West Seattle, Washington
09 Sunday
Thanks for the tip. Traffic is backing up toward the eastbound end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge because of what was initially reported as a spinout crash. So if you have to head this way via I-5, you might want to wait a while.
West Seattle Joiners is a new organization evangelizing something that’s been at the heart of WSB for more than a decade and a half – making sure you know about what’s going on in the community, and how to jump in, whether it’s checking out a small club or getting involved with a not-so-small organization. The Joiners are working to bring people together face to face, and their first events – just under a month away – will do just that. Here’s the full announcement we just received:
Community is better in person. Looking to find your people—or your purpose—in West Seattle? Mark your calendar for a weekend of community, conversation, and connection with two back-to-back events designed to inspire civic engagement and local belonging.
Friday, November 7 – Film Screening: “Join or Die”
Kick off the weekend by joining West Seattle Meaningful Movies for a special screening of the documentary Join or Die—a thought-provoking film that explores why joining clubs, civic organizations, and community groups matters more than ever. Stay afterward for an engaging audience discussion about how connection and participation can strengthen our neighborhoods.Location: Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation
7141 California Avenue SW
Time: Doors open at 6:45 PM | Film begins at 7:15 PM | Discussion until ~9:15 PMAdmission is free! Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.
Saturday, November 8 – West Seattle Joiner Jamboree
Continue the momentum at the West Seattle Joiner Jamboree, a vibrant community fair featuring over 40 local clubs and organizations from West Seattle and White Center. Meet current members and discover new ways to get involved–from social clubs and service organizations to creative and outdoor groups.Location: St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (Fellowship Hall)
3050 California Ave SW
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PMAdmission is free! Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.
Experience the film, then explore the connections, and leave inspired to join in and make a difference right here in West Seattle.
If this California sea lion turns up again on a local beach, Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network hopes to hear about it. SSMMSN’s Lynn Shimamoto explains why in this report and photo from its appearance at Lincoln Park:
On Wednesday, Seal Sitters responded to a call about a California sea lion at Lincoln Park. Bree, the caller, was rightly concerned – Seal Sitters first responder found an emaciated and lethargic sea lion lying on the beach only 25 feet from the sidewalk.
Volunteers set up a perimeter to keep people and pets away, well aware that the sea lion may be suffering from a transmissible infection. Just before the sea lion swam away in the early afternoon, marine mammal veterinarian Dr Stephanie Norman arrived for a visual assessment.
Dr. Norman thinks the animal’s symptoms suggest leptospirosis, though the sea lion could also have cancer. According to our stranding partner SR3, California sea lions are currently experiencing an outbreak of leptospirosis. This zoonotic disease primarily affects the kidneys and is often fatal to sea lions. Humans and their pets can contract lepto through direct contact with urine or feces, or contaminated water or soil.
The stranding network hopes to test the sea lion and evaluate for treatment when it hauls out again. If you see a marine mammal on the beach, please call the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-SEAL (206-905-7325).
(Photo by Janelle Otterholt)
Sorry for the delay of our list of what’s happening today/tonight, but here it finally is, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead):
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
DROP-IN COWORK HANGOUT AT THE VOID: Coffee and connections, new weekly casual coworking hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Explore options for your fall gardening! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The artworks on display are placed all around Southwest Library (9010 California SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
CHAMBER ELECTION FORUM: West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly lunch hosts Mayor Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson, 11:30 am at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Fee.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today.
FRESH HOP BEER FEST: 3-day celebration starts today at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), 3 pm-midnight
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: 4 pm, West Seattle HS hosts Garfield for girls’ soccer at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
EVERGREEN HIGH SCHOOL COMMUNITY GRAND OPENING: The rebuilt high school in White Center opens its doors to the community tonight for a celebration and self-guided tours, 4-7 pm. (830 SW 116th, White Center)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Jeremy’s Chicken.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Aimed at families with preschoolers through 4th graders. 4:30-6:30 pm open house. (35th/Myrtle)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK: Dozens of displays and venues, from Alki to Morgan Junction, most open starting at 5 pm. To see who’s having receptions tonight, as well as who’s offering food/drink specials, see this page.
THE ART OF MUSIC: To enhance tonight’s Art Walk, three mini-concerts are scheduled, all 6 pm-7:45 pm, at venues in The Admiral District, The Junction, and Morgan Junction. See the artists and venues here.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online presentation/discussion, this time about navigating gender. Our calendar listing includes info and the registration link.
BOOK LAUNCH: West Seattle author Bob Wyss launches “Black Gold” tonight at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW), 6:30 pm, as previewed here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle! Also participating in tonight’s West Seattle Art Walk.
JOHN LENNON TRIBUTE AT TIM’S: In White Center tonight: John Lennon celebration with Joe Ross and Friends, live music 6-9 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander), it’s the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Is walking more your speed? Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
’90S TRIVIA: Play at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: Third week! 7:30 pm. Our calendar listing has info including the ticket link. (4711 California SW)
DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with Supreme La Rock, 8 pm.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
10:02 PM: Thanks for the tips. Several police cars are out along Alki Avenue in the Duwamish Head area. They’re dealing with a person in crisis, a man who at one point was reported to be in the water.
10:11 PM: Tipsters report police have left the scene; we don’t yet know the status of the person with whom they were dealing.
Starting today and continuing until the end of October, the West Seattle High School food drive welcomes community help – here’s the announcement:
Please support West Seattle High School’s annual food drive Thursday, October 9-Friday, October 31. All proceeds go directly to West Seattle High School students.
The community can make donations directly to the school’s food fund by following the QR code (on this flyer) or by dropping off food and clothing to West Seattle High’s historic entrance off Walnut Ave SW at 3000 California Ave SW on Monday October 13, 20, and 27 from 4-6 pm.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, October 9, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today is cloudy, likely showery, high in the low 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:20 am; sunset, at 6:31 pm.
SCHOOL REMINDER
For Seattle Public Schools (among others) tomorrow, no classes.
ROAD WORK
–59th SW in Alki may still close intermittently because of the school-construction project, so be prepared for possible detours.
-“Natural drainage” construction closing the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF continues two-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Issaquah, because of a boat breakdown on another route, and today will run M/V Cathlamet as an unscheduled third boat. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any other changes.
Water Taxi – Today, regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule; Friday night (October 10) is the last night this season of planned later-night service.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
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, maritime-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!
The second Thursday arrives early this month – that’s tomorrow night, and it brings the West Seattle Art Walk! Here’s the fall/winter quarter of venues for art and/or food/drink specials, from Alki to Morgan Junction:
Specific venues and artists are highlighted on this page of the West Seattle Art Walk website – see who and what will be featured at receptions tomorrow night (mostly 5 pm-8 pm), from Babs Fulton‘s animal collage at West Seattle Arcade on Alki Beach, to Dan Jacobs‘s imagery at Hawthorne Massage in North Admiral. Dan’s work is featured on this quarter’s Art Walk poster and other promotional material:
And tomorrow night at all three Junctions, you’ll find Art of Music mini-concerts between 6 and 7:45 pm. In Morgan Junction, Heather Ward sings at Whisky West – here’s a sample of her music:
At CAPERS (WSB sponsor) in The Junction, Terra Nova Duo performs; here’s our video from their Art of Music gig a year ago:
And at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way in The Admiral District, you’ll see Guitar Gil – preview his music here:
Read more about all three here. (WSB is a community co-sponsor of the West Seattle Art Walk – we’ll see you out and about Thursday night!
Thanks to Joanna for tonight’s spotlight photo! She sent photos of several displays she’s seen around North Admiral; this one mixes multiple genres of spooky decor. Thanks to everybody who’s already sent photos – Halloween is just a little over three weeks away, so we’re showcasing decorations every night. Send photos of your own display or one(s) you’ve seen – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
A reader who didn’t know the backstory of that boat, sitting ashore in a Don Armeni Boat Ramp parking space, sent that photo today, and he was not the first to ask us this week how long the boat will remain there. If you missed the backstory too, the boat drew multiple emergency responses in early September, first off Beach Drive, then at Don Armeni ater it was towed there. A man who identified himself as its owner put it on a trailer – and then was arrested for allegedly stealing the trailer. (We checked court records, and it does not appear charges have been filed. He subsequently said his truck, which he was going to use to tow the trailer and boat, was stolen.) So the boat remains parked, toward the southeast side of Don Armeni. We asked Parks what the plan is for removing it, if there is one; spokesperson Rachel Schulkin replied, “We’re still working on setting a date for the contractor to come pick up the boat. From there we’ll seek reimbursement through the WA state derelict boat program.”
The second year of Duwamish River cleanup in-water work is under way, and that means overnight closures for the South Park Bridge (shown in SDOT cam view some nights. King County Road Services has just announced the second round starts tomorrow night:
Upcoming Closure:
16th Ave S (South Park Bridge) between East Marginal Way S and Dallas Ave S
10/9, 10/10, 10/11 – OvernightThe South Park Bridge on 16th Ave S (between East Marginal Way S and Dallas Ave S) will be closed to all vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians on:
Thurs. Oct. 9 at 7 p.m. to Fri. Oct. 10 at 6 a.m.
Fri. Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. to Sat. Oct. 11 at 6 a.m.
Sat. Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. to Sun. Oct. 12 at 6 a.m.This closure is necessary for King County to maintain an ‘open’ bridge position to accommodate a barge crane for waterway work. This work could be cancelled or extended.
Please plan ahead and use alternate routes. Emergency vehicles will not have access through the work zone.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The former Haymaker space (4706 California Ave SW) in The Junction will reopen, possibly mid-2026, with two new food options, both franchises owned by the Kirkland-based Keshap Group. Sana Keshap has confirmed to West Seattle Blog what permit documents seemed to suggest last month when we first reported on a “leased” sign in the window: that Dave’s Hot Chicken will take up the lion’s share of the space. The balance will go to another of the Keshap Group’s franchises, Gong Cha, purveyor of teas including boba.
“Our goal is to open them at the same time,” says Keshap, who is managing the build-out of Dave’s locations around the Pacific Northwest. Her sister Prachi is heading up the Gong Cha franchise locations, the first of which opened last Friday, not coincidentally right across the street from the group’s first Dave’s location on Capitol Hill at 12th and Pike.
Having the two franchises in close proximity is something Keshap thinks will be a natural combination, given the menus. “You have hot and spicy chicken and then you get a milky bubble tea, the sweet treat after having something spicy.” She says they plan to see how that synchronicity plays out both on Capitol Hill and in West Seattle as the Keshap Group plans as many as 15 Dave’s in Western Washington from Olympia to Bellingham and 50 Gong Cha locations across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.
Why West Seattle? Keshap says that in the time since the Capitol Hill location has been open, she’s talked with many customers who said they’d driven there from the peninsula and would love to see a location closer to home. Then it turned out that the owner of the building that includes the Haymaker also owns a building in Ballard where the Keshap Group has a Papa John’s. Having a space large enough for both franchises, fans in the neighborhood and a known landlord were all signs to move forward. “They’re excited to work with us,” she said, and agreed to a 10-year lease.
Keshap sees the two shops bringing energy and new food options to the Junction in a location that already attracts the kind of people who are their customers, with Easy Street Records just across the street. “I don’t think there’s any fried chicken concepts out there. [Dave’s has] a young, fun, funky vibe. It just fits the Seattle vibe very well.”
Dave’s Hot Chicken will be on the north side of the space, with Gong Cha on the side facing the walking path to the south that goes through to the alley. Keshap Group will seek a single contractor to build out both spaces concurrently.
Still up in the air is the open hours for both stores. Keshap says the group tends to keep hours consistent throughout their franchises, but they have adjusted their first Dave’s location based on demand. On Capitol Hill that means opening at 10 am each day, and closing at 2am except Friday and Saturday, when they’re open until 4 am. “So is there a demand for that late [in West Seattle]?” she asked. “I’m not sure yet.”
Keshap says the next Dave’s Hot Chicken to open will be in Redmond on October 30th, followed by Tacoma in December and Federal Way in January. A location in Puyallup is also in the works for 4th quarter of 2026. Gong Cha has more than 2,000 locations worldwide.
The process that determines whether someone is charged with a crime can move slowly. First step is whether law enforcement sends the case to prosecutors for possible charges. Then, prosecutors’ decision on whether to file charges. King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion (a West Seattleite) announced this morning that the latter step will be completed within a month – from the announcement:
King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion is announcing that, as of October 1, 2025, adult felony and all juvenile cases referred by law enforcement to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are subject to a 30-day review timeline to determine whether charges will be filed. The 30-Day Case Review, which is now in effect, has never been attempted in this way in the history of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which spans more than 135 years.
“Making charging decisions within 30 days is part of our commitment to improve the aspects of the justice system that are within our control,” said King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion. “The 30 Day Case Review is better for victims, law enforcement, defendants and our community – who should expect their government to continue raising the bar on service delivery. I want to commend the dedicated public servants in the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office who made this change possible and whose ongoing efforts will continue to deliver thoughtful responses.” …
… Under this new policy, King County Prosecutors will communicate a filing decision – whether the case will be filed (charged), declined, used as part of another case, or if the law requires additional evidence from police investigators – within 30 days of law enforcement referral. The result is everyone in King County will have greater certainty in receiving a response from the justice system – and in what timeframe. Victims will know what to expect faster after experiencing harm, law enforcement will see the results of their investigations faster, defendants will have more timely notice of whether they are facing charges, and the community will have more confidence in the justice system’s response.
This does not mean more cases are being dismissed, nor does it create a spike in new case filings. Cases will continue to be reviewed thoroughly for sufficient evidence or investigative follow up. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has been working toward this point for months, and for years has consistently filed between 20-30 felony cases daily. The 30-Day Case Review Policy, which is now in effect, has never been attempted in this way in the history of the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which spans more than 135 years.
Research suggests that a more certain response – i.e. the risk of being caught – plays an important role in deterring crime. In other words, issuing swifter consequences from the justice system can help increase the impact of those consequences….
You can read the full announcement here. Note that this just involves the prosecutors’ part of the process … law enforcement agencies might still take longer than a month to get a case to them.
10:20 AM: Avoid 15th/Roxbury – a truck driver is reported to have hit a utility pole and hydrant, and dispatch says “water is flooding the streets.” Video sent by a reader shows water indeed is gushing from the hydrant.
10:37 AM: An officer just told dispatch the trailer has a blown-out tire, so it’s likely to be there a while.
(Photo by Robert Spears, last night)
Here’s what’s happening for your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):
CHIEF SEALTH IHS FUNDRAISER @ PANDA EXPRESS: Get food from/at Westwood Village‘s new Panda Express 10 am-10 pm today and a percentage will support CSIHS. Our calendar listing has the code to use if you’re ordering online; otherwise, just tell them you’re there for the benefit.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: The artworks on display are placed all around Southwest Library (9010 California SW), and you can visit any time during regular hours, 12 pm-8 pm today.
NO AMERICAN MAH JONGG TODAY: Afternoon meetups are still on hold until The Missing Piece reopens in its new West Seattle Junction location.
FREE KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS:
ARBOR HEIGHTS WALKING TOUR: SDOT is leading a walking tour of places in Arbor Heights that might get sidewalks with Transportation Levy funding. Meet at Arbor Heights Elementary (3701 SW 104th) at 5 pm.
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, new weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix your broken item instead of throwing it out! 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).
POETRY AT C & P: PoetryBridge at C & P Coffee, 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW)
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project is a seasonal pumpkin luminary. (3400 Harbor SW)
FREE ART CLASS: 6-8 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required, come play!
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Monthly meeting, 6 pm, this time via Zoom – see the agenda here.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: An energetic way to mark the middle of the week – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome, regardless of pace!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
KUNDALINI YOGA: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia spots on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open mic – 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: You’re invited to sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Two announcements for West Seattle cake bakers!
(WSB photo, cake-contest entries, 2023)
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL CONTEST: The cake competition – and a fun way for festivalgoers to win a cake – is just a week and a half away! The announcement is from Emer:
The Fauntleroy Fall Festival is on Sunday, October 19th at the Fauntleroy YMCA, Church Parking lot and surrounding community spaces, from 2-5 pm.
We will be accepting fall themed cakes by noon that day in the Vashon Room at the Hall.
The cakes will be entered in beginner, intermediate, and advanced categories. Please provide your name and contact details so we can notify you in case of winning.
-Voting will be from 2-3.
-Votes will be tabulated from 3-3:30
-Winners will be announced at 3:30 and from there we will jump into the Cake Trot. Cakes will be given away to Cake Trot winners.Questions can be directed to fauntleroyfallfestfood@gmail.com
And while we’re talking cakes …
DECORATING CLASSES AT BAKED: The nationally recognized custom cake creators at BAKED in the Admiral District are ready to teach you their decorating secrets! They’ve announced three weekend classes this fall – the registration links, dates, and info are all here.
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today is partly sunny, chance of rain, high around 60. Sunrise will be at 7:18 am; sunset, at 6:33 pm.
ROAD WORK
–59th SW in Alki may still close intermittently because of the school-construction project, so be prepared for possible detours.
-“Natural drainage” construction closing the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF continues two-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Issaquah, because of a boat breakdown on another route, and today will run M/V Cathlamet as an unscheduled third boat. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any other changes.
Water Taxi – Today, regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule; Friday night (October 10) is the last night this season of planned later-night service.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
STADIUM ZONE
-Though the Mariners‘ fourth American League Division Series game is at Detroit, T-Mobile Park is hosting a big-screen watch party, so you’ll see midday traffic (game starts just after noon our time).
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, maritime-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!
(WSB photo, 2024 Harvest Fest costume parade)
Halloween season means not just decorations but also celebrations – and the biggest one in West Seattle is in The Junction, Harvest Fest, now 19 days away, and the West Seattle Junction Association has scared up the official announcement!
The West Seattle Junction Association invites the community to celebrate the season at Harvest Fest, happening Sunday, October 26th from 11 AM to 2 PM in the heart of The Junction (California Ave SW between SW Alaska and SW Edmunds). This free, family-friendly event is one of West Seattle’s favorite fall traditions — packed with festive fun for all ages!
Attendees can look forward to:
–Costume Parade led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band
-A thrilling performance by the Seattle Thrillers at noon
–Pie-Eating Contest presented by A La Mode Pies
–Chili Cook-Off benefiting the West Seattle Food Bank
–Sidewalk Trick-or-Treating from 11 AM–2 PM
–Live music, activity booths, and fun surprises around every cornerBring the whole family — and your four-legged friends too! (Note: Harvest Fest can be loud and crowded, so make sure your pups are comfortable in that type of environment.)
“Harvest Fest really captures the spirit of West Seattle,” said Stacie Woods, Marketing & Events Director, West Seattle Junction Association. “It’s about neighbors, families, and local businesses coming together to celebrate community in the heart of the Junction.” Join us for this day of costumes, community, and seasonal cheer!
If you’re interested in competing in the pie-eating contest, the adult bracket is already filled out, but the kids’ level (ages 10-15) still had spots last time we checked. See you at Harvest Fest!
Tonight’s showcase West Seattle Halloween decoration is in honor of the Mariners‘ playoff win tonight:
Thanks to Yma on SW Portland in Gatewood for the photo! We’re showing decorations nightly through Halloween/Dia de Muertos – if you have a photo or two to share, whether it’s your display or someone else’s, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (And good luck to the M’s in ALDS Game 4 tomorrow, at either noon or 4 pm our time!)
You might have driven/rode/walked past that green structure at 38th SW/SW Barton many times – along the busy route between Westwood Village and the Fauntleroy Y, Schoolhouse, Church, and ferry dock – without knowing what it was. It’s the 98-year-old Barton Standpipe, and Seattle Public Utilities work over the weekend piqued neighbors’ curiosity. Brad Wong from SPU answered our question about what was going on:
Over the weekend of October 4 and 5, crews from Seattle Public Utilities installed a pressure relief valve at the Barton Standpipe property. This new valve will open and discharge water if this zone experiences high pressure. This will protect SPU water mains and private property plumbing. A new drain was installed to capture any discharged water. It is tied into the existing standpipe drain line. The grounds will be repaired after all other work is complete. This work started several weeks ago. SPU, which does not foresee additional heavy construction, expects the work to be completed by November. Crews from SPU’s Utility Operations & Maintenance, Water Distribution, and Drainage and Wastewater teams were involved with the weekend work.
Back at the time of the Big West Seattle Flush nine years ago to address chronic water discoloration, SPU told us the Barton Standpipe had been decommissioned, so we’re following up for clarity on whether it does or does not hold water.
(MV Doc Maynard – WSB file photo)
As we’ve been mentioning in our morning traffic/transit/etc. roundups, this Friday is the last night of the West Seattle Water Taxi‘s summer/early fall schedule. Metro published a reminder this afternoon, including an update on ridership this season:
… The West Seattle run, which takes passengers on a 15-minute ride across Elliott Bay, saw summer (June-August) ridership of more than 178,000 passengers (59,000 per month). That meant 2025 was the busiest summer since 2019, when the water taxi carried 166,000 riders (55,000 per month) over the same period.
This summer, the water taxi saw the return of Seattle Mariners weeknight post-game service, allowing fans to go from T-Mobile to Pier 50 after Mariners victories. Fans of the “Beautiful Game” were also able to take the water taxi after matches during the 2025 FIFA Men’s Club World Cup. Add to that a summer full of concerts—Kendrick Lamar, Morgan Wallen, and Miranda Lambert, K-Pop stars Stray Kids, Post Malone, and the Lumineers — and there were a number of people who took advantage of leaving their cars at home and riding the Water Taxi.
When the West Seattle Water Taxi starts its fall/winter schedule on Saturday (see it here), that’s also the day that the Vashon Water Taxi starts its six-day-a-week schedule, adding Saturdays.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
This past Saturday’s open house at Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle turned out to be a two-part event – open house for information about the shelter, open mic for questions and complaints about it.
The latter came from people in neighborhood homes and businesses who say the shelter – the only facility of its kind in West Seattle – has become a “magnet” for street disorder. Shelter founder/manager Keith Hughes countered that what people are seeing in the area exists elsewhere in this city and many others. More on the discussion later, but first:
Hughes explained that the shelter began inside the American Legion Post 160 hall in 2019 “by accident, “I didn’t intend to start a shelter, I didn’t expect to run it for seven years.” One morning he came in to do paperwork as Post 160 commander and discovered people sleeping outside the door; he invited them in: “Come in and warm up and have some coffee,” which he said is “what we’re still saying.” Now they serve a full breakfast to upwardsof 30 people, with a hot shower and clothing if they need it. Before the presentation he showed us the new dining area they’d carved out of some space at the hall:
The presentation and Q&A period was moderated by volunteer and board member Laurie Utterback, who explained that the only paid staff are security guards hired when overnight season starts. “We’re all committed to helping these people who have nowhere else to go.” Hughes said the shelter, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has the mission “to serve our community with compassion, respect, determination.” It’s not open overnight until the truly cold weather arrives, typically in November. They started with capacity for about a dozen people; that has tripled over the years with the help of some other additions like a washer/dryer and third bathroom.
During overnight-operations season, they open at 5 pm for dinner, then when breakfast is done at 11 in the morning, the shelter closes for the day. “So there’s still a period 11 am to 5 pm when people are out on the streets, in the cold.”
They have case managers now on site five mornings a week, from a private organization, to help get people into temporary and then permanent housing. Hughes said they also have doctors from the community volunteering at the shelter two days a month. But overall, the shelter remains without regular government support; he’s working on registering it with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, a months-long process, and has just hit one milestone, a Master Service Agreement, which could at least make the shelter eligible for some reimbursement after cold-weather emergencies.
Otherwise, he said, the shelter’s work is funded “by hundreds of donors and a few private foundations.” Hughes stressed he’s “not a professional fundraiser” but others have been organizing benefits, such as a November 8th benefit concert by the Boeing Employees Choir. And he concluded by noting that the shelter benefits not only from donations of food, clothing, money, etc., but also by word of mouth – people tell others about it, and “these second- and third-hand connections are where we’ve been able to make some headway.”
Introduced next was a former shelter guest who said she had spent several months there. “I came here on my birthday, December 1st, last year, saw a sign in a bathroom in a library.” She had been sleeping in her car. At the shelter, they had no bed for her but she slept on a mat on a floor, and said that was vastly better than in her car. She started to do work to help out at the shelter, like laundry. When it closed for the season “I still stayed in the backroom and was helping with security stuff and ODs – I used to be an MP so it was a natural step for me.” Now a case manager has helped her get an apartment in Sand Point, “a studio and a half,” and she’s been getting settled.
That was followed by Q&A. There was one overarching question asked by multiple people identifying themselves as either nearby residents or owners/clients of nearby businesses including day care/preschools: What action will Hughes take regarding street disorder outside the shelter that “spills into the community around” it?
To the first person who asked, wondering about a “road map” to deal with problems outside the shelter, Hughes countered, “How does this differ from any other community?” regarding troubled people on the street.
“That’s a good question,” the attendee acknowledged, while saying it didn’t negate her safety concerns.
Hughes went on: “This is one small part of the city of Seattle. The city has a problem. We all know that. Do I have a road map to fix the problem? Does the mayor? No. We’re on our own here and we’re doing the best we can.” He said they’d had community meetings and that the shelter was operating “differently … better” but ultimately, he said, dealing with troublemakers would take “money … security guards get $50 an hour … The only way to satisfy people … is to hire more security guards. My daytime helpers and I cannot babysit 50 people.”
He also suggested the surrounding area wasn’t as trashed as people mentioned, noting a Chamber of Commerce-organized cleanup a few weeks ago: “For six blocks around, we picked up one bag of trash. Not one single needle, no feces, a few pieces of (scorched) foil – one bag in six square blocks – we’re doing the best we can with th people we have.”
Discussion then turned to a recent incident in which a person in crisis was throwing shopping carts into the street. Hughes said people from the shelter cleaned them up, and repeated, “Any neighborhood in Seattle has people with mental health issues on the streets.”
Another attendee asked who owns the building (“The West Seattle Veteran Center,” Hughes replied) and whether it had 24/7 security. “That would be $800 a day.” He mentioned “nine security cameras” that he and others watch.
The discussion grew increasingly contentious; one man who said he lives in the area said that, walking to the nearby YMCA, he’s seen “drug needles and foil, people passed out, half-naked men lying on the sidewalk” so he’s changed his walking route.
Another person: “It’s a challenging problem … can you point to a community anywhere in the United States that has solved this … I’m not denying it …it’s OUR problem … as a community… how are we going to solve it?”
One man suggested enforcement – of the law, of shelter rules – would help.
There were also suggestions to advocate with the Southwest Precinct, advocate with City Councilmember Rob Saka, and other officials (Hughes said “public officials” were all invited to the open house but none bothered to show up or even send a staff member).
A shelter volunteer observed, “Things will never get better until they have a sense of self-worth and self-dignity, a sense that somebody cares. The homeless today are like the lepers of Jesus – they are [considered] untouchable, unclean, all the ills of society are put on them.”
A nearby business owner requested “consistent communication” about the shelter and offered, “events like this are very helpful,” though another attendee said they’d been to a meeting back in February but “here we are in October and nothing is better.”
A shelter board member said the priorities still come down to the reason for the shelter: “There were 78 people here one night. Some of them might have (otherwise) frozen to death. I want laws enforced (too) but we’re ohe group trying to solve a problem” – saving lives.
Some suggested that perhaps the shelter could just serve people like the woman who told her story of helping out and then getting housing. The counter to that was that you can’t find people like that if you just put up a sign saying if you’re like her, you can come in.
Another nearby resident challenged Hughes to write, and carry out, “a neighborhood protection plan.” He said he’d write one if she wrote one. Shortly thereafter, he said again that funding is an issue and security guards cost a lot.
An attendee said that she understands mental illness because she has a child dealing with it, and “I’m all for helping people – it’s not that we don’t want to be compassionate but … teaching people that our community is hosting you here so you can’t steal from people, defecate in the doorway, use drugs.”
Hughes expressed frustration at the shelter seemingly being blamed for any and all problems in the surrounding area. “If something goes wrong, they call me.” Should he just close the shelter and let people freeze to death? he asked.
No conclusions or agreements emerged, but Utterback, in bringing the Q&A to a close, said the shelter board would discuss the situation at their meeting this week.
1 PM: Just heard from Circa (2605 California SW; WSB sponsor), where they’re having a dine-out benefit for the West Seattle High School Cross Country team all day/night – and, Circa co-proprietor Bill tells us, “Yes, we will have the Mariners game on!” (Game 3 of the American League Division series, the M’s at Detroit, starts in a few minutes.) Circa is open until 10 pm tonight.
1:08 PM: The game’s in rain delay. But the Circa WSHS XC benefit continues regardless!
4 PM: The rain finally lifted in Detroit and the game’s about to start.
7:33 PM: In case you haven’t heard, the Mariners won, 8-4, and lead the best-of-five series 2-1! And the dine-out benefit still has 2 1/2 hours to go.
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