West Seattle, Washington
20 Saturday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The words PEACE FOR ALL are outlined on the ground at the Harbor Avenue property known as Pier 1, as shown in the drone photo taken by West Seattle Indivisible today, in advance of their International Day of Peace mega-gathering tomorrow morning.
If 1,000 people show up, they’ll line all the letters, three across, as a “human banner” in honor of Peace Day. If fewer show up, organizer Laurie Reinhardt says, no worries, they have contingency plans, all the way down to 100 people filling out a single letter at a time, then moving to the next, and the next.
We visited the site today for a look at where Reinhardt’s idea will take shape, one way or another, whatever size it turns out to be. She stresses that it’s not meant to be a feel-good quick photo-op – it’s meant as a metaphor for the fact that, individually, people can only do so much, but together, “we are greater than the sum of our parts.” She hopes those who show up to be part of it will “really feel that” before leaving to go back to their everyday activities.
Before we get into how the event will unfold, some logistics points. A banner marks the fence by the main entrance to the property, 3 1/2 acres that have been long up for lease (after housing a crane yard for a while), being borrowed for this event with the owner’s permission.
Reinhardt and 70+ volunteers will get there first thing in the morning, but the gates won’t open for participants until 8:30, so don’t show up before then. Parking is on the street (though a small part of the west/north end of the property is set aside for volunteers to park, maximizing the number of street spaces available for participants).
After checking in, participants will move further into the site, which has an unbroken waterfront view – we asked Reinhardt to pose in the middle of one of the letters in PEACE:
They’ll have some amenities for the crowd – food trucks and portable toilets. Each letter will have a captain to show you where to stand and to hand out the flags made at the event we mentioned last weekend. The photo won’t be taken at one specific moment – there’ll be at least four drones photographing multiple times while the crowd listens to music and speeches, emceed by Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed, addressing global, national, regional, and local issues and possibilities. There will be a moment of silence, led by Admiral Church’s pastor Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom. The speeches and photography aren’t expected to happen until some point after 9:30 am – when they are pretty sure everyone who’s showing up has arrived.
Side note: While we chatted at the site this afternoon, Reinhardt said the original idea was to “think big” and see if this could be done on the West Seattle Bridge. She even got so far as to fill out a “25-page application,” before, she said, city officials including Mayor Harrell himself (who is also scheduled as a speaker on Sunday) realized it wasn’t that great an idea, especially on a day with a home Seahawks game.
So instead, “human banner” participants – all ages welcome – will gather on a West Seattle waterfront site frequented by “real” Seahawks (Ospreys are among the birds Reinhardt said they’d seen while at the site earlier, and we heard Bald Eagles’ distinctive call while talking). They’d appreciate it if you pre-registered, but you’re also welcome to just show up in the 2100 block of Harbor Avenue SW.
(WSB photo from 2024 autumn equinox sunset watch)
Fall officially arrives Monday morning with the equinox moment at 11:19 am – and that means West Seattle educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen will be at Solstice Park on Monday evening to commemorate the change of seasons with one of the quarterly sunset-watch events she’s been leading for more than 15 years. It’ll include her interactive demonstration of what “equinox” really means, as well as an opportunity to see how the placement of markers and paths at the park lookout are meant to align with the sunset on equinoxes (and solstices). If you haven’t been to one of Alice’s events before, the Solstice Park lookout is uphill from the tennis courts (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW). She’ll be there 6:30-7:30 pm, with the actual sunset as seen from that site expected around 6:50-7 pm, though the official sunset is 7:06 pm. It’s free, fun, educational, all ages, happening whether the sun’s visible or not (heavy rain is the only weather that will cancel this).
12:46 PM: Look for banners like that one marking the 14 stops on this year’s free, self-guided West Seattle Art Tour, on until 5 pm today and again 10 am-5 pm tomorrow. Each stop has multiple artists, usually including the host whose studio/workspace is on the map. Our first stop today was the southernmost site, #4, where you’ll find printmaker Diane Kappa (WSB sponsor):
In her backyard studio, she showed us and other visitors a linoleum print she’s working on – she explained that it’s painstaking, but she puts on her headphones, turns on her music, and gets lost in her work.
(As noted here, Diane teaches classes too, so when you visit during the Art Tour, you can talk with her about those!)
She’s hosting three other artists at her Arbor Heights studio/backyard as part of the Art Tour, including another. printmaker, Sahily Anais Perez McMillan:
Sahily is also a printmaker, with subjects including birds, like this Spotted Towhee:
She told us she’s a bird advocate and has volunteered with Birds Connect Seattle, so they’re more than just subjects! Also at this site in Arbor Heights (see the map for the address) are artists Tanya Knannlein and Shelly Sazama, who both work in textiles. In addition to the clickable map we’ve linked to (which includes artists’ websites and short descriptions of their work), there’s a printable map on the Art Tour website too. We’re headed to the north end next and will add more Art Tour sights later.
2:50 PM: Thanks to Eddie for this photo from northernmost stop #12 on the map, in North Admiral:
This stop is hosted by colored-pencil artist Jan Koutsky, with visiting artists Johanna Lindsay (jewelry), relief block printer Theresa Neinas, and ceramics/pottery artist Jody Wally.
4 PM: Our last stop of the first day was Daniel Bernunzio‘s home studio in Highland Park, easternmost stop on the Art Tour, #1 on the map.
In our photo below is the host at center, with visiting artists Cat Brooks (left) and Eric Eschenbach (right) – all three are painters:
Each has an individual tent showcasing their work – Daniel:
Cat:
And Eric:
As with everyone else on the Art Tour, they’re there until 5 today, and again 10 am-5 pm on Sunday.
(WSB photos)
The second hour of today’s six-hour Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church has just begun. We were there for photos half an hour ago and one volunteer told us it had been “nonstop.” However, no backup – it’s always a very efficient operation with partner 1 Green Planet, with multiple bins, trucks, and boxes ready for whatever you’re dropping off:
Here again is the long list (PDF) of what you can bring for free recycling (and a shorter list of what they won’t accept). They’ll be there till 3 pm.
But don’t wait until the last hour unless that’s absolutely the soonest you can get there – they try to avoid an end-of-day backup. The church offers this service to the community twice a year; if you miss today’s Recycle Roundup, watch for advance announcement of the date for the next one, in spring.
9:55 AM: If you’ve been seeing the Southern Resident Killer Whale updates in recent days but couldn’t get down to the water to look, maybe today’s your day. Kersti Muul reports J-Pod orcas are back in the area, southbound from just north of West Seattle at last report.
2:31 PM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says they are northbound again, currently off north end of Blake Island, and she’s at Emma Schmitz Overlook (across from Me-Kwa-Mooks, 4500 block Beach Drive SW) with binoculars to share.
2:45 PM: Donna says they’re closer to Bainbridge now, so she’s heading toward the Alki area.
3:55 PM: She ended up staying at Emma Schmitz Overlook and says more J-Pod whales were headed north in Colvos Passage along the west side of Vashon Island.
(Moon and Venus Friday morning, photo by Kevin Freitas)
Welcome to the last weekend of summer! Here’s our big West Seattle list for Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:
ORCA HALF: This big running event, starting at Lincoln Park and ending at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, is spread across two days this year. No road closures, but be watchful of runners. Participants start in waves beginning at 7:30 am each day; course maps and other information can be found on the Orca Half website.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Want to run a shorter course today? West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!
GARAGE/YARD SALES: See this weekend’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
RECYCLE ROUNDUP: Fall edition of Fauntleroy Church‘s popular free-dropoff event, 9 am-3 pm. Here’s the list of what they will and won’t accept this time. (9140 California SW)
URBAN FARMING WORKSHOP: 9 am at Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon), the first workshop in a series that will teach you about growing food in an urban community garden, as previewed here.
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am community meditation at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska) – register here.
WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: This month’s free hike leaves from Westcrest Park (7th/Cloverdale), 9:30 am.
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.
WEST SEATTLE ART TOUR: Day 1 of this free two-day self-guided tour at stops all over the peninsula where you can meet dozens of artists and discover their work! 10 am-5 pm; the Art Tour website includes printable and clickable versions of the map as well as the artist list. (Community co-sponsors include WSB.)
HELP VFW WITH ROOF PROJECT: If you can spare some time, the West Seattle VFW welcomes volunteers to help winterize their roof before rainy season. 10 am. (3601 SW Alaska)
WESTFEST AT HOLY ROSARY: The fall festival/carnival’s second and biggest day, 10 am-10 pm on the school grounds, with music, food, rides, games, bingo, even a book sale. The entertainment schedule is in our calendar listing. See our report on night 1 here. (41st/42nd/Genesee/Dakota)
ADMIRAL DISTRICT HISTORY TOUR: Still a few spots as of early this morning! 10 am; meet at Belvedere Park (37th SW & SW Admiral Way).
BATMAN DAY AT TAILS TO ASTONISH: Deals and freebies during this special day at the comic-book store, 10 am-5 pm. (5633 California SW)
ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, volunteers will spend two hours cleaning up Alki – details here. To help, show up at Alki Bathhouse at 10 am. (2701 Alki SW)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.
DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: One more month to shop at this weekly market! Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, sweet treats, body-care products, more!
RICE, BEANS, HAPPINESS POP-UP: 10 am-3 pm at Milpa Masa (3416 SW Webster).
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE WRITING GROUP: On hiatus; no gathering until mid-October
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)
ANTIQUE MALL OF WEST SEATTLE SALE: 11 am to 5 pm today, second day of four-day sale. (4516 California SW)
ONE LAST DOG-SWIM SESSION: “Dog Days of Summer” last day at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW), noon-5 pm, $5 per dog to come swim in the pool (no humans in the pool, though) before it’s closed for offseason cleaning.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW/SW Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SHREKLEBALL: 1-4 pm, it’s the annual pickleball funfest and potluck for “Shrek” fans (well, fan status not required), as explained in our calendar listing, at Delridge Community Center. All welcome, even if you’re not an experienced pickleball player and you don’t have gear. (4501 Delridge Way SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:
The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.
HOPS FOR HOPS: Pet bunnies and drink beer at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 2-5 pm.
FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic returns at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), short, specific sessions, 3-5 pm.
GOOD DAY SAUNA’S LINCOLN PARK DEBUT: 4-8 pm portable sauna on the shore, sessions sold out per website.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, no cover, all ages.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 7 pm, tonight it’s two bands in the School of Rock Adult Showcase. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘NERDLESQUE RISES’: The return of nerdy burlesque, as previewed here – experience it tonight, 7:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Roc Phizzle at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).
SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSHS senior Breck Estep, #4, shows off the Huling Bowl trophy to the student section)
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Photos by Oliver Hamlin
For West Seattle Blog
In the annual football battle between the area’s two largest high schools, the 2025 Huling Bowl was claimed by West Seattle High School as the Wildcats triumphed over the Chief Sealth International High School Seahawks by a score of 17-10, in a hard-fought game in front of a packed house Friday night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
The Wildcats are reclaiming the trophy this year after the Seahawks had prevailed in the rivalry game last season. For this season, coach Anthony Stordahl’s Wildcats move to 2-0 after the win, while Daron Camacho‘s Seahawks were dealt their first loss to fall to 2-1.
Both schools’ crowds and their bands and cheer squads were out in full force at NCSWAC on Friday, including many of the WSHS students decked out in neon:
The energy was high as teams took the field:
Sealth senior Kingston Cappiello (#2) celebrates after making a stop in the first quarter:
WSHS junior Justice Nguyen (#1) grabbed a key interception on a deep pass:
Senior Breck Estep (#4) caught a pass to set the Wildcats up for their first touchdown:
This was followed by a WSHS touchdown pass from junior QB Desmond Parkinson (#12) to senior LJ Moody (#3) with 6:46 left in the quarter. After a successful extra point kick, the Wildcats were on top 7-0.
Sealth answered with a drive of their own, featuring plenty of work by senior QB MJ Filitaula (#12):
As well as junior Xander Gomez (#23), running down the field after catching a pass:
And senior Jessie Gilmore II gaining yards on the ground:
The Sealth drive was capped by a Filitaula TD run with 2:10 left in the first quarter:
…and the successful extra-point kick tied the game at 7-7, which was also the score as the 2nd quarter got underway.
West Seattle reclaimed the lead in the 2nd quarter on a TD run by senior Jesse Hansen-Wilson (#43), to go ahead 14-7 after the extra-point kick. The Wildcats added a field goal by senior Jonah Pelander (#7) to extend their lead to 17-7, and then Sealth answered with their own long field goal courtesy of senior Ogi Petronijvec (#1) as time expired in the first half, with West Seattle on top 17-10.
Parkinson moved the Wildcats down the field through the air:
…and on the ground:
Moody, taking a handoff from Parkinson:
Sealth senior Shane Tino (#52) celebrates a tackle in the 2nd quarter by revealing a shirt in honor his late aunt Liz (one of many matching shirts at the game, worn by the family):
Pelander kicks an extra point:
During halftime, both schools’ bands entertained, including drummers from WSHS:
…and Sealth:
Also at halftime, special guest Councilmember Rob Saka took the field with athletic directors Ernest Policarpio of CSIHS and Corey Sorenson of WSHS, as a “proclamation” was read by the PA announcer to commemorate the Huling Bowl and the participating schools.
In the 3rd quarter, the teams traded possessions until Sealth moved deep into Wildcat territory and scored an apparent touchdown, which the officiating crew waved off due to a penalty. This was followed by another penalty and ultimately a failed pass attempt into the end zone on 4th down, which meant the Seahawks came up empty and the Wildcats took over on downs.
The score remained 17-10 as the 3rd quarter ended, and in the final quarter the teams went back and forth (including a key Sealth fumble and WSHS recovery):
…with no points scored by either team in the fourth quarter (or in the entire 2nd half), the game ended with a 17-10 West Seattle win.
After the game, the Wildcats and their fans celebrated on the field with the Huling Bowl trophy. Here’s councilmember Saka with the winning squad:
The coveted trophy:
Both teams play on the road next week: Sealth on Thursday 9/25 at Ingraham at 7 pm, and West Seattle on Friday 9/26 at Lincoln HS at 7 pm.
Hair Force was the band onstage when we stopped by for a quick look at Holy Rosary School‘s “carnival of community” WestFest tonight. It’s closed now for the night but tomorrow’s the big day, 10 am to 10 pm, and the weather looks promising for kids to enjoy rides and bouncy toys:
Inside the school, you can play bingo …
… or shop the book sale.
Back outside, the lineup of food includes wings, Caesar salad, popcorn, cotton candy, burgers, hot dogs, mac ‘n’ cheese, brats, and pizza. All the outdoor activities are on the playground on the north side of the Holy Rosary campus, 42nd/Dakota.
The Junction is extra-busy tonight – fall Wine Walk night! We visited the spots where two WSB sponsors are pouring:
Heather Pilder Olson and Kathy Billington from Welcome Road Winery (3804 California SW) are pouring at Cherry Consignment. Their options tonight include their 2022 L’Oiseau, which won double gold at the Washington Wine Awards, their new release 2023 Claire (100% Malbec), and their new vintage 2024 Rosé. If you didn’t catch up with them tonight, their shop is open 3-7 tomorrow.
Nearby, at Hotwire Coffee, also on the north edge of The Junction:
Ben Viscon from Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW) is pouring in the cozy courtyard. He’s offering “The Inception Sauvignon Blanc, “Undone” Rosé, and “Heart Box Red” Merlot. And you can catch up with him tomorrow too, 1-6 pm.
Wine Walk is a fundraiser for the West Seattle Junction Association, which presents a full slate of events as well as managing services for Junction merchants; more than 30 winery-merchant pairings are part of it tonight. Next big event of the season is the Harvest Festival on October 26, with trick-or-treating, a costume parade, and more.
As reported here Thursday, the City Council said “no” to a proposal to add eight more Neighborhood Centers – designated hubs of residential and business growth – to the updated Comprehensive Plan. But we also noted that the one West Seattle possibility on the list, Alki, might come back for consideration again. And a vote taken by the council late this afternoon paves the way for that possibility:
A resolution spelling out Comprehensive Plan changes that might be considered next year included, Resolution 32183, included a call for studying those eight potential Neighborhood Centers that won’t be in this year’s changes. District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka tried to get Alki crossed off that list, saying that the area just doesn’t meet the criteria for being a Neighborhood Center, in the absence of good transit, medical facilities, a grocery store, and due to geographic isolation and environmental risk. He also accused those who favored the ideas of being YITBYs – “yes in THEIR back yard.” Despite his intense imploring, his Amendment 1 to remove Alki failed – four councilmembers for (Saka, Kettle, Nelson, Rivera), four against (Hollingsworth, Juarez, Rinck, Strauss), one abstaining (Solomon). This doesn’t necessarily mean Alki, and/or any of the other seven (which are outside WS), will be proposed again as a Neighborhood Center, but it keeps the possibility alive. The Comprehensive Plan update that the council’s been voting on contains seven Neighborhood Centers in West Seattle, as we first reported when it was unveiled eleven months ago. Alki was one of three WS Neighborhood Centers considered but not proposed, the city explained at the time (the other two were Highland Park and “Sylvan Junction,” near Delridge’s Home Depot store).
As mentioned in our previous story, this weekend will bring a celebration of artists and their work during the West Seattle Art Tour. Every month brings a smaller opportunity to see local creativity during the West Seattle Art Walk, on second Thursdays. You might not know there’s also a monthly art walk in White Center – the Rat City Art and Food Walk, on third Thursdays. We explored it last night for partner site White Center Now, and you can see the story and photos here.
This is the first year the West Seattle Art Tour has expanded to two days, so you’ve got lots of time this weekend to go meet local artists and see their work in creative spaces around the peninsula. Here’s one last reminder from organizers of this year’s Art Tour:
West Seattle Art Tour is this Saturday and Sunday, September 20-21, from 10 am to 5 pm!
Visit 14 artist-hosted locations across West Seattle on this free, self-guided tour that showcases a unique array of art created by exceptional West Seattle artists in the spaces where artists create, live, teach and work. Each host artist has opened their space to guest artists who live, work, teach or contribute to West Seattle’s vibrant art community. This year the Tour has expanded to a two-day event, with sites open 10-5 on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing more time for visitors to see all of the locations.
This year’s tour information includes a printable map, an interactive online map and artist profiles to help guests customize their own adventure across the West Seattle Peninsula. Tour stops are organized in a loop, starting with Daniel Bernunzio’s Highland Park studio at Stop No. 1 and finishing with Lea Basile-Lazarus’s Admiral studio at Stop No. 14.
Not sure where to start planning your Tour? Head over to the West Seattle Art Tour website, where you can explore using the online map, print off a paper copy of the map, view a virtual gallery and artist directory, and even check mobility access for sites.
Past tour guests recommend previewing the tour stops and planning your route with a paper map ahead of time, then using the online map to navigate across West Seattle. You’ll be ready to head out to discover new work, meet the artists, and enjoy a weekend full of art! Printed maps will also be available at each site, and can be picked up in advance at Alki Arts Gallery, Viscon Cellars, and WEND Jewelry.
The West Seattle Art Tour is organized by local artists and art lovers with support from West Seattle Art Walk as well as in-kind sponsorship from West Seattle Blog, Viscon Cellars, and Alki Arts.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“It’s been a busy month so far,” observed Alki Community Council president Charlotte Starck at the start of last night’s meeting. That was no exaggeration, given the major topics the meeting spanned in the course of just an hour and a half. They included:
REZONING VOTE: Starck mentioned the results of the Comprehensive Plan amendment votes hours earlier, including the rejection of citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck‘s Amendment 34 proposal to add an area of Alki to be designated as a Neighborhood Center. She had circulated word of the proposal, made in an amendment just a month ago, and said she and the ACC weren’t advocating for or against it, just saying that there wasn’t enough notification about it compared to the many months of lead time for other proposed Neighborhood Centers. One attendee was concerned about how they’ll get word if the Alki Neighborhood Center idea is revived again in the future. (And in fact, Starck tells WSB today that an expected proposal at the council’s 2 pm meeting today would call for spending a year studying Alki and the other seven potential Neighborhood Centers that were in Amendment 34 – see page 6 here.)
PARKS UPDATE INCLUDING BOAT RAMP CHANGE: Jon Jainga from Seattle Parks, who’s in charge of Park Rangers among other things, presented department updates from what was dubbed the “Summer of Safety” plan. He said one big lesson learned involved city-operated boat ramps including West Seattle’s Don Armeni Boat Ramp – they were going to go back to 24-hour operation but now the gates will be closed at Don Armeni and Golden Gardens at 11:30 pm until further notice. Private security will close the gates and a ranger will be on until 12:30 am to check on them, until Park Rangers’ shifts will move up to a 10:30 pm end. Jainga noted, though, that he still has 19 rangers for the entire city.
Stats included that rangers have visited Alki 168 times, performed 142 customer-service acts, educated people aboard littering and drinking, and that off-leash dogs have been an ongoing problem. “We’re not police officers, we’re more of a park ambassador,” aimed at getting voluntary compliance. But if they have to escalate, they can cite – and/or call police for no-trespassing orders.
At Alki, he said, rangers gave 2,075 liquor violence warnings, 515+ offleash animal warnings, 600+ for urinating in public, 220 for smoking, 110 for unpermitted vendors on park property (they’re working to get right to enforce on sidewalk), 104 for litter, 2 for vehicles parked in unauthorized times, 666 for fires in unpermitted areas, 45 911 calls for police assistance, 18 calls to SFD for help, 6 people referred to the Unified Care Team. Jainga said they’re still analyzing everything, because it was a first summer for many things – but he said the ongoing concerns are the same at other major city parks.
SEATTLE POLICE: Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair (photo above) and Officer German Barreto were there, as were Community Service Officers Jamie and Helene, as was Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown, who will add the Southwest Precinct to his South Precinct duties when SW CPC Jennifer Satterwhite goes on maternity leave next month.
(WSB file photo)
Earlier this week, a WSB reader reported getting a message on Find It Fix It saying that the app can no longer be used for reporting parking complaints – those have to be called in. We’ve been trying for a few days to get more information from SPD, since Parking Enforcement is part of the department. While waiting, we’ve just received the memo sent to various groups around the city by the Parking Enforcement manager (CSR would stand for the city’s Customer Service Requests):
As of about mid-day 9/19 (sorry, that is the timeframe the CSR team gave me):
Parking Enforcement will no longer be doing customer service requests (CSR) for parking complaints via Find it Fix it (Abandoned vehicle CSR will remain via Find it fix it).
The intention is to improve safety, reduce response times, and eliminate the calls that are no longer relevant.
All calls requiring a Parking Enforcement response except abandoned vehicles should be referred to the care non-emergency line (206) 625-5011 #8.
They will then dispatch us to the call.
Abandoned Vehicles can still be reported to Find it Fix it as that process remains unchanged.
Clayton Harrington #9735
Parking Enforcement Manager
Two more quick weekend previews – both for events happening tomorrow (Saturday, September 20):
FAUNTLEROY CHURCH RECYCLE ROUNDUP: Those are the first big collection containers to arrive from 1 Green Planet (DTG is its parent company) for tomorrow’s Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). 9 am-3 pm Saturday, ride up, walk up, drive up with items on this list for free dropoff. Organizers just have one request: Don’t wait till the last hour if you can possibly get there sooner!
ALKI BEACH CLEANUP: As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, volunteers will spend two hours cleaning up Alki – details here. To help, show up at Alki Bathhouse at 10 am Saturday.
(Lookout, public art at Joint Training Facility in SE West Seattle)
Here are Friday options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free drop-in indoor playtime for little ones is back, 10 am-11:30 am Fridays at Arbor Heights Community Church. (4113 SW 102nd)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
ANTIQUE MALL OF WEST SEATTLE SALE: First of four days, 11 am-7 pm (4516 California SW).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.
QI-GONG: 12:30-1 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW).
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, one more round of discussing/voting on measures related to the Comprehensive Plan. Here’s the agenda. (Watch live here.
DOG SWIM TIME AT ARBOR HEIGHTS POOL: The annual “Dog Days of Summer” returned this week! Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) opens its pool for dogs-only swimming, right before it’s closed offseason cleaning. 4-7 pm today plus noon-5 pm on Saturday. $5/session per dog. (Here’s our story from day 1.)
OUTDOOR MOVIE AND FREE ROCK CLIMBING: Camp Long (5200 35th SW) is showing “Jumanji“ tonight, around 7:30 pm after free rock climbing 5-7 pm.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle: “We have wines for picnics, cookouts, hikes, camping, boating, and even just hanging out on the deck.”
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION WINE WALK: 5-9 pm. Online ticket sales are closed but some tickets remain available if you show up at one of the check-in spots at 5 – details on the Junction Association‘s website.
HOLY ROSARY WESTFEST: 6-10 pm at the school, the festival begins! Music, games, food, more. See the schedule in our calendar listing. (42nd/Genesee/Dakota)
COMEDY AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, Midnight Mystery Theater brings radio-style comedy to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
HIGH-SCHOOL FOOTBALL: 7 pm tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle High School, in the annual crpsstown-counterparts match known as the Huling Bowl.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Johnny and the Moles, Fonkey Blues Time Machine, Contraband Contraband, doors 7, show 8, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe tonight! (4547 California SW)
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live bands – tonight, Storm Boy, Dead Streets – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $18 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:25 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales are back in the area this morning. Kersti Muul says it’s J-Pod again and that they are coming into view off Constellation Park, southbound. She also says one of them has a new calf.
8:36 AM: Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says she’ll be at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (across from Me-Kwa-Mooks) again this morning with binoculars to share.
8:42 AM: Kersti says the new calf is in view off Emma Schmitz/Me-Kwa-Mooks “with the J 16s” (family group).
9:26 AM: See comments for updates (and photos!). They’ll eventually head back north, and if we hear about that in the hours ahead, we’ll update this story.
Before we get to today’s highlight list, it’s time to start rolling out the weekend previews. We’re fairly sure “Nerdlesque Rises” is the liveliest entertainment experience on this weekend’s lineup. From pirates to … politics? … it’s a one-of-a-kind show set to take over the main theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center this Saturday. Here’s the preview with some bonus info from producer/performer Scarlett O’Hairdye, who is a West Seattleite too:
Nerdlesque Rises!
A nearly nude nerd revue!That’s right! Just like Godzilla rising from the deep, Unnatural Redhead Productions rises from a five-year slumber to bring its particular brand of nerdlesque back to Seattle! Join us this September at the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in West Seattle for an evening of nearly nude nerds celebrating their favorite fandoms and yours. ’80s cartoons! Gay pirates! Star Trek! A fully ADA-accessible theater! FREE PARKING! This show has it all!
You’ll get to see fandom faves live on stage from a diverse group of world-class burlesque performers, all in a beautiful theater with raked seating and great sightlines! Our cast will take you from the future of Star Trek to the swashbuckling seas of Our Flag Means Death, from the original ’80s She-Ra to cult classic Jean-Paul Gautier costumed The Fifth Element. It’s going to be fun! It’s going to be funny! It’s going to feature a live on-stage interview with mayoral candidate Katie Wilson! It’s going to be in your neighborhood!
Featuring burlesque performances by:
Scarlett O’Hairdye
Sin de la Rosa
Alexa Perplexa
Mx. Pucks A’Plenty
Ramona Rhapsody
Hosted by the incomparable Rebecca Mmm Davis!
Saturday, September 20th, 2025
$30 GA | $40 VIP | Season Tickets $100
18+
Doors 7 pm | Show 7:30 pmThe Thelma Dewitty Theater in the Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW)0
Scarlett also told us, when we asked some bonus questions:
West Seattle used to host a monthly burlesque revue at the Skylark, and we have some occasional one-off shows here and there (as well as the Kenyon Hall Drag Cabaret), but there hasn’t been a regular burlesque show in this neighborhood in years. Unnatural Redhead Productions and the Stay Up Late Show are pumped to bring this art to the neighborhood, and I’m pumped to be a ten-minute drive from the venue so I can go to bed as soon as possible after the show! I’ve lived here for the last fourteen years! West Seattle is my home, and I love the art and music scene we’ve cultivated on our little peninsula.
My goal is to make the season a celebration of our neighborhood and local businesses. For NERDLESQUE RISES! we’ve teamed up with Ounces Taproom and the Revelry Room for pre and post-show drinks – the Thelma Dewitty Theatre doesn’t have a built in bar, which means we can produce an 18+ show instead of 21+, but if people want an adult beverage before they show they can show their ticket receipt at Ounces for 20% off their order, and after the show at the Revelry Room for a special custom cocktail.
Tickets for the Saturday night Nerdlesque show are available here.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, September 19, 2025 – going into the final weekend of summer; fall starts Monday morning.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and in the low 70s today. Sunrise will be at 6:52 am; sunset, at 7:12 pm.
(Thursday’s smoky sunset, photographed by Aaron Brethorst)
WEEKEND PREVIEWS
-The Orca Half runs both days this weekend. No road closures, but be watchful for runners.
-Sunday morning brings the West Seattle Indivisible “Peace for All” gathering on Harbor Avenue’s Pier 1 property, so the blocks of Harbor south/east of Salty’s may be busier than usual.
ROAD WORK
–59th SW in Alki is closed for a month by the school-construction zone.
-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Issaquah, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where. Note that the systemwide fall schedule takes effect Sunday.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights through October 10.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to 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 (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
10:03 PM: Seattle Fire has a “full response” headed to a possible fire in a “commercial building” at 20th/Henderson. Updates to come.
10:07 PM: First unit arriving at the scene says it appears to be an exterior fire, possibly originating in a vehicle. But another firefighter just told dispatch they need to check inside because it might have spread.
10:12 PM: Firefighters report “smoke in the hallway” on first floor. Adding reader photo above; we have a crew on the way. … According to the address SFD crews just gave, it’s a residential building.
(Photo by Tim Durkan)
10:20 PM: They traced the fire to a unit, firefighters have told dispatch, but still believe it started with a vehicle; it’s under control.
(Added: Texted photo)
But northbound Delridge Way is blocked by the large response, avoid the area.
(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
10:23 PM: They now believe two units were affected.
10:31 PM: They’ve declared the fire tapped (out). No report of injuries. … Here’s the vehicle it’s blamed on; our crew reports being told this pickup truck’s engine seemingly “exploded”:
(WSB photo)
10:43 PM: The incident commandeer confirms to our crew at the scene that no one was hurt.
(Added: Texted photo)
11:19 PM: Delridge is now open all ways, police have told dispatch. Meantime, our crew has left the scene but photographer Tim Durkan is still there and tells us there’s now suspicion that the fire started in a portable toilet and THEN spread to the truck and on to the apartments.
ADDED 12:14 PM FRIDAY: Here’s what SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo says about the investigation:
The fire involved a portable toilet stall and a car, both located next to an apartment building. The fire extended to the building and caused significant damage to two apartment units. No injuries reported. Investigators ruled the cause of the fire as undetermined.
Thanks for the tips. The Guardian One helicopter circled for a while in southeast West Seattle after a report of possible gunfire off Detroit Avenue SW; no evidence found that we’ve heard so far, and the helicopter has moved on.
Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle remains the only shelter in West Seattle. It runs on donations and volunteers, and here’s a list of what they need now:
Westside Neighbors Shelter opens every morning of the year to provide people with a hot breakfast, a place to shower, and other necessities. Even in the summer, we’ve been serving between 30 and 50 hungry people each day. Keith reports that we are out of almost everything, and consequently spending more money every week to keep going. Can you help? Here are the most-needed items right now:
Regular and instant oatmeal
Instant hot chocolate mix
Powdered coffee creamer
Ground coffee
Krusteaz pancake mix
Bisquick
Cup-o-Noodles and Ramen
Potatoes
White and brown sugar
12 oz paper hot cups (no lids)
16 oz paper bowls
10” paper plates
Paper towels and napkins
Men’s socks, underwear, t-shirts
Disposable razors, travel-size shaving cream and toothpasteYou’ll find these items (and more) at our wish list:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2M8BX6UMZBG4H?Or, toss a few of these items in your cart next time you go shopping, and bring them by the shelter between 7 and 11 am any day of the week!
Find out more about the shelter at westsideneighborsshelter.org.
Thank you so much!
Lots of hot topics for Washington State Ferries lately, including the restoration of three-boat service on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route. Got a question? Concern? Comment? That and many other topics are up for discussion at WSF’s fall system-wide community meetings, happening online at 12:30 pm and 6 pm Thursday, October 2. WSF boss Steve Nevey says, “Each meeting will begin with a brief presentation about this summer’s increased service, our new vessel build program and recent changes here at WSF. Most of the time will be dedicated to answering questions.” You can register for one or both (WSF promises duplicate content) right now by going here.
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