West Seattle, Washington
26 Saturday
Thanks to Eddie for the photo from the west end of the closure zone on the West Seattle low bridge. It’s closed to drivers all weekend for replacement of another of the gates damaged when a driver hit them two years ago. The bike/foot path, however, remains open. The driving lanes are expected to reopen by 4 am Monday.
Here’s our list of what to know as the first weekend of fall begins, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
LOW BRIDGE CLOSURE: SDOT is scheduled to close the West Seattle low bridge to driving starting at 7 am today, reopening by 4 am Monday.
GIVE-AND-TAKE SALE: Highland Park Elementary‘s PTA will accept donated items 8-10 am, and you can “shop” starting at 9 – everything is free, but the PTA will accept $ donations to support its work. Details in our calendar listing. (1012 SW Trenton)
SCAVENGER HUNT: Have you jumped in yet? You still have lots of time to join the first-ever West Seattle Music Scavenger Hunt (explained here).
RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: 8:15 am, get your weekend going with an at-your-pace run. (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor).
GET ‘HEAVILY MEDITATED’ FOR FREE: 8:45 am at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), free meditation to start your weekend!
SHOW UP, SEATTLE! Volunteering is happening all over the city today – if you’re not already signed up for something, go to Junction Plaza Park (42nd/Alaska) between 9 and noon, or Riverside Memorial Park at 10 am (here’s the announcement on that) – or show up for “tree care and skill share” at Webster Pond, 10 am.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Larger location this season! 10 am-2 pm, shop for fruit and vegetables, prepared food and beverages, artisan body care, makers’ creations, more! (9th SW and SW Henderson)
DACHSHUND WALK: 10 am Saturdays, dachshunds and their people meet up at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki) for a group walk.
VISIT THE LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: 10 am-4 pm, at the Log House Museum (3003 61st SW), learn about West Seattle and vicinity hisstory!
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.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am, free, in-person, active writing group – see our calendar listing for info on how to participate.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
NORTH ADMIRAL HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Today’s 11 am tour is sold out.
SOUTH PARK LIBRARY’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY: 11 am to 5 pm, a full day of celebrating 20 years since the South Park Library opened! Our calendar listing has the rundown of what’s happening and when, including performances between 1 pm and 3:30 pm. (8604 8th Ave. S., South Park)
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL: Noon to 4 pm at Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus, 6000 16th SW).
OKTOBERFEST AT THE GOOD SOCIETY: Noon-10 pm, food, beer, music, street party! (California SW & SW Lander)
POSTCARDING TO ENCOURAGE VOTING: 12:30-2:30 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), show up and be ready to write!
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SIP ‘N’ SPIN: 1-3:30 pm session to try your hand at the pottery wheel at Rain City Clay (4208 SW 100th).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: 1-6 pm, wine bar and tasting room open on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
THE BEER JUNCTION’S MONTHLY BIKE RIDE: 2 pm, all 21+ welcome, helmet required. (4711 California SW)
PAWS AGAINST CANCER: Family- and dog-friendly benefit for nonprofit helping fight canine cancer, 2-8 pm at Future Primitive Brewing in White Center (9832 14th SW).
THUNDERDOME FEST AT AXE KICKERS: 2 pm, 14 bands plus axe-throwing. (10843 1st Ave.S., Top Hat)
ABOUT YOUR CHAKRAS: Use the five senses to become aware! 2-5 pm at Inner Alcheny Studio & Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: Free short, specific sessions at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm, first come, first served.
TRANS ART MARKET: 3-7 pm, celebrating 16 transgender artists at Mr.B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Hear Kenny Chesney‘s new music, 4 pm at Easy Street Records, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
PHOTOGRAPH THE FULL MOONRISE: 4:30 pm, hosted photowalk on Alki – register (link is in our calendar listing) to get the meetup location.
OKTOBERFEST WITH THE EAGLES: Music starts at 5 pm – activities (free) and dinner, all ages, membership not required, details in our calendar listing. (4426 California SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Phil and Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.
EARLYWEEN: Striptease and all sorts of wildness at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 7:30 pm, info and ticket link in our calendar listing.
‘THE CHINESE LADY’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, second Saturday night performance of the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – ticket link and info in our calendar listing.
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: “Hey Baby,” spotlighting new drag performers, hosted by Kimme Kash, 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk and hip-hop, $18 (plus $5 skate rental).
KARAOKE AT TRIANGLE PUB: 9 pm, add your voice to Megastar Karaoke with KDJ Mythikal at Max’s Triangle Pub. (9454 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night karaoke begins at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Planning a West Seattle event/class/show/etc. that’s open to the community? Tell us about it; it’s free to list something in our Event Calendar, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
Love food trucks? They were part of this year’s Taste of West Seattle last night at The Hall at Fauntleroy. One of them, Dolce Vita, serving gelato, even won the vote for Best Sweet.
The Taste of West Seattle is a food-and-drink festival benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank – your ticket gets you unlimited tastes/sips – and last night was a sellout; all tickets gone days ahead of the event, which featured ~30 local food and drink purveyors in one place – well, technically, multiple spaces at The Hall:
It was a sizzling success, according to WSFB development director Robbin Peterson, who wrote this message of gratitude today:
The West Seattle Food Bank extends a huge thank you to the vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and community members who made the 2026 Taste of West Seattle a success!
This year’s Taste raised $58,128 to support the West Seattle Food Bank’s work providing food, clothing, rent and utility assistance, and other essential services to our neighbors.
We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community. The event would not be possible without the local restaurants, wineries, breweries, food trucks, and other vendors who donated their time and delicious offerings; our generous event sponsors; the volunteers who kept the evening running smoothly; and every guest who purchased a ticket, entered the raffle, made a donation, and came out to celebrate with us.
With new shoppers coming through our doors every day, we’re seeing firsthand that the need for food and other basic assistance continues to grow. Anyone who would like to help put the Taste over the milestone $65,000 mark can make an online donation to the West Seattle Food Bank. For anyone inspired by the Taste and the generosity of our community, your support can continue beyond one wonderful evening. A donation to the West Seattle Food Bank helps us keep food on the shelves and essential services available for our neighbors throughout the year.
Thank you, West Seattle, for another wonderful Taste – and for continuing to show up for your neighbors. Seeing our community come together is a reminder that all flourishing is mutual: when we care for one another, our whole community grows stronger.
One fun aspect of The Taste is the chance to interact with so many food and beverage purveyors – like the school board president who’s a co-proprietor of Mission Cantina:
(Gina Topp)
The community-council president who manages West Seattle Grounds:
(Admiral Neighborhood Association president Joanie Jacobs and board member Dan Jacobs)
The Center for Active Living‘s executive director and a well-known volunteer:
(Amy Lee Derenthal and super-volunteer ‘Uncle Lloyd’)
And if you’re wondering about the rest of the voting winners:
Best Savory – The Locol Kitchen and Bar
Best Veggie – The Birdhouse
Best Beverage (non-alcoholic) – La La’s Lemonade
Best Pour (wine/beer/mead) – Darby Winery
The Taste also featured music, a raffle, and a chance to play Plinko. It’s one of two big fundraisers the WS Food Bank has every year, but you can support their work any time, in a multitude of ways – start here.
9:20 PM: Police say the northbound side of 35th SW is blocked near SW Brandon because of a two-car crash. SFD has responded to evaluate people for injuries.
9:50 PM: No updates aside from the SFD log showing their units have cleared the scene. (We’ll follow up on whether anyone required treatment.)
The photos and report are from Marci, whose neighborhood bid their regular UPS driver farewell today:
I wanted to let you know about a special man who was a UPS driver in West Seattle for a very long time.
Dave Satler retired today from UPS after 37 years. Aikins Avenue Southwest was the last delivery street for him. Folks who live on Aikins gathered at the end of the street to greet him with balloons and a banner, and then once that last package was delivered, we sat and talked with him and shared stories for about an hour or so.
Dave is an incredible person who is a veteran, coaches youth soccer, a long-time runner, a cancer survivor, and most of all an incredible human being.
Happy retirement, Dave!
5:40 PM: Thanks for the tips.4,500+ homes and businesses have been hit by a power outage. Updates to come.
5:49 PM: Added SCL map of outage zone, which includes part of South Park. Working to find out the cause.
6:01 PM: A closer look at the SCL map shows they’re counting this as two outages, and the number of homes/businesses out has actually surpassed 5,500. … The map also shows Chief Sealth IHS and at least part of Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex in the outage zone; we’re checking on whether that might affect tonight’s West Seattle HS football game scheduled for 7 pm at NCSWAC.
6:24 PM: Texter says the 8800 block of 5th SW just got power back. And another texter from High Point.Usually takes a bit for the map to show the full update.
6:27 PM: Map shows everyone’s back on. (If you’re not, call SCL.)
6:37 PM: A City Light spokesperson tells WSB the cause of the outage was a pole fire.
7:32 PM: The map now shows 155 homes out, mostly south of Westcrest Park.
A woman is in the hospital after being attacked and robbed in The Junction Thursday evening. First word came from this email from someone who knows the victim:
A woman was attacked by a group of 5 youths last night in broad daylight around 6 pm right in between the QFC at the Junction and the Maharaja restaurant. She was walking back to her car. She is at Harborview with broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and a ton of stitches in her head. They surrounded her and beat her with objects and kicked her. She isn’t ready for her name to be public, but people should know with the weekend approaching and the sun going down earlier. I’m not a member of her family, but got permission from the family to me
We found the SPD incident number – 26-285630 – and just obtained the report narrative:On 09/24/2026 at 1805 hours I was working in uniformed patrol as 2W2 for the Seattle Police Department. I was driving a marked patrol car when I responded to robbery call located in the 4500 block of 42nd Ave SW. The call remarks stated, “RP [reporting party] SAW 5 MEN PUNCHING A WOMAN, AND TAKING HER PURSE.”
When I arrived, I located (items) lying on the ground in a parking lot located across from 45XX 42nd Ave SW.
Police radio indicated multiple people had called 911 to report the attack, but not the victim. One of the people who called 911 was a nearby resident who talked with police after their arrival:
(Witness) stated she heard a scream and began recording from her apartment window. I reviewed the video which showed a white Honda Accord (no plates) park in the parked in the parking lot with all 3 passenger doors open.
The video also showed 4 suspects huddling around the victim who was on the ground in the parking lot. At one point suspect #1 appears to pull something away from (victim), which causes the suspects to flee back to the white Honda.
Before leaving, suspect #4 is seen using his foot and stomping down onto (victim) once and start walking away when he stops and returns to (victim) and stomps down on her once again.
The suspects then enter the white Honda and drive away South on 42nd Ave SW. It appears that there was a 5th suspect who remained in the driver’s seat of the white Honda.
Another video showed (victim) driving away Southbound on 42nd Ave SW in her (vehicle). A short time later, dispatch received a call from XXXX Urgent Care (in West Seattle) reporting a female just walked in and reported she was robbed.
Police found the victim at the urgent-care facility:
V/XXXX stated she was walking back to her vehicle when 4-5 black male suspects approached her. One yelled “Hey that’s my phone!” before the suspects began attacking her. She stated she did not know the suspects and had never seen them before.
V/XXXX stated she was knocked to the ground and remembered getting kicked in the head twice but reports not losing consciousness.
Officers observed (wounds) … (Victim) stated the only item the suspects stole was her blue iPhone (unknown value).
Suspect #1 is described as a black male, 16-22 years old, thin build and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black/white puffy coat and gray sweatpants.
Suspect #2 is described as a black male 16-22 years old with a thin build. He was last seen wearing all black.
Suspect #3 is described as a black male, 16-22 years old and a thin build. He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie, gray beanie and dark pants.
Suspect #4 is described as a black male 16-22 years old and a thin build. He was last seen wearing a gray hoodie and black pants.
Suspect #5 never exited the white Honda.
The victim was taken to the hospital by AMR ambulance, the police report says, noting the same injuries mentioned above in the email we received. Also noted, the items found in the parking lot included damaged eyeglasses that belonged to the victim.
Police were canvassing for more security video that might have recorded the attack, as well as what the nearby resident recorded. If you have any information, the SPD violent-crime tipline is 206-233-5000.
During a free concert this Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy majestic music marking a half-century for the organ at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s the preview:
The second concert of the 50th anniversary Organ Concert Series at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle:
Soli Deo Gloria is the concert series honoring the memory of Andrew King, longtime organist at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle. The next concert in the series will take place on September 27 at 3:00 p.m. This date observes the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Noack organ in the Gallery at First Lutheran.
This gala concert will feature players from the Seattle Bach Festival orchestra, led by Tekla Cunningham, in a performance of an early version of Bach’s Concerto in d minor for keyboard, BWV 1052. Dana Robinson, the organist at First Lutheran, will be joined by Paul Tagels, Professor Emeritus at Pacific Lutheran University, in selections for two organs, showcasing the church’s two Noack organs. There will be “encore performances” of works performed at the gallery’s dedication recital of September 26, 1976.
The concert will be held at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle, 4105 California Avenue SW. The concert is open to all without admission charge.
2:34 PM: No weather alerts so far, but it’s been blustery today, and a tree is reported down on 42nd SW in Arbor Heights, north of SW 98th. The tree was reported to have taken down “wires” but according to police radio, City Light checked and determined it was a communications cable.
2:39 PM: Earlier we heard a report of bridge barriers knocked into the eastbound lanes near the west end of the bridge, but police found no related collision. Right now, Cindi Barker tells us, the EB bridge is temporarily closed for repositioning of the barriers.
2:44 PM: Live camera suggests EB traffic is moving again. Meantime, a texter says the Admiral exit from the westbound bridge is “quite flooded.” They’ve reported it to SDOT. (If a safety hazard on roads, you also can report to 911.)
Thanks to Robert Shampain for the photos and mural news from Pigeon Point:
At our Pigeon Point City Night Out in August, we had a design contest to come up with ideas for a mural on the new SW 21st and Dakota stairs. The overwhelming favorite was done by our 10-year-old neighbor Hazel, and painted with the help of some neighborhood kids and adults, and there will be an Official Ribbon-Cutting to celebrate – this Sunday, 9/27.
As we say around here: “It’s Quite A Thrill To Live On Pigeon Hill!”
Thanks to Dan Jacobs of the Admiral Neighborhood Association for the photo and tip that fencing has gone up at the former Admiral Church site (4320 SW Hill). As you might recall, the church has given up the site for a planned affordable-homeownership and community space (including its own new space) project (details here). Homestead Community Land Trust – same nonprofit working on the 16th/Holden project in Highland Park – is the developer. We asked Homestead CLT CEO Kathleen Hosfeld if the fencing is a sign that demolition/construction is imminent. No, she replied, but it’s not just a squatter-deterrence measure, either: “We don’t have a confirmed construction loan yet and are working on that. While we are awaiting that, we are taking the limited steps we can to prepare for demolition — lead and asbestos testing, rat abatement, etc. That’s what you are seeing. People will be coming and going from the site, and that will naturally deter squatters.” It’s been a year since Admiral Church moved out (now meeting at St. John the Baptist Episcopal); much of the space has been in use as the Admiral HUB.
(‘Funky rainbow’ photographed this morning by James Bratsanos)
The weekend’s almost here. What follows are highlights for the rest of fall’s first Friday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Fall 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).
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
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.
COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, radio-style comedy troupe Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.
HIGHLAND PARK JAM SESSION: 6 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
MOVIE IN THE PARK: Watch “Toy Story 5.” in the Camp Long meadow, free, 6 pm. (5200 35th SW)
STORIES CONNECT US: Film screening of “Freelance Beaver Detective” and panel discussion, 6 pm, free, Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW)
PLANT BINGO: 7 pm with Terraplanted at Mr.B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
SOLD-OUT SHOW AT EASY STREET: Hermanos Gutierrez, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), all spots taken.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One local team has a home football game – 7 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS hosting Roosevelt.
‘THE CHINESE LADY’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, second week for “The Chinese Lady” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – info including ticket link is in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors at 7, show at 8, Sam Cobra, Saint Nameless, Post Revolver. $10 at the door, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S: The Elephant Room, Head Hurt, Ruston Way, 8 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center), all ages until 10 pm.
SPINNING: Revelry Room (4547 California SW) regular Friday night spinning – with DJ Reverend Dollars tonight, starting at 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, Jack Mozie & Creature Hole, 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!
It’s just about Halloween season – and we’ve received a request to share with you, from the people behind a West Seattle favorite:
A big ask from Nightfall Charity Haunt for the West Seattle community: we need volunteers to help us open for our 10th anniversary.
For 10 years, Nightfall Charity Haunt (formerly Nightfall Orphanage) has thrilled the West Seattle community, sparking the imagination with wonder and chilling the bones with its shadowy corners. Since we began, we have raised over 5000 lbs of food for West Seattle Food Bank, and over $30,000 for Washington’s National Park Fund.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, our build timeline has been pushed back by roughly 20 days. We are working hard to make up the time, and we’ve even pushed our planned opening date of Oct 3 to October 9th. But we still have a lot of work to do, and we could really use some help. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy arts & crafts-style projects, set decoration, Halloween, theater, or who want to learn how we do things, see behind the scenes, or be part of this cool event. If you are one of those people, or one of the many who have visited us year after year and wanted to be a part of the magic, now is the time.
As many who have visited us for years know, Nightfall is mostly the work of just two people. What started as a few black tents with some cool props and a brief tale about twins who ran a creepy orphanage has grown into a massive, lore-driven story and a home haunt—a home dark-fantasy walk-through attraction experience—frequently rated among the top 3 haunts in Seattle. During that time, we have remained committed to creating an imaginative community event full of wonder and dedicated to supporting our charities, Washington’s National Park Fund and West Seattle Food Bank.
We are primarily looking for volunteers for the weekend of October 3 and 4, but if you can only help a few hours here and there, or have free time on another day, that is welcome as well, and we can always use another set of hands at any time.
Nightfall WILL open on October 9th. But we could really use a hand to make this our best year ever.
Thank you,
The NightmakersIf you are interested, please contact mr.black@nightfallorphanage.com or text (better than calling) Trish at (310) 384-2691.
6:001 AM: Good morning. This is Friday, September 25, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Cloudy, more showers expected, thunderstorms possible, breezy, high in the low 60s. Sunrise will be at 7 am today, while sunset will be at 7 pm.
CLOSURE/ROAD WORK REMINDERS
This weekend, SDOT is scheduled to close the West Seattle low bridge to drivers, 7 am Saturday until 4 am Monday.
-As reported here Thursday, work is planned Saturday on Fauntleroy Way and SW Wildwood, near the ferry dock.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the three-boat schedule (until Monday, October 5, when it goes to two boats for a month). From the alert page, a boat swap is planned today:
The 124-vehicle Kitsap will replace the 144-vehicle Chimacum as the #2 vessel on Friday, Sept. 25. The Kitsap will be on the route for several weeks as we move vessels for required maintenance, repairs, and inspections.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, with later night runs Fridays and Saturdays for just under two more weeks.
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 trouble 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!
(WSB photos, video)
With less than a week remaining until fall quarter begins at South Seattle College, the main SSC campus on Puget Ridge has a new feature – the 10th Peace Pole installed by the Rotary Club of West Seattle, one of more than 300,000 worldwide.
It was dedicated this afternoon at a ceremony during which its message – May Peace Prevail on Earth – was repeated in each of the languages in which it’s written on the pole:
Before the reading, Rotarian Keith Hughes recapped the history of the Peace Poles, and club president Stefanie Felix noted that “peace is at the heart of Rotary”:
Felix presented a commemorative plaque to SSC president Dr. Monica Brown:
Dr. Brown spoke as the event began, welcoming the pole as a “symbol of hope and understanding” and explaining that SSC students had chosen the languages in which the peace wish is inscribed on the pole:
And Seattle Colleges navigator Patricia Allen-Dick, of Tlingit and Haida heritage, literally brought it all home with a Native song and blessing:
Everyone present was invited to be in a photo to mark the occasion:
You can see the new Peace Pole on the south side of the courtyard in SSC’s central administration building.
(2025 photo sent by Mel)
That sign is from last year’s Highland Park Elementary PTA Give-and-Take Sale, but it will apply this year too. This Saturday (September 26), you have two ways to give at the sale:
Give and Take Rummage Sale Sept 26th
8-10 am Donations are accepted, then begin rummaging at 9 am
Everything is FREE. Monetary Donations are accepted in support of the PTA.
Highland Park Elementary School north-side blacktop
1012 SW TrentonOur take what you want and give what you can event … truly supports our community. Families who need basic clothing, shoes and housewares get what they need. Donate your gently used books, garden starts, sports and outdoor equipment, kitchenware, kids and adult clothing, and toys. NO large furniture. We will accept donated items from 8 am-10 am on 9/26 at the Highland Park Elementary blacktop playground on the north side of the school. All items will be free and donations accepted. All items left at the end of the day will go to local charities, WestSide Baby and Clothesline. What they will not accept will go to Goodwill and Salvation Army, etc.
The report and images are from El Chupacabra Alki manager Jenn:
This morning shortly before 6 am, 2 individuals who were driving a black minivan tried to break into El Chupacabra.
They were unsuccessful in their attempt. Unfortunately, they did go next door and broke into Alki Ice Cream & Boba.
They were between the 2 businesses for roughly 30 mins before driving off.
If you have any information, the police report # is 26-284893.
One month ago, we reported on an executive order by Mayor Katie Wilson that – among other things – mandated a protected bicycle lane by year’s end on SW Wildwood Place, the street near the Fauntleroy ferry dock where bicyclist Maridee Bonadea was killed in June. After seeing a Metro advisory for a stop closure because of “construction” this weekend, we checked in with SDOT, which tells us this is what’s scheduled to be done:
… Before we can install the bike lanes … we need to improve the condition of the riding surface:
-Repairing the pavement with asphalt patches on Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Wildwood Pl. To do this we will need to temporarily close parts of the street
Saturday, September 26 from 9 am until 6 pm
***We may reschedule this work if there is rain in the weather forecast.The street must be smooth before we can install bike lanes. Doing this work beforehand will make the street safer and our installation easier. We will come back later to seal cracks with a flexible sealant that will withstand rain and heat.
While the asphalt cools and hardens, the eastbound bus stop at SW Wildwood and 46th Ave SW will be temporarily closed.
The project’s webpage and fact sheet says they’re still deciding between an uphill bike lane only or bike lanes both uphill and downhill.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Two of the city’s hottest topics, crime and housing, comprised most of last night’s meeting of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.
CRIME AND SAFETY: Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair said they’re very aware of a recent “uptick” in crime “all over West Seattle.” Stats, however, show that it’s down 27 percent, but “the community’s perception is so much more important because you’re the ones dealing with it.” She lauded community members for communicating about what’s going on. She remarked – as she has at other meetings – that West Seattle is the most-registered neighborhood in the department’s security-camera-registry program. Back to stats: Shots-fired incidents are up, 16 in Highland Park year to date – including two with injuries – up from 10 year to date last year, though down slightly from the number at this point in 2024. Almost all happen Saturdays and Sundays, she said. In all of WS, 73 shots fired year to date, 11 with injuries, most Friday-Saturday-Sunday. Property crime is down – 33 auto thefts so far this year compared to 71. There’s a bit of an uptick in robberies; she said those have resulted in one arrest related to a “pattern,” but they’re looking for more suspects.
Their approach to gun crime: She talked about the multi-disciplinary group, local, federal, more, meeting twice a week to discuss the incidents. “It’s very interesting to sit in those meetings.” She says every morning she checks the department roundup of reports of “significant incidents” including gun crime. She noted that Riverview Playfield needs signage posting the rules regarding guns. She also reiterated what she’d said in meetings last week, regarding casing collection after gunfire incidents and checking the signature left on casings by the gun from whic it was fired. That doesn’t always trace it to a person because “guns get passed around.” But, she added, higher numbers of casings have been found per incident, because many of the guns had been modified. She says the Gun Violence Reduction Unit tells her that some local cases had no leads, and one involved “a gang associate who is currently in jail …we do have some gangs in West Seattle…we do have a beef between some of them.” Capt. Bair also mentioned the incident of actual gang graffiti painted recently on Alki (and addressed quickly). One good thing, she said, the gangs “post a lot of stuff on social media” and that helps detectives’ work.
(Reader photo, August 30)
She said regarding the 12th/Holden shooting, it seems the victim possibly knew the shooter, and the victim is recovering.
Regarding a frequently trouble-causing reckless driver at 12th/Holden, a particular frequent complainer has sent photos – including a car he’s since wrecked (and replaced) – she said she’s asked patrol officers to get on the case. She also noted that people need to be careful and not go vigilante, because “someone involved with that vehicle has a crime involving a gun.”
(WSB photo, September 1)
She also brought up the 16th SW shooting near the Salvation Army center, which she said was “somewhat random” though ultimately sparked by a fight – they have a photo of a possible suspect. About area encampments, in which she said the city rules known as MDARs “are making it very difficult for us to do enforcement.” For example, one person could be defined as an encampment. She mentioned the recent clearances on which we’ve reported.
Westwood Village – she mentioned her department’s strategy, with Lt. Wes Collier collaborating with the center’s newest management and enforcing violations of the trespass rule. Among dubious distinctions, “our Ulta Beauty store is the number-one-hit Ulta in the nation.” Lt. Collier has connected an email/text chain with Ulta and traced where shoplifters take their pilfered goods (in one case, to 12th/Jackson downtown). “It’s like the broken window theory – we want to show that we’re taking care of our community.”.
If you’re a crime witness, Capt. Bair said, there are a variety of ways you can get that information to police, not just by talking to them face to face. Southwest Precinct residents and businesses “are doing an awesome job of reporting crime,” Capt. Bair emphasized.
She also said several schools including Chief Sealth IHS are trying to work on better relationships with police. They are working on relationship-building along the lines of what the South Precinct has done – commander Capt. Heidi Tuttle there worked on directed patrol in the area at key times such as lunch and dismissal and having it dispatched as a regular call. Southwest is working on that, according to Capt. Bair.
In Q&A, one woman who owns a building near the Salvation Army talked about troubles in the area – fires, broken windows, camping in a van right outside, drug sales, and more. Capt. Bair suggested that crime prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite can help with a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design assessment. A man who has long lived in the neighborhood talked about crime and disorder that’s left him and his family feeling unsafe; some of the trouble centers on Riverview Playfield, which isn’t getting closed reliably as it’s supposed to be. Capt. Bair said she’s hoping to get a specific specialty unit’s help with extra patrols.
As HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick observed, the conversation could have continued much longer – she’s hoping Capt. Bair can come back.
(WSB photo, project site)
HOMESTEAD CLT PROJECT UPDATE: As we reported recently, the 16th/Holden “affordable housing” project is progressing. Kathleen Hosfeld, CEO of Homestead Community Land Trust, the developer chosen by the city for this ex-substation property, came with team members. She said they’re trying a third time to get Housing Trust Fund money for the project. Another Homestead CLT team member explained, “I just can’t imagine we’re not going to get funded this third (try).” He explained the “affordable homeownership” plan, making the units affordable to people with say 65 percent of the AMI. The city has given them some money but the state funding is needed to finish subsidizing the full cost. That and another grant could make them “ready to start construction next summer.” The equity gain for buyers is limited by a formula so the units will remain “permanently affordable.
What they showed is the massing – size and shape of the building, without colors and materials – the architect showed an option for the first floor, with some parking in the back – they want input on how the ground-floor commercial space might work, as well as two live-work units, with the residential entry off 16th SW. Another option would have one live-work and a larger commercial space (1450 compared to 800 sf in the first option). The residential units would start on the second floor including some 2- and 3-bedroom units (the latter would be around 1000 sf). They would also have a green roof, mostly for stormwater management, and also some rooftop residential amenities.
Hosfeld said she’d spoken with the Cultural Space Agency about artist lofts that could be part of the mix. The agency is working on a space in Beacon Hill that would have six-month rotating installations.
The commercial space also is for sale, so selling it to the Cultural Space Agency could be one possibility, Hosfeld also noted that the commercial space can’t hold a restaurant – -no hood – but could have a coffee shop, for example.
HOLDEN NATURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS UPDATE: This city project mostly west of 16th/Holden was discussed briefly before closing time at Delridge Library required the meeting to wrap – construction might start as soon as next month, and they’ll have another pop-up outreach session on October 3 at Bedhead Coffee, if you’ve got questions.
NEXT MEETING: HPAC usually meets on fourth Wednesdays – watch hpaction.org for updates on time, topics, and location.
At the very least, these videos of car prowlers serve as reminders to keep your vehicle(s) locked. This one is from Ted in North Admiral:
And this one is from a texter in South Delridge:
Here’s more advice on car-prowl prevention/deterrence – some of which you’ve probably heard before, some you might not have.
(WSB photo, September 3)
Three weeks after a city contingent came to West Seattle to announce the citywide mega-volunteering day titled ‘Show Up, Seattle!’, it’s just two days away, on Saturday (September 26). If you’re not already signed up for seattle.gov/day-of-service” target=”_blank”>a volunteering event on Saturday, and can’t find one with a registration deadline that’s already past, we have one for you – Stacie Woods of the West Seattle Junction Association says you can just show up at Junction Plaza Park (northwest corner of 42nd/Alaska), 9 am-noon Saturday, and they’ll put you to work.
(Harbor seal, photographed with long lens by Steve Bender)
Yet another busy 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!):
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).
HEALTH AND WHOLENESS EXPO: Noon-3 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), community welcome.
PEACE POLE DEDICATION AT SSC: The newest Rotary Club of West Seattle installation of a Peace Pole is at South Seattle College, and you are invited to the dedication at 1 pm – our calendar listing explains the location on campus. (6000 16th SW)
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! Join the class 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! 4 pm.
FRESH HOP WEEK: Continuing at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), open 4-9 pm.
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 Spice on Curve.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
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.
TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE, SOLD OUT! The food festival benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank is sold out so this is just a reminder if you have tickets, tonight’s the night, starting with 5:30 pm VIP entry, at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).
BOOK LAUNCH: Suzanne Crawford O’Brien‘s “Climate Anxiety and Spiritual Resilience” will be celebrated with a launch party at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW), 6 pm – our calendar listing has the RSVP link to check if room remains.
POSTCARDING PARTY: 6-8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), gathering to fill out postcards to encourage recipients to vote.
GRIEF IS CRAFTY: Monthly craft circle for those experiencing grief, 6 pm. (5446 California SW)
TALKING ABOUT REPARATIONS: Eight-week discussion series begins, presented by Admiral Church, held online via Zoom, 6 pm, info in our calendar listing.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – BYO console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, community run starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander).
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Tom Bennett and The Rolling Blackouts, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: The club celebrates its second anniversary at tonight’s 7 pm meeting, Jet City Labs/Revelry Room (4547 California SW), as noted in our feature story earlier this week.
TRIVIA & PINBALL AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia and pinball tournament at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
‘THE CHINESE LADY’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, second week begins for “The Chinese Lady” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – info including ticket link is in our calendar listing.
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight, DJ Depeche Mike 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)
Working on an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily highlight list? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
High-school sports aren’t just about what happens on the field, court,track, etc. The report and photos were sent by West Seattle High School athletic director Corey Sorenson:
Congratulations to Eden O’Donnell, Charlee Cummings, Izzy Waite, Mason Jones, Justice Nguyen, and Wes Stahl on representing West Seattle High School at the 2026 Fall Metro League Sportsmanship Summit!
The Metro League brings together schools with unique histories, traditions, and athletic communities. The Sportsmanship Summit provides student-athletes from across the league with an opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and discuss how we can continue to make our schools, athletic contests, and league communities positive and welcoming places for everyone.
We are proud of these students for representing West Seattle High School and helping promote the values of sportsmanship, respect, and community.
Got good news or announcements from your school? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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