West Seattle, Washington
22 Friday
11:47 PM: Police are blocking Admiral at Olga because of what’s described as a one-car crash on the embankment. No visual, and no mention of serious injuries, but they’re trying to head off the eastbound/southbound traffic before the crash scene.
12:44 AM: One lane still closed on eastbound/southbound Admiral.
12:49 AM … and now Admiral’s fully open again.
Thanks to Barry White for the report and photos from a historic achievement for West Seattle High School‘s cross country runners:
It was a great day at the Sea-King 3A District Championships on Thursday for the West Seattle HS XC runners and Head Coach Shelley Neal. This was the first time in program history that a full boys’ and girls’ team qualified for Districts at the same time.
Congrats to Aran Connolly, Lukas Doig, Clara Peak, and Daisy Pierson, who qualified individually for the WIAA State XC Championship next weekend in Pasco. Doig, Peak, and Pierson all ran PRs on the tough Lower Woodland course. The boys’ and girls; teams both finished 10th overall.
Our two Unified team runners, Elliott Weinmann and Garrison Etheridge, also qualified for State. They and their running partners Liam Baier and Ryan Wade will compete in the first-ever State Unified XC race in Pasco on 11/9 at 2:00 PM.
7:20 PM: Thanks to Jamie Kinney for the video from today’s Southern Resident Killer Whales “superpod” visit! He explains, “Here is an initial video of J, K, and L pods passing by Alki Point. There were easily 40 or more orcas in total across the three groups. I recorded this from Constellation Park, where ~30+ people were enjoying the experience. As I was heading home, I saw more than 150 people watching the whales from the western end of Alki Beach.” Jamie promises more visuals later tonight; we’ll add when we get them.
9:36 PM: From Jamie’s gallery (which you can see here):
The Southern Residents come into the central Sound this time of year chasing their favorite food, salmon – so it’s all intertwined with other sightings, like the coho in Fauntleroy and Longfellow Creeks. (Check out Fauntleroy Creek’s coho during this Sunday’s “open creek.”)
Halloween is segueing right into the holiday season this year. The Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show has opened its three-day run at Fauntleroy Church, and we have photos of some of the artists and their work – above, Diane Bellisario; below, Kristen Miller:
Judy Pickens provides the overview:
The 15th annual Fauntleroy Fine Art & Holiday Gift Show will be open this evening at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California Ave. SW) until 8 pm to showcase the creative talents of 18 local artists and artistic crafters. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists. Show hours Saturday will be 10 am-4 pm and Sunday hours will be 11 am-2 pm in Fellowship Hall.
Here’s the work of Yuchen Lin:
Thanks to Ana Cecilia Del Claro for the photos.
… what do you do with the pumpkins? Here’s one solution …
Mark sent the photo and explains, “Two pumpkins each weighing more than 400 pounds were trucked today from Metropolitan Market to a farm in Enumclaw. ‘Yeah, the pigs just love ’em,’ the crew said.”
1:42 PM: Avoid the westbound west end of the West Seattle Bridge for a while – another crash reported.
1:55 PM: From beneath the bridge at south end of Admiral, you can see traffic moving, slowly. Radio traffic indicates it’s a flipped vehicle.
2:01 PM: Thanks to Kyle Pommer for the photo.
2:27 PM: Commenter Jenny reports all lanes have reopened. We’re checking with SFD on injuries.
(Photo sent by Casey)
2:39 PM: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells us, “The occupant of the vehicle got out on their own. Crews assessed an approximately 24-year-old man but no injuries were reported. No transport.”
Thanks for the tips – the changeover has happened on the Admiral Way Bridge, as earthquake-resistance work continues, and traffic is now using the north half of the bridge (which is technically two bridges), with the south half closed to traffic. The outside northernmost lane is handling westbound traffic, and the inside lane is handling eastbound. Pedestrians are also now routed to the north side of the bridge. Fairmount Avenue beneath the bridge also remains closed for the duration of the project, into early next year. And commenter Admiral 2009 notes that today’s changes mean Walnut Avenue SW is closed at Admiral.
Meet The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary, a returning WSB sponsor. Here’s what The Bridge School would like you to know about what they do:
The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is a small, independent K-5 school located in White Center. Find us on social media to see what our community is up to these days, and read on to learn what we’re all about!
What We Teach & How
Our curriculum is designed to support students as learners exactly where they’re at academically, while prioritizing relationships and social-emotional learning. Classroom teachers have over a decade of teaching experience and use multi-age classes and hands-on learning to excite young learners. With specialized instructors, nature and the arts take center stage with our Outdoor Education and Creative Enrichment programs. Students spend one day a week learning outdoors and have ample time exploring visual arts, music, and theater.
What Makes Our Cooperative School Different
There’s no one way to do co-op at The Bridge School! Families are welcomed into all aspects of the school, from working as teaching assistants in classrooms, to accompanying young naturalists on outdoor days, to leadership and governance. Participation looks different for everyone, as families’ contributions are tailored to fit their availability and skills. For all, however, it’s the shared values of community and support that make The Bridge School a school home for students and adults alike.
Spaces Available for This Year
Are you considering a school change for 24-25? Our small class sizes and focus on meeting each student where they’re at allow us to ease the transition for students joining throughout the year. The community of teachers, students and families welcome each new student with open arms. Our Monday Outdoor Ed and Friday Arts enrichment are also open to homeschooling families. Contact Amanda amanda@bridgeschoolcoop.org for more details about mid-year enrollment.
Come Get to Know Us
All are welcome at our upcoming Open Houses Saturday, November 16th and December 7th 10 am-12 noon. Children are welcome to explore our classrooms and playground and light refreshments will be served. Teachers, current families, and Head of School will be on hand to answer questions and show you around.
How You Can Support the Mission of The Bridge School
We’re so glad you asked! Consider purchasing your holiday wreaths through our Holiday Greenery Sale (open until Nov. 11) and save the date for our annual auction February 1, 2025 – it’ll be a circus-themed good time with performers, games, and unique auction items!
Community members are also welcome to reach out about partnering with The Bridge School. We love to take learning outside the classroom, so if you’re with a small business or non-profit that would like to engage elementary students for community service or learning opportunities, please reach out.
The Bridge School is at 10300 28th SW; here’s how to reach them.
(Great Blue Heron, photographed by Tom Trulin)
November begins! Here are highlights for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (go there any time to look into the future), First, the Halloween/fall events:
FOOD/CLOTHING DRIVE CONTINUES: End of the first week of the dropoff drive at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) to benefit students and families served by the Care Center, until 4 pm inside the school.
INDOOR PLAY: Need an indoor place for your little one to play? 10 am-11:30 am, you’re welcome to “Stay ‘n’ Play” at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Third-to-last day to visit the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see the art in this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase. The library is open today 10 am-6 pm.
SSC GARDEN CENTER: As we get further into fall, season-appropriate plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW & SW Stevens)
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 12:15 pm-12:45 pm Fridays. More info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM: 1-6 pm, open in the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
FAUNTLEROY FINE ART AND GIFT SHOW: First of three sessions for this year’s show at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 5-8 pm. Our calendar listing includes the list of artists.
VISCON CELLARS: Season’s just right for this cozy tasting room/wine bar, open for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm – at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘NIGHTFALL’ CHARITY HAUNT: Annual spooky experience continues post-Halloween, 5:30-9:30 pm, with a “trick-or-treat trail” for the first hour. Private West Seattle residence – go here for more info.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 7-9 pm, Gary Benson with Ellen Reed at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN SHOW: Costumes encouraged! Doors 7 pm, music 8 pm at The Skylark, Remainders, Odd Blossom, Leo Leo, Joyla Red. (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10, 21+.
AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
FOOTBALL: One local team plays tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – West Seattle HS vs. Bishop Blanchet at 7:30 pm.
MAKE IT LOUD: Tonight’s music at Southgate Roller Rink is: Sugar Bones, Midpack, Heavy Bloom. Here’s the ticket link. $5 skates, 21+. (9646 17th SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight tonight! (4547 California SW)
JARAY’S DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buzsy at Jaray’s Lounge (2216 SW Orchard).
Are we missing anything? If you have something else to add to our event lists and calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:37 AM: Southern Resident Killer Whales from J Pod are back in the area, Kersti Muul tells us this morning. This time they are southbound, “spread across the channel” and at last report approaching Point Williams (that’s where Colman Pool is at Lincoln Park). Let us know if you see them!
9:42 AM: Kersti says the whales are now headed northbound.
5:08 PM: They’re still in the area, says Kersti, who pointed out earlier that it appeared to be more than J Pod; it’s a “superpod,” according to Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who’s out in the Alki area leading shore-based watching. She says researchers Mark and Maya Sears are out with the whales too – and that most if not all of the Southern Residents are here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, November 1st, two days to go until Daylight Saving Time ends (2 am Sunday, we “fall back” one hour, into Standard Time).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Showery today, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:54 am, while sunset will be at 5:50 pm – second-to-last sunset before the time change.
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; traffic may move from the south half of the bridge to the north half today (depending on the weather). 9:42 AM UPDATE: A reader says the switch is being made right now.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
*Monday alert re: East Marginal:
On Monday, November 4, we will fully close East Marginal Way S between S Spokane St and S Hanford St to install the permanent lane striping on the new sections of the roadway. Access to and from East Marginal Way S from S Horton St and S Hinds St will also be closed. The closure will be in effect from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Routes for people, walking, rolling, and biking will be maintained on E Marginal Way S but may have reroutes to avoid active construction. Please be alert for signage and flaggers directing traffic when traveling through the area.
This work is weather dependent and may be rescheduled due to rain.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route this morning; check here for last-minute changes.
Metro buses today – Regular schedule.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule.
WEEKEND NOTE
*Seahawks home game vs. Rams on Sunday, so it’ll be busy that afternoon in the stadium zone.
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!
(Screenshot from SDOT camera)
According to emergency-radio traffic, there are two crashes on the West Seattle Bridge right now – including five cars on the westbound side. They’re blocking off the eastbound entrance just past 35th/Fauntleroy, and some cars stuck behind a fire engine are turning around to go back the wrong way. So avoid the southwest end of the bridge for a while. No word of any major injuries.
From both ends of West Seattle, reader reports in Crime Watch:
THE PACKAGE THIEF WORE A LAMPSHADE: From Lisa:
I just arrived home to see that the Dyson headphones I ordered on Amazon were delivered and left on my front porch where the person in this video promptly stole it (three minutes after the delivery) I live on 14th & Trenton. I’ll be reaching out to Amazon to find out why they would leave something that expensive and will be filing a police report.
NORTH ADMIRAL CAR PROWL #1: Dave reports this happened early Tuesday: “Around midnight, a few cars on my block (SW Grayson between 50th and 51st) were rifled through. SPD responded pretty quickly and said that nearby blocks might have been targeted too. Thanks to two of my neighbors who heard noises, chased the people off, and called 911. SPD incident number is 2024-306519.”
MORE NORTH ADMIRAL CAR PROWLS: Then at least two more happened on Tuesday night. This is from Troy:
Over the past three weeks our neighborhood (Palm Ave SW) has been targeted by car prowlers and prowlers on foot. All of these thefts are extremely brazen and increasingly early and early in the evening (10:00 pm). We are trying to put together a neighborhood meeting to discuss hiring private security and or civilian watches throughout the evening hours.
Election Day is five days away. Three notes tonight:
HOW MANY HAVE AND HAVEN’T VOTED? We’ve been checking in on this stat. As of tonight, 43 percent of King County ballots are in – 56 percent via dropbox, 42 percent via USPS. (The city of Seattle is a little ahead of that, 44.6 percent.) If you go eight pages into the stats, you’ll find out how many ballots have been collected from each dropbox. The box in The Junction has the fourth-highest total – almost 9,000 – behind KC Elections HQ, Ballard, and Redmond.
ELECTION NIGHT PARTIES: So far, we have four on the list – The Skylark, Circa, Alpha Kappa Alpha graduate chapter at Brockey Center, and Pacific NW Black Pride at Youngstown Flats. We’re updating the list in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar. Who else? Email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – or comment below.
PRE-ELECTION PRAYER VIGIL Pre-election rallies are fairly common. Pre-election prayer vigils, not so much, but Peace Lutheran Church in Gatewood is offering one before Election Day. You’re invited to visit the church (39th/Thistle) between 5 and 7 pm on Sunday (November 3) for a “safe, contemplative space for people to gather in anticipation of Election Day.” This is nonpartisan – the church stresses that “all are welcome.”
The first big event of the night has 16th SW closed to traffic between Roxbury and SW 100th, as White Center’s “Halloweentown” welcomes trick-or-treaters, among others – actually “trunk or treaters,” with decorated low-rider cars on the west side of the north block:
Go admire the decorated trunks and grab some candy.
Even well before dark, the ghosts and goblins were out marauding.
Individual venues have activities too – travel through the scary-clown inflatable arch at Big Mario’s Pizza/Alpine Diner (WSB sponsors) and you’ll find pumpkins to paint:
More grownup fun is part of the party later in the evening too – Halloweentown is in the spirit until 2 am.
If the season has your family in school-shopping mode, you might be interested in an open house coming up Saturday. Independent West Seattle K-5 Tilden School (WSB sponsor) is opening the doors on Saturday afternoon, 1-3 pm, for prospective families to come visit. Tilden is just north of The Junction, co-housed with, but not affiliated, with First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW). You can RSVP for the open house by going here.
(WSB photo, October 13)
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has filed a charge of second-degree murder against 26-year-old Donte E. Duran, the man arrested in the shooting death of 53-year-old Oton Garcia Ruiz at Shree’s Truck Stop in southeast West Seattle on October 13. The charging documents confirm that Garcia Ruiz and Duran didn’t know each other, and that Duran allegedly fired a gun toward the gas station aiming for people with whom he had been in a fight moments earlier – Garcia Ruiz just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Security video from a nearby business captured “seven clear gunshots”; Garcia Ruiz was killed by one that struck him as he sat in his car. After police released security images of what they described as a man “involved” in the deadly shooting, people who said they recognized Duran from his job in the warehouse at Food Lifeline in South Park. He then turned himself in. Prosecutors say he does not have a significant criminal history; he remains held on $2 million bail, awaiting arraignment on November 13.
Two and a half weeks after community members sang and drummed to call the coho into Fauntleroy Creek, salmon have arrived, Judy Pickens reports:
Veteran salmon watcher Dennis Hinton not only saw the first spawner of the season enter Fauntleroy Creek late yesterday (10/30) but also took the first photo (above). Volunteers report more spawners poised to enter from Fauntleroy Cove.
Sunday (11/3) the public can come have a look when the Fauntleroy Watershed Council hosts an all-ages “open creek” 1:00-3:00 pm. Dress for the weather and make your way to the fish ladder viewpoint at SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW (on the bluff across from the ferry terminal). A volunteer will invite you down to creek level to check out the habitat, ask questions, and maybe see spawners. Children should bring a parent and dogs should be on leash.
(Photo courtesy Kristin)
That’s a 2023 photo of the Arbor Heights “Haunted Alley,” on SW 102nd between 35th SW and 36th SW. “It’s spooky but also family friendly,” says Kristin, who emailed us about it this morning. Here are other highlights from our Halloween list:
TODDLER PUMPKIN PALOOZA: Fun for little ones at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), 10 am-noon. Admission is a food donation for West Seattle Food Bank.
RON & BRIAN’S HALLOWEEN EXTRAVAGANZA: We’ve been previewing this one. See it tonight on 47th SW between Hanford and Hinds.
WHITE CENTER HALLOWEENTOWN BLOCK PARTY: Celebrate Halloween in the street! 16th SW between Roxbury and SW 100th, 4 pm-2 am.
MEEDS MANOR HAUNTED HOUSE: 5:30-9 pm, famous neighborhood haunted house, collecting donations for youth basketball. (3011 45th SW)
HENRY’S HAUNTED HOUSE: Around the corner from Meeds Manor, 11-year-old Henry has built a haunted house you can see 6-9 pm – 47th/Hanford.
‘NIGHTFALL’ CHARITY HAUNT: Annual spooky experience, 5:30-9:30 pm, with a “trick-or-treat trail” for the first hour. Private West Seattle residence – go here for more info.
NIGHTMARE ON 44TH: This might be the last year for David Williams‘ front-yard animatronics show, 6-9 pm on 44th between Charlestown and Andover.
REVELRY ROOM HALLOWEEN SOIREE: 8 pm-2 am, costume contest and more. (4547 California SW)
SKELETON SKATE: 8:30 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW).
See other Halloween sights in our archive; for non-Halloween events, see our West Seattle Event Calendar.
9:28 AM: Police are searching in Sunrise Heights/Westwood for two people, at least one of whom bailed out of a vehicle that had two punctured tires. The Guardian One helicopter is joining the search. Police apparently know who they’re looking for because they say both have warrants. The person they know is on foot is described as a white man, tall, thin, dark clothing, in the company of a small dog. The vehicle they’re looking for is a 1988 black Chevrolet pickup. Call 911 if you’ve seen either the suspect or pickup.
9:47 AM: Guardian One hasn’t seen evidence of the truck or suspect(s), so it’s departing the area.
9:53 AM: Police just found the truck in the 7500 block of 24th SW, no one inside.
Local salon owner Karie Koltz (above right) and stylist friend Linda Turner (above left) are embarking on a trip to Cambodia to volunteer with Justice and Soul, whose founder Matthew Fairfax is also a West Seattleite. Karie explains, “The foundation provides cosmetology education to at-risk youth and sex-trafficked young men and women. We are going for 4-5 weeks to volunteer our services and teach workshops for the graduates.” The trip is explained here; they’re crowdfunding to help cover the cost and welcoming donations – go here to chip in.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, October 31st, three days to go until Daylight Saving Time ends (early next Sunday, we “fall back” one hour, into Standard Time).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Cloudy with showers today, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise will be at 7:53 am, while sunset will be at 5:52 pm. Watch out for trick-or-treaters tonight!
ROAD WORK
*The Admiral Way Bridge seismic project continues; traffic is expected to move from the south half of the bridge to the north half at the end of this week.
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project also continues, with narrowing at Delridge/Oregon.
TRANSIT
Washington State Ferries today – Regular 2-boat service on the Triangle Route this morning; check here for last-minute changes.
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!
10:02 PM: Police and fire are arriving at a crash dispatched as a “rescue extrication” response in the 6300 block of 48th SW, with an unconscious driver. They’re closing 48th north of Graham. Reader Al says the driver appears to have crashed into another car. Police say the driver will have to be cut out of the vehicle. Updates to come.
10:09 PM: SFD is reported to be doing CPR on the driver.
(Photo sent by Deb)
10:24 PM: One witness says the driver’s Volvo was “flying” down 48th before slamming into the parked car. SFD has just declared the driver, believed to be a 31-year-old man, dead. The street will be closed for some hours to come while SPD investigates.
10:45 PM: Traffic Collision Investigation detectives are on the way, dispatch was just told.
EARLY THURSDAY MORNING: As of 2 am, Al updates us, the road was open again. … Here’s the SPD Blotter summary (though we’ve already reported most of the info).
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: Neighbor Al sent this photo, saying friends of the man killed in the crash have been by to memorialize him at the site:
His ID hasn’t been officially released yet – possibly later this afternoon.
3:32 PM: He’s been identified as Riley G. Kestner. Radio traffic while the incident was unfolding indicates he lived nearby.
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