West Seattle, Washington
20 Thursday
8:07 AM: Texter reports 2-car crash blocking eastbound bridge’s right lane before 99 exit.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, September 30, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today is rainy at times, breezy too, high in the mid-to-upper 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:07 am; sunset, at 6:49 pm.
ROAD WORK
-The Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight this Friday night/Saturday morning for maintenance.
–59th SW in Alki is closed for the school-construction project; we’ll check on progress this week.
-“Natural drainage” construction closing the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF went to two-boat service on the Triangle Route on Monday, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Issaquah, because of a boat breakdown on another route. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update when the situation changes.
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, 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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
From trails through the greenbelt to connections across the blacktop, HPAC‘s first fall meeting covered a lot of ground. The community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge gathered at Delridge Library this past Wednesday night.
POLICE UPDATES: These updates usually start community-coalition meetings, with rotating representatives from the department, this time Community Service Officers. The year-to-date stats they brought for all of the Southwest Precinct were the same ones we’ve reported in coverage of other recent West Seattle community meetings; for Highland Park specifically, shootings, burglaries, motor-vehicle thefts, and thefts in general are down, robberies, aggravated assaults, rapes, and arsons are up, and there’ve been no homicides so far this year (same as at this point last year).
There was some discussion of the new SPD directive to report parking violations by phone rather than via the Find It Fix It app. The point seems to be that SPD wants these reports to come in in real time, rather than in a system where they might not be seen for a day or two. That led to a discussion of encampment concerns and potential new parking restrictions, including a growing encampment at the bottom of Highland Park Way hill. Perhaps the greenbelt gate could be closed at night? was the question. (Nobody from Seattle Parks was there, so that’ll have to be brought up in another way.) There were also concerns about fires in the area; one response from last Monday was mentioned, in the 6700 block of West Marginal Way (categorized as “rubbish fire” but no other info available).
RIDGE 2 RIVER: Speaking of the greenbelt, this organization currently has a survey open to help determine where trails should go in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, the city’s longest contiguous stretch of forest, mostly running through eastern West Seattle. Paul spoke; he explained that his group has a “broader definition of the WDG than the city does.” Yes, the WDG already has some trails; Paul noted that sibling organization West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails has mapped current trails but they’re mostly unplanned, uncoordinated, given that it “over time developed this network of trails which is fun to explore but it’s an adhoc process and not … the best system that could be there in terms of serving the community’s needs, environmental impact, etc. … If we were thinking about the greenbelt holistically,” something different would be created. They’re in the midst of a two-year process to determine that.
Where do people want to go? How do they want to get there? How can they avoid geologically unstable areas? In addition to community input, they’re also launching an expert analysis of the greenbelt. And they’re mapping destinations like həʔapus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat, Westcrest Park, Riverview Playfield, although “we don’t know if people would really use trails to get to those places.” Could there be a spine trail that would get you to almost anywhere in the greenbelt? Current phase, bottom line, information gathering, “and then out of that we’re going to develop some alternatives for different levels of greenbelt improvements” and they’ll have some community meetings for input, then a city process, and probably around early 2027 they’ll have a “preferred alterntive.”
They really want people to take the survey – only 200 have so far – it’s a long survey but Paul said they’re “fun questions.” If you can, go walk in the greenbelt and then take the survey! WDGT has monthly hikes if you want to go with a group – they have two more, in October 18 (from Pathfinder K-8) and November 15 (from the north end of the South Seattle College campus), before winter. The survey will be open until they get enough responses, so probably at least a couple more months. They’re doing in-person outreach too, including tabling at last Saturday’s West Seattle Ecology Fair.
RECONNECT SOUTH PARK: Maria and Jorge were there from the organization exploring the idea of reconnecting the community torn apart by Highway 99; she gave the backstory. They’re currently looking at the “reroute and reclaim” option. She noted she’s never been able to look at the highway the same way since learning it covers what was once a fertile valley where abundant food was grown. People who live by it now live 11 years less on average than others – not just because of the highway, but that’s a large contributor. She explained the state provided funding for them to do a community study and technical analysis. “The highway created 22 dead-end streets in South Park,” Maria said. And of course there’d be a question of where the truck traffic goes. The project has been under way for three years. Before turning it over to Jorge, Maria stressed, “We’re not anywhere near design – this round is about identifying an option and taking a look at whether it’s possible. This is about what we’re leaving for our kids. We all have to look ahead and not just think about us right now.”
Of the possibilities suggested so far, Jorge said the Reroute and Reclaim option would eliminate the freeway. “That could create 2700 new jobs, would reduce South Park traffic by 64 percent.” Second and third options are similar – the highway would turn into a boulevard, like Delridge. 25 percent less traffic or 47 percent less traffic. All the reclaimed land would be available for new housing and parks. The last option is “bridges and trails,” with the highway staying the same but adding community connections “on both sides.” Maria pointed out that the big clover-leaf intersection would be removed.
To some, this may all sound like an impossible dream or foolish venture, but: “We can be bold,” Maria exhorted. Supporters are certain it would increase safety, business, communication. She said they’ve gotten youth involved with this too, including the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps. If you’re interested in finding out more or even pitching in to help, volunteers@reconnectsouthpark.org is the email address.
NEXT MEETING: HPAC is planning to meet at the Southwest Library next month; October 22, since the fourth Wednesday is their usual meeting night. Watch hpaction.org for updates.
West Seattle Autoworks (WSB sponsor) is celebrating 15 years in business!
Back in 2010, we opened our doors just as the recession was making its dramatic exit. From that very first day on October 1st, you’ve showered us with your trust and support, and we are so grateful! Through a pandemic and, oh yeah, a 2 ½-YEAR BRIDGE SHUTDOWN, your loyalty kept our shop busy and our team going. While half of small businesses don’t make it to 5 years, we’ve made it to 15! A massive thank you, West Seattle!
Chris, Kacie, Pedro, Michael, Elliott, Alex, Joe, and Nate
West Seattle Autoworks is on the southwest corner of 35th and Webster.
Madison Middle School has an acting principal as of today, according to a district memo sent to families (thanks for the forwards) and posted on the school website, signed by Superintendent Fred Podesta:
Dear Madison families and staff,
We are writing to inform you of a leadership update at Madison Middle School. Beginning Monday, Sept. 29, Dr. Gary will be on health leave.
During Dr. Gary’s absence, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Scott Pierce as the acting principal. Dr. Pierce has most recently been serving the past three years as an Assistant Principal at Rainier Beach High School. Dr. Pierce brings 15 years of leadership experience with a strong commitment to equity focused, inclusive, and rigorous learning environments.
Principal Pierce will begin his transition with staff and the school community during the week of Sept. 29 – Oct. 3 and is looking forward to supporting and working with the Madison community officially beginning Monday, Oct. 6.
To support a smooth transition, Regional Executive Directors Chris Carter and Katrina Hunt will provide oversight and guidance. Furthermore, assistant principals Dr. Elizabeth Allen and Ms. Trisha Pilapil will be instrumental in ensuring consistency and stability during this time.
As always, our top priority remains the academic success, safety, and well-being of every Madison student.
Thank you for your continued support.
Dr. Gary has been Madison’s principal for 12 years.
(File photo)
If you have questions about the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle, West Seattle’s only shelter, it’s opening its doors for an open house this Saturday. Here’s the announcement:
As cold weather approaches, the open house is a chance for leaders, community members, press, and potential volunteers to tour the space, ask questions, and learn how the Shelter operates and who it serves. The Shelter is run by volunteers and private donations.
Where: American Legion Post 160 (Westside Neighbors Shelter), 3620 SW Alaska Street, West Seattle
When: Saturday, October 4, 2-4 pm
Refreshments will be served in the Hall starting at 2 pm. At 2:30, Keith Hughes will present the Shelter’s history and its current impact on the unhoused community. One or more former shelter clients who now have housing will speak about how their experience at the Shelter helped them get on their feet.
After the presentation, guests will be able to tour the Shelter and learn how the Shelter’s all-volunteer workforce serves unhoused people in West Seattle with meals, hygiene, clothing, and a place to get warm.
Mayor Bruce Harrell, state Attorney General Nick Brown, the city’s public-safety and others stood shoulder-to-shoulder at City Hall this morning to send the president a message: “Stay out of Seattle.” This follows the federal orders sending troops to other major West Coast cities. Above is Seattle Channel video of what they all had to say at City Hall this morning. “There are no insurrections here,” Harrell said. “I believe in a better country … I just wish our president understood this and believed in it as well.” Harrell said he’ll be issuing an executive order laying out “how we’ll protect our rights” if any deployment is ordered. Brown said that sending troops to Los Angeles, Portland, and D.C. are clearly part of a presidential strategy “to push our Constitution to the brink.” He said they’re staying in contact with the other cities and states and will be “ready to respond” if there’s a threat of the same thing here.
Two transportation thefts in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN SILVERADO: Sent by Les:
Last night someone stole my 2005 Silverado truck from Canada Dr. in the Seaview neighborhood. I don’t have a photo but the truck is white, regular cab with an 8′ bed. License plate #C30524C
This is the second time this truck has been stolen. The truck was locked and had a club on the steering wheel this time. Police report #25-284683; if anyone sees it please report it to SPD or WSB. I would really appreciate if everyone could keep an eye out for this truck in your neighborhood.
Update: Found, thanks to a reader!
STOLEN VELOTRIC EBIKE: Sent by Kevin:
My wife’s bicycle was stolen between 12:30-2:30 pm yesterday at the Alaska Junction. The theft occurred by the intersection of Alaska and California. The bike was locked to a bike rack and another bike on the south side of Alaska Street by the bus stop. We returned to find the cable lock cut and 1 bike missing. The bicycle is a dark green Velotric e-bike, serial #——2254-f, with a step-through frame. It has a cargo rack on the back with a black cargo bag attached to the rack. Attached is a picture of the same model and color of bike. This has been reported to the Seattle Police Department.
We’ll add the incident number when we get it.
Because of system shuffling forced by the breakdown of a ferry serving Mukilteo-Clinton, the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is down to two boats and will officially use the two-boat schedule this afternoon. The alert from Washington State Ferries says, “The first sailings today on the two-boat schedule will be the 12:35 p.m. Vashon to Southworth on the #2 Issaquah and the 12:40 p.m. Vashon to Fauntleroy on the #1 Kittitas. ” The two-boat schedule is linked from the WSF alerts page.
We don’t know who they are, but we do know eight candidates are moving to the “next stage of the process” in the search for a new Seattle Public Schools superintendent. We first reported last Tuesday night that School Board president Gina Topp, speaking to the Admiral Neighborhood Association, had revealed they had “41 qualified applicants” and would get a closer look at them on Friday. That afternoon/evening meeting to review applications was an executive (non-public) session, and resulted in the weekend announcement that they’d winnowed the field to eight. According to that announcement, “The applicant pool is diverse and includes leaders from across the country.” Here’s the timeline they’re working with:
Thursday, October 9, Finalist Interviews
Friday, October 10, Finalist Interviews
Wednesday, October 15, Board Discussion (tentative)
Wednesday, October 15 or 22, Selection of Candidate (tentative)
The district developed a “leadership profile” to guide the search; you can see it here.
(We likely won’t see the sun today, so here’s a recent photo by Jerry Simmons!)
Here’s our list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):
CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETING: Budget presentations continue, so today’s meeting started at 9:30 am, with a focus on public-safety and human-services departments – see their slides via the agenda here, which also explains how to watch. It’s likely to continue into the afternoon.
BABY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s noon story time is happening again today! (9010 35th SW)
AGING IN PLACE RESOURCE FAIR: Are you – or is someone in your family – “aging in place”? This afternoon at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), 2-6 pm, find out about services and people designed to help make it possible.
SHOW & SIGNING AT EASY STREET: Return To Dust visits Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) for a show, signing, and photo op … album purchase required to participate in the latter two, otherwise, free and all-ages.
ART SALON AT C & P COFFEE: 6 pm, “a safe space for creative people to gather” at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Free. Bring your own supplies; “water-based mediums only, please.”
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT HIATUS: Still on hold until The Missing Piece finishes moving to new Junction location.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players included!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group for people experiencing grief – participate once, occasionally, or every week. Fee; book a spot here. (4034 California SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Here’s who’s playing at home: At 7 pm, West Seattle HS‘s volleyball team hosts Bishop Blanchet (3000 California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three places to play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at 6:45 for 7 pm meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: South-end Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to EVERYONE who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If kids are hungry, it’s harder for them to learn. A local educator hopes you can help prevent that problem among the students with whom she works. Sent by Cheyanne Chadwick:
I run an after-school program at West Seattle Elementary that focuses on STEM skills through project-based learning. It’s been an incredible experience! As part of the program, I serve my students a snack to fuel the young scholars between lunch and dinner. However, I’ve encountered a challenge I need help with.
Last year, a 5th-grade student left the after-school program because she was hungry. A single bag of popcorn, crackers, or veggie sticks wasn’t enough to satisfy her growing body until dinner. And she wasn’t the only one. I hear from students daily about wanting more and have observed the distracted, lethargic behavior that comes from hunger. It makes sense because 80% of students at WSE are eligible for free lunch.
It’s unacceptable to me that a student misses out on free STEM education because of hunger. This year, I am working to provide more snacks for my students. This is a significant expense, made more challenging by expanding my program into TWO after-school classes (one for 2nd/3rd graders and one for 4th/5th graders), which means I’ll be serving twice as many students.
I hope West Seattle residents might have the means and ability to donate some individually packaged snacks (ideas and suggestions below). I’m happy to pick up in the West Seattle area if folks email me at cheyanne.chadwick@stempaths.org, or they can drop off items at the front office of West Seattle Elementary (just tell the office assistants it’s for Cheyanne).
Regarding dietary restrictions, most of my students can’t have pork, so items with gelatin should be avoided.
Donations at any time:
Veggie straws
Goldfish crackers
Pirate’s Booty
Fruit leathers (check for gelatin)
Animal crackers
Fruit snacks (check for gelatin)
Z-bars
Nutri-Grain bars
Pretzel crisps
Baked chips
Donations at specific times (to prevent spoilage due to surplus):
Apples or apple slices
Baby carrots
Bananas
String cheese
Yogurt cups
WSB readers have helped Cheyanne’s students before – most recently, with a request for a local baker to help with a science project: “I was blown away by the number of folks who reached out! West Seattle is such a fantastic place to live, and I’m very, very grateful.”
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, September 29, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today has rain, haze, fog as possibilities, high in the low 60s. Sunrise will be at 7:06 am; sunset, at 6:52 pm.
SCHOOL-TRAFFIC ALERT
-As we’ve been reporting, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) starts its fall quarter today, so 16th SW on Puget Ridge will be a lot busier than it’s been.
ROAD WORK & NEW ALL-WAY STOP
-Last reminder that Oregon/44th is now an all-way stop.
–59th SW in Alki is closed for the school-construction zone; we’ll check on progress this wee.
-“Natural drainage” construction closing the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
-Regionally, the first expressway mile of Highway 509 – explained here – is tolled starting today.
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.
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, 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!
Last Thursday, we reported three points of note about the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) fall quarter, which starts tomorrow. Here’s three more, all involving food!
SSC FOOD TRUCK: Two years ago, Marination donated food trucks to SSC. College spokesperson Ty Swenson tells WSB, “We just finished the new external design and it is named the ‘Otter Pop-Up.’ The interior kitchen components were all upgraded over the summer as well. Graphic design students helped come up with the design for the truck last year, and culinary students create food truck menus and run the kitchen as part of their curriculum, while feeding the campus.”
CULINARY AND PASTRY ARTS INSTRUCTOR TRAINING: Swenson also tells us, “Our Culinary & Pastry Arts program chef instructors spent part of their summer training in Europe. They had a week in France learning artisan butchery and a week in Italy learning how to make handmade pasta. Their new skills will be shared with students in the program.
CULINARY CONVENIENCE STORE & FOOD PANTRY: Two ways that food is more accessible to students – the on-campus Culinary Convenience Store now accepts EBT cards, and SSC has student food pantries at both the main and Georgetown campuses. Swenson says, “It’s part of South’s efforts to support students’ food security so they can be well-nourished and focus on their studies.”
Next Saturday, the Seattle Visiting Nurse Association starts a series of eight flu and COVID vaccination clinics at three West Seattle schools, all on weekends, and they’re open to all community members. SVNA says:
These clinics are open to the public, but appointments are required.
Patients will be able to get a flu shot, COVID-19 vaccine, or both in the same appointment. We can vaccinate kids 4 and up for flu and 5 and up for COVID-19. All patients can receive COVID-19 vaccines this season due to a Washington State Department of Health order.
We will be using the updated Moderna products for 2025. Each patient needs their own registration, in their name, with their information. If anyone has questions, they can email us at info@seattlevna.com.
REGISTRATION LINK: schedule.seattlevna.com/home/9d20cac8-d510-ec11-b6e6-000d3a57ec4c
If you have trouble reading the grid above, the clinics also are listed by location, date, and time on this Seattle Public Schools webpage, which also notes, “SVNA clinics require insurance (most insurance accepted) or payment.”
With the north stretch of State Highway 509 running past southeast West Seattle, you might be wondering what you need to know about the tolling that starts tomorrow on the newly opened southern “expressway” stretch. Jennifer emailed us after noticing what appeared to be a transponder on the Normandy Park exit, and wondered if that meant the tolling will go that far north. We took the question to WSDOT‘s Kris Olsen, who sent the map you see above, underscoring that only the green mile will be tolled starting tomorrow (and will remain the only tolled section for a few years):
Only the first mile of the new expressway is open. The first mile is between I-5 and 24th Avenue South, so that is the only portion that will be tolled right now.
The remaining 2 miles between 24th Avenue South and South 188th Street (the Normandy Park exit) won’t open until 2028 and that’s when tolling will begin in that section.
But even then, Olsen continues, the tolled section will go no further north than S. 188th:
It’s important to note that the existing sections of SR 509 (basically between the First Avenue South bridge and South 188th Street) will NOT be tolled. Starting in 2028, anyone who drives south on SR 509 must exit at South 188th Street if they do not want to pay a toll. If they continue south beyond that point, they will be tolled. The tolling gantries are located just west of the I-5 interchange.
Toll rates for the new one-mile expressway, starting tomorrow, are listed here.
(WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn. Above, Huayin Performing Arts Group)
It’s a beautiful afternoon at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north edge of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus on Puget Ridge, where the Mid-Autumn Festival continues until 5 pm.
Performances and demonstrations are happening all afternoon – above and below, Julian Leung demonstrated Tai Chi:
Arts and crafts too, including painting:
Admission and parking are free. The garden and college are at 6000 16th SW.
The November election is less than a month and a half away, and voting starts even sooner. One of the biggest races you’ll be deciding is that for King County Executive. West Seattleite Shannon Braddock has been in the job since Dow Constantine resigned to become Sound Transit CEO, but she decided not to run for the permanent job. The candidates on your ballot are two King County Councilmembers – Claudia Balducci from the Eastside, Girmay Zahilay from South King County. You can see them side by side, and ask questions, during a campaign forum that will be part of the October meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council meeting, 7 pm Thursday (October 2) at the fire station in White Center, 1243 SW 112th. Also scheduled to appear at the NHUAC meeting, King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall.
Friday night (October 3), you are invited to support DNDA – a nonprofit working on a variety of fronts in eastern West Seattle – by attending Destination Delridge at DNDA’s headquarters in Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW). Here’s the newest update from DNDA:
Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka will join a moderated community panel as part of Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association’s flagship fundraiser Destination Delridge.
Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association (DNDA) is hosting Destination Delridge on Friday, October 3 at the Thelma Dewitty Theater at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, which will feature the panel discussion, speakers, and other activities. The event will run from 6p to 9p at Youngstown.
Saka is one of three participants in a panel discussion, which will be moderated by Shannon Woodard, president of DNDA’s Board of Directors. Woodard is a seasoned community leader, guiding conversations that center equity, collaboration, and actionable solutions.
Also on the panel will be Jaebadiah Gardner, founder and CEO of Gardner Global, a real estate development firm focused on equity-driven projects that empower communities of color, and Faven Berhe, owner of Hagosa’s House, a Delridge-area cafe and community hub dedicated to cultural connection.
This year, DNDA will bring together supporters, neighbors, artists, and advocates for an evening of connection, storytelling, and impact. Nucor Steel Seattle is the 2025 Presenting Sponsor for this event. DNDA and Nucor have a longstanding relationship rooted in shared values of environmental stewardship and community engagement. From hands-on restoration projects to sustained financial support, Nucor’s commitment to the Delridge neighborhood continues to make a real and lasting difference.
DNDA is a non‐profit organization devoted to social, racial and environmental justice. We are dedicated to preserving and increasing affordable housing for a range of incomes, enhancing the natural environment, and providing such vital resources as arts and cultural opportunities, education and youth programs for our neighbors. Our programs for affordable housing and wetland restoration have become models for other communities.
You can get tickets by going here.
9:39 AM: Seattle Fire medics are responding to Seacrest right now after a report of a diver who had been unconscious in the water. Via emergency radio, he is described as a man in his early 20s, brought to shore aboard a Water Taxi, and several SFD units have responded to treat him.
9:53 AM: No further radio updates so far. We’ll be following up with SFD.
1:55 PM: We just heard back from SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo, who says the diver is a 57-year-old woman and that she was in stable condition when transported to Virgina Mason.
(Seagull, sunset, and Water Taxi, photographed by Michael Bruce Johnson)
Good morning – here’s what’s up for your Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more listings!) and inbox:
GARAGE/YARD SALES: Check for listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a WSB Forums login, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run starts at Dough Joy Doughnuts (4310 SW Oregon).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: The Sunday games are on hiatus until The Missing Piece reopens in its new Junction location.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Find the market on California between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in early-fall produce season (stone fruit, berries, tomatoes, peppers, greens, roots, bulbs), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.
DISCOVERY SHOP VINTAGE EVENT: While you’re in The Junction, check out The Discovery Shop‘s vintage event – raising money to fight cancer – 10 am-2 pm. (4535 California SW)
POSTCARD MARATHON: Long-distance advocacy with Postcards 4 Democracy and West Seattle Indivisible, 10 am-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW).
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
FILM SCREENING: West Seattle’s Amy Benson produced “She Marches in Chinatown” (trailer above), an award-winning film directed by the late Della Chen, and invites you to a screening/discussion at the Central Library downtown at 11 am. (1000 Fourth Ave.)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL AT SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN: Noon-5 pm at north end of South Seattle College campus, free admission – crafts, demonstrations, music, more. See our calendar listing for the schedule. (6000 16th SW)
FRESH HOP WEEK AT OUNCES: Annual event at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), open noon-7 pm today.
COMMUNITY CLOG DANCING LESSONS: 1 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), all welcome at this introductory session.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Kick back and enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
CLASSIC NOVELS & MOVIES BOOK CLUB AT C & P: “East of Eden” is this month’s title for the gathering at 3 pm – come early to get your beverage – at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
‘THE ROOMMATE’ AT ARTSWEST: 3 pm matinee performance of the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW).
FREE COMMUNITY BBQ: Fun for kids too! 4:30-6:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 8th SW).
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-8 pm, monthly trivia with host Morgue Anne. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Fan Club performs in-store, presenting their new album, 5 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sunday nights are live music nights with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Today’s West Seattle Ecology Fair at Our Lady of Guadalupe was about more than just connecting with resources (as shown in our first report) – it was also an opportunity to hear about climate science.
Organizer Vince Stricherz (above) explained that keynote speaker Dr. Nick Bond (below) has most recently been studying heat waves.
Bond is state climatologist emeritus and is currently with the UW Climate Impacts Group. His general theme was that warmer temperatures aren’t just a matter of comfort – they bring health threats.
He started with a mention of the unprecedented 2021 heat wave. “We will have other heat waves,” he warned. “What I want you to be thinking about all the time is who’s vulnerable, who’s at risk.”
He showed the range of temperatures that year – “we blew away records,” not just in Seattle. It wasn’t just the heat – it was the humidity, he noted, with “considerably higher dewpoints” – especially in irrigated areas of the state like the Yakima Valley, “where people were outside working and exposed to these hazardous conditions.”
The context for the heat wave, meanwhile, was record dry conditions following a dry spring. “That set the stage for the heat wave being particularly intense.” And it wasn’t a one-time thing – precipitation trends have evolved over the past century-plus. In the last few decades, “there is a systematic decrease … we don’t know how that’s going to continue, it could be a fluke … but that may be a systematic trend we’re seeing in the climate around here.”
The heat wave took a toll in lives – an estimated 450 more deaths in Washington, 815 in British Columbia, and 69 times the usual number of emergency-room visits in the Pacific Northwest. Hospitals were putting some people in garbage bags full of ice to lower their body temperatures. The “heat dome” overall brought more deaths from various causes overall: “It’s a big deal.”
It’s not just our region, he said, showing heat-wave frequency, duration, season, and intensity all increasing nationwide. And it’s not just daytime highs – it’s increased nighttime temperatures, particularly in this area; “more and more are staying in the 60s.” Yes, it’s not “unfit for human habitation,” but – “our nights are getting warmer.”
So when you take together the hottest days and hottest nights, those events are more common than in the past. “It’s not just heat-related illness that’s the problem” – hot weather also brings more traumatic injuries, kidney problems, pregnancy complications. Farm workers in our state “are exposed to more heat”.- more work outside the confines of an air-conditioned tractor, for example.
Then he moved on to the marine heat waves called “blobs” – unusually warm ocean water, with a sudden jump starting about 10 years ago. “Unprecedented conditions, and it had major effects on all sorts of natural and human conditions. One of the things that happened that year (2015)” – he showed a slide of snowless Snoqualmie in March 2015, “when the snowpack is usually at its peak.”
(In Q&A he was asked to elaborate on what that means for the water supply, and he said possibilities will be impounding more water in reservoirs and better water management.) That meant less snowmelt for streams, and salmon died (he showed a White Salmon River photo from 2015).
“It also led to a harmful algal bloom” that lasted longer than usual, leading to the closure of razor clam fishing and more.
Yet another component – wildfires.
They’ve been trending upward too, and he had two charts for that. We’re not having more fires but they’re burning more acres, more intensely, and we’re getting more smoke.
He had a chart for “extremely bad air quality” in September 2020, and one showing increased areas across the West, and even the rest of the country, with increases in “projected wildfire emissions.”
That could mean thousands of extra deaths per year by mid-century. “The numbers that are coming out are really, I think, pretty alarming.”
Then he moved on to “projections of changes in July-September air temperatures.” But he noted that “what we do now mostly affects the distant future” – the end of this century.
In the shorter run, less cold weather and more hot weather means fewer cold-weather-related deaths but those are outstripped by the increased hot-weather-related deaths.
He also noted that food-borne pathogens rise with temperatures, too. And he spotlighted the fungus Valley Fever, which has largely been found in the Southwest but can “travel up to 75 miles in the air” and is likely to spread much further north by the end of the century.
Other potential threats that aren’t as well-studied yet include “degraded water quality in small water systems” and “mental-health-related morbidity” as things become.”
He summarized, “There’s always going to be some folks who reject the science that’s coming out now … but there are plenty of actions being taken on behalf of the environment,” like the state climate-resilience strategy, the Puget Sound Partnership, those fighting for environmental justice, and the Earth Ministry of many faith communities – like the ones who presented today’s event. “In both western and eastern religions, there’s a feeling that we should be good stewards for the environment. … This gives me hope that we can achieve some things we want to achieve. …. I think in Washington State we are prosperous enough to do something about this.”
Q&A ensued.
What about the current political climate and federal funding cuts? “That has had some real repercussions” – even the state has had to make some cuts. “It’s not like the work is ending but it’s had some real consequences for projects looking at the impacts – real things that are happening right now.” Bond was also asked about climate migration but said that’s not his area of expertise, “but there are folks working on that.”
One problem – in response to another water-related question – Bond said “it’s been noted we have 21st century problems with 20th century infrastructure and 19th century laws. … In some areas of the country we’re seeing groundwater withdrawal at unsustainable rates.”
One of the fair participants, from The Heron’s Nest, mentioned some resources, such as the Tree Equity Network – “really focused on the data for us (regarding) tree canopy loss” regarding development cutting trees – the trees with which they’re replaced “takes multiple generations.” They said The Heron’s Nest – which is in east West Seattle – has become a coalescing point.
Another person brought up the energy-gulping status of AI. But: “Does it present any hope or help for the environment?” Bond said it’s being used and “has had some benefits,” especially in forecasting.
OLG hosted the Ecology Fair as part of the Season of Creation observance, which runs through October 4.
(Photo courtesy Clay Eals)
Both on the Seattle Now & Then website and in tomorrow’s Seattle Times Pacific NW magazine, West Seattle journalist/historian Clay Eals tells a mystery story. What you see in the photo above is part of it – one of more than 30 metal art panels telling the story of “The Evolution of Lighting.” They were owned and displayed by Seattle City Light and were supposed to be brought along when SCL moved into a new headquarters in the Seattle Municipal Tower downtown in 1996. But – they weren’t. Most of them have been found, but the whereabouts of a few remain a mystery. There are multiple West Seattle angles here – metal artist John W. Elliott made most of the panels in 1935 and worked from a studio in his West Seattle home on Gatewood Hill; 90 years later, all but three of the panels were discovered and acquired earlier this year by West Seattle collector Mike Shaughnessy. You can see the missing panels in Clay’s story; perhaps someone who reads it will solve the mystery (not just of the missing panels’ whereabouts but why the metal art wasn’t brought along in SCL’s HQ move)!
At the Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex courts, the Westside Pickleball League is just wrapping up the tournament that kicks off their fourth season, Rally on the Rock. Co-founder Rosina Geary told us more than 130 players were registered to compete!
They spanned a variety of age groups:
Play began around 9 am and was still going strong when we dropped by at mid-afternoon:
As noted in our original 2023 report on the league, they partner with and support high-school athletics – not just pickleball! Proceeds from this tournament are benefiting the swim team at Chief Sealth International High School; Sealth athletes served as volunteers helping out today in various roles too.
Geary says Westside Pickleball League serves more than 300 players every week. You can find out more via their website.
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