(WSB photos)

2:28 PM: It’s a blustery autumn day, but the Fauntleroy Fall Festival is on – both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, until 5 pm. See the map, activity list, and schedule here. Lots of indoor and under-a-canopy options – like the bunny petting zoo west of the schoolhouse! Also outside the schoolhouse, you’ll find The Falconer with amazing birds:

Among the other activities already under way: Until 3 pm, the decorated-cake contest is happening in the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall, where you’ll also find the Jump Ensemble. More coverage to come!

2:46 PM: Quite an array of cakes entered. Above, the advanced; below, some of the intermediate:

Voting goes on a little while longer. With live music from the Jump Ensemble!

(Then come back at 4 pm for the “cake trot.”) And outside the church/Y building, build a birdhouse, paint a pumpkin, make a salmon hat … we are off to check on some of that.

3:10 PM: The weather’s actually not too bad – still dry, and not quite so windy in the sheltered area between the church and schoolhouse. Salmon-hat-making is going swimmingly:

And pumpkin painting is as popular as ever:

At the east end of the lot outside the church, the clatter of busy birdhouse-builders:

This is all free, except for the food concessions you’ll find scattered around the grounds.

(Photo courtesy Holli Margell)

Coming up at 3:30, a trio of performances – the West Seattle Big Band in the Emerald Room at The Hall at Fauntleroy (south side of the schoolhouse), Dance West Seattle in the Vashon Room at The Hall, School of Rock in the church lot, and the Hilltop Jazz Project by the playground outside the west side of the schoolhouse. The festival’s on until 5 pm.

5:02 PM: Before we left about an hour ago, we recorded a bit of the ever-fabulous West Seattle Big Band, directed by Jim Edwards:

And as we wrap up our coverage (aside from adding the cake-contest results later), we wanted to publicly thank the festival team for the surprise tribute to WSB co-founder Patrick Sand … buttons bearing a photo of him:

Even without him, WSB will keep showing up for what’s happening in West Seattle.

ADDED 11:02 PM: From cake-contest organizer Emer, the winners:

Beginner:
1st – cake #28 Emma
2nd – cake #26 Michael
3rd – cake #44 Iris

Intermediate:

(Photo courtesy Fauntleroy Fall Festival)

1st – cake #34 Karen
2nd – cake #40 Leah
3rd – cake #35 Karen

Advanced:
1st – #12 – the unknown winner. Ghost cake with the spider web. (Seen in photo near top of story)
2nd – cake #40 Rachel
3nd – cake #22 Katie

#12 was dropped off without a name – they’d like to get the baker/decorator their prize; email us and we can contact you, or comment below. Emer adds, “I would also like to thank the church youth group for decorating and contributing so many cakes!”

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FYI: Community paint day at new mural

October 20, 2024 1:14 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Luna Park | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo, Wednesday)

Last Wednesday we reported on the new mural taking shape under the overpass just north of the Luna Park mini-business district. You can contribute to it this afternoon – they’re having a “community paint day” right now until 4 pm and all are welcome to stop by. The official address is 2901 SW Avalon Way.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Holy Rosary School’s undefeated girls-soccer team

October 20, 2024 11:02 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Thanks to Tom Gass for the report:

The West Seattle Holy Rosary CYO 7th/8th grade girls’ soccer team finished as the only undefeated team in the north and south divisions of the CYO K-8 league. Playoffs start today with Holy Rosary playing St. Francis (Burien) at 1:30 pm at Kennedy HS (140 S. 140th, Burien).

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BIZNOTE: Ounces hosts seasonal fall events, Burbs Burgers, pumpkin patch, more

October 20, 2024 9:18 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Big things are happening at Ounces in North Delridge (3809 Delridge Way SW), to celebrate the fall season and to keep customers well-fed and in good spirits.

We stopped by for a Friday visit and were first greeted by Jeremy Vrablik (photo above, with gourd-topped beverage and all), who welcomed us to the new onsite pumpkin patch that Ounces is operating this year in partnership with him and co-proprietor Jill Moore of Cascadia Produce and Cascadia Fresh Market at 5444 Delridge Way SW (see our Cascadia update from last month).

Vrablik said this is the first year for the patch, which aims to provide a fun local option for Ounces customers and families to get a seasonal experience that’s close-to-home:

The patch will be open when Ounces is open, through next Saturday (October 26) (closed on Monday), and visitors can pick out their favorite pumpkins for sale and also take photos in the “hay bale photo booth:”

Kids and dogs are welcome, and admission is free. All pumpkins onsite are for sale, and Vrablik said that pumpkin prices are likely to be decreasing this weekend. Vrablik added that there are plans to expand the patch next year, and to perhaps look at other seasonal-themed partnership ideas.

As you’ll notice in the top-left of the photo above, behind the pumpkin patch there is another new addition to the Ounces area: smash-burger vendor Burbs Burgers, which as we reported last month has relaunched and expanded into West Seattle, and it’s now open for business in the portion of the property where food trucks had previously set up:

West Seattleite Bersain Gutierrez is the new owner of Burbs, and told us that business has been solid since they opened as part of Ounces’ Oktoberfest event earlier this month, and said that they plan to be open on same days/times that Ounces is open (6 days per week).

Gutierrez said their most popular signature items are the “Special B” smash burger on a pretzel bun, and the “Burbs Dog” loaded hot dog:

Burbs’ posted menu:

As for Ounces itself, the taproom and patio remain the centerpiece of the area:

And employees like Travis are ready to pour a great beverage on-tap:

Ounces also has a special event coming up next Saturday Oct 26: Beer Garden Trick-or-Treating for the kids from 2-5pm. That will also be the last day of operation for the pumpkin patch. Vrablik added that the patch’s hay bales will be up for grabs starting on Sunday Oct. 27, for anyone who would like them for their garden etc.

Business hours for Ounces are:

Mon: Closed
Tues: 4-9pm
Wed: 4-9pm
Thu: 4-9pm
Fri: 3-10pm
Sat: 2-9pm
Sun: 12-7pm

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16 ways to spend your West Seattle Sunday

October 20, 2024 6:07 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here are the highlights of what’s happening in our area today, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings):

SWIM IN THE SOUND: At 9 am, dive into the weekly group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet for today’s run at 9 am at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: As usual, open 10 am-2 pm, with seasonal produce, plus beverages, baked goods, flowers, cheese, fish, meat, prepared food, nuts, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

SMALL BIZ POP-UP: While you’re in The Junction for the Farmers’ Market, check out this market, with small-biz pop-ups, 10 am-2 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW).

ALKI UCC DONATION DRIVE: Here’s what the church at 6115 SW Hinds is collecting today:

11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard
This month’s priority: warm clothing, particularly coats for men, and NEW SOCKS, SOCKS, SOCKS!

Also needed: Non-perishable food, men’s work clothing, hygiene items, and outdoor gear: tents, tarps, blankets, etc.

Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

SELF-CARE SUNDAY: Fun activities 11 am-3 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), hosted by Maslow’s Closet – see the plan here!

PUMPKIN PATCH AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm, second weekend!

Cascadia Produce has turned our beer garden into a Pumpkin Patch! Pick out your pumpkins, snap pics at the hay-bale photo booth, get festive for fall and drink beer while you’re at it! Patch will be open when Ounces is (Tuesdays – Sundays) thru 10/26! It’s FREE (no entry fee), all ages and dogs welcome!

(3809 Delridge Way SW)

FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: 12-6 pm, final day for this pop-up art show with five artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)

ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).

FREE ART WORKSHOP: At Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 1-2 pm, with Eileen Jiminez.

FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL: Rain or shine, the festival is happening! 2-5 pm on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW, free fall fun including pumpkin painting, birdhouse building, bunny petting, live music, “cake trot,” much more. See the event schedule, activity list, and map here.

DINE OUT TO SUPPORT CO-OP PRESCHOOLS: Both locations of Future Primitive Brewing, and associated food providers, are donating a part of their proceeds to four local co-op preschools 3-8 pm today – details in our calendar listing.

JERRY CANTRELL SIGNING AT EASY STREET: 4 pm, Jerry Cantrell signs his new album at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW). Our calendar listing explains how to get in.

‘BEYOND LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT’: Series of Sunday night events at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW):

We are pleased to be able to offer this series to our community and invite all who are interested in learning more about the history and future of the Duwamish tribe and the effects of colonization on the Indigenous community to join us.

5 pm-6 pm, no RSVP required.

BYRD ENSEMBLE IN CONCERT, WITH TICKET DEAL: 7:30 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd SW/SW Genesee), the Byrd Ensemble (WSB sponsor) sings music of “The Tudors.” Get your ticket(s) online with code WSBLOG30 for a discount price.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be listed on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Just email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SUNDAY PREVIEW: Map and schedule for 2024 Fauntleroy Fall Festival

October 19, 2024 8:40 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Tomorrow’s biggest West Seattle event is the Fauntleroy Fall Festival, stretching across multiple venues on both sides of the 9100 block of California SW. Here’s the official map:

And here’s the schedule for all the events packed into three fun hours, 2-5 pm:

The full list of everything you’ll find is page 2 of this PDF that includes the map and schedule you’ll see above. Everything is free except the food that vendors are selling. And if you’re making a cake for the decoration contest/cake trot, be sure to drop it at the Fauntleroy UCC Fellowship Hall by 1 pm!

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HALLOWEEN 2024: Neighborhood renamed

October 19, 2024 7:17 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Halloween | West Seattle news

Thanks for the texted photo! In tonight’s Halloween spotlight – “temporary annual neighborhood name change is in effect.” (If you don’t recognize the neighborhood, the RIP gives a hint.) We’re continuing to welcome Halloween-sight photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SUNDAY PREVIEW: Byrd Ensemble’s West Seattle concert, with ticket deal

October 19, 2024 5:39 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Tomorrow (Sunday, October 20) night, the Byrd Ensemble returns to West Seattle with a new vocal concert, spotlighting the music of “The Tudors.” The Byrd Ensemble is sponsoring WSB this weekend to make sure you know about a ticket deal – 30 percent off if you order online with the code WSBLOG30. The concert is at 7:30 pm Sunday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (42nd and Genesee) – here’s what you’ll see and hear:

An exploration of Renaissance music from Tudor England, this program features Latin motets by the finest composers of the era: John Taverner, Robert White, William Cornysh, John Sheppard, and William Byrd. The program also includes a new work by American composer Nico Muhly, Fallings (2023), commissioned by the Byrd Ensemble in celebration of their 20th Anniversary.

The Byrd Ensemble, directed by Markdavin Obenza, is an internationally acclaimed, Seattle-based professional ensemble performing with at least 10 singers.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Jones Barbeque break-in

October 19, 2024 3:27 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

A reader called this morning with news that Jones Barbeque at 4417 Fauntleroy Way SW appeared to have been broken into. The restaurant confirms it via social media. They’re open but not accepting cash – just credit/debit.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Fine Baking Co. open for business, grand opening soon

October 19, 2024 1:26 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Earlier this month, we reported that baker Chely Smithgall was very close to opening her Fine Baking Co. storefront at 6971 California SW in south Morgan Junction, after a long process going back more than a year, waiting for approval of permits and getting everything ready.

We stopped by on Friday to check on the progress, and were welcomed by Smithgall saying that yes, they’re open! She said they had a “soft opening” last Saturday the 12th and sold out of stock, and have had a busy week of happy customers stopping by.

For now, they are continuing their “soft open hours” of 11 am-3 pm on Thu/Fri/Sat (including today), and 11 am-5 pm Tue, or until they sell out each day (the shop is closed Mon/Wed/Sun).

Smithgall said she is tentatively planning a “grand opening” event next Saturday Oct 26th, “weather permitting” because she wants to do a ribbon-cutting outside the shop.

Smithgall is already a well-known baker in the area, known for cupcakes, cake pops, custom cakes and printed cookies as a “home baker with a cottage food permit.” She said that currently she is the only baker at the shop, but will need to hire more staff to keep up.

Visitors to the shop will likely first notice the entryway sign with a subtle suggestion:

She said that her “main thing” at the shop is probably the cupcakes, such as these marble cupcakes on display:

She said her most popular cupcakes are Lemon, and Vanilla Oreo, with a wide variety to choose from:

Cake pops are a popular choice also:

Smithgall said she is grateful for people stopping in, and said their recurring comments have been “we’re so glad you’re finally open; we’ve been drooling every time we go by!”

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FOOTBALL: Chief Sealth IHS wins on the road

October 19, 2024 11:36 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

We weren’t at Chief Sealth International High School‘s Friday night football game because they played on the road, but did want to report that the Seahawks beat Nathan Hale, 34-20, at Northeast Athletic Complex. Head coach Daron Camacho‘s team is now 6-1, second in the Metro League.

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FOOTBALL: Wildcats in action as WSHS celebrates Senior Night and homecoming weekend

October 19, 2024 10:01 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

WSHS junior Breck Estep (#4) celebrates with senior Myles Mutchler (#80) after a big play.

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

West Seattle High School celebrated Senior Night and kicked off homecoming weekend on Friday at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, as the hometown Wildcats football team battled a tough Ingraham team, losing 28-13.

WSHS seniors participating in football, cheer and band (and their families) were honored at the game:

With a good crowd in attendance:

After trading turnovers in the 1st quarter, the visiting Rams scored on a short run with 1:37 remaining in the quarter to take a 7-0 lead over the Wildcats.

WSHS answered with 7:50 remaining in the 2nd quarter, scoring on a reception by senior and captain Myles Mutchler on a pass from sophomore quarterback Desmond Parkinson:

Junior kicker Scott Bremen converted the extra point to tie the score at 7-7.

Moments before halftime, Ingraham scored a touchdown and extra point to take a 14-7 lead. During halftime, seniors were honored and the WSHS marching band entertained the crowd:

After a scoreless 3rd quarter, the Rams scored a touchdown in the 4th to take a 21-7 lead. WSHS then drove into the red zone but came away scoreless, and then Ingraham scored again on a long touchdown to go up 28-7.

The Wildcats got a late spark with 1:16 left, as dynamic senior Sam Turner returned a kick for a long touchdown. After an unsuccessful conversion attempt, the final score was 28-13 in favor of Ingraham.

WSHS plays on the road at Nathan Hale next week to wrap up the regular season schedule.

WSHS head coach Anthony Stordahl (middle) and assistant coach Andrew McDonough

WSHS cheer squad

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Outback (update: found)

October 19, 2024 9:04 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Seen Megan‘s car?

2004 silver Subaru Outback Limited was stolen from the Highland Park neighborhood, early Friday morning 10/18/24. WA license BJB7995. Last seen (after it was stolen) near Henderson/Barton between 17th/18th Ave SW, also spotted in Westwood Village. Rims appeared to have been spray-painted black. SPD report # 2024-295705.

Call 911 if you find it.

TUESDAY UPDATE: Megan found it – see her comment below.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 35 notes

October 19, 2024 6:03 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by James Bratsanos)

The weekend begins! Here are the highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

SALTY HALF/10K: No day-of-race signup, so if you’re not registered, you’re out of luck, but we’re noting that runners will be starting at 8:30 am from Don Armeni Boat Ramp (1222 Harbor SW) and heading toward Lincoln Park. No road closures planned.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: 9 am at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), free community meditation – RSVP here.

VACCINATION CLINIC: School clinic, but community’s welcome too – flu and COVID shots available, 9 am-3 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle).

HIKE THE WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT: Second-to-last monthly hike this year! Meet at 9:30 am at south end of Pathfinder K-8 parking lot (1901 SW Genesee).

HOLY ROSARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 9:30 am-11:30 am, whether you’re interested in preschool or K-8. (42nd SW & SW Genesee)

DUWAMISH ALIVE! Twice-yearly mega-work party, 10 am-2 pm at various locations in the Duwamish River watershed and on the river itself. Some spots still need volunteer help – go here to see where you can pitch in.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: West Seattle has TWO farmers’ markets every weekend right now – but this is your second-to-last chance of the year to shop at this one! Start your market shopping with this one – your weekly Saturday opportunity to go get fresh food from growers and makers – 10 am-2 pm, the market’s fourth season offers produce, plants, condiments, prepared food, more, continuing weekly through late October! (9421 18th SW; WSB sponsor)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: You’re invited to join others taking a walk in Lincoln Park (meet at 47th/Fauntleroy), 10 am.

WHITE CENTER HOLIDAY BAZAAR: 10 am-4 pm at WC Eagles (10452 15th SW).

COMMUNITY CUP SHOWCASE: Rat City Studios and Rain City Clay‘s annual show at Dubsea Coffee continues – shop’s open for viewing, and beverages!, until 2 pm. (9910 8th SW)

WEST SEATTLE BEE GARDEN: Volunteer work party, 10 am-noon. (3201 SW Graham)

NANTES PARK: Volunteer work party, 10 am-1 pm. (5062 SW Admiral Way)

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Gardening season is year-round! Student-grown plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

DUWAMISH VALLEY COMMUNITY COALITION JOB FAIR: 11 am-2 pm at Concord International School (723 S. Concord) in South Park:

Are you looking for job or internship opportunities? Duwamish River Community Coalition and partners are working to connect youth and adults in South Park and Georgetown with hiring employers in the Duwamish Valley. This event includes resources for resumes, work clothing, driver’s licenses and IDs, interview skills, and more. This event is free and open to the public, including people in all stages of career and education.

POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: Another bonus Saturday session of long-distance get-out-the-vote advocacy, noon-2 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: 12-6 pm, second day for this pop-up art show with five artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)

ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is also open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

\NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: The tasting room/wine bar is open 1-6 pm with student-produced wines and “affordable eats” at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

‘NIGHTFALL’: This haunted experience, benefiting charity, continues tonight at a West Seattle private residence, 5:30-9:30. See our calendar listing for details.

WEST SEATTLE MEANINGFUL MOVIES: They’re back! 6:30 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California SW), “Stories of Us,” with filmmaker Melinda Raebyne present for the screening and discussion.

WESTSIDE INTERFAITH NETWORK CHILI COOKOFF: First-ever chili-cookoff fundraiser for WIN, 6:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW), ticket info in our calendar listing.

ROO FORREST & FRIENDS: Performing 7-9 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Lookout Mountain Lookout feat. Hayward Sun, performing at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7 pm doors, 7:30 pm show, tickets here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Deejay Gerze and Wannacut Farms present Glasses Malone Unplugged, doors at 7, music at 8, 21+, $35/door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Topspin. (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday singing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to a spot on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation

October 18, 2024 8:29 pm

| 47 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Multiple calls to 911 – plus a texter – reported suspected gunfire in North Delridge, and police have confirmed it – “multiple casings” found at 29th/Brandon, officers just told dispatch. No word of injuries or damage so far. They’re blocking Brandon while they investigate.

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Announcing a death in the WSB family

October 18, 2024 2:45 pm

| 668 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle online

(Photos courtesy Christopher Boffoli unless otherwise credited. At right, WSB’s Patrick Sand in 2016)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

My heart is broken to have to share with you the news that WSB co-founder Patrick Sand has died.

Patrick died suddenly at our home/HQ in Upper Fauntleroy on Thursday morning (October 17). He called for help and I found him on the floor. SFD medics tried 10 rounds of CPR but were unable to revive him.

So many in West Seattle know Patrick as the salt-and-pepper-haired photographer who’s always there when something’s going on – breaking news, festivals, art walks, school sports, so much more. Photography and breaking-news rapid response were his major responsibilities for WSB, as well as our advertising business.

Patrick was my husband as well as my co-publisher and business partner. We had 40 years together, starting with our first date in Grand Junction, Colorado, in fall 1984. He had grown up there and was running a radio station; I went there for my first news-producing job, working at a TV station in the same building. My TV career later brought us from San Diego to Seattle in 1991; we looked around the city for places to live and chose – mostly because of its water proximity – West Seattle, where we welcomed our son five years later. Another milestone of sorts for us in the mid-’90s, Patrick took an early interest in the internet in 1994, and we bought a PowerMac and got connected via an early ISP called Delphi.

A decade-plus later, Patrick and I founded WSB as a news site in 2007. I had started it in late 2005 as a “blog about West Seattle” with random ramblings; in December 2006, after the big windstorm left tens of thousands of West Seattleites without power (us included), readers who had found us by then started asking us for more information about the status of restoration, and other problems. So we started trying to find out. During the next year, we started covering more and more local news, and in fall 2007, after some readers suggested we should try selling advertising, we decided to try to make a go of it as a business, so I quit my TV news job.

At the time, he was stay-home dad for our son Torin, which he always said was his favorite job ever, along with WSB. Stay-home fatherhood was relatively uncommon in the late ’90s-early ’00s, so it was his first round as a trailblazer, which we then were considered for launching WSB in the hyperlocal-news wave of the late ’00s.

WSB won a national Online Journalism Award and regional awards from organizations like SPJ and CityClub, but the most meaningful awards were local, like the Orville Rummel Trophy for Community Service that we carried in the 2010 West Seattle Grand Parade.

We rode in a little electric-powered cart that Patrick had to drive nerve-wrackingly from the downtown dealership where we found it (we declined the traditional ride in a convertible). Also so meaningful – the honor we received from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council last year.

(WSB photo by Patrick Sand, October 2023)

WSB will go on. Patrick was too proud of, and dedicated to, our work to want to see it end just because his time on this plane of existence was up. His joviality and fortitude are irreplaceable, among so many other attributes I can’t even give voice to right now, so bear with us as we figure out how to move forward. Please honor his work and role in the community by continuing your partnership with us in community-collaborative news coverage.

(Photo courtesy Lora Radford)

Patrick Sand, 67, son of the late Henry B. Sand and Mildred E. Sand, is survived by me (wife Tracy Record), son Torin Record-Sand, rescue cat Sullivan.

To quote Jackson Browne‘s beautiful memorial song “For a Dancer” – “Somewhere between the time you arrive and the time you go, may lie a reason you were alive, but you’ll never know.” I’m pretty sure Patrick did know … and that all those of us whose lives he enhanced knew too.

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CLOSURE ALERT: West Seattle low bridge closure next Friday-Sunday, October 25-27

October 18, 2024 1:53 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(2023 SDOT photo)

SDOT will close the low bridge to all surface traffic for up to three days starting next Friday morning, to re-install a cylinder. Here’s the announcement:

The Spokane St Swing Bridge (commonly known as the “low bridge”) will be closed from 7 a.m. Friday, October 25 to 10 p.m. Sunday, October 27. Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will be re-installing a hydraulic turn cylinder which was removed in April 2024 for repairs. More details and photos are available on this SDOT Blog post.

The bridge will be closed to people driving, biking, and walking. The West Seattle High-Rise Bridge will remain open while the low bridge is closed and is the primary option for people getting to and from West Seattle by car or bus.

This is one of several aging cylinders which SDOT is repairing over time to prevent issues like the 3-week bridge closure in January 2023. There are several types of cylinders which work together to lift and rotate the bridge.

Additional phases of this bridge rehabilitation project are expected to continue through 2025. Additional short-term closures will be needed as part of our ongoing preventative maintenance work on this bridge.

Replacing the cylinders is part of a longer series of projects to repair, maintain, and upgrade the low bridge …

Read about those projects here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen black Specialized e-bike

October 18, 2024 1:39 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

The report was sent by Robert:

My Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 Black E-Bike was stolen last night from out in front of 4100 SW Alaska St. The bike rack is located on 41st Ave near the corner of Alaska – right by Swedish Family Medicine. The person who stole it cut my ABUS lock.

The initial police report # is T00014213.

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VIDEO: Coyote stopping for a sip

October 18, 2024 11:59 am

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| Coyotes | West Seattle news

Rose De Dan has shared interesting wildlife views from her “Wild Reiki Spa” garden camera in Belvidere before – this time, a coyote stopping for a drink. Rose says, “I am at least able to let my neighbors know, and it sounds like they are all keeping their cats on house arrest at night. I know I am! My cat Tamerlan showed up as a starving adult stray tomcat (now neutered) and it has been quite the process getting him to accept staying in since he had never been in a house before. Now he sleeps with me, but as the daylight wanes it is getting harder to keep moving his curfew up…” We share coyote videos and photos (scroll through the archive here) for awareness and education, not alarm; here’s one of many info-sheets with advice on co-existing with them.

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The list for your West Seattle Friday

October 18, 2024 9:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Thursday night’s moonrise – photo by Mark B. Bauschke Photography)

Here’s our reminder list of what’s happening in West Seattle and vicinity for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there any time to look into the future):

LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY MOVE-A-THON: This year’s move-a-thon, the Rainbow Ramble, is happening today, and the PTA invites community support to reach the fundraising goal.

PET FOOD DONATION DRIVE: Reminder that you can still donate at All The Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW; WSB sponsor), as announced earlier this month – open until 7:30 pm tonight.

INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to “Stay ‘n’ Play” at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Visit the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the art in this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase. The library is open today 10 am-6 pm.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Fall is here, and season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

ART-GLASS PUMPKIN PATCH … and glass-blowing demos! Noon-4 pm at Avalon Glassworks (2914 SW Avalon Way).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOTBALL: One game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS (2-3) vs. Ingraham at 4:30 pm.

FEATHER IN THE WIND ART SHOW: 5-7 pm, opening night for this pop-up art show with five artists in the upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW)

VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for this cozy tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FOOD POP-UP: Lovely & Dapper Desserts, McCormick Jam Co., and Timmy’s smash burgers, 5-9 pm at The Nook (2206 California SW).

‘NIGHTFALL’: This haunted experience, benefiting charity, opens tonight at a West Seattle private residence, 5:30-9:30. See our calendar listing for details.

WHITE CENTER FOOD BANK DINNER/AUCTION: 6 pm, “Bring It Home,” at Sea Mar Community Center (9635 Des Moines Memorial Dr S) – details in our calendar listing.

AT KENYON HALL: 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music, for the monthly “incubator night.” (7904 35th SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, West Seattle favorites Not Dead Yet, with Snowday and The Flat Rocks, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7-9 pm, steel guitarist Fraser Havens at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.

FULL MOON SOUND BATH: 7:30 pm with Inner Alchemy, $40. (3618 SW Alaska)

MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s music at Southgate Roller Rink is: Annie J EP Release Party with Kate Dinsmore and Julian Forest. 9 pm doors, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Mike Illvester tonight! (4547 California SW)

JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).

Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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