process question: Do they have to wait for a determination of the level of environmental review before they settle on a footprint, whether B or B-3?
Environmental consultant James Gregory said they’re working on a hybrid of the two rather than expecting the final design will be either B or B-3. So when will they have to settle on a capacity? Hirsch pressed. Not an exact timeline but at some point during the “early part of the NEPA chapter” – the forthcoming environmental review. But once they get there “there’ll be pros and cons to this decision, it won’t be a slam dunk.”
Another question, from CAG member Scott Harvey: Wasn’t the WSF standard for new docks to be one and a half times the vehicle capacity of the boats they serve? (If so, that would be at least 180 vehicles, since the Triangle Route’s standard is 124-vehicle vessels.) McIntosh says that’s just a guideline, and they have to work with the communities that are home to their terminals.
Pickens asked about communication going forward, and when they’d ask for feedback. Rodero said WSF will use public meetings, email updates, the other ways they’ve been communicating most recently. But, she then asked, would this group be interested in advisory-group type involvement going forward? There was no conclusive reply, but Rodero promised to share the “draft commmunication plan” for next phases of the project when it’s available.
Group member Mardi Clements wondered about the difference in required pile-driving between B and B-3 – “is there a big difference in the number of piles and how many are we talking about?” Torres said that’s not finalized yet but somewhere slightly more than 100, and they’ll need two seasons of in-water work.
Why no second slip? was asked in a written question. That’s been suggested but hasn’t been studied; it could result in a smaller trestle, but what they are more likely to do is build something, Torres said, that “does not preclude it.”
There was also an update on the intersection project that’s set to be built before the new terminal: Mark Bandy provided it, with more new visuals beyond the one with the short update sent earlier this week. He said they’ve been working on completing the design and working with the city. They’re going out to bid soon and hope to start construction “early next year.”
Bandy recapped the traffic flow plan – including no left turn onto the dock from northbound Fauntleroy Way. They hope to have it all fine-tuned by next year’s summer peak-traffic season. He also pointed out that the design has the fewest number of poles – but it’s still a view obstruction in some spots.. He showed renderings of how the setup will look, looking out from Captain’s Park uphill, and toward it from the dock.
The pole will not have another street light because they’ve determined that the ones already near the intersection provide enough light.
In Q&A on that, Pickens pointed out that culvert construction will complicate things in the area next year, and also wondered how people coming downhill are supposed to get to the dock if they can’t make a left turn. Bandy said they did talk through the left-turn issue with the city and they settled on 24/7, so peole will either have to find a different route or else figure out how to u-turn or loop further north.
Frith suggested that it would make sense to at least allow left turns during “low-traffic times.” Clements said a signage change will be needed because up around 35th, people are pointed that way to get to the dock. She said her garage door/driveway near the dock are a popular U-turn spot and she can only imagine that getting worse.
Will the new signal have transit prioritization? The project team wasn’t clear, though the new signal certainly would capable of it. Also revealed:
The parking lot at the east end of the dock will be a bit smaller.
Next came a real-estate update, specifically the white house on the Cove Park beach north of the dock.
“We are working to acquire it.” The tenants have vacated it and security is checking daily to be sure squatters don’t come in. King County will transfer ownership to the state early next year, and then the house will be renovated for construction administration, storage place, maybe a break room, ways to. keep it occupied ‘and keep people out of it that we don’t want in it.’
What’s next: They’re promising a community update when the next phase of environmental review starts.
Final questions included: When will the PEL report be finalized? In the next month or two. Rodero said it’s not likely to look much different from the draft report just circulated, but they’ll “share it out” when ready.
And with that, plus another round of thanks to the advisory-group members, their long and winding road … route … on this project ended. “It’s pretty impressive what you all accomplished together,” observed McIntosh.
If any of these bikes is possibly yours, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com and we can connect you to the finder. First, one that turned up in Arbor Heights:
These, on Genesee Hill:
And, on Beach Drive:
All the found bicycles we’ve shown in recent months can be scrolled through via this archive page.
It’s not all giant skeletons this Halloween season. Tonight we feature two creatively placed inflatables from the north end of the peninsula: Above, Joanna sent the photo from her North Admiral spider sighting; below, the dragon pic is from Lisa:
We have a very friendly by day and very spooky by night dragon on our porch in Admiral. The kids that walk by during the day looove it!
We’re featuring decoration displays both lavish and simple every night of the season – thanks to everyone who’s contributed – westseattleblog@gmail.com if you have something to share!
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