West Seattle, Washington
13 Wednesday
7:26 PM: SFD and SPD are on the way to the 6400 block of High Point Drive for a reported person with a gunshot wound in the back/lower abdomen. Police believe they’re looking for two shooters – so far described only as “two Black males with handguns, one in a gray sweater.”
7:34 PM: They’re believed to have “left the scene in a vehicle,” police have told dispatch. The victim is being taken to Harborview Medical Center.
10:32 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says the shooting victim is a 35-year-old man who was in serious condition when transported.
THURSDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: SPD has released this summary:
At 1920 hours, officers responded to the 6400 block of High Point Dr SW to reports of shots fired. Officers responded and located an adult male suffering from a single GSW. Officers rendered aid until SFD arrived and transported the victim to HMC in serious condition. During their investigation, officers learned two unknown males opened fire on the victim as he stood on his porch and fled on foot, possibly entering an unknown vehicle. No suspects were located.
The photo and report were sent by Rick:
My wife’s Subaru Forester had window smashed last night, uncertain on time. Vehicle was parked off alley in carport between 45th & 46th by College in North Admiral.
Nothing taken; no report number yet.
(WSB photo)
A few readers have asked lately about the status of the future Morgan Junction EV-charging lot, eight spaces with chargers on an ex-substation site east of 42nd SW, between Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Morgan. Early this year, Seattle City Light told the Morgan Community Association that design was at 90 percent, and they expected that construction would be under way by now. We checked with SCL’s Jenn Strang about the status, and she told us:
Morgan Junction is our largest and most ambitious EV-charging station project to date requiring more time, engineering, and permitting than one of our more typical EV charging station projects. We’ve also experienced significant delays with procurement of the chargers and other electric service equipment. This is likely due to the rapid increase in transportation electrification costs nationwide.
So what’s the revised timeline? Strang didn’t say (we’re asking again on followup), and the project website hasn’t been updated since the early-in-the-year briefing.
Two weeks after the Sound Transit Board‘s System Expansion Committee went on record in support of the “preferred alternative” for West Seattle light rail (WSB coverage here), a final board vote could come tomorrow. Deciding on West Seattle routing and station locations is on the agenda for the board’s monthly meeting, scheduled for an extended time period, 1:30-5 pm Thursday (October 24) in the board room at 401 S. Jackson on the south end of downtown. (The agenda also explains how to watch/participate online.) The meeting starts with a public-comment period, if you want to speak your mind on this one more time before the vote. What they won’t be resolving is how to cover the ever-rising cost, most recently estimated as high as $7 billion. The vote tomorrow would move the project further into design – it’s about 30 percent of the way now – and then funding decisions would come at other milestones in the process, particularly what’s known as “baselining.” Meantime, here’s the motion the board will consider Thursday.
(West Seattle Nursery photo)
OK, Halloween may still be a week-plus away, but the holidays are knocking on the door. West Seattle Nursery is already taking reservations for wreath-making and asked us to let you know:
Reservations are now open for wreath making at West Seattle Nursery! For many of our customers, creating a wreath at the nursery has become a cherished holiday tradition. If you’d like to craft your own festive wreath, simply reserve one of our wreath-making tables after reading through our ‘Reservation Details’ and ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ here.
Due to high demand and back-to-back sessions, we kindly ask that all participants arrive on time. If you’re unable to attend your reserved session, please cancel in advance so others can join in the festive fun! New to wreath making? No worries! Our expert team will be on hand to assist you with any questions.
The nursery is at the corner of California/Brandon.
(Honey bee, photographed by Steve Bender)
Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always look ahead, and where you’ll find even more events than we spotlight in the list):
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am. Details in our calendar listing.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open noon to 8 pm, and you can visit any time to see what community artists are showing this year, until late October.
FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL AT VILLAGE GREEN: Community members 55+ are invited to come celebrate the season at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor), 12:30-2 pm.
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers can help K-12 students with their homework.
OFF-LEASH AREA DROP-IN MEETING: As previewed here, 4-6 pm is your chance to go to the site of West Seattle’s future second off-leash area (dog park) and find out more about the project while offering comments. Happening in the overflow parking area south of the stadium. (4432 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE CHAMBER AFTER-HOURS: West Seattle Arcade (2758 Alki SW) is the site of this month’s networking event, 5:30-7:30 pm.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
HEALING THROUGH CREATIVITY: 14-week online group following “The Artist’s Way” meets starting tonight, 6 pm – info in our calendar listing.
FAUNTLEROY FERRY DOCK COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUP: Updates on the project at a 6 pm online meeting. Get the attendance link by going here.
TRIVIA x 4: Four trivia options tonight: At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers trivia … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
HALLOWEEN LIGHTS RUN: The regular 6:15 pm weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run is – tonight – their first-ever Halloween Lights Run, as explained in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK ACTION COMMITTEE: The newest plan for Metro bus-stop changes is part of what’s on the HPAC agenda for this online meeting at 7 pm. Link and more info are here.
MUSIC BINGO X 2: One night, two games! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … At Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.
KUNDALINI YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm with Inner Alchemy at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska), $35; ticket link is in our calendar listing.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your turn in the spotlight! 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
SSC Co-op Preschools and Pathfinder K-8 invite families to a film screening tomorrow, with a chance to talk with the producer. Here’s the announcement they asked us to share:
Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values: Film Screening and Q/A with Producer Debbie LeeKeenan
Olympic Hall, South Seattle College Campus
Thursday, October 24 6:30–8:00 PMChildcare available for 5+. Pre-registration is required.
Join us for a special screening, in partnership with Pathfinder K-8, of the new film Families Embracing Anti-Bias Values. This film, produced by Debbie LeeKeenan and John Nimmo, is a 50-minute documentary about families who intentionally parent with an anti-bias lens. Debbie and John partnered with filmmaker Filiz Efe McKinney of Brave Sprout Productions to create a film that raises up the voices of multiple families with diverse identities, talking about their hopes, fears, strengths, challenges, and questions as they figure out: What kind of world do we want to create with our children? There will be opportunities for questions and discussion with Debbie after the viewing. Watch the trailer here. Tickets are $5. RSVP here.
The college is at 6000 16th SW; the screening venue is toward the south end of the campus.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, October 23rd.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Chance of showers, then becoming sunny, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:40 am, while sunset will be at 6:05 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The low bridge will be closed Friday through Sunday for cylinder re-installation.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides, likely next week. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
EAST MARGINAL PROJECT ZONE CHANGES
From an <strong>SDOT update:
Starting this week, people biking and walking are routed onto the new curb-separated asphalt path on the west side of E Marginal Way S between S Spokane St and S Horton St. At S Horton St, people biking and walking will shift back to a temporary, vehicle-separated shared-use path in the center of E Marginal Way S.
At approximately S Holgate Street:
Northbound travelers are routed back to the existing sidewalk on the west side of the street
Southbound travelers are routed back to the existing bike lane on the west side of the street
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, no “unscheduled third boat” this week and likely next. Keep updated via bulletins.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
5:07 AM: Police are searching for a suspect after one person was shot and wounded (updated) in the 9400 block of 27th SW, across from Roxbury Safeway. No other details yet.
5:36 AM: According to archived dispatch audio, this was reported to have happened at an apartment around quarter past 4. The victim was described as a man in his 30s with a gunshot wound to his chest (that’s from medics, though an early report was that he was shot in the back); the shooter was described only as a Black man in his mid-30s in a red sweater and gray jeans who fled on foot.
8:41 AM: SFD tells us the victim, 37, was in serious condition when transported.
THURSDAY UPDATE: SPD has released this summary:
At 0418 hours, Officers responded to an apartment unit on 9400 block of 27 Av SW. The 911 call stated that someone inside the unit had been shot. Officers arrived to find several people inside and just outside the apartment who were uncooperative. An adult male was found inside the unit with gunshot wounds. The victim was conscious and alert and also uncooperative. SFD responded and treat the victim who was transported to HMC. Some present stated that the suspect and a woman had been by the unit earlier and left. Later the suspect returned, had a confrontation, and shot the victim. A Bellevue K9 unit responded but determined that they could not deploy the K9. … HMC determined at the time the injuries were non-life threatening.
(WSB photo, 2023 Admiral trick-or-treating)
Feels like we have more Halloween/Hallo-weekend events in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar than ever – and we have more to add; you can scroll through what’s there already via this link. If your family’s main interest is in trick-or-treating, here are the big events:
ADMIRAL TRICK-OR-TREATING: 4-7 pm Friday (October 25). This spans a wider area than ever, according to the organizers at Admiral Neighborhood Association, from the South Admiral mini-business district (think Little Donkey, Alair, more) to North Admiral. You’ll find crossing guards in three spots too to help you get across California.
ALKI BEACH TRICK-OR-TREATING: Noon-2 pm Saturday (October 26). This spans the business district along the beach, from 63rd eastward. Info’s online at alkitrickortreat.com.
BEER GARDEN TRICK-OR-TREATING: All ages welcome at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 2-6 pm Saturday.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT: Hope Lutheran School invites everyone to trunk-or-treat in the lot across from the Hope North campus, 4100 SW Genesee, 6:30-8 pm Saturday.
JUNCTION TRICK-OR-TREATING: This is again combined with the West Seattle Harvest Festival, 11 am-2 pm Sunday (October 27) in The Junction, right after the costume parade that kicks off the festival (gather at 42nd/Alaska).
WHITE CENTER HALLOWEENTOWN: Block party on 16th SW south of Roxbury, 4 pm-2 am on Halloween (Thursday, October 31), featuring low-rider trunk-or-treating.
Are we missing anything? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another day-and-night display to showcase tonight – sent by Darrell in South Delridge:
It’s been fun decorating for Halloween. This year I’ve made some new scarecrows and changed things up. We will be giving out treats on Halloween and love having people stop to enjoy the decoration. The lights are on timers and don’t go off till 2 am. 9049B 18th Ave SW – cross street is SW Barton.
Got decorations to show off? Pics to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
From Judy Pickens of the Fauntleroy Watershed Council:
(Photo by Tom Trulin: Volunteer Rich Rosenthal kept groups moving among 5 learning stations along the spawning reach)
Salmon watchers on Fauntleroy Creek haven’t yet seen coho spawners but on Monday morning (10/21), several of them saw a large school of kindergarteners. The 52 students and more than a dozen adults from St. Francis of Assisi School in Burien came to learn about salmon and their habitat. Volunteer watchers engaged groups of students in talking about why spawners bury their eggs, how their carcasses enrich the habitat, and related topics.
If and when spawners arrive, we’ll announce a weekend “open creek” for the general public here.
(WSB photo, October 13)
A week and a half after 53-year-old Oton Garcia Ruiz was shot and killed at the Shree’s Truck Stop gas station in southeast West Seattle, police are releasing photos of a man they say was “involved in” the killing, and asking for help identifying him. Via SPD Blotter:
Seattle police detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male involved in a homicide last week.
On October 13th at 8:01 p.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting at Shree’s Truck Stop, 7801 Detroit Avenue Southwest. The shooter fired into the crowded gas station with disregard to any of the patrons.
Police located a 53-year-old male victim who was sitting in his car, waiting to fill it up with gas. He sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
Homicide and Crime Scene Investigations detectives processed the crime scene. Detectives captured images from video footage of a man involved in the homicide.
He is of average height and weight with dark colored hair and mustache with a connected goatee. He was last seen wearing a pink polo shirt, New York Yankees baseball cap with a light blue bill and closure (snapback), dark jeans, and light-colored shoes.
If anyone has information regarding his identity, please call the Seattle Police Homicide tip line at 206-233-5000. You can remain anonymous.
(WSB photo from February)
Back in February, we reported on Ephesus Restaurant‘s original owner planning to reopen, after Ephesus closed under different ownership the year before, and readers have been asking frequently for updates. We finally have one. A liquor-license application appeared online today. We reached proprietor Hasan Ocak by phone. (He founded Ephesus as a Turkish restaurant in 1995.) He says he has remodeled and overhauled the restaurant at 5245 California SW (just south of Rite Aid) and now is waiting for his chef to arrive, and for the assembly of a kitchen staff. His timeline for opening will be determined by how all that goes – could be a week, could be a month, he told us. The staff availability also will determine what hours/days they’re open – probably 4-10 pm, he said, whichever days it turns out to be. Will the menu be the same as the old days? “Different,” he told us – how different depends on when he and the chef get together and compare ideas.
BURGLARY ARREST: This is unfolding right now on Puget Ridge – police have arrested a suspect after a reported home burglary in the 1500 block of SW Brandon.
BUSINESS BURGLARY: We heard a bit of this on police radio last night and followed up today. Here’s the summary we obtained:
On October 21 at about 11:16 p.m., Seattle police responded to a business in the 3600 block of West Marginal Way Southwest for the report of a burglary. A motion alarm was tripped at the business and a security surveillance employee saw armed suspects cutting through a fence, trying to break into the business and going in and out of cars. The alarm company also relayed initial information. The suspects were seen fleeing the scene in an SUV and car. Officers spotted what appeared to be one of the cars involved and activated lights and sirens. The car took off on Delridge Way Southwest at high speeds and then went eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge. A pursuit was authorized, but it was terminated in the area of 4th Avenue South and South Brandon Street. None of the vehicles involved were apprehended. The business itself suffered some damage to an exterior door, but it did not appear the suspects gained access beyond a stairwell. At this time, it is not believed anything is missing or stolen.
If you have any information, the incident # is 24-299339.
Earlier this month, at an event celebrating women’s soccer, the owners of West Seattle Junction FC said they had big news coming. This morning, it’s officially unveiled – here’s the announcement introducing you to West Seattle Rhodies FC:
A new women’s USL W League soccer team is coming to West Seattle in 2025 – West Seattle Rhodies FC. This exciting expansion into the United Soccer League (USL) will help establish a strong presence of women’s soccer in the Pacific Northwest. Based in the West Seattle community, the club will make its debut in the USL W League in the spring of 2025.
“We are beyond excited to embark on this new journey with the USL W League and bring West Seattle Rhodies FC to life. This is a remarkable opportunity to elevate the talent and passion of our community on a national platform, while creating pathways for women to thrive in soccer,” said CEO & Co-Owner Jessica Pierce.
“As a club, we’re dedicated to growing the game and fostering accessibility where players, coaches, and leaders can flourish. We’re eager to get started and contribute to the continued growth of women’s soccer in the Pacific Northwest,” Chief Marketing Officer & Co-Owner Marissa Villegas said.
Rooted in the vibrant West Seattle community, the club aims to foster a culture of inclusivity, excellence, and shared growth, building lasting connections through the beautiful game. The mission of the Rhodies is to develop the next generation of female athletes, inspire local pride, and establish itself as a competitive force in the USL W League.
“We are committed to empowering women in soccer by creating a platform where players, coaches, and leaders can grow and thrive together, just like the resilient rhododendrons that symbolize our club,” continued Villegas.
Why the Rhododendron
Our club draws inspiration from the rhododendron, a symbol of growth and resilience. Just as rhododendrons thrive in groups, we believe in fostering a supportive environment where women can grow and excel together.
Community Oriented
Rhodies players and staff will participate in youth camps and clinics, local events focused on youth development alongside our partners at the West Seattle Y, and community events alongside small local businesses. Home games will be played in West Seattle and the majority of the training sessions will be in the community as well.
About West Seattle Junction FC
West Seattle Rhodies FC is part of a broader vision initiated by the ownership group of West Seattle Junction FC, the men’s team which joined USL League Two in 2024. Both clubs share a commitment to fostering local talent and building a strong soccer culture in the region, with a particular emphasis on creating pathways for youth players to reach the next level. The combined ownership group will run both teams.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion.
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do at West Seattle Rhodies FC. As a club founded and majority-owned by women, we are committed to advancing women’s leadership in sports and ensuring that women are represented at every level of our organization.
Our ownership group includes two women of color, and we actively work to provide pathways for women not only on the field but also in key decision-making roles off the field. We empower women in leadership roles and promote diversity within our organization, and as we grow, we will expand our DEI initiatives, focusing on creating opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in all aspects of the game—on the pitch, in coaching, and in management.
Watch for more info here.
(Northern Flicker with rainbow in background, photo by Michelle Green)
Here’s our list of what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can get a preview days, weeks, even months ahead
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) is open noon-8 pm today – drop in any time to see what’s on display for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Long-distance advocacy via handwritten postcards to be sent to voters in other states, with just three weeks to go until Election Day – drop in 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting at noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), Program: “Nancy Ward of the World Justice Project, focused on “action to advance the rule of law.”
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
SCRABBLE NIGHT: 6-10 pm tonight, play Scrabble at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW).
FREE TRACK RUN: All runners welcome! Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for this free weekly run at 6:15 pm.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSAL: As previewed here, the Boeing Employees Choir (which is actually open to all) is having an open rehearsal at 6:30 pm at American Legion Post 160 (3618 SW Alaska).
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! Tuesday nights bring Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia options for Tuesday – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
SCHOOL-LEVIES INFO SESSION: As we’ve been reporting, Seattle Public Schools is proposing two major levies to go to voters in February, including the BEX VI levy with a proposed $50 million addition at Chief Sealth IHS. Tonight at 6:30 pm, the district is offering an online informational session; look for the link on this page pre-meeting (we’ll add it here when we get it, too – update – the link can be found here).
HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Two 7 pm home matches – West Seattle HS vs. Franklin (3000 California SW) and Chief Sealth IHS vs. Lincoln (2600 SW Thistle).
Planning an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(2023 WSB photo)
The annual holiday-season runs presented by West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) are a staple, like the Christmas Lights Run (last year’s participants are shown above, pre-run). This year, they’re adding the first-ever Halloween Lights Run, 6:15 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, October 23) from the shop.. If you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement from WSB co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
Join us for the West Seattle Runner Halloween Lights Run!! We will meet at the shop at 6:15 pm. Feel free to wear costumes! Tim says, you better wear costumes :) Put on lights and reflective to be seen and use headlamps/ flashlights to be able to see. We will map out an approximate 3-mile route to view Halloween displays in the ‘hood. This will be a nice easy-paced run, with walking and photo/viewing display opportunities, definitely not a race.
Just show up at the shop (2743 California SW) before 6:15 pm Wednesday. (And set your calendar for the Gobble Gobble Group Run on Thanksgiving – November 28 – 8 am on Alki.)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, October 22nd.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Some rain, some sun, high in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:39 am, while sunset will be at 6:07 pm.
ROAD WORK
*The low bridge will be closed Friday through Sunday for cylinder re-installation.
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; the north half of the bridge remains closed, with one lane each way on the south side, until the project switches sides, likely next week. Fairmount Avenue remains closed under the bridge.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Narrowing on Fauntleroy at Raymond because of intersection work.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – 2 boats on the Triangle Route, no “unscheduled third boat” this week and likely next. Keep updated via bulletins.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Today was the date around which Seattle Public Schools superintendent Dr. Brent Jones had said he expected to release his list of up to five school closures. But – no list yet. We checked with SPS’s media team late in the day and they said they weren’t expecting anything today but “We’re hoping for later this week.” Meantime, West Seattle/South Park School Board Director Gina Topp has set her next community-conversation meeting for Sunday (October 27), 11 am-noon in person at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond);
(WSB file photo)
Time to start previewing Hallo-weekend’s big activities. Biggest of them all – the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival on Sunday (October 27). It starts off with the costume parade, led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band, and includes trick-or-treating. But for the savory palate, a non-candy treat awaits – the flight of chili that will get you the right to vote in the cookoff benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank. Here’s this year’s lineup, as announced by WSFB:
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds at the West Seattle Food Bank Chili Cookoff during Harvest Fest! This year, eight fantastic West Seattle-area restaurants will compete for the coveted title of Best West Seattle Chili. Here are the contenders:
Easy Street Café
Elliott Bay Brewery
Fire Tacos
Husky Deli
Margie’s Café at the Center for Active Living
NW TX BBQ
Shadowland
The WestyWe’re excited to welcome a couple of newcomers to the competition this year. Margie’s Café at the Center for Active Living and Fire Tacos, who recently won Best Savory Taste at the Taste of West Seattle with their mouth-watering pork verdé, are joining the fray!
For just $15, you can purchase a flight of 8 chili samples, with all proceeds supporting the West Seattle Food Bank’s vital programs. These include food assistance, help with utilities and rent to prevent homelessness, clothing, bus tickets, and more. Join us at the Key Bank corner during Harvest Fest — the chili cookoff starts at 11am. Don’t miss your chance to vote for your favorite chili and help crown the winner of the Best West Seattle Chili trophy!
The Farmers’ Market will be in its usual spot and time (10 am-2 pm) during the festival (11 am-2 pm) but an extra block of California will be closed for festival activities – between Alaska and Edmunds.
The photo is from Ryan, who emailed to announce:
CThe Halloween show at the 4040 House is live! This year is our biggest one yet! The haunted jukebox is back with several new songs, even more lights, and some cool special effects!
The show runs every night between 6 pm and 9 pm. It’s located on 47th Avenue Southwest between Dakota and Andover. The street is quite narrow, so if you’re driving, please park on the side streets and walk up to the house.
Got decorations to showcase? Photos and info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – and see what we’ve already shown here!
(WSB photo, ballot box at South Seattle College)
With 15 more days to vote – until Tuesday night, November 5 – the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce held its first “Chamber Chat,” with the organization’s Government Affairs Committee focusing on candidates and issues on the ballot. They first heard from both candidates for the final unexpired year of the City Council citywide Position 8 term:
CITY COUNCIL CITYWIDE POSITION 8: Alexis Mercedes Rinck said she’s “fighting for a city that works for all of us.” She says that she’s worked “across 39 cities” and various organizations on housing policy, as well as restructuring UW’s budget. She said her roots go back to a troubled childhood but people who fought for her saved her. She wants to work for a “fairer tax system” and to move from “budgets with band-aids” to budgets that “set up” the city to thrive. In Q&A, she was asked how she’d work with colleagues with different goals/philosophies. She said that she felt she’d bring balance to the council. She said she could work with folks “from MAGA to Marxist” and currently works with reps for different cities that are all over the political spectrum. She said she helped work on homelessness-fighting plans, too. She stressed a collaborative nature to “get folks around the table … to problem-solve” and says that’s what she wants to bring to citywide office. Answering another question, about public safety, she said “Seattle kids deserve to go to school without fear” among other things and that action is needed now – building staffing “across the board,” including law enforcement and other responders, is her priority. “It’s not enough to just respond” – work on prevention is vital too, especially gun-violence prevention. She supports “permit to purchase.” She added, “We know what we need to do” – reports have made numerous suggestions – we just need to implement them. Housing would improve safety, too, she believes.
Regarding transportation, she said she lives car-free and relies on public transit daily. Safety on transit is a priority too. “On the whole, I’m really committed to creating a safe multi-modal transit system,’ prioritizing all ways of getting around, plus electrification, adding sidewalks, and finding “progressive (revenue) options” to fund all that. How would she support small business? “They’re the cornerstone of our community,” Mercedes Rinck declares, saying she worked at one as a restaurant, but knows owning one is a whole different thing. She also mentioned the end of the tip credit and said she’s committed to help figure out how to ensure affected small businesses can keep their doors open. She thinks the Office of Economic Development can do a lot of work for entrepreneurs and wants to hear more about what they have or haven’t been doing.
She was also asked about the Department of Neighborhoods, with a suggestion that the city doesn’t really reach out to neighborhood groups any more. “How do you get people in the neighborhoods involved again, get the department involved again in bringing those voices to the table?” Mercedes Rinck agreed she wasn’t seeing much DoN involvement so the department needed to be empowered to do more outreach; she said she needs to find out more about their staffing level and look for opportunities to invest – “we know that community engagement is a lot of time, time that people don’t have sometimes.” Next: Why is she seeking office? She thinks the city has a lot of urgent needs, like what she saw in her area, the Central District, which recently had two shooting incidents, Also – dealing with the high housing prices and cost of rents going up; she says we need more housing supply, She feels she’s “somebody to act, move with urgency,” and says, “Let’s get stuff done!”
Next was appointed incumbent councilmember Tanya Woo. In opening remarks, she said her parents had the first Chinese bakery in Seattle; she comes from a long list of business owners – her parents currently own a restaurant in Chinatown/ID. She has experience building “workforce housing” and has formed a public-safety group that started walking nightly in a time of anti-Asian hate and now walks weekly. The group, she said, segued into homeless outreach and assisted seniors as well. She said more incentives are needed for building affordable housing and believes that density and “more trees” can both happen. She is in favor of reducing permit wait times, which she says she’s experienced as a small business owner. “There isn’t going to be one thing that changes overnight – it’s all part of a puzzle.” Building back SPD staffing and having alternative responders are both important, she says, as well as figuring out how to connect people with services. “I imagine a city like where I grew up – where kids can go to school without worrying about getting shot,” like her worry-free days at Schmitz Park Elementary in West Seattle. Her priorities: Public safety, homelessness, housing affordability.
How would she work on council to fully and fairly represent constituents? She says the current councilmembers are “all friends, a civil group, all in person” so she doesn’t do anything without collaborating with other councilmembers (she mentioned collaboration with CM Rob Saka for one). She is all for “finding the common ground. … That’s where I reside, how do we work together to reach the greatest good?” She added, “We just have to try things” and make changes if it’s not working. “It’s all about listening and making sure people are heard … and being out in the community” She said she’s out at meetings and events at least once a day.
How does she approach public safety and transportation? “Balanced approach,” she says. Regarding police, “while we did not defund police, we demoralized police … since most are on patrol work, we are not able to investigate” as many crimes as before. “I also believe in a balanced approach” and supports expansion of CARE Team, LEAD, REACH, and seeing how other groups are working to increase safety. Regarding transportation, she says ST3 and ensuring community measures are being heard is a priority. “I know we’re not even there yet” regarding station siting. She was involved in assembling the Transportation Levy, while noting she isn’t allowed to advocate for it.
How will she advocate for small businesses? She thinks the impending compensation change is going to force a lot of small businesses to close. She wants to find ways to be proactive and help businesses pay for things like shatter-resistant glass treatment and anti-graffiti coating. Other issues plague businesses – trespassers, drug use right outside, employees not feeling safe coming to or being at work. She said she wants to hear what businesses like those in the Chamber need. “I feel the desperation of many businesses, the weight of” how policies are affecting them.
Other questions: A local bank manager asked about graffiti vandalism, calling “demoralizing” despite not being on the scale of drug addiction or homelessness. It’s “demoralizing” to see buildings defaced, and it seems to add “a temperature of chaos … it’s like a war on our city.” Woo agreed, “I abhor graffiti.” She said her group has chased vandals down to let them know how much their deeds hurt small businesses, especially in “historic districts” that might have rules making it even harder. She feels graffiti comes down to “consent” – yes, there’s some consensual art out there, but much graffiti is vandalism detracting from the “beauty of our buildings.” Other factors delay cleanup like weather and waiting for the availability of cleanup crews. Invited to say a few closing words, she made allegations against her opponent’s stands on various issues, including saying Mercedes Rinck’s interest in “more progressive revenue” is not realistic because most of a long list of recommendations are for taxes that “are illegal.” (Mercedes Rinck wasn’t there to rebut because of the event’s format – each candidate appeared individually.)
TRANSPORTATION LEVY: The group was also scheduled to hear from guests for and against the Seattle Transportation Levy; no pro-levy guest was available, so committee chair Jordan Crawley offered some basic information about the $1.55 billion levy. Former Seattle City Councilmember Alex Pedersen – former chair of the council’s Transportation Committee – spoke against it. He was asked about his biggest concerns regarding the levy, which he said would be “Seattle’s biggest tax ever.” He feels it’s “unaffordable, inequitable, and would be ineffective.” Rents would go up, he says, as property owners pass the cost through. One point on equity – he says it could have at least partly gone through a less regressive funding source. He also says it’s not doing enough for pedestrian safety and bridges, among other things; he’d also like to see its projects “broken into smaller pieces” – the repaving funding all goes into 15 big projects, he says, but could go into more smaller projects that repave more streets. In all, he would just like to see it redone and sent back to voters in the first half of next year. Some supplementary funding is necessary, he says, so that’s why he favors rejecting this one and calling for something new to be drafted quickly.
The Chamber also was scheduled to talk about the statewide initiatives on the ballot, but also did not have a “pro” guest, and we couldn’t stay for that part of the program. Your ballot should have arrived by now – if not, here’s what to do!
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