West Seattle, Washington
06 Saturday
One day after a federal-court hearing attended by an overflow crowd of supporters, Chittakone “Alan” Phetsadakone is out of ICE detention and home in West Seattle, a family friend reported in an update on this crowdfunding page. As we reported on Wednesday, he is a native of Laos who was detained by ICE at what was supposed to be a routine immigration hearing. He filed for a restraining order to stop their plans to deport him and to get him released from federal custody; his wife of more than 20 years works at Sanislo Elementary and that school’s community organized a show of “silent support” to fill (and, we’re told, overflow) the courtroom downtown on Friday. The online court docket shows that Phetsadakone’s motion was granted, so after weeks in detention in a federal facility in Tacoma, he is home this morning with his wife and their three children. This is not the final word on the case, though. Federal Judge Jamal Whitehead‘s order calls for a status report in the case by next Tuesday to determine what happens next. Phetsadakone is reported to have been in the U.S. since he was brought here as a two-year-old refugee, more than 40 years ago. The federal government is reported to be seeking deportation because of what the family friend describes as “a non-violent offense [when he was a teenager] for which he has taken full responsibility and long since served his time.” He had been in ICE detention since July.
9:41 AM: Police say a suspected hit-run driver is in custody after a deadly collision early today near the West Seattle Bridge. Here’s what SPD just published:
A 66-year-old man was killed early Saturday in a pedestrian hit-and-run on the SR-99 to Spokane Street off-ramp.
SDOT received reports of an object on the off-ramp. The Seattle Response Team was dispatched and confirmed the object was an unresponsive man. SDOT immediately called for police and Seattle Fire Department medics to respond.
Officers arrived shortly before 4 a.m. and found the man with a significant head injury. Seattle Fire Department pronounced the man deceased at the scene.
Police secured the area, and detectives with the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad responded to investigate. Detectives determined the man had been struck by a hit-and-run driver. During the investigation, officers located a vehicle in the area with front-end damage and arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with the fatal hit-and-run.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad at 206-684-8923. Incident Number: 2025-258906
Regarding a specific location, a reader whose tip we were just starting to investigate said the “offramp from westbound viaduct to low bridge” was blocked during the investigation. We don’t yet know exactly where the suspect was found but will update when we do.
10 AM: According to police-radio archives, the suspect was arrested outside Vigor Shipyard on Harbor Island, after the car “with significant damage” was found there following an anonymous tip called in to police.
(‘Fogbow’ photographed by Katie at Lincoln Park)
Welcome to the weekend! Here’s our West Seattle list for today, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox (if anything changes because of the air quality, please text us at 206-293-6302):
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See this weekend’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
PUGET SOUND ZEN CENTER FALL DAY-SIT: 8 am at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – registration and details here.
BENEFIT SALE: Girl Scout Troop 41843 is “holding a large, multi-family fundraising sale” 9 am-4 pm today (30th SW/SW Kenyon)
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.
LAFAYETTE PLAYDATE: Kindergarten and new-student families are invited to a 9-11 am playdate at the Lafayette Elementary playground (California SW/SW Lander).
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
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: 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, body-care products, more!
MASTER GARDENERS, LAST WEEKEND: Have a garden-related question? They likely have the answer! Last Saturday that they’ll be at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.
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.
FOR THOSE WHO’VE LOST THEIR SPOUSE … class at Grace Church (10323 28th SW), 10:30 am-12:30 pm.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
COLMAN POOL POST-SEASON SESSIONS: 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, this weekend and next weekend, 8011 Fauntleroy Way 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, WITH CHILDREN’S MOONLIGHT FESTIVAL: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here, and today from 2 pm to 5 pm there’s a special event – the Children’s Moonlight Festival, with crafts, treats, performances, and a mini-parade. (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).
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.
WEST SEATTLE PUZZLE SWAP: Drop into High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) 2-4 pm. “Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle and meet other puzzle enthusiasts! All puzzles to swap must be in good condition.” More info in our calendar listing.
FREE MASSAGE CLINIC: “Short, specific” massages for walk-ins at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
SALSA & BACHATA ON ALKI: Tonight’s edition of the big dance event is the last of the season, and starts with a lesson at 4:30 pm.
LUNA GIRLS PAINTINGS AT ALKI ARTS: Artist Lezlie Jane created the famous Luna Girls on Alki sculptures on the West Seattle shoreline and now has made paintings inspired by them. They’re at Alki Arts (6030 California SW) all month, with an opening reception 5-7 pm tonight.
EASY STREET SHOW CANCELED: The previously scheduled Liam St. John in-store performance is off, per ESR.
FIRST WEEKEND WITHOUT ALKI BEACH FIRES: Reminder that beach-fire season ended Labor Day, so this is the first weekend the fire rings are supposed to be out of service at Alki.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Pete Marshall & the New Broke West, The Mrs. Bill Larsens, The Rallies. (3803 Delridge Way 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 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!
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog
In the first local high-school home football game of the season on Friday night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, Chief Sealth International High School cruised 33-6 past the visiting squad from Hockinson (which is near Vancouver, WA).
Sealth moved to 1-0 on the season as head coach Daron Camacho‘s team held a 19-6 lead after three quarters, and then added two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
Officials had decided to start the game about 15 minutes early, due to concerns with deteriorating air quality due to wildfire smoke, which caused cancellations of games throughout the state. One of these unfortunate cancellations is West Seattle High School‘s season opener against La Salle in Yakima on Saturday: We were told by WSHS head coach Anthony Stordahl — who was also in the stands at NCSWAC watching the game on Friday night — that their Yakima road game is canceled due to smoky conditions east of the Cascades.
But at SWAC on Friday night, the host Seahawks put on a stellar show for their fans, including fellow students who had just returned to classes this week after summer break.
Sealth took an early 7-0 lead after a short run by sophomore Loto Amituanai (#26).
With 6:28 left in the first quarter, the Seahawks extended the lead to 10-0 with a field goal by senior kicker Ogi Petronijevic (#1).
Early in the second quarter, senior quarterback MJ Filitaula (#12) scored on a TD run to make it 16-0, where the score remained after a failed attempt at a faked extra point (following a penalty on the first extra point try).
Hockinson responded with a long TD reception by Mark Hogan Jr. (#3) with 5:42 left before halftime, and after a fumbled 2-point conversion attempt, the score was 16-6.
Sealth added a Petronijevic field goal to take a 19-6 lead into the locker room at halftime. Here’s the team storming back onto the field for the second half:
After a scoreless third quarter, the Seahawks extended their lead to 26-6 after a short TD run by Filitaula and a successful extra point try with 10:45 remaining.
Then, after an interception and long return, Sealth scored on a TD pass from Filitaula to freshman Marquis Tovia (#3) to make the final score 33-6.
Senior Jessie Gilmore II (#9):
Junior Eli Policarpio (#7) picking up a fumble and celebrating:
Policarpio and Tovia:
Sealth’s defense makes a big stop on 4th down:
Junior Kaeson Filitaula (#8) after a crucial interception:
Next up for Sealth is Franklin on Friday, September 12, followed by the huge annual Huling Bowl rivalry game against West Seattle HS on Friday, September 19 (both games at SWAC).
10:11 PM: Thanks to Dave Taylor for the photo of tonight’s smoke-orange moon over Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, where the Chief Sealth IHS Seahawks won their season opener over Hockinson, 33-6. (We had a reporter and photographer there and will have their story later!) The game started early because of the air quality, or lack of it, and we also learned West Seattle HS‘s scheduled season opener tomorrow in Yakima is off entirely because of the smoke. Meantime, the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency has issued an Air Quality Alert for our area, through at least noon tomorrow. If you check the live map linked from the agency’s website, you’ll see areas of northeast Seattle, and the Eastside, are worse off. Fires in the Cascades are getting the blame as much as the big one in the Olympics. The alert says, “Everyone, especially sensitive groups, should limit time spent spent outdoors, avoid strenuous activities outdoors, and choose light indoor activities.”
ADDED 11:08 AM SATURDAY: Good news for air quality – it’s raining.
Maybe the most unusual event in our calendar this weekend: Scream Club Seattle. We didn’t get direct notice of this but happened onto it while searching online to be sure we weren’t missing anything major at West Seattle’s biggest parks (sometimes we don’t get word of Lincoln Park or Alki Beach events organized by non-West Seattleites). At 7 pm (corrected) Sunday, at Lincoln Park picnic shelter 4, this new monthly gathering will get together for a cathartic scream. From the RSVP page:
Scream Club™ is a safe, non-judgmental gathering for mental health, connection, and emotional release. We live in a world that tells us to stay quiet, hold it together, and pretend we’re fine, while stress, anger, grief, and even unspoken joy build up inside. Screaming is a release, a reset for the mind and body, and when we do it together, something shifts. You realize you’re not the only one carrying heavy things, and you don’t have to carry them alone.
What to Expect:
A warm, welcoming space
Setting an intention together
A collective scream
A simple closing to ground before heading outWhat to Bring:
Weather-appropriate clothing
Water bottle
(Optional) JournalHow to Join:
Free and open to all. RSVP & come as you are.
The RSVP page says they’re planning to do this on first Sundays every month.
Two reports tonight:
STOLEN BIKE: The owner says this “1940s beach cruiser with whitewall tires” bicycle was stolen last week “from under our stairs at 62nd and SW Stevens” (Alki). They add, “This bike is very special to me but it doesn’t have a lot of value. My grandpa is no longer alive so I’d really like it back.” If you find it, the police report # to refer to is 25-915555.
EBIKE THEFT FOLLOWUP: Earlier this week we published a reader report about an ebike with distinctive lighting stolen from outside the Benbow Room in Admiral. The owner was able to obtain images of the theft from a security camera, involving what appeared to be a white Dodge Ram pickup:
That’s from 1 pm Monday. The next day, the owner says, the bike pinged to a location downtown, so it might be outside West Seattle. But they’re offering a $500 reward. The police report # is 25-253565.
5:01 PM: If you’re seeing emergency responders heading toward Don Armeni Boat Ramp – it’s another “boat sinking” call and SFD/SPD are trying to determine if it’s the same boat that’s drawn responses the past two days, and was supposed to be getting attention from the US Coast Guard and Department of Ecology too.
5:04 PM: They’ve verified it’s the same boat, which would make this the fourth response in three days for it. But one radio exchange suggested someone at the USCG told SFD the boat had been removed, so they’re trying to get that all straightened out.
6 PM: Postscript – the USCG was definitely there with the boat earlier this afternoon, reports Stewart L., who sent these photos:
We’ll check on its status before dark.
9:22 PM: It was dark by the time we got there, but an effort appeared to be under way to get the boat onto a trailer. Here’s what we saw a little over an hour ago:
ADDED 10:57 AM SATURDAY: Police have now been dispatched to Don Armeni for something related to this boat and report to dispatch that it’s still there, still on a trailer with a pickup hitched to it.
Those are photos of Miguel R. Rivera Dominguez, 17 years old when he shot a man dead aboard a Metro bus in White Center in October 2023 without saying a word. We first published the photos when he was charged with premeditated first-degree murder weeks after killing 21-year-old Marcell D. Wagner aboard a West Seattle-bound bus that was stopped at 15th/Roxbury.
(WSB photo, October 3)
Two months ago, Rivera Dominguez pleaded guilty as charged, and this afternoon he was sentenced. According to court documents, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office requested a sentence of 21 years in prison; Superior Court Judge Brian McDonald sentenced him to 23 years and four months, after an hour-long hearing, attended by family members of both the victim and the defendant. Case document indicate the sentence is at the midpoint of the state’s standard sentencing range for someone with no record, 20 years to just under 27 years. He’ll get credit for the nearly two years he’s already been in custody, and he will be on probation for three years when he gets out.
2:21 PM: Thanks for the tip. The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map confirms emergency repairs are under way at California/Juneau; our tipster says one lane is blocked. We’re headed down the hill for a look.
2:43 PM: The problem is on the northbound side of California, north of Juneau. Traffic’s getting by both ways using the southbound side.
4:57 PM: SPU says water service in the area has been restored, adding in response to our followup questions:
SPU received calls around 12:30 p.m. about the incident at California Avenue Southwest and Southwest Juneau Street. SPU dispatched a response crew, which arrived about 20 minutes later. The crew determined the break involved a 12-inch cast iron pipe and turned off water around 1:10 p.m. to make repairs in the residential and business area. The cause of the break is unknown.
Right about the time Javier Fosado sent that photo of a ferry sailing through the fog, a different reader texted a question about the foghorn(s) they had been hearing all morning, wondering if foghorns are all from vessels, as they assumed the days of fixed, shoreside foghorns were all gone. We felt fairly certain that the Fauntleroy WSF terminal, for one, has a fixed foghorn; we’ve lived uphill from it for 30+ years. But we checked our assumption with WSF spokesperson Dana Warr, who replied:
There are fog signals at all South Sound terminals, to include Fauntleroy. It is also one of the closest to residential areas. The captains can request to have this navigation aid turned on/off to aid in the vessels’ safe navigation.
(WSB file photo)
30 food and drink purveyors, all in one place! Your one chance this year to savor the lineup is the Taste of West Seattle, a benefit for the West Seattle Food Bank, now just under three weeks away – Thursday, September 25, at The Hall @ Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). It’s usually a sellout, so now’s the best time to buy your ticket, and in case you need some help deciding, the WSFB has provided the full list of participants, including notes about who’s new to the Taste this year:
Taste of West Seattle: 20 Days Away!
The Taste of West Seattle is just under three weeks out, and tickets are going fast! General Admission ($75) and VIP ($125) are both still available. VIP guests enjoy early entry at 5:30 pm, exclusive seating lounges, and a special WSFB supporter gift. Guests will experience live music from local legend Jim Page, plus raffles and games with prizes from neighborhood businesses — all while sampling from an incredible lineup of local vendors and voting for your favorite across 5 categories. Every ticket supports the West Seattle Food Bank’s vital work to keep our neighbors fed, clothed, and housed. 21+ only. bit.ly/TasteofWS2025
A Butter Place
Birdhouse
Cactus
Darby Wine
Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
Elliott Bay Brewing Company
Falafel Salam
Ghostfish Brewing Company
Keautious Bakin and Kakin – new to the Taste
Ku Mana’s – new to the Taste
La La’s Lemonade – new to the Taste
The Locöl Kitchen and Bar
Mama Row’s Caramel Cakes – new to the Taste
Margie’s Café at the Center for Active Living
Mission Cantina
Molly Moon’s Ice Cream – new to the Taste
Mom’s Micro Gardens – new to the Taste
The Neighborhood – new to the Taste
Nola’s Events
NW Texas BBQ
Papa Tony’s Hot Sauce
Peninsula Soul Food – new to the Taste
The Roll Pod – new to the Taste
Ringa
Spruce Hill Winery – new to the Taste
T2 Cellar
Three 9 Lounge – new to the Taste
Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes
Viscon Cellars
West Seattle Grounds
(Smoky sunrise at Seacrest – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here are your Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH TRANSFER STATION: Reminder that the closure is now expected to continue through September 10.
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 check out local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: 12:30-1 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle: “We have wines for picnics, cookouts, hikes, camping, boating, and even just hanging out on the deck.”
OUTDOOR MOVIE + FREE ROCK CLIMBING: Climb at Camp Long 5-7 pm, then (at dusk, 8-ish) watch “Inside Out 2,” all free, as previewed here. You also can just come for the movie, of course. (5200 35th SW)
FIRST FRIDAY AT HPIC: 5:30-8:30 pm, last chance this season to party with your neighbors on the once-and-future Highland Park Improvement Club site – music, food, fun, all ages. (1116 SW Holden)
OPEN MIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) features an all-genres open mic tonight, 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover.
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: First local team home game of the season at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. Hockinson, 7 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Noir pop with Low Throes, special guest Mike Dormann, doors 7, show 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
BINGO AT ADMIRAL PUB: Tonight!
Classic Bingo is every 1st and 3rd Fridays at the Admiral Pub at 7 pm. Free to play with cash prizes.
(2306 California SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating with live music and DJ – tonight, No Existo, Barnacle (record release)- 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!
Announced by local musician Kevin Freitas:
After forming Better As Brass 2 years ago, one comment on West Seattle Blog’s post stuck with me: “Can you PLEASE also form a Jr.?!” Plus, as my kiddo grows up, I want him to have the opportunity to play alongside me in a fun setting.
Introducing: West Seattle Fam Band! We play fun, upbeat tunes and welcome musicians at any experience level. Seriously! Parts for our music are organized by beginner, intermediate, and experienced. Our guiding principles with this intergenerational band are mentorship, fellowship, and fun where we hope high schoolers can lift up younger kids (and get your service learning/volunteer hours!), elders can pass on sage advice, and folks who’ve never played an instrument can give it a go.
Now, the requests…
1. I’m interested! We’re currently seeking brass and percussion players (but may expand later so still let us know). We rehearse twice a month (time and place TBD), play around West Seattle, and follow the school calendar with fresh new tunes each year. Elementary on up are invited (kids 12 or under, bring your parents to play together!) Don’t play brass or drums? Try one out! Don’t have an instrument? Let’s find you one!
2. Help out! Do you have a space (gym, event space, place of worship, etc.) we could rehearse in? Want to sponsor us or donate to help buy instruments, t-shirts, and more? Are you a designer who can help with a logo or awesome merch designs? Photographer/videographer who can help capture some memories? Social media pro who wants to share our fun? Have some other skill or passion you want to contribute? Let us know.
Kevin currently leads and plays trumpet in Better As Brass and is formerly a founding member of 8-Bit Brass Band, where he played sousaphone and arranged tunes. Before that, he played in Trash Talk, got his Honk band start with D20 12 years ago, and has sat in with various Honk bands through the years. He grew up playing trumpet in school and wishes fun bands like this existed when he was younger.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, September 5, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today’s forecast is for sun (and smoke), high in the low 80s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:33 am; sunset will be at 7:40 pm.
BACK TO SCHOOL
All schools are now back in session.
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 schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights.
TUNNEL ALERT
The Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight late tonight/early tomorrow – here’s the WSDOT alert:
From 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5 to 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 6, maintenance crews will close both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle between S Atlantic Street and Roy Street for tunnel maintenance. The Royal Brougham to northbound SR 99 and 6th Street to southbound SR 99 ramps will close at 9 p.m.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west:
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!
Thanks to the reader – who asked to be anonymous – who just sent that photo of tonight’s red moon. We noticed it while out and about a little while ago, high in the southeast sky, a followup to the deep-pink setting sun. Wildfire smoke will stay in the area a while, says the National Weather Service: “An upper level ridge will continue to keep conditions warm and dry through tomorrow. Hazy conditions will continue with the present pattern through at least this weekend due to smoke being put out by fires in the region.” And the smoke is low enough this time to affect air quality – mapping “moderate” according to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
(WSB photo, 2023)
The two Walking on Logs sculptures toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge are what’s left of what originally was a four-sculpture installation. Today the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, caretaker of the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign nearby, announced that the entire area, including the sculptures, is planned for replacements, repairs, and a “refresh.” Here’s the announcement sent by the Chamber:
Structural repairs are beginning at the site and visitors will notice changes during this phase. Replacement sculptures are planned, with a detailed timeline and next steps to be shared soon.
Walking on Logs is a beloved bronze art installation by Phillip Levine that features four children balancing driftwood beside the Welcome to West Seattle sign. Installed in 1996, this piece of community art has become an enduring landmark, symbolizing both the playful spirit of youth and the distinctive character of West Seattle. Over time, the installation has faced theft and weather impacts, including the loss of one figure in 2014 and additional theft in 2023. These incidents helped catalyze the Chamber’s action.
“This Chamber initiative centers on stewardship of public art and community identity. The Chamber’s role is not only to advocate for business but also to safeguard the cultural touchstones that define West Seattle’s sense of place,” said Rachel Porter, ExecutivevDirector of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce. “By leading this restoration, thevChamber affirms its belief that economic vitality and cultural identity go hand in hand. … We are caring for a piece of West Seattle identity … Walking on Logs will keep its spirit while we strengthen the site for the long term. Same spirit, new footing.”
The Chamber is coordinating with partners to ensure safe access, careful site work, and a refreshed welcome into West Seattle. A Cleaner Alki, led by Erik Bell, will refresh and clean the landscape as part of a multi-phased approach. The Chamber, Nucor Steel, and other stakeholders are working together to repair and replace the statues, ensuring that this iconic entryway continues to inspire both residents and visitors.
The West Seattle Chamber remains committed to projects that strengthen the community beyond commerce. From supporting local businesses to preserving public art, the Chamber’s leadership demonstrates how community partnerships can protect shared spaces, celebrate history, and carry West Seattle forward.
Original Walking Logs culptor Phillip Levine died four years ago; we have followup questions out to the Chamber, including who they have working on the replacements. As for the cleanup effort, that would fill a void left when other volunteer efforts ebbed many years ago for lack of participation.
Three biznotes today:
SAUNA ON THE SHORE: Alki already has one, and now another West Seattle beach park will be getting regular visits from a mobile sauna. Good Day Sauna is owned by Julia Winter and based in West Seattle. She explains: is a
Beginning September 20, 2025, our sauna will be stationed at Lincoln Park for scheduled events, located along the beach path to offer guests a seamless heat-up and cool-down experience with direct access to Puget Sound.
As demand grows, we plan to increase our presence and establish a regular schedule at the park. Good Day Sauna operates as a community sauna, with individual seats available for booking to encourage shared wellness and connection.
Julia has online booking for Good Day Sauna at gooddaysauna.com.
IN PIZZA WE CRUST UPDATE: This pizza joint long in the works for the former Swinery at 3207 California SW is getting closer to opening, proprietor Stephanie Tran told us when we inquired for the first time in four months: “We are finally making some headway. The city of Seattle finally approved our change of use permit last week and we are now pending our final inspection with the health department. I don’t have an official date yet as I’m waiting for the health department but we’ll likely open a couple weeks after the inspection.”
PANDA EXPRESS CEREMONY: One day after the Westwood Village Panda Express started serving customers with a “soft open,” they had a grand-opening ceremony this morning. We met manager Sophia – who has worked her way up through the ranks at other Puget Sound locations – and regional director Simon – they’re holding the commemorative T-shirt given to the first 88 guests:
Simon thanked the 20 or so people in line and introduced the Inochi Taiko duo:
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce executive director Rachel Porter coordinated the official ribboncutting:
Other businesses with future openings at WWV include J.Crew Factory, a UPS Store, an H&R Block branch, and F45 Training.
ORIGINAL 1:30 PM REPORT: Haven’t received one in a while till this came in via text today:
On my way to the bus today at 7:30 am I saw a coyote run across the street at Hanford and Belvidere. Probably going after the rabbits in the neighborhood. But with kids going back to school I thought it was worth sharing.
Our years of coyote reports are in this archive; if you haven’t read up on co-existence tips, go here!
ADDED 2:23 PM: Rose De Dan sent another video from her Wild Reiki Spa backyard pond – where a visiting coyote made off with a dog toy:
The local coyotes seem to favor the Wild Reiki Spa, making more frequent appearances. This one took advantage of an experiment I was conducting. Knowing how much my raccoon visitors enjoy using their paws, I thought they might enjoy playfully dunking a small dog rubber toy in the fountain. It never occurred to me that Coyote might find the ring toy fun too, carrying it off for a bit of play in the center of the yard, where the camera faintly catches a bit of pawing and pulling on it. The next morning, I found it at the end of the yard. I have since retired the ring toy after realizing it could present a choking hazard due to its size in relation to Coyote’s mouth. If I decide to try again, I’ll need to purchase a coyote-sized dog toy and see if it suits the raccoons as well.
12:12 PM: Thanks for the tip about the Seattle Fire crews headed toward Don Armeni Boat Ramp. There’s a water-rescue response for a reported vessel in distress. They’re not sure, according to first units on scene, whether there’s anyone aboard the boat, but they’re planning a quick search to find out.
(Added: Reader photo from Steve)
12:17 PM: SFD describes the boat as 18′, “partially submerged.” They’re sending in divers and rescue swimmers to be sure no one’s in the water. But as we suspected, it’s just been confirmed, this is the same boat that was towed to Don Armeni yesterday after taking on water off Beach Drive.
12:24 PM: “No one on boat, no one in danger” responders have just told dispatch. They’re trying to reach the boat owner with whom they made contact yesterday.
12:45 PM: Many of the responding units have been dismissed. Adding photo above, posted in a comment by Steve, and photo below, emailed by Stewart L.
(Added: Reader photo from Stewart L.)
10;42 PM: As of about 8 pm, the boat was still alongside one of Don Armeni’s docks, half-submerged.
Seattle City Light has finally published the video and slide deck from last week’s online meeting about the long-planned, finally under way Brace Point underground-cable replacement project. We monitored it as it happened last Thursday; an hour was allotted, but attendees ran out of questions and the meeting ended after 35 minutes.
The project premise is fairly simple, though the work is not – SCL needs to replace underground cables that have been failing, plunging hundreds of households into multiple outages. The project was originally slated to start in 2020; SCL gave a variety of reasons in 2022 why it didn’t. Then this past spring the project went out to bid again, a contractor was chosen, and work is starting now.
Leading off the meeting, SCL communicator Grant Barton began with a project presentation, including the project team:
Barton then went into a glossary of sorts, defining “electrical vaults” and “electrical conduits.”
He explained that the SCL service area has 590 miles of underground cable, some of it – like the Brace Point cables – buried without conduit protection, mostly back in the ’70s, and that’s put it more at risk of damage and resulting outages, as has happened here. Communications consultant Natasha Wheeler picked it up from there, explaining what the project entails:
She said work will have some traffic effects, and there’ll be flaggers when needed. The work will include some planned outages, likely in spring 2027. That work will involve transferring power service “from the old cables to the new cables” once everything is in place. Here’s the construction timeline:
Q&A included daily construction hours and a specific question on behalf of a condo building in the construction zone which needed to ensure access would be possible for a specific activity (the reply was to be sure to directly talk with the project team to arrange logistics). Another question was about whether above-ground poles would be removed; team member Francis Sammy said no, there are no plans to bury lines that are currently above ground. And then there was a question about whether some curbing and sidewalks would be added; the project team said generally not – their focus would be on “restoring” what they’d have to dig up. But, at least one type of addition is likely in some places – if they’re working at an intersection, restoration would have to be ADA-compliant (regardless of whether the intersection had been so before), which means curb ramps, for example. Barton also said the question suggested they need to include more information on the project website about what “restoration” work will entail. They also were asked about a large redwood tree, and SCL said they have tree protections in the plan. Also, some streetlights will be replaced, they said in response to another question.
P.S. If you’re interested in comparing, here is our report from a similar meeting when the project was about to launch under a different contractor four years ago.
(Seen Tuesday night in Fairmount Ravine, photographed by SeanO!)
Here’s our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, HOTWIRE: The Junction coffeehouse celebrates its 23rd anniversary, until 5 pm. (4410 California SW)
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.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
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 Marigold Wood-Fired Pizza.
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!
COMMUNITY SAFETY MEETING: Discussion of safety issues relating to the High Point Library/Neighborcare parking lot, 6 pm at the library (3411 SW Raymond).
DUSTY 45s FT. JOE ROSS & THE BIRDWATCHERS: Free live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Rather 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 Tomas, 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!
It’s a Fauntleroy Community Association tradition – the Pumpkin Search – and this year’s event is exactly one month away, scheduled for Saturday, October 4. But before the Pumpkin Search can happen, organizer Candace Blue launches a volunteer search, to line up people to help with hiding the pumpkins. This year the search returns to the Endolyne business district, and one more special addition – synergy with the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 19), with some of the hidden pumpkins marked so they can be brought to the festival two weeks later and receive a prize. If you plan to join in the search, set your calendar for 1-3 pm October 4; if you can volunteer to hide pumpkins, that starts at 11:30 am that day, and you can email Candace now – blueyvette47@gmail.com is her address.
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