West Seattle, Washington
15 Saturday
Note the “all-way” on that stop sign. That’s the new status of Oregon/44th in The Junction. A texter tipped us about it this evening, saying they “almost drove through it” (and we saw someone else do that shortly after we snapped the pic). Many of the added all-way stops recently have been along routes to schools; we’ll check with SDOT tomorrow to see if that’s the rationale for this one (Tilden School [WSB sponsor], Hope Lutheran, and Holy Rosary are within several blocks, and Genesee Hill Elementary is a bit further) or something else.
Three weeks ago, a U.S. Postal Service spokesperson told us the long-gone West Seattle Junction Post Office drive-up/ride-up/walk-up mailbox was finally close to being replaced. And now, it has been; thanks to Lauren for the tip and photo (thanks also to Gregg, who sent word of it too). The Junction mailbox’s predecessor was stolen more than a year and a half ago. Crime also took out the Westwood Village Post Office outdoor mailbox, damaged in what was described as a break-in earlier this month (we haven’t been to WWV today but will go by this evening to see if that box reappeared too).
More than 10 months after its historic lodge was ravaged by fire, Camp Long remains open as a park and environmental learning center, but the lodge is years away from full restoration. A reader suggested a followup this week. The newest online update on what’s being done right now details the stabilization work and “pre-design study.” But the update concludes:
Our current estimate is that the renovation construction would begin in 2031.
That’s 3+ years after the early estimate we reported a little over a month after the fire. Part of that might be related to the funding issue mentioned by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, whose newest newsletter includes his report on a Camp Long site visit:
(Photo from Councilmember Saka’s newsletter)
I recently joined Seattle Parks Superintendent AP Diaz at Camp Long to tour the site and see the stabilization work underway following last year’s brazen arson attack that caused significant damage.
Camp Long is truly a community treasure. While the historic lodge remains closed as repairs move forward, many other parts of the park remain open and accessible for neighbors to enjoy. Camp Long continues to be a special place in the heart of West Seattle.
I’ll keep working closely with the Mayor’s Office and Parks Department to ensure the site is fully restored to its former glory – and that it remains a place where community can gather, learn, and connect with nature for generations to come. We will build back better! In the near term (2025-26), we believe that we can fund initial planning and design costs associated with this restoration project by using insurance proceeds. After that, we’ll need to look for other funding sources, with a potential renewal of the Metropolitan Parks District Fund being the most viable candidate (assuming this Fund ends up being considered for renewal upon its expiration in 2027).
But again, Camp Long remains open as a park and offering events; just this morning, in fact, we published a call for organizations to join this year’s “Trail or Treat” event by stepping forward to decorate the park’s also-historic cabins for visitors on October 25.
The chillier, soggier months ahead mean prime time for reading, among other things. We’ve heard lately from several West Seattle authors publishing new books. This week, writer/professor/journalist Bob Wyss is out with “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal,’ and will be at a local bookstore for a reading in two weeks. Here’s the announcement he sent us to share with you:
West Seattle Author’s New Book; Book Talk Set for Paper Boat Booksellers Oct. 9
A new book by West Seattle author Bob Wyss, “Black Gold, The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal,” was released this week by the University of California Press. Wyss will give an inaugural talk about the book on Oct. 9 at Paper Boat Booksellers, 4522 California Ave. SW, at 6:30 p.m.
Black Gold is an environmental history of a product that was once familiar in every West Seattle home. Coal not only warmed winter’s chill it was the spark that powered railroads, the mighty steel and other industries, and it was the primary source that eventually created the American empire. However, America paid a price for burning coal – it was dirty and dangerous, and today it threatens to dangerously overheat the planet at a time when an American President wants to revive it. In West Seattle that means not only dangerously higher temperatures but rising sea levels on our Puget Sound coastline, increased toxic smoke as forest fires become more frequent, and possible droughts as glaciers disappear and winter snow decreases in the mountains.
Black Gold and its message has already drawn some press attention including a national interview at Sea Change Radio on its August 19 broadcast that can be found here. Natural History magazine is publishing an excerpt in its October issue. More information about the book can be found here.
About the Author
Bob Wyss has been a West Seattle resident for seven years. Previously, he was a reporter and editor at the Providence Journal for thirty years, a journalism professor at the University of Connecticut for fifteen years, where he is currently Professor Emeritus. He is the author of three previous books, The Man Who Built the Sierra Club, A Life of David Brower, Brimfield Rush, and Covering the Environment, and edited the anthology How I Wrote the Story. His work has appeared in the The New York Times, Christian Science Monitor, Boston Globe, Hartford Courant, Smithsonian, and Rhode Island Monthly.
Thanks to all the local authors who send announcements of new books, local readings, and other news – West Seattle is a hotbed of reading, with several thriving book clubs whose meetings we routinely list in our West Seattle Event Calendar. Much of our book-related coverage is archived here, newest to oldest.
Tomorrow’s the night – the Taste of West Seattle, raising much-needed money for the West Seattle Food Bank and giving you the chance to sample dozens of local restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries, and cafés’ specialties! We just checked in with WSFB’s Robbin Peterson for the final word in the final hours of advance ticket sales:
Pre-sale tickets are still available for the Taste of West Seattle — but only until midnight tonight! A limited number may be available at the door, but with nearly sold-out attendance, the safest way to secure your spot is to grab tickets now.
This year’s Taste is more than a food festival —it’s a West Seattle neighborhood celebration. Local restaurants, breweries, and bakeries are stepping up to share the best of our community. Here’s the map showing who will be where at The Hall at Fauntleroy:
On top of incredible bites and sips, guests can Have Fun & Do Good with community-powered games:
Plinko for Prizes
and
Raffle baskets loaded with gift cards from favorite West Seattle businesses and restaurants.
All proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank’s programs — from groceries and home delivery to rent and utility assistance—keeping our neighbors and neighborhoods strong.
VIP entry is at 5:30 pm, general entry at 6 pm. You can also see the list of participating venues on this page, where you can get your advance ticket(s) until late tonight. WSB is a community co-sponsor this year; we’ll see you there!
(King County photo, 2024 cleanup season)
The second of three seasons of in-water Duwamish River cleanup is about to begin. This is for the removal of contaminated sediment, in the works for decades, involving Boeing, the City of Seattle, and King County. Here’s the overview:
Construction in the upper reach, the southernmost two miles of the site, is scheduled to occur from October to February for three years, ending in February 2027. In-water construction activities are restricted to these months to protect certain fish species. LDWG completed in-water work for the first construction season from November 2024 – February 2025, with the second season beginning October 1, 2025.
Beginning October 1, the construction contractor will begin dredging contaminated sediment near the South Park Bridge and Duwamish River People’s Park.
Compared to the first construction season, cleanup activities this season will be more visible as the work moves closer to the South Park Bridge, homes, parks, and marinas. The community can expect multiple barges and equipment working on the water, lights for safe work during dark hours, and typical construction equipment noise.
Season 2 construction hours will be weekdays and Saturdays and will occur during both the daytime and nighttime. Work hours will vary based on factors, such as tides and the type of work being conducted (e.g., dredging or placing clean material). Work will be coordinated with Tribal fishing. During the first three weeks of October, in-water construction work is not currently planned for Mondays and Tuesdays when Tribal fishing is most active.
The dredged sediment goes by barge to a landfill on the Columbia River. More background on the contamination and cleanup are here. Cleanup-work updates will be on this website, including upcoming dates – not yet finalized (we’re told the ones currently listed online are likely to change) – for South Park Bridge closures.
P.S. For backstory, see our report from last year, before the first season of this work began.
Heads-up – we mentioned this in our recent report on the Board of Park Commissioners meeting, but in case you missed it, many Seattle Parks facilities will be closed tomorrow for a training day:
Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities and programs will be closed Thursday, September 25, 2025, due to a Recreation Division staff training day.
These facilities and services (will be) CLOSED:
All recreation programs
Community centers and teen life centers
Environmental learning centers
Indoor swimming pools
Amy Yee Tennis Center
Green Lake Small Craft Center
Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing CenterThese facilities (will be) OPEN on regular schedules:
Parks
Volunteer Park Conservatory and Japanese Garden
Boat ramps
Golf courses and ranges
Then on Friday, it’s back to regular schedules.
(This morning’s sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s what’s happening for fall’s first Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (and if we’re missing something – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thanks!):
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)
RESTAURANT OPENING: In Pizza We Crust plans to open at 11 am. (3207 California SW)
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.
FUNDRAISER AT THE NEIGHBORHOOD: The Morgan Junction restaurant donates part of its proceeds on the last Wednesday of every month to a chosen nonprofit/school/group – today, Aviation High School. Open 3 pm-9 pm. (6503 California SW)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS:
SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING: 4:30-7:30 pm with an agenda including the high-school-lunch issue. (3rd/Lander HQ and online)
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, new weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
HOW TO GET RAINWISE: Eligible for subsidized rainwater-handling infrastructure at your home or business? Get your questions answered at tonight’s webinar at 5 pm.
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).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, drop in and create! If you want some inspiration, this month’s spotlight project is a kitchen sponge holder. (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!
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!
HPAC IS BACK: The community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge reconvenes tonight at 6:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW). Go here to read about what’s planned for discussion, including public safety and the West Duwamish Greenbelt.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MUSIC BINGO x 2: 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!
(WSB file photo)
The start of fall means Halloween season is nearing too, and we’re starting to receive announcements about this year’d events. Among them, one month from tomorrow, Camp Long will again host Trail or Treat – and right now it’s looking for organizations to host and decorate cabins! From Camp Long’s Matt Kostle:
Right now we are looking for organizations to volunteer to host cabins at the event as this event happens in collaboration with public and private organizations. The way it works is each organization “hosts” a cabin by providing some volunteers/staff and treats to hand out while we set up the lighted trails and pathways along with some interactive activities! This is a family-friendly event and has been quite popular the last two years we have done it, bringing in around 1000 people each time! Here’s a link for organizations to sign up to host cabins! Once we get a better idea of how many organizations are participating this year we will send out an updated flyer and map of the event with organizations logos as available. Organizations are also able to decorate the cabins in whatever festive ways they like (keeping in mind that it is family friendly so not too scary) and can hand out/provide whatever info they want about their organizations to the public visiting for the event!
strong>6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and in the low 70s is the forecast again today. Sunrise will be at 6:59 am; sunset, at 7:02 pm.
(Fall’s second sunset, photographed by Tony Tschanz)
ROAD WORK
-Repair work on California SW’s Fauntleroy Creek culvert hadn’t moved into the street by end of day yesterday, so no traffic effects yet.
–59th SW in Alki is closed for at least two and a half more weeks by the school-construction zone.
-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Issaquah, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights through October 10.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners‘ final regular-season homestand continues tonight, 6:40 pm vs. the Rockies.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Three items in West Seattle Crime Watch:
27TH SW SHOOTING FOLLOWUP: Southwest Precinct dayside watch commander Lt. Wes Collier was at tonight’s Admiral Neighborhood Association meeting, and his briefing included an update on the most significant reccent incident in West Seattle, the shooting of a 31-year-old man outside apartments on 27th SW on Monday. He said it’s believed to have been “targeted” so even though the person who shot the victim isn’t in custody yet, they don’t believe the general public is in danger. He said the victim was outdoors with his girlfriend; she went inside, and that’s when the man was shot. He sai officers found evidence of 23 rifle rounds, plus “eight rounds of return fire that hit two vehicles” that happened to be in the line of fire.
CAR BREAK-INS: Manny was hit two days in a row in the 800 block of SW Trenton:
I recently had my car broken into on 9/22. Both windows on the passengers’ side were smashed. I was home all day and did not hear my car alarm go off and none of my neighbors let me know.
Then this morning at around 5:20 am my car alarm went off and someone tried to break in again.
The SPD incident # is 25-277973.
MAILBOX FOUND: Via text, we received this photo:
Anybody reported a mailbox missing? Corner of SW Cambridge and Kelsey Lane SW.
We’re at the Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s every-other-month meeting, where one of tonight’s guests was Seattle Public Schools board president Gina Topp (who also happens to be an Admiral entrepreneur, as co-proprietor of Mission Cantina). Among many other updates, Topp said that the application time for district superintendent closed September 15th, and as of right now, they have “41 qualified candidates” and she says “we are super excited about that number.” She says the board will start reviewing the candidates on Friday. (Previous superintendent Dr. Brent Jones has departed, and interim superintendent Fred Podesta has said he is not interested in the permanent job.) Lots of other news from the meeting too – we’ll have a full report later.
The proposed $9 billion 2026 budget presented by Mayor Bruce Harrell today is contingent on a variety of things, not just the City Council’s review, revision, and approval process. As noted by city budget director Dan Eder in a media briefing before the mayor’s proposal went public, the plan’s status as a “balanced budget” depends on approval of some proposed taxes, like the so-called “Seattle Shield” tax and the expanded Families, Education, Preschool, Promise levy, both of which go to voters on the November ballot, plus the one-tenth of a cent “public-safety sales tax” the Legislature gave local governments the authority to charge.
The city had already done some belt-tightening when financial forecasts looked ever-gloomier, Eder said:
While almost half the full $9 billion plan goes to utilities, transportation, and environment spending, as per the pie chart below, Eder says much of that is mandated:
And if you pull out the $2 billion general fund, half of that goes to public safety:
Eder said the budget for police staffing is growing because they’re hiring more officers than expected and losing fewer than expected:
Meantime, funding to expand the major teams comprising the CARE Department – crisis responders and 911 dispatchers/calltakers – will be heavily dependent on the aforementioned “public safety sales tax”:
In another area of interest, Parks and Recreation would get funding to add three more park rangers, for a total of 31, and would get $1 million more to fight graffiti vandalism. The department’s own summary also mentions increased restroom maintenance.
There’s a lot more to say about the budget, but those are a few notes for now. You can see the entire 702-page budget proposal, with department-by-department breakouts, here (PDF, 20 MB). Here’s the agenda for the council’s first all-budget meeting at 9:30 am Thursday; public hearings are currently planned for October 7 and November 6, with the budget to be finalized before Thanksgiving.
With the end of summer and start of fall, we checked in with the management of West Seattle’s historic event venue Kenyon Hall, to see how close they were to reopening after a summer-long shutdown for renovations. Not close yet, says operations manager Murphy Janssen: “It’s been a bit of a hectic summer as we work through these renos and all the permitting that needs to go into the updates.” So no official reopening date yet; Janssen says they’re “sort of playing it by ear.” But if they are open by November, he says, “I’ve got holds for some fun events …” but he feels closer to certain they’ll “be open for December holiday shows.” We heard a bit about the renovations in this WSB story last May, looking at the status of Kenyon Hall, a nonprofit-owned 109-year-old building at 7904 35th SW.
(WSB photo, 2024)
Set your calendar for Saturday, October 18, one of two days a year when hundreds of volunteers work simultaneously in multiple areas along the Duwamish River and in its watershed – Duwamish Alive! You can register early for some of the events. Here’s what organizers asked us to share with you:
Duwamish Alive! Saving Our Salmon, Saves Our Orca
Saturday, October 18th 10 – 2 at Multiple Local SitesJoin Duwamish Alive! this fall as our salmon are returning in our Duwamish River and Longfellow Creek, with this watershed-wide effort in improving the health of our salmon by restoring their habitat, which provides food, shelter, and cool, clean water that salmon need. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat in multiple urban parks and open spaces by removing invasive weeds, planting native plants, removing debris, and learning about healthy habitat. This is a family-friendly event, all ages welcomed and encouraged. Tools and instruction are provided.
Can’t volunteer? Visitors are welcome to view the river and the returning salmon at həʔapus Village Park, learn about the river, its ecosystem, salmon and how to care for this special place. Stop by the informational tables and find out why we say this is a “pink” year.
We are honored to help steward these locations which are the ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples who have been here for thousands of years.
To volunteer, visit DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice, or email info@duwamishalive.org
Many of the sites are in West Seattle. Those ready to accept volunteer registrations now include this one.
This has been long mentioned at community meetings as being on the way – and now it’s just been officially announced: The Seattle Police Department is launching a system to register private security cameras, so if and when crime happens, they know who nearby has a camera. The announcement just arrived in email from Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, pointing to this new website for the program. The site says the Community Camera Registry is voluntary and does not allow police to connect to your camera – just lets them know you have one (or more):
We are building an interactive map of security cameras in Seattle that will:
-Be accessible to the Seattle Police Department investigators
-Increase the efficiency of direct video evidence collection
-Provide immediate contact information to investigators for camera owners
-Enable communities to work together to create a safer SeattleCamera registration takes less than one minute via our secure online portal. Registering your cameras does not allow the Seattle Police Department access to your live video stream – it only enables investigators to know a camera is present at your location and easily request video evidence should an incident occur. You are under no obligation to provide video if requested.
The FAQ about the program says the resulting camera map will only be accessible by “authorized Seattle Police Department users” but also notes that “your information can be disclosed as part of a public disclosure request as long as the requestor is not using it for commercial purposes.” That refers to the information on the registration form, which the site says includes your name, address, phone number, email address, and the number of cameras (outdoor and/or indoor) you have. While as mentioned this doesn’t seek to automatically tap into your cameras, the potential for that sort of future connectivity was mentioned when SPD showed off its Real-Time Crime Center two months ago.
Four food-related biznotes:
IN PIZZA WE CRUST REMINDER: In case you missed our update a week-plus ago, the new pizza place in the former Swinery location at 3207 California SW opens at 11 am tomorrow (Wednesday, September 24).
CHEESE RIOT PIZZA: If you’re a fan of deep-dish pizza, West Seattle doesn’t have a lot of it, but Cheese Riot Pizza – operating out of Distinguished Foods just south of the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) – has recently joined the lineup. Here’s what co-founder Rachel told us in an email conversation:
Cheese Riot Pizza is a labor of love between the two of us. Alec is the one behind the oven, and I handle the outreach. Right now, it’s just the two of us, operating out of a shared kitchen, but our dream is to one day grow into our own space and give West Seattle a new spot to gather, eat, and connect.
A little about us: I met Alec over 8 years ago, and he was first introduced to me as “the pizza guy.” His dad founded Garlic Jim’s and Jet City Pizza, so Alec grew up kneading dough, delivering pies, and working in the shop. This year, he took the leap, leaving the 9 to 5 world to pursue his passion: opening his own place, this time with a focus on deep-dish pizza instead of the thin crusts his dad specialized in. Watching him light up while experimenting and creating new recipes has been inspiring, and I couldn’t be happier to support him in our first restaurant venture together.
We’re currently open:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 4:30–9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 4:30–10 p.m.
Sunday: 12–9 p.m.
EZELL’S FAMOUS CHICKEN: The regional chain – including its California/Fauntleroy location – is offering a deal for the next week in honor of a partnership with RedBird Farms for larger “heritage” cuts. Today through September 30, according to an announcement from the company, they’re offering any two chicken pieces and a roll for $3.99 (one per person). The announcement also notes they’re selling Ezell’s-branded merch too.
MUD BAY MATCH: Here’s where the pet food comes in. It’s part of a special day at Mud Bay this Saturday:
Join us at Mud Bay Admiral on Saturday (corrected – September 27th) for Neighborhood Pet Store Day. We will be celebrating with an Adoption Event hosted by the Seattle Animal Shelter from 12 pm-2 pm. In addition, Mud Bay will be matching 100% of all pet food sales (in-store and online) with an equivalent donation of food and supplies for pets in need at our local animal shelter.
The store is – for now! – at 2611 California SW.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It was a pleasantly warm evening to properly close out summer as Alice Enevoldsen gathered a crowd of around 50 people last night tocelebrate the fall equinox at West Seattle’s Solstice Park. The equinox marks one of two times a year that the night and the day are of equal duration, and notably for us in the northern hemisphere, the passing of summer into fall. This was Alice’s 63rd time hosting the quarterly equinox/solstice sunseet event, which has been taking place since the late 2000s barring some interruptions due to the pandemic.
The crowd started gathering around 6 PM in anticipation of the sunset. The layout of the park has three stones and corresponding passageways which mark the exact location of the sunset for the equinox and solstices throughout the year.
The sunset was at precisely 6:56 PM – as observed. She explained that while the official U.S. Naval Observatory-calculated sunset for our area is 7:06 PM (the time that appears on most phone weather apps), this does not take into consideration local factors that cause the sun to disappear earlier, such as the Olympic Mountains or other environmental factors.
Notably last night, a thin streak of smoke still wavered over the Olympics from ongoing Washington forest fires.
After the sun had set, Alice gave her customary presentation on the scientific explanation and meaning of the equinox. She was helped, as usual, by a young assistant – this time, Jork – who volunteered to represent the sun. During the presentation, Alice and her globe rotated around the volunteer sun to explain the way in which the rotation of the earth causes the changing of the seasons and the corresponding length of the day. At the point of the equinox, she said, the length of the day is changing the fastest – losing about 4 minutes of daylight every day.
Following her presentation, Alice summarized the passing of yet another equinox with reverence. “We are at the same place in our orbit as we were a year ago – the same place in space – isn’t that mindblowingly awesome?” she said.
She presents these events as part of her volunteer work as an official NASA Solar System Ambassador. If you’d like to attend her next event, the sunset watch for the winter solstice will be on December 21. You can also find more information from Alice about local astronomical events or upcoming events by her on her website [https://alicesastroinfo.com/], or her social media feeds.
(Monday aerial view of West Seattle, sent by Greg)
Here’s our Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 10 am with Natalia – last-minute reminder, so mark your calendar for next week!. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Drop in 11 am-12:30 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) and talk with Patrice Lewis about your Medicare-related questions.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) features speaker Brian Scheehser from South Seattle College (WSB sponsor)
MAYOR’S BUDGET SPEECH: Noon on Seattle Channel, you can watch Mayor Bruce Harrell talk about his budget proposal for next year. We just sat in on an advance briefing for media and will have a report this afternoon too.
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm weekly meeting. Meeting is open to public comment both online and in person – the agenda explains how.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Nothing on the schedules at local high schools (some have away games) or Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex today.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
TYPE 1 DIABETES SOCIAL GROUP: New group meets 6:15 pm at White Center Library (1409 SW 107th) – our calendar listing has an RSVP link.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
CREATE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), register in advance to work on your project(s).
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: If you live, work, study, shop, dine, visit Admiral, this neighborhood gathering at 7 pm is for you. Here’s our agenda preview, with guests focusing on schools and safety. At the newly renamed Admiral HUB (former church, 4320 SW Hill).
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, hear the new Geese album three days before it’s released. (4559 California SW)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: New classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you participate.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four options for Tuesday night trivia – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Saturday to remember Marlene Mann, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:
Marlene Iris Mann was born on March 15th, 1934, in West Seattle where she spent most of her life. She was the daughter of Elmer Chase and Emma Hill and was lovingly raised by Howard and Charlotte Hill. On September 1st, 2025, at age 91, Marlene went to be with our Lord Jesus.
Marlene met Huntley Mann at West Seattle High School and married him in 1952. They were married for 71 years and had 7 wonderful daughters.
She worked at the Old Granada theater in West Seattle, was a receptionist for Consolidated Freight Ways and a banquet waitress at The Holiday Inn for 38 years. In later years, she helped create window displays for Husky Deli.
Marlene loved life! She was an avid outdoor enthusiast and spent years taking children and grandchildren camping, hiking, swimming at Colman pool, ski lessons at Snoqualmie Pass and many campouts throughout Washington State. It was adventure at its best!
Marlene was the heartbeat of her household that kept it alive and thriving! Her home was the hub to all who needed a listening ear, a home cooked meal and a hot cup of coffee. She gave hope when there was despair, encouragement where there was disappointment and always pointed people to the Cross of Jesus to find the answers that would lead them to victory in their life. One of her many talents was hospitality. For over 60 years, she hosted family and friends at her home for numerous holidays, celebrations, and fundraisers. Everyone always felt welcomed and was blessed by her endless giving.
Marlene was Jesus’ personal “Welcome” to all who entered through her door. No matter how you stepped in you always left filled to the brim with God’s goodness after being in her presence. On one occasion, Marlene was described as a “walking Bible with a red leather cover.” How true that was!
Marlene was a lover of Jesus, family, animals and everything in-between. She sacrificed and made the decision to send her daughters to Hope Lutheran School to learn about Jesus and his word. Many of her grandchildren also attended this school because of her support and encouragement to help them build a life around Christ.
She orchestrated, lead, and engaged in many activities throughout her life such as Bible Study Fellowship, Bill Gotherd Ministry, leading Girl Scout outings, along with preparing, decorating and serving at countless dinner/dance fundraisers for the school and her community.
Everyone could always count on Marlene to watch her grandchildren and dog sit any time of the day or night. She loved when her grandchildren and their furry companions came over to visit, and her door was always open!
Marlene was a bottle of wisdom, encouragement and hope poured out over all who had the privilege of meeting her. If you knew her, you were given a glimpse into the heart of our Savior! She always made it a priority to preach the gospel by being the hands and feet of Jesus, feeding the hungry, taking care of the fatherless, forgiving those who wronged her and loving her neighbors.
Marlene always said, “I’ll leave the light on in the window for you!” And she did! She was “Grandma Marlene” to more kids than you could count over the years. She was always there for us in the best times and in the hardest times. Her faith in the Lord and her unwavering courage to take care of, guide, and lead her family earned her the namesake of a Proverbs 31 woman. I know Mom was greeted by Jesus in a warm embrace with His loving words, “Well Done, My Good and Faithful Servant!”
May we all continue to carry her legacy to those who God places in our path… to love unconditionally, forgive often, serve daily, stay humble and kind and fan the flame of the gospel of Jesus Christ to all!
Marlene is preceded in death by her husband Huntley Mann and survived by her seven daughters: Rhonda (Shane) Stanley, Denise (Saeed) Mahboub, Desiree Kjorsvik, Roxanne (Jon) Tunison, Deanna (Steven) Smith, Rachel (Jon) Daniels and Marlo (Michael) Maddy; 23 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.
A celebration of life for Marlene will be held on Saturday, September 27th, 2025 at 1:00 pm at Hope Lutheran Church. Reception to follow.
We will love you forever, Mom! As always, TO GOD BE THE GLORY!
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, September 23, 2025 – first full day of fall.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and in the low 70s today, with smoky haze expected later. Sunrise will be at 6:58 am; sunset, at 7:04 pm.
(Fall’s first sunset, photographed by Chris Frankovich)
ROAD WORK
-California SW’s Fauntleroy Creek culvert gets a month of emergency repair work starting as soon as today.
–59th SW in Alki is closed for at least three more weeks by the school-construction zone.
-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is under way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Issaquah, and M/V Sealth. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; summer/early fall schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights through October 10.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners‘ final regular-season homestand starts tonight, 6:40 pm vs. the Rockies.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Shortly after multiple 911 calls reporting suspected gunfire in the area, police report finding proof of it at 29th SW and SW Myrtle [map]. They’ve found casings and have Myrtle blocked off as they look for more. No injuries reported so far. Police told dispatch that witnesses reported a 4-door silver Mazda sedan was involved.
“We have moved into the heart of West Seattle: the Alaska Junction,” declare Daniel and Julie Sas, owners of West Seattle Tattoo, looking ahead to their “grand reopening” in a new location this Saturday (September 27), Here’s their story:
We moved here in 2019 and worked at Blue Geisha Tattoo until they had to close down months later due to COVID. Once we were allowed to in 2020, we opened a private studio in the ActiveSpace building by the bridge for a year before opening West Seattle Tattoo. Since 2021 for the last 4 years we have been at 3902 California Ave SW, in the house with the lawn next to Olympia Coffee. Right in the middle of the [Admiral and Alaska] Junctions. But we are excited to be entering our 5th year in business and 4th as a street shop. The new address is 4517 California Ave SW. We are in the breezeway next to Supreme Pizza on the second floor. Our Grand Reopening is September 27th from 12-5, where all of our entire flash-art wall is %25 off. We have a fun plinko board people can play for the designs in a Get What You Get game or they can just choose.
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