West Seattle, Washington
20 Tuesday
6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Friday, October 9, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly cloudy,rain liely, high around 60. Sunrise will be at 7:19 am today, while sunset will be at 6:32 pm.
(Thanks to everyone who sent sunset photos! This one’s from Gene Pavola)
NO SCHOOL
No classes at Seattle Public Schools (and those who follow its schedule) today – staff in-service day.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is now on the two-boat schedule with an unscheduled third boat. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Last day of summer schedule, which means this is the last night of later runs until April.
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
With voting starting in about a week, it’s time to pay attention to who and what will be on your ballot.
There are only two truly local races in our area, King County District 8 and 34th District State House Position 2. Both have an incumbent and a challenger. Both sets of candidates appeared at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s lunchtime forum today.
Longtime local broadcast journalist (and West Seattleite) Brian Callanan moderated the fast-moving forum at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge, after the Chamber’s executive director Rachel Porter welcomed everyone. We recorded both parts of the forum on video you’ll see below, along with notes about the questions, asked by Callanan (no “open mic”) and replies. Both parts began with opening statements; only the second part, for State House, ended with closing statements. Here’s part 1, with County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and challenger Nick Duda. All of what follows the video is paraphrased summary unless it’s within quote marks:
Q: What county tools would you use to help small businesses?
DUDA: Change county policies regarding drug diversion; clearly measure impact of existing programs/taxes before adding more
MOSQUEDA: Changed county’s contracting policy to look at small local businesses first. Has made changes to Comp Plan re: affordable housing and more small biz space and child care. Also “Vacant to Vibrant.”
Q: Public safety and behavioral health. What county policies would make a difference?
MOSQUEDA: Mural in the works for White Center gateway. Turning more empty spaces into vibrant spaces. Added lighting to WC to activate the sidewalk.
DUDA: Environmental changes are great but need to look at root issues – repeat offenders, backstop for diversion programs for people who keep cycling through. Drug policy – it’s not OK to keep rejecting offers of treatment.
Q: Transit and connectivity, how to protect frequent transit and Water Taxi?
DUDA: RapidRide and WT, will protect those, need to look at investment in less-utilized routes. Water Taxi, need to protect it but also understand its effects – county evaluation due soon.
MOSQUEDA: Look at safety data, unequal in unincorporated area, pushed for Transportation Benefit District (added tax) to fund more safety improvements. Re: Water Taxi, record numbers, but extra state funding going away, Committed to keeping midday and weekend service to Vashon and WS.
Q: Affordable housing
MOSQUEDA: Comp Plan amendments. Priority next year to use $ to help – expedite permitting, use county bonds/debt to fund more housing. Want family-sized units too.
DUDA: Need to reassess taxing of new housing to fund affordable housing, Re: permitting, regional policy failure, needs clearer timelines, should be able to get it done (faster).
Q: Prioritize spending, how to avoid putting burden onto small biz?
DUDA: We do a poor job measuring results. Accountability important. Reinvest dollars before adding new taxes.
MOSQUEDA: I’m a huge proponent of progressive taxes. But all we have now is sales tax and prop tax. New taxes now have to make up for federal money that’s being ripped away.
LIGHTNING ROUND: Whimsical questions such as “dogs or cats?” Mosqueda the latter, Duda the former.
Next, 34th District State House Position 2 Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and challenger Mary Anito:
Q: Lowering costs for business?
ANITO: Streamlining, keep regulation to minimum. Public safety – thefts at a site, etc. raise costs.
FITZGIBBON: Energy policies – planning to pursue policies to bring cost down, tweak clean energy law – permitting for energy projects – insurance: take hard look at liability
Q: Retail theft and repeat property crime – what changes to improve accountability?
FITZGIBBON: We had an organized retail crime task force but governor vetoed funding for it. New issue, gift card fraud, need law to address that crime
ANITO: Been on shelter board – saw what works – need to invest in mental health care – went to two local public-safety meetings, fentanyl smoke going into apartments, how do we fund the right things? Laws should address that
Q: Ferry crisis the other day – how to avoid a repeat?
ANITO: Need to ensure we have talent pipeline, know what the market rate is, look at trade schools, ensure more people want to do this work, ferry fleet improvement so vessels don’t need so much attention
FITZGIBBON: It was a catastrophic situation on Monday. Workers who called in sick are underpaid and that’s a real problem – contract arbitration did not go well. But strikes are not legal – but 23 people decided to call in sick and 100 declined to fill in for them.
Q: Construction project disruption like ST, how to protect street access?
FITZGIBBON: A lot of it at local levvel but we did change law regarding business compensation for relocation.
ANITO: Project near her home has run a long time. Need deliverables and to hold accountable if not met. 24/7 no-parking at Fauntleroy Culvert jobsite unrealistic when work not under way. Get performance data and results built into contract.
Q: Child care costs – how to make it more affordable?
ANITO: Need more home day cares. My kids go to private preschool. Why did Seattle Preschool Program cost so much more? Though we make good $, child care cost killing us … we chose to have 3 kids.
FITZGIBBON: Passed state bill to subsidize though Working Connections. But that’s increased state spending, Had to slow implementation to balance state budget.
LIGHTNING ROUND: This one also was somewhat lighthearted. One excerpt: Early bird or night owl? Anito the former, Fitzgibbon the latter.
Again, what we wrote above are just topline notes – watch the full videos to get their detailed answers and statements. Also, all four are scheduled for another forum next Thursday night, as previewed here, at the Alki Community Council meeting, 7 pm October 15, Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Ballots will start arriving that day, and you have until November 3 to vote.
We’re continuing to welcome your photos of Halloween/fall decorations, now that the season is here.Tonighrt’s pics are from Yma in Gatewood:
She writes, “The kids around here start asking me if we’ll have the dragon for Halloween. Well – he’s here on Portland St! And a spider helped me out, adding her decoration to the mix.”
Yma also sent this partying skeleton:
Your photos are welcome via email at westseattleblog@gmail.com or via text at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
From Alki to Morgan Junction, dozens of venues are hosting art and/or artists right now during the first West Seattle Art Walk of fall! Above is mixed-media artist/photographer Suzie Mulligan, who you’ll find at tonight’s southernmost stop, The Building (44th/Othello in lower Gatewood), once a school building, now artist studios – Mulligan has had her studio there for about three years. You can check the interactive Art Walk map to see what’s closest to you and what’s happening there tonight. Most participating locations will be open at least until 8 pm.
The 54-year-old woman arrested after a standoff with police at her Alki apartment remains in jail today. The suspect had a probable-cause hearing Wednesday; prosecutors asked that her bail be set at $50,000 and a judge set it ar $30,000. She is under investigation for assault and felony harassment after allegedly threatening to stab a neighbor and vandalizing the neighbor’s vehicle at least three times. Prosecutors expect to receive documentation from police so they can make a charging decision tomorrow.
Find out about 16 West Seattle middle schools, all in one place! Your chance to do that is now less than four weeks away, during Greater West Seattle Middle School Night – here’s what to know about the November 2 event:
Choosing the right middle school is an important decision for families, and navigating the many options can feel overwhelming. To help West Seattle families explore those choices, the Greater West Seattle Middle School Night will bring representatives from public, private, independent and faith-based schools together in one convenient location.
The event will be held Monday, November 2, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Gym, giving families an opportunity to meet representatives from participating schools, learn about academic and extracurricular programs, ask questions and discover which school environment may be the best fit for their student. Kate Anderson, school counselor at Holy Rosary, will give a brief talk at the beginning of the event on the transition from elementary to middle school and how to support students.
“Transitioning to middle school is a big step for students and their families,” said Sally Heit, event organizer. “Our goal is to make the process easier by bringing a wide range of schools together in one place, so families can gather information, ask questions and begin exploring the possibilities for their student.”
Participating schools include:
* Academy Schools
* Denny Middle School
* Explorer West
* Harbor School (Harbor School)
* Holy Rosary
* Hope School
* Lake Washington Girls School
* Louisa Boren STEM 6–8
* McMurray Middle School (Vashon)
* Our Lady of Guadalupe
* Pathfinder K–8
* Seattle Christian
* St. Bernadette
* St. Francis
* Summit Atlas
* Westside SchoolThe event is open to families throughout the greater West Seattle community who are beginning to consider middle-school options. Families are encouraged to attend, even if they are just starting the process and are unsure which schools they want to explore.
Greater West Seattle Middle School Night
Monday, November 2
Our Lady of Guadalupe Gym
6:00 – 7:15 PMFamilies are encouraged to RSVP in advance.
For questions about the event, contact Sally Heit at sheit@hopeseattle.org
(WSB photos)
First order of business for a special trio of tourists who are visiting The Junction today – photo! They’re from Scandinavia – with the phone above is Frederikke from Denmark, with Sofia from Sweden at left and Maria from Denmark at right. Smiling in the background is Bethany from the Port of Seattle, shepherding them around the city – they’ve already been to Ballard, Capitol Hill, Georgetown, and Chinatown-ID. The Scandinavians are content creators so they’re working with the Port to promote Seattle tourism. This morning, they took the Water Taxi from downtown and are now in The Junction, starting with a sound bath at Inner Alchemy (whose proprietor Maari Falsetto is second from right below):
The visitors focus on food, wine, and wellness; their next scheduled stops include Husky Deli and Easy Street Records, and another of their hosts, Stacie from the Junction Association, greeted them at the Water Taxi dock with treats from another iconic Junction business, Bakery Nouveau.
(Foggy-morning photo by Kevin Freitas)
Here’s our 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!):
FREE INDOOR PLAY SPACE: 9 am-noon at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau), drop in and play.
BLOOD DRIVE AT BETHANY COMMUNITY CHURCH: 10 am-3 pm, check to see if there are appointments. (8600 9th SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, plant sales featuring and supporting students’ work. North end of SSC campus (6000 16th SW).
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR WHOLE WASHINGTON: Get food from MOD Pizza at Westwood Village (2800 SW Barton) 10:30 am-11 pm, and part of the proceeds will benefit Whole Washington.
TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).
CANDIDATE FORUM: West Seattle Chamber of Commerce lunch includes forum with King County Council District 8 and State House 34th District Position 2 candidates, 11:30 am at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way 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 Swagg-n-Wagon.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Second Thursday, every month, so tonight’s the night! Displays and receptions all over the peninsula, most 5 pm to 8 pm – check the updated interactive map to see who and where!
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.
CHIEF SEALTH IHS CURRICULUM NIGHT: As previewed here, 6 pm event for families, starting in the Galleria with dinner. (2600 SW Thistle)
POSTCARDING PARTY: 6-8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), gathering to fill out postcards to encourage recipients to vote.
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 Good Society (California SW and SW Lander) for the last time this year.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s ft. The Joel Astley Band & Chad Rupp, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
PUMPKIN LETTERING CLASS AT MR. B’S: ‘Tis the season to learn how! 6:30 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS: One home varsity match in our area – in volleyball, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Rainier Beach, 7 pm in the Chief Sealth gym (2600 SW Thistle).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, hear new music by Fontaines D.C. Free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7 pm trivia at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW)
‘THE CHINESE LADY’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, final week begins for “The Chinese Lady” at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) – info including ticket link is in our calendar listing.
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: 8 pm start, DJ Supreme La Rock. (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!
(WSB file photo)
A highlight of spooky season at Camp Long is “Trail or Treat” at its rustic cabins – and the park is looking for cabin hosts again this year. From Camp Long’s Matt Kostle:
Camp Long is gearing up to run one of our most popular events, “Trail or Treat” – we’re hoping to add more organizations as cabin hosts!
Here are the event details:
Date: Saturday, October 24th
Event Time: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
-Lighted paths to walk and visit cabins hosted by local organizations handing out goodies!
-Family-friendly activities with our Environmental Education team and more!
-The perfect fall season location for fun!For potential cabin hosts:
Set-Up Time: Cabins open to organizations at 12:00 PM and we ask organizations to be ready by 3:00 PM
Camp Long staff will be on site until 8:00 – 9:00 PM for cleanup.
We will have lighted pathways between the cabins, but each organization will be in charge of decorating and lighting their cabin how they see fit. You can hand out any materials and treats you would like.
Our marketing materials will include your organization’s name and logo to let the community know more about you.
In the past we’ve typically had around 1000 people or more attend.
Interested? Go here.
6:03 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Thursday, October 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly sunny, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:18 am today, while sunset will be at 6:34 pm.
WORK ALERT
*Ramp and lane closures continue for West Seattle Bridge streetlight repairs – late night and early morning – see the schedule here. After tonight, the next scheduled closure is Monday night.
NO SCHOOL FRIDAY
No classes at Seattle Public Schools (and those who follow its schedule) on Friday – staff in-service day.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – The Triangle Route is now on the two-boat schedule with an unscheduled third boat. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, which ends after one last night of later runs on Friday (October 9).
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!
Since this morning, we’ve heard from more than a few people who had found what one described as a “weird flyer” on their cars along streets west of The Junction, with this heading:
It’s accompanied by grainy black-and-white images that appear to cross-reference as photos of men many have seen, local rock ‘n’ roll superstar Eddie Vedder and country great Waylon Jennings. The rest of the flyer has nothing to do with them – sketches and text about a 2001 triple-murder case in Florence, Montana, and suggests the case is unsolved.
However, comprehensive searching (not AI) suggests it’s more like unresolved.
Two men were arrested and charged; according to this 2021 report, the charges eventually were dropped because prosecutors didn’t have enough evidence to go on, though the men both went to prison on other charges.
There is no indication online of an official search for someone, though sketches on the flyer trace back to a site purporting to be a true-crime podcast.
Even weirder, the QR codes go to a page with a research abstract dating back about a year suggesting the death of another Seattle rock superstar was homicide, titled “A Multidisciplinary Analysis of the Kurt Cobain Death.” (Here’s what Snopes.com made of that study.)
So who distributed the flyers and why? No hint of that yet. But it seems to have been widespread enough that someone likely has it on security video.
We are now less than four weeks away from Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, and just one week away from King County Elections mailing out ballots. You’ll be deciding two contested local races, and both sets of contenders are scheduled to appear at two upcoming forums:
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL, OCTOBER 15: One week from tomorrow, the candidates for 34th District State House Position 2 and King County Council District 8 will be at the Alki Community Council‘s October 15 meeting:
Nick Duda is challenging County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda; Mary Anito is challenging State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. All four are West Seattleites, though the boundaries of both districts go beyond the peninsula. The ACC meets at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) at 7 pm and is inviting advance questions via this form; they plan to focus questions on the top three issues that emerge. (They’re also planning to include a District Court judicial race in the forum.)
WS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, TOMORROW: The same two sets of candidates will answer questions from the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce at 11:30 am tomorrow (Thursday, October 8) during the organization’s regular lunch meeting at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Unless you already have a ticket, the Chamber will charge a $35 fee.
We recently invited you to send Halloween-decoration photos – yours, or someone else’s – as we do every year. This one’s from Jacob, who has a twist on the familiar towering skeleton:
I’m at the corner of 36th and Morgan, and our inflatables and skeletons are going up slowly up surely. Got started with a 12-foot-tall mummy.
Photos are welcome via email at westseattleblog@gmail.com or via text at 206-293-6302 – thank you!
We’re not showing the photo because the check has names, but Iris reports finding this near 37th/Edmunds:
While out in my neighborhood I came across some trash but upon further inspection it looks to be a paycheck and stub from [a West Seattle restaurant]. The name on it is [initials WG]. Maybe with the blog’s help it can be reunited.
If yours, contact us and we’ll connect you.
Recognize any of this? WSR found it:
Hoping to connect these items with owner. Jacket & pack on parking strip. Looks like pack has been emptied. East side of 42 Ave SW between Brandon & Dawson.
If you recognize any or all of that, contact us and we’ll connect you.
One of WSB’s longest-running sponsors has launched a new chapter. Here’s the announcement of what’s next for Potter Construction:
After nearly five decades of serving homeowners throughout West Seattle and the greater Seattle area, Potter Construction is beginning its next chapter alongside Haas Development & Construction and Haas Architects.
Founded in 1979, Potter Construction has built a strong reputation for quality residential remodeling, craftsmanship, and trusted client relationships. By coming together, Potter and Haas bring decades of local experience under one family of companies, with complementary expertise in architecture, remodeling, construction, design, custom cabinetry, ADU and DADU projects, and residential development.
For Potter Construction clients, the commitment remains the same. The entire Potter team will remain in place, and current clients will continue working with the same people they know and trust, with uninterrupted service and support.
Coming together with Haas also gives Potter clients access to expanded resources and capabilities across the full project lifecycle — from architectural planning and design through permitting, remodeling, construction, and completion.
“Haas’s full-service capabilities give me confidence that the transition will be seamless, with all staff continuing in their current roles. I’m excited that Potter’s next chapter will carry forward the same approach we’ve upheld for years,” said Gary Potter of Potter Construction.
About Haas Development & Construction
Founded in 2016, Haas Development & Construction provides residential renovation, remodeling, custom cabinetry, ADU and DADU, and design services throughout the greater Seattle area, with a focus on quality craftsmanship, clear communication, and exceptional client service.Haas is pleased to announce the bringing together of two trusted names in residential remodeling. The partnership enhances our ability to serve homeowners with expanded design, cabinetry, and renovation capabilities. Together, we will continue delivering outstanding craftsmanship, personalized service and beautiful spaces for years to come."
About Haas Architects
Founded in 1987, Haas Architects specializes in industrial, residential, commercial, and multi-family architecture. With expertise in design, master planning, project management, and administration, the firm has helped create homes for more than 30,000 families throughout the Puget Sound Basin.
Though we don’t hear about it nearly as often any more, catalytic-converter theft is still happening. We got this report from AT:
Just wanted to mention that our 2006 Honda Element had its catalytic converter stolen on (I believe) Friday, October 2. It was parked right on Alaska St between 45th and 44th. A police report was filed when we discovered the theft on Sunday.
This is just anecdotal, but I beleive that others in the area were hit that same night because I’ve been hearing vehicles around the Junction of late that have that telltale unmuffled roar.
Elements were a popular target back in the day – ours was among those hit during a wave in 2021.
(Photo from Kevin Freitas, while flying in)
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.
COMMUNITY PLAYDATE: 4:30-5:30 pm at Community School of West Seattle (22nd SW and SW Roxbury).
FREE YOGA FOR 12-STEP RECOVERY: Every Wednesday, continuing into fall, 5-6:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio and Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), no registration but you MUST arrive no later than 4:55 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.
HAPPY HOUR FOR SAD PEOPLE AT MR. B’S: 5:30-7:30 pm, presented by Listening to Grief, explained here. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Talk about Seattle’s growth – current and future – at the weekly 6 pm meetup – this time back to SW Lander west of California (outside at The Good Society).
EVENING STORY TIME: 6 pm at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN WITH BROOKS DEMO: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight, with a bonus – Brooks is bringing shoes you can try out – 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 performer 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.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Free, all-ages show by Angles, 7 pm. (4559 California SW(
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/visitation? Please email us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If your household includes a Chief Sealth International High School student, tomorrow night (Thursday, October 8) is an important night – here’s the invitation from CSIHS principal Hope Perry:
Chief Sealth International High School families are welcome to the Curriculum Night on Thursday at 6 pm! Come and learn about all the great initiatives and programs. See you there!
Here’s the schedule, starting with dinner in the Galleria at 6:15, followed by breakout gatherings by grade.
6:02 AM: Good morning. Welcome to Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise will be at 7:17 am today, while sunset will be at 6:36 pm.
(Photo by Sarah H)
WORK ALERT
*Ramp annd lane closures continue for West Seattle Bridge streetlight repairs – late night and early morning – see the schedule here.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – Vessel Watch indicates that Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth is on the two-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule today – any reroute/stop advisories will be here.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular summer schedule, which ends after one last night of later runs on Friday (October 9).
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, taken during DRCC anniversary celebration)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“Water is life. The Duwamish is life!”
So declared Alberto Rodriguez, a former Duwamish River Community Coalition staffer who was among the speakers as the DRCC celebrated its 25th anniversary on Saturday night.
The party, fittingly, played out on the river whose life – and the lives of the people who rely on it – has been protected and championed by the DRCC over that quarter-century. Supporters and staff gathered aboard Argosy Cruises’ Lady Mary and cruised down the Duwamish and back, before, during, and after a mesmerizing sunset.
There was dinner and dancing, and lots of gratitude. But first, words of welcome from the tribe that shares the river’s name and shore, spoken by Kristina Pearson of the Duwamish Tribe.
As the boat sailed past the river’s industrial shore, it notably passed the site of a recent major victory for the DRCC, declaring victory in its fight to keep Ash Grove Cement from increasing its burn rate of tires.
Speaking at that moment was the first director of DRCC – then the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition – B.J. Cummings. She recalled her first encounter with the river, kayaking in 1994: “I fell so hard.” Even before DRCC came to be, she spent five years patroling for illegal sources of pollution. The river’s listing as a Superfund site in 2001 brought the coalition to life, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing as the cleanups began.
The first one “was a mess,” Cummings recounted. And then there was the tale of T-117, for which the initial plan, she said, “didn’t go far enough” – the community pushed for more, and the port “overturned their own recommendations.”
Now, Cummings noted, the cleanup is “about halfway done” and in some places along the river, “habitat has been restored for salmon and people.”
(2011 WSB photo, B.J. Cummings & James Rasmussen with then-mayor Mike McGinn)
She also expressed pride for those who had followed her in DRCC leadership – particularly past and present executive directors James Rasmussen and Paulina López – for making the river “internationally known.”
She was followed by Rodriguez, an immigrant from Honduras who now works for Seattle Public Utilities in a role that includes a focus on the river, whose “straightening, shortening, deepening came with a cost,” and yet, he continued, it’s “ever flowing, adapting, shaping … never giving up, always giving back.” Like DRCC itself, a “small but mighty organization.”
The organization’s work has set precedents for others to follow. Rodriguez spotlighted some of them – including the first health assessment of a cleanup plan; a first-of-its-kind public hearing in a non-English language. He had words of praise for the DRCC’s acclaimed Duwamish Valley Youth Corps.
(WSB file photo, Duwamish Valley Youth Corps at a volunteer event)
Two young leaders who’d been part of the DWYC, Miriam Roman Olvera and Christopher Castro Leonardo, talked a bit about their experiences.
And as the night arrived, López spoke, marveling, “What a powerful night … We’re celebrating 25 years of community power … people coming together saying, our river matters, our health matters, our community matters, our children matter.”
(2020 WSB photo of Paulina López at People’s Park groundbreaking)
And not just in the context of the environment – she declared firm opposition to “the atrocities happening today” – federal immigration authorities’ violence. She compared the fight to protect “basic human rights” to the fight to save the river: “Back in 2001, they said ‘that’s the way it is’; we said, ‘the community’s speaking, and you need to listen’.”
As the Duwamish River Community Coalition navigates into its second quarter-century, it’s clear that it will be heard. Here are ways to help.
10:21 PM: Thanks to Jason for the photo and tip: A water-main break has closed SW Thistle by Chief Sealth International High School while Seattle Public Utilities crews make repairs. According to SPU’s water-trouble map, 10 customers are affected.
5:59 AM: The SPU map says repairs have been completed and service is restored.
No posters with sticky dots, no easels with butcher paper and Sharpies – just informational pamphlets and one-sheets at SDOT‘s info-table in The Junction today, six days after the recommendation for paid street parking (and other changes) was announced (WSB coverage here). The table was in the sunshine right on the 42nd/Alaska corner by QFC, not under the overhang, so you couldn’t miss it. We went by just before 1 pm, three hours into the info-session, with one hour to go. The SDOT reps told us they had talked to about 65 people (though no one stopped by during the ~10 minutes that we were there). They also say they’ve received about 100 comments so far via the online comment form (open until month’s end), and they’re sending a mailer to 4,000 residential and business addresses in the general Junction area next week. They’re also seeking to meet with businesspeople, optimally block by block, and they have a presentation scheduled with the Center for Active Living. So which way is the sentiment going? we asked, absent any visual displays we could assess. “Strong feelings both ways” was the reply. “A lot of people nervous about change, a lot of people excited, especially about the pedestrian improvements.” No other general public outreach events were planned after today’s tabling, they told us, but the project page has an email address and phone number you can use for questions, as well as the comment form.
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