Alki Community Council, Highland Park doubleheader, book swap, sports, music, more for your West Seattle Thursday

(Fogged-in skyline across Elliott Bay this morning, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here are highlights 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!):

FREE INDOOR PLAY SPACE: Until noon at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau), drop in and play.

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

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: 10 am-6 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), admire this year’s entries!

TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9030 35th 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 and get clogging, 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.

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 Original Philly’s.

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.

MADAME B’S DARK BAZAAR AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).

WATCH THE SEAHAWKS IN ADMIRAL: 5 pm kickoff for Seahawks vs. Broncos, at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)

WATCH THE SEAHAWKS IN THE JUNCTION: Watch party at The Hydrant too, 5 pm, pups welcome.

POSTCARDING PARTY: New time, 5-7 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), gathering to fill out postcards to encourage recipients to vote.

BOOK SWAP AT PAPER BOAT BOOKSELLERS: Monthly book swap, 5:30-7 pm, with pours by Darby Winery – this month’s theme “Spooky and Scary.” Bring a book, take a book!

TALKING ABOUT REPARATIONS: Discussion series continues, 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 Future Primitive Beer Bar (2536 Alki SW) for the first time this season.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING: 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), candidate forum and tsunami preparedness are the highlights. All welcome.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: One home varsity match in our area – in volleyball, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Nathan Hale, 7 pm in the Chief Sealth gym (2600 SW Thistle).

ALBUM RELEASE SHOW AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Slow Rosary album release, with Claire Tucker & The Grebes, 21+, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

PASS THE AUX AT REVELRY ROOM: 8 pm start, the “anti-karaoke” game. (Behind 4547 California SW)

KARAOKE AT THE PUB: 9 pm to close at Max’s Triangle Pub, 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!

This year’s Seattle Public Safety Survey now open

Every year, Seattle University surveys people in our city about crime, safety, and police. This year’s survey just opened – here’s the announcement:

Seattle University’s Crime & Justice Research Center invites everyone who lives and/or works in Seattle to participate in the 2026 Seattle Public Safety Survey, available today through November 30.

The annual survey provides an opportunity to share your neighborhood’s public safety and security concerns. Survey results will be provided to the Seattle Police Department as part of its Micro-Community Policing Plans (MCPP) to help inform neighborhood-level public safety priorities.

Community-police dialogues will be held in May–August 2027 to discuss the results and provide opportunities for community engagement.

The survey is available in 11 languages: Amharic, Arabic, Chinese, English, Korean, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog, Tigrinya, and Vietnamese.

Prefer a Paper Survey?

Paper surveys are available upon request in any of the 11 languages. Individuals and community organizations requesting paper copies or assistance completing the survey may contact the SPD MCPP Research Team at cjresearchcenter@seattleu.edu to coordinate distribution.

If you’re interested in past results and current neighborhood safety plans that resulted, find that info here.

TRANSIT, WEATHER, TRAFFIC: Thursday info

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, October 15, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The National Weather Service has a Dense Fog Advisory for our area until 9 am. Forecast after that – sunnier as the day goes on, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise will be at 7:28 am today, with sunset at 6:20 pm.

WORK REMINDER

Ramp/lane closures for City Light’s work to restore West Seattle Bridge streetlights are scheduled to conclude tonight – see the schedule and locations here; we’ll be checking for a progress report.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is now on the two-boat schedule with an unscheduled third boat, until at least early November. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on the regular fall schedule.

BRIDGE TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Here are four bridge views from the SDOT map:

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

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

‘Don’t be scared, be aware’: Six West Seattle ways to get quake-ready just by showing up

Regular daily life is so fraught with challenges, it’s tough to fully grasp the idea of worrying about – much less preparing for – something that might never happen. But as one local preparedness advocate advises, “Don’t be scared, be aware.” Here are six relatively simple ways to do that in West Seattle in the next two weeks – in some cases, simply by showing up!

THURSDAY, GREAT WASHINGTON SHAKEOUT: At 10:15 am Thursday (10/15), join in the statewide earthquake/tsunami drill.

THURSDAY, ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING: 7 pm Thursday at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), this meeting includes a tsunami-prep presentation.

TUESDAY, ALKI EMERGENCY HUB MEETING: 7 pm Tuesday, also at Alki UCC, learn about the volunteer-powered community hub that will enable neighbors to help each other in the days and likely weeks before outside help arrives post-disaster.

OCTOBER 24, MORGAN HUB HAZARDS WALK: 10 am Saturday, October 24, join Morgan Junction-area neighbors to collect important info about areas of potential concern post-disaster.

OCTOBER 27, FAUNTLEROY TALKS QUAKE/TSUNAMI PREP: A disaster-response strategist leads this special community presentation organized by the Fauntleroy Community Association, 6 pm Tuesday, October 27, at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).

OCTOBER 29, ERCOLINI EMERGENCY HUB MEETING: Live west of The Junction? 7 pm Wednesday, October 29, your emergency-hub meeting is at Taste & Best (4752 California SW).

SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: Early evening sky flash

First we heard of this was a message from Jason:

I’m wondering if anyone else saw the vivid shooting star or meteor over West Seattle this evening? Saw it around 6:55 pm near the corner of Genesee and 52nd looking east. It was bright green with a fiery orange edge all around it with a fiery orange tail as well. It was only for a moment and I didn’t have my phone to take a photo.

We asked Kevin Freitas, who often captures images of sky sightings from his home near The Mount, and he came up with this “stack” and observation:

Not a meteor. Likely a piece of space debris deorbiting. It flew north to south over approx. 30 seconds which is far too slow to be a meteor. (those usually last a handful of seconds)

Here’s a stack of about 50 seconds of camera footage. The object in question is in the middle top. The other streaks are planes.

Anybody else see it here?

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: Decoration … with commentary?

Tonight’s West Seattle Halloween decoration photos were sent by Astrella:

This display at California & College is so funny and clever!

Might even be a bit of traffic-safety commentary buried in there …

Got, or seen, memorable decorations? Photo(s) welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or texted to 206-293-6302!

FOLLOWUP: Admiral brown water a mystery, Seattle Public Utilities says

Often when tap water turns discolored, there’s an obvious reason that sediment – primarily rust – has been stirred up in the lines: A water break, a fire incident requiring hydrant use, or firefighters testing hydrants. Recent incidents of brown water in Admiral didn’t seem to relate to any of those categories, so we asked Seattle Public Utilities. We also included an inquiry about an apparent change in the hotline that for many years was answered by an actual live person and now does not. It’s taken a few days, but here’s what we received from SPU spokesperson Cody Bowman late today:

On October 9 and 10, SPU received nine reports of discolored water from customers along Walnut Ave SW.

While the immediate cause of the discoloration remains undetermined, temporary discolored water can occur any time the drinking water system is disturbed, for example due to a water main break, hydrant use or testing, or operational changes. Even without obvious activity nearby, naturally occurring minerals and sediment in the system can occasionally become stirred up.

Customers should continue to call SPU’s 24/7 Operations Response Center at 206‑386‑1800 to report discolored water. The phone system is designed to help callers quickly triage water‑discoloration issues and walk through steps that often resolve the problem right away. If those steps don’t solve the issue, callers are then given the option to speak directly with an operator for further assistance. The system is not designed to prevent access to a live representative; rather, it helps manage high call volumes while still ensuring customers can reach staff when needed.

We appreciate your input and are reviewing opportunities to streamline the menu to make it even easier for customers to reach an operator when they need to.

Though SPU suggests brown water is not uncommon, 10 years ago it was happening often enough in West Seattle that SPU finally planned and carried out a special line-flushing operation.

YOU CAN HELP: Four fun ways to support West Seattle Food Bank this month

Community support can make you happy – as well as the people benefiting from that support. Robbin Peterson of the West Seattle Food Bank provides these reminders:

Food, Frights, and a Little Friendly Competition: October at West Seattle Food Bank!

October is shaping up to be a busy month of community support for West Seattle Food Bank

*We’re celebrating the 14th annual PT Challenge, with six local physical therapy clinics participating in a friendly competition to collect food for their neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

A big thank-you to Sea Pines Physical Therapy, Sound Physical Therapy, Therapeutic Associates Physical Therapy, Kinetic Physical Therapy, Lake Washington Physical Therapy, and Biojunction Sports Therapy for keeping this wonderful tradition going!

*And for those who like their giving with a side of spooky, Nightfall Haunt and Meeds Manor haunted houses are joining the fun, collecting food donations from visitors throughout the Halloween season!

*Think you’ve got what it takes to be a trivia champion? Hope you got your ticket (sales ended Tuesday) to join us this Saturday, October 17, at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle for Cup of Blessings, an evening of dinner, trivia, and friendly competition, all in support of West Seattle Food Bank!

*And if all that competition hasn’t worn you out, we’re turning up the heat with our annual Chili Cookoff at the West Seattle Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 25! Nine local restaurants will bring their best chili creations to compete for the 2026 trophy and bragging rights, with proceeds supporting West Seattle Food Bank’s food assistance and eviction prevention programs. (Look for the chili inside ArtsWest.)

Food and housing are two of life’s most basic necessities, and too many of our neighbors are struggling to afford both. Every donation of food or essential supplies, every flight of chili purchased, and every act of generosity helps us respond to those growing needs.

We’re grateful to the businesses, volunteers, and community members who make it all happen. West Seattle has a wonderful way of showing up for its neighbors, and October is no exception.

So whether you’re visiting your physical therapist, getting the daylights scared out of you, showing off your trivia skills, or sampling some delicious chili, October is a great time to give back!

BIZNOTE: Portage Bay Cafe closing West Seattle Junction location (updated)

(WSB photo from Portage Bay’s West Seattle opening day in 2023)

1:16 PM: Almost four years after expanding to West Seattle with a location in The Junction, Portage Bay Café has just announced it’s closing in WS. We talked by phone with owner Amy Fair Gunnar shortly after she made the announcement. It’s one of five locations the local mini-chain has, and she says the other four are going strong, but – especially given the “soaring costs” of operating a restaurant – this one has a fundamental problem, not enough indoor seating to get it through the fall/winter season. “We are really sorry to be leaving West Seattle,” she told us. “We’ll miss our guests.” She also noted that the Washington Hospitality Association has tallied ~2,000 restaurant closures this year, which she says outnumbers the closures during the first year of COVID. We asked about the West Seattle staff; she said they’re finding places at their other restaurants for “pretty much everybody.” The last day for the breakfast/brunch café at 4725 42nd SW will be Sunday, October 25. (Portage Bay was preceded in the space by Agave Cocina for three years, and before that, Fresh Bistro for nine years.)

8:55 PM: In comments, readers pointed out an August Seattle Times story about Portage Bay’s financial challenges. We subsequently checked court records and discovered a more-recent “unlawful detainer” action pertaining to this location – often a prelude to eviction if back rent isn’t paid up – at least $137,000 worth, per the court documents, as of late August. The court records show the next hearing date is October 29, four days after the West Seattle location’s just-announced closing date.

About the briefly big emergency response at Lincoln Park

For those who asked about what was briefly a big SFD response to Lincoln Park just before 11 am but very quickly downgraded, we just received this update/explanation from SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo:

This was initially dispatched as a water rescue response, but downgraded to an aid call because the first units on scene confirmed the patient was out of the water. The patient is a 44-year-old female who was in stable condition. She was transported to a hospital via AMR.

If you are used to checking the SFD real-time 911 page, you should be aware that all units initially dispatched to a call show as active (green) until the entire call is closed, even the units that were almost instantly canceled. This unofficial page shows when individual units are cleared (among other things).

Why you might see smoke from Boeing Field next week

King County International Airport – aka Boeing Field – is just over the ridge from West Seattle, and within view/earshot for many here, so this alert about a drill next week might be of interest:

King County International Airport-Boeing Field (KCIA) will conduct a full-scale emergency exercise on Wednesday, October 21. The main part of the exercise will occur from about 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During this time, emergency vehicles and personnel will respond to a simulated aircraft accident on the far south end of the airfield, adjacent to the Museum of Flight and Boeing Military Delivery Center and just north of South Norfolk Street.

People in the vicinity of KCIA during the exercise may see what looks like a damaged aircraft, including real smoke (but no fire), aircraft parts, and “victims” with makeup to simulate injuries. First responders will engage in the exercise as if it were a real emergency, including using vehicles with lights and sirens. If you see this activity during the scheduled time for the drill, do NOT call 9-1-1. Local emergency response agencies are aware of this planned exercise.

KCIA will remain fully operational during the drill. The main runway will remain open, but there will be some ramp areas and part of a taxiway closed for the exercise. Part of Norfolk Street near East Marginal Way may also be temporarily closed to traffic during the drill.

We thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we conduct this critical test of our emergency response procedures.

Boeing Field has hosted drills before – our archives include this alert about one in 2018 that involved military aircraft.

High School Reading Night, 34th District Democrats, stitching, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

Here is our highlight list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (which you can preview any time – our daily highlight list is meant to be a reminder rundown, with last-minute additions too):

READING WITH TODDLERS: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Noon to 6 pm today, visit Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the work on display this year!

PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW)

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm drop-in homework help for K-12 students, at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is happening at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.

STITCH THE NIGHT AWAY AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm, stitching workshop. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL READING NIGHT: Invitation to all area HS students – 6 pm, bring whatever you’re reading – book, e-book, audiobook, class assignment, etc., to Easy Street Records (4559 California SW):

One of the organizers, WSHS teacher/librarian Amy Vattuone, explains, “This event will be monthly throughout the school year and is modeled after the Silent Book Club gatherings that happen around West Seattle. We think high schoolers are amazing and deserve their own night to read!”

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting, online this time, starts with 6 pm program – info and registration link here.

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup – still on SW Lander west of California (outside at The Good Society).

EVENING STORY TIME: 6 pm at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).

POETRY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6 pm, PoetryBridge at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run from West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight, all welcome, all paces.

PRACTICE SPEAKING SPANISH: A local group of Spanish-language learners gathers 6:30-8:30 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) to practice – details in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30-8:30 pm. 21+. Rotating musician lineup. (7902 35th SW)

KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

MAD CRAFTY: Bring your craft project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW) for a crafty evening, 7-9 pm.

MUSIC BINGO: Play music bingo at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle Wednesday trivia venues: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And Wednesday trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

DANCE WITH BALORICO: Lessons at 8 pm and 9 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW) -sign up here.

SWING IT WEDNESDAY! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale, South Park).

KARAOKE: Sing at Admiral Pub starting at 9 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)

Planning an event, class, workshop, etc., that’s open to community participation/observation? Please email us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

CONGRATULATIONS! School record and other successes for West Seattle HS girls’ swim and dive team

Big achievements for West Seattle High School‘s girls swim and dive team at their latest meet! The report and photo were sent by WSHS athletic director Corey Sorenson:

On Saturday, the WSHS Girls Swim & Dive Team traveled to the King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way to participate in the 30th annual Mukilteo Invitational.

Seniors Anna Baekkelund, Alina Luff, Eden O’Donnell, Matty Ogle, and Lisa Willis; sophomores Leia Al-Jawad and Avery Forcum; and freshmen Ivy Jones, Evelyn Nguyen, and India Prince all made the trip.

Highlights of the meet included the 200 free-relay team of O’Donnell, Nguyen, Forcum, and Ogle, Luff achieving lifetime bests in the 50 and 100 free, Ogle posting a season best in the 100 back, and O’Donnell establishing a new WSHS varsity record in the 100 fly.

In the photo are (from L to R): Eden O’Donnell, Matty Ogle, Alina Luff, Anna Baekkelund, Lisa Willis, Avery Forcum, Leia Al-Jawad, Ivy Jones, Evelyn Nguyen, India Prince.

Next up for the WSHS girls – they swim against Eastside Catholic at 4 pm Friday at Southwest Pool.

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday info

6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Cloudy early and sunny later, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise will be at 7:27 am today, with sunset at 6:22 pm.

(Sunset from Gatewood – photo by Aaron Brethorst)

WORK ALERT

Ramp/lane closures for City Light’s work to restore West Seattle Bridge streetlights are scheduled to continue tonight – see the schedule and locations here.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is now on the two-boat schedule with an unscheduled third boat, until at least early November. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on the regular fall schedule.

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!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: About the police response at Delridge AM/PM

Multiple readers are asking about a sizable police response at the Delridge AM/PM, a stone’s throw from the Southwest Precinct. According to police radio, a white Ford Escape caught officers’ attention, and they discovered the car’s registered owner had a felony warrant (burglary and theft in Chelan County). Potential “felony stops” require backup, so more officers were brought in. At last report they had one person detained; we’ll follow up to see if that resulted in an arrest.

PHOTOS: Happy birthday! Olivia the Otter turns 10 with a party at South Seattle College

PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG

It was party time at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge this afternoon, celebrating the 10th birthday of the college’s mascot, Olivia the Otter. WSB contributing photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for the combination birthday party and resource fair at Brockey Center on campus, as were hundreds of students and staffers.

Olivia mingled, offering and receiving high-tens:

High-fives too:

Everyone got the chance to sign a giant banner/card with birthday wishes:

And of course there was a birthday cake – a carrot cake created by SSC’s legendary culinary program:

The culinary students of course got a photo-op with Olivia:

Other photo opportunities at the party included a “wishing tree”:

Some partygoers also got prizes for filling out a passport with visits to different tables/booths.

Olivia’s 10th birthday also celebrated the South Seattle College Foundation‘s $10 for 10 Challenge, matching donations of up to $2,500 (follow that link!) to support students and programs.

WEST SEATTLE HALLOWEEN: You’ve been warned!

Via text, photos from a Halloween display whose creator says it’s on Delridge … somewhere:

Got decorations? Seen a notable display? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Alki standoff suspect charged

The woman arrested at her Alki apartment one week ago after an hours-long standoff with police is due in court tomorrow to answer a charge of felony harassment. 54-year-old Tina Marie Gregorius is accused of threatening her neighbor with a knife – which is what brought police to the scene originally – an also of vandalizing the neighbor’s car and harassing others who live nearby. According to the charging document, Gregorius and the victim were friends until two years ago, when Gregorius started behaving bizarrely. Then last Tuesday, investigators say, Gregorius brandished a “large kitchen knife” at the victim and threatened to kill her if she didn’t stop “talking (about her).” The documents say security video captured that confrontation and included these screenshots of the defendant:

Though the documents say Gregorius has no criminal history, they also say the victim had reported her to police before and feared that if officers left this time without arresting her, she would follow through on her threats. The narrative also says other neighbors approached police during the standoff and said they had filed police reports about her before. Eventually they talked her out and took her into custody; after getting a search warrant, they went into her apartment and found the knife. Gregorius has been in jail since then, in lieu of $30,000 bail, and is due to be arraigned tomorrow morning.

WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Packed-in pinnipeds

Seeing seals and/or sea lions on floats off the West Seattle shore isn’t unusual – but it’s not so often you see this many. WSB contributor Anne Higuera caught the scene near the Fauntleroy ferry dock. Since they’re resting offshore – perhaps taking a break from fishing – no cause for alarm, but if any turn up onshore, please notify Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 206-905-SEAL.

Brown water in Admiral, again

Brown water in Admiral today for the second time in five days. No obvious cause like outage or hydrant use; we’ve renewed our inquiry with Seattle Public Utilities.

UPDATE: Crash at 35th SW and SW Brandon

11:15 AM: SPD and SFD are arriving at what’s reported to be a motorcyclist/driver collision at 35th/Brandon. No other details but avoid the area for a while.

11:18 AM: They’re calling for tows for the car and motorcycle, so moving quickly to clear the scene. They’re also requesting an SDOT response crew for debris.

(Added: Photo sent by Robert)

11:23 AM: We’ve heard from Robert – a former EMT – who along with a nurse neighbor helped injured people until SFD arrived, and Robert says the rider has broken bones but does not appear to have life-threatening injuries. He also points out this is the second serious crash there in a month. Police, meantime, are getting traffic through by alternating directions.

11:29 AM: The motorcycle rider is being taken to Harborview by SFD medic unit.

12:45 PM: SFD tells us the rider, a 34-year-old man, was in critical condition when transported.

2:20 PM: It’s been less than two months since the crash there that killed 21-year-old motorcycle rider Alonzo Rackley.

BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: VivaArts about to open new West Seattle Junction location

(WSB photo)

Back in February, we reported on the plan for VivaArts to move from 4421 Fauntleroy Way SW to a larger new space at 4736 California SW. Today, as our photo shows, the signage is being painted, days away from its grand-opening celebration. The party starts at 5 pm Saturday (October 17), with demo classes and performances, spotlighting the specialties at VivaArts. See the schedule here (where you’ll also find the RSVP link). VivaArts proprietor Jennifer Hobbs told us for our previous report that her new location “will have a reception area, two studio rooms, changing areas, an ADA bathroom and in-studio bathrooms,” enabling them “to expand our programming and to reach more folks in West Seattle to bring our cultural arts, dance, and fitness programming for all ages.”

ADDED: We went back later to see the sign continuing to take shape:

Gardening, skillshare, music-making, trivia, bingo, benefits, more on our list for your West Seattle Tuesday

(Sketch by William Wittmann – bunny seen in Alki, late summer)

Time for highlights of what’s happening in West Seattle in the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

GOT YOUR ‘CUP OF BLESSINGS’ TICKET YET? Today is the deadline to sign up for the $10 West Seattle Food Bank fundraiser and WS trivia event this Saturday – info and the link are in our latest preview.

BOOK-BUYING BENEFIT BEGINS: As previewed Monday – get books at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor) through Sunday, and part of the proceeds benefits Chief Sealth IHS girls’ soccer

FREE INDOOR PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (4201 SW Juneau) welcomes little ones and their caregivers, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays, free.

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: 10 am to 6 pm, visit Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the work that your neighbors are displaying in this year’s showcase.

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering with the election approaching, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), guest speaker Jaime Loucky of the Washington Trails Association.

FALL GROUNDWORK IN THE NATURAL GARDEN: 1:30 pm with The Garden Hotline at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

CHESS CLUB: All levels! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens of classes, presentations, etc., every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.

(added) TILDEN SCHOOL DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: West Wings (2329 California SW) will be open 4-8 pm and 25 percent of proceeds go to Tilden School (WSB sponsor).

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two home varsity matches in girls’ soccer – West Seattle HS vs. Seattle Prep, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle); Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin, 5 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – and one home varsity-volleyball match, WSHS vs. Lincoln, 7 pm at the school gym (3000 California SW).

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: For K-12 students, 4-5:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

CREATIVE SKILLSHARE NIGHT: 4:30-7:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) – “Hang out, make some arts & crafts, and learn about mutual aid in your neighborhood!”

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases. This month’s spotlight is on the “strange, surprising, and spectacular.”

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm monthly board meeting, community members welcome, conference room @ Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).

TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

SING WITH THE BOEING EMPLOYEES CHOIR … even if you’re not a Boeing employee! Open rehearsals continue tonight, 6:30 pm, at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), and our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.

NO TIM’S OPEN MIC: The regular Tuesday night open mic is canceled tonight because sewer trouble has closed Tim’s TFN.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm – info in our ongoing calendar listing.

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.

BINGO! Play free weekly Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SING WITH THE METS: The Seattle Metropolitan Singers rehearse in West Seattle, and they welcome new singers too. 7 pm – get the location by email (info in our calendar listing).

TRIVIA X 4: Four Tuesday trivia options – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia … 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink … 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free to play, prizes. (2306 California SW).

KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm until 1:30 am, sing at The Poggie! (4717 California SW)

Organizing an event, fundraiser, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!