(Duwamish River and Mount Rainier as seen from the bridge – photo sent by Lura)

Here’s our Monday list of what’s happening and NOT happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please let us know!):

BABY STORY TIME CANCELED: Southwest Library’s noon story time is canceled today.

SSC INFO SESSION: 1 pm, visit South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) to learn about it during an hour-long info session! At Cascade Hall. More info in our calendar listing.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular 2 pm Monday “briefing meeting”; no public comment, but the agenda explains what’ll happen and how to view.

DOG SWIM TIME AT ARBOR HEIGHTS POOL: The annual “Dog Days of Summer” are back this week! Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) opens its pool for dogs-only swimming, right before it’s closed for the offseason cleaning. 4-7 pm Monday through Friday this week plus noon-5 pm on Saturday. $5/session or $20 for the whole week.

CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT HIATUS: On hold while The Missing Piece moves to new Junction location.

HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: Chief Sealth IHS girls play at Evergreen (830 SW 116th, White Center), 5 pm.

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)

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 Alki UCC at 6:45; the meditation meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)

HIGH-SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL: Chief Sealth IHS has a 7 pm home match tonight (2600 SW Thistle) vs. Nathan Hale.

POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More 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!

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BIZNOTE: In Pizza We Crust sets grand-opening date

September 15, 2025 8:46 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

We reported a week ago that In Pizza We Crust was awaiting its final inspection – and now it’s announced a grand-opening date. Proprietor Stephanie Tran tells WSB her wood-fired pizza restaurant will open Wednesday, September 24, at 11 am. We first told you a year and a half ago about the longtime food truck purveyor’s plan for the ex-Swinery space at 3207 California SW. Stephanie says the hours will be 11 am-10 pm daily except Sundays noon-8 pm, Mondays closed: “Once we’ve been open a bit we may adjust the hours based on the community.”

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Monday info

September 15, 2025 6:01 am

| Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Monday info

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, September 15, 2025 – fall officially arrives one week from today.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast is for sunshine and a high in the upper 60s. (And 10+ degrees warmer tomorrow!) Today’s sunrise will be at 6:47 am; sunset will be at 7:20 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Construction on 16th around SW Holden is scheduled to continue.

-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is scheduled to resume.

–59th SW in Alki is scheduled to close for a month by the school-construction zone.

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.

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!

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LIGHT RAIL: 2 WS stations? 1 WS station? No ‘tail tracks’? Sound Transit board committee hears possibilities for West Seattle cost-cutting, as estimate rises

September 14, 2025 9:57 pm

| 63 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Sound Transit Board members are still months away from decision-making on a revised long-range plan and ways to pop projects’ ballooning budgets. But their committees are getting briefings along the way, and the West Seattle Link Extension was one of the focuses when the board’s System Expansion Committee met Thursday.

Starting at 1 hour, 25 minutes into the meeting video (see it here), deputy CEO Terri Mestas led the briefing on the “cost workplan” for capital projects, then focusing in on West Seattle (followed by Everett), concluding at the end, “We’re really turning over every stone.” She noted that the West Seattle project is now at 30 percent design.

CEO Dow Constantine said that since they’re now using “bottom-up” cost estimating, they are more confident about their numbers. Shortly afterward, ST’s Brad Owen revealed that the West Seattle estimate has risen again, now $7.1 billion to $7.9 billion – potentially almost twice as much as what the finance plan from four years ago covers.

He clarified that the number includes “total contingency” as required by a particular federal policy. That represents more than a fourth of the estimated cost, Owen said.

Then it was on to possible ways to reduce the costs. The only way to get the project within what the finance would cover would be the most dramatic proposal, phasing – cutting the project down to the SODO and Delridge stations, building the latter in a way that would enable some future extension to The Junction (and possibly beyond). This isn’t a formal proposal right now, just an example of what’s possible. Here are the details on that:

(Note that ST says going only to Delridge would drop estimated ridership dramatically, and would change the type of station needed there. In Q&A, board member Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss declared it to be “one of the worst ideas I’ve ever seen.”) Meantime, Owen also brought up the idea of dropping the Avalon station, which has been suggested and studied previously, including in the official environmental-impact statement. This could, he said, mean less impact on Longfellow Creek and the West Seattle Health Club; possible savings could be nearly half a billion dollars.

And “optimization” of the Junction station could save almost a quarter-billion dollars (stations are the costliest items on project lists, Owen noted) – one component of this would remove “tail tracks” that currently would stretch underground construction all the way to SW Hudson, a removal that they now believe would not have an operational effect, with benefits including less right-of-way needing to be obtained:

Other cost-saving possibilities included design changes in the SODO station and “aerial guideway and foundation optimization” for the entire WS project. No board member questions after the presentation, which again was just a briefing, not a formal proposal nor anything requiring a vote. Here’s the full slide deck (including the Everett project info, for a project that also could cost nearly $8 billion, though it’s a 16-mile extension, four times the SODO-to-WS Junction distance).

WHAT’S NEXT: It was noted in Q&A that the board will have to authorize more money and time before year’s end for the consultant that’s working on cost savings, if they want the consultant to keep ferreting out more possibilities. More discussions are ahead at other board/committee meetings as they move toward revising future plans next year.

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FOLLOWUP: High-school students protesting sudden schedule change plan rally at district HQs; School Board president promises ‘listening session’; district posts FAQ

September 14, 2025 7:31 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

7:31 PM: New developments since we first reported Tuesday on a sudden announcement from Seattle Public Schools that they’ll change multiple high schools’ schedules tomorrow – a week and a half into the new school year – so that all “comprehensive high schools” have two lunch periods (currently most have one). First, the district-wide student walkout that one West Seattle High School student mentioned has become a rally at district headquarters at noon Monday, after students walk out at 11 am. Second, School Board president Gina Topp – who is the West Seattle/South Park rep on the board – answered our original inquiry to her this weekend by saying she doesn’t “have more information than what the district has already shared” but expects a briefing at this Wednesday’s board meeting. Before then, Topp says, “I’ll be holding a listening session for students with some other board directors on Monday, and staff is coordinating one with ASB officers from all the schools.” The district did not answer our question about why the change is happening with the school year under way, nor did they explain the change beyond what was also in the original message to parents:

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) is implementing a two-lunch schedule across all comprehensive high school campuses for the 2025–26 school year. This reflects thoughtful planning to ensure compliance with applicable laws and policies while meeting the needs of students and staff.

This change ensures all students have adequate time for seated lunch while meeting Washington state’s required instructional minutes. Additionally, this schedule will support increased and equitable access to school meals, and ensure compliance with staffing, instructional time, and labor contract requirements.

A follow-up message to families, reported here, also cites safety.

8:21 PM: Just checked the district website and there’s now an FAQ posted about the change, dated today. Among other things, it says schools have until October 6 to implement this, while saying some will do so “as soon as (tomorrow).” It also cites specific policies behind the change.

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VIDEO: West Seattle coyote’s long on-camera hangout

September 14, 2025 4:41 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Many coyote videos are fairly fleeting. Not this one. It was sent by Jordan, who explains, “We discovered some large animal scat in our small fenced front yard (Friday) morning (and) found that it was a coyote, captured on our security camera around 1 am. We have a small dog and we’re fortunate the coyote wasn’t there when we were out there earlier (that night).” Jordan adds, “We live at the corner of Lander and Walnut, the NE corner of Hiawatha. The back of our house is the Fairmount Ravine.” But coyotes turn up far from greenbelts, too; here’s what you need to know in case you encounter one.

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West Seattle Indivisible preparing, recruiting for giant people-powered Peace for All ‘banner’ next Sunday

September 14, 2025 2:26 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

Those are some of the 1,100 peace flags that West Seattle Indivisible volunteers had just finished assembling and decorating when we stopped by the High Point Library meeting room at noon today. They’ll be distributed to everyone who shows up to be part of a “human banner” next Sunday morning at the Harbor Avenue Pier 1 property. Here’s the explanation/invitation that WSI sent us:

West Seattle Indivisible is celebrating the International Day of Peace, observed around the world each year on September 21. Established in 1981 by United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to Peace above all differences and to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.

(Simulation)

To this end, you are invited to help us form a ‘human banner’ to spell out PEACE FOR ALL along the West Seattle waterfront! We are creating a beautiful image with the skyline of Seattle as our background, to share around the world. Everyone is invited to be part of this banner; the way it works is that we’ll have a thousand flags stencilled with the image of a dove, and chalk lines for the letters on the ground. At the signal, we all take our places on the lines, holding our banners above our heads and waving. Photographers will take our picture with Seattle in the background.

We’ll meet at 2130 Harbor Ave SW, between Salty’s and Jack Block Park, Sunday morning, September 21. We plan to have music, inspirational speakers, and a thousand people demonstrating for peace.

Please sign up so we get a head count for planning (and for us to email the picture afterward):

Already preparations are underway. Here’s our team laying out the letters ….

The site is privately owned, known as Pier 1, and a WSI spokesperson tells WSB that the land owner has given their permission for this gathering. The event is set to start at 8:30 am, and a separate media advisory lists these expected speakers:

Hamdi Mohamed, Port of Seattle Commissioner (Event MC)
Mayor Bruce Harrell
Malou Chavez, Executive Director, Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
Rev. Andrew Conley-Holcom, Admiral UCC
Irene Danysh, Development Officer, Ukrainian Catholic University

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Puget Ridge Edible Park is one of a kind. It doesn’t have to be. Learn about urban farming!

September 14, 2025 1:29 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Gardening | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) is a park where food is grown. The lessons community volunteers have learned while making it happen and helping it thrive are lessons you can learn from – and a “community garden leadership camp” this fall will give you that chance. PREP’s Stu Hennessey sent the announcement:

What: Urban farming, community garden leadership camp

When: September 20th through October 18th on consecutive Saturdays from 9 am to 11 am

Where: Puget Ridge Edible Park
1801 SW Brandon St. West Seattle

Why: Puget Ridge Edible Park is a permaculture community garden that supplies free local and fresh produce to many families in and near the Puget Ridge neighborhood.

With food security being a concern and with prices of high quality and healthy food prices climbing the fastest, growing locally is the best answer. We will share with you our story of success from acquiring space to season by season methods that you can use to develop your own neighborhood park as well as use in your own garden. To show commitment, a $25 donation the the Puget Ridge Edible Park group, a 501c3 is suggested but not required.

Interested? Find out more here.

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Memorial gathering next Saturday for Ed Dupras, 78

September 14, 2025 10:13 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next Saturday (September 20) to remember longtime community advocate Ed Dupras. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with his community now:

Ed Dupras passed away on August 7, 2025 at the age of 78, after a battle with cancer.

Ed made his home in West Seattle, where he was a passionate and engaged member of the community. Known for his sharp wit, generous spirit, and strong sense of civic duty, Ed dedicated much of his time to local causes and political engagement. He was an active supporter of the 34th District Democrats and a proud participant in Drinking Liberally, where spirited conversation was always on tap.

Whether he was volunteering for neighborhood initiatives or advocating for progressive change, Ed brought warmth, humor, and integrity to everything he did. He will be remembered not only for his activism, but for his friendship, his kindness, and his willingness to go on a Costco run for you because he was going to go there anyway and it was no problem at all.

A memorial gathering will be held at The Hall at Fauntleroy on September 20th at 1-4 pm, where friends and loved ones are invited to share stories and celebrate Ed’s life.

Ed would have wanted his memorial to be informal. Open microphone – if there are memories you want to share.

“No flowers,” he would say. “The guest of honor wouldn’t have wanted them.”

Ed is survived by his two children, Sarah and Edward Dupras.

(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)

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 22 notes!

September 14, 2025 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(In honor of Colman Pool’s last day of the year, Janelle Otterholt caught a seagull on its tarp)

Good morning – here’s what’s up for your Sunday, featuring some one-time-only experiences, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

‘WE ARE WEST SEATTLE’: West Seattle small businesses band together for a spotlight week, concluding today, explained in our calendar listing.

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!)

PANCAKES! All are welcome at Holy Rosary School‘s pancake breakfast, 9 am-12:30 pm. Prices and menu here! (42nd/Genesee)

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This week’s 9 am Sunday Funday run leaves from Top Pot Doughnuts (4709 California SW).

FREE GARDENING CLASS: Learn about “Native Plants for the Fall Garden,” 10 am at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor). Attendees get a discount on purchases today, too.

PAINT PEACE DAY FLAGS: Join West Seattle Indivisible in getting ready for next Sunday’s big International Peace Day gathering – 10 am-1 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

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 late-summer produce season (stone fruit, berries, tomatoes, greens, roots), plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, condiments, flowers, more.

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)

ALKI KAYAK TOURS’ END-OF-SEASON SALE: Watercraft and gear, both new and used, with deals, demos, and a chance to try before you buy! Details in our calendar listing. 11 am-6 pm at AKT HQ at Seacrest Boathouse (1660 Harbor SW).

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)

COMMUNITY POTLUCK FOR CARLSON FAMILY: Their twin baby girls are fighting cancer – we told their story here – and their community is doing what can be done to help. You’re invited to a community potluck at 11:30 am today at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW) to support the Carlsons.

SECOND-TIME SALE: Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) has its big sale this weekend, concluding with shopping hours 11:30 am-3 pm today, as previewed here.

WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

COLMAN POOL FINALE: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open one last time for 2025, noon-7 pm, wrapping up its second of two postseason weekends – see the schedule here.

COMMUNITY VINYL GARAGE SALE: Record-lovers, Tim’s Tavern is the place to be for this hosted sale noon-4 pm today. (16th SW/SW 98th, White Center)

IMAGINE ECONOMIES OF GIFT, GRACE, AND ENOUGH: Talk about two books that can help you envision just that, 12:30 pm with Admiral Church at SJB. (3050 California SW)

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)

COMMUNITY VOCAL TONING: Our calendar listing explains what you’re invited to do at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), 2:30-3:30 pm.

CHORAL CONCERT: The Evergreen Ensemble returns to West Seattle today, and “Where You Belong” is their fall concert’s theme, 3 pm at Holy Rosary Church (42nd SW/SW Genesee).

WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE MONTHLY MEETING: 3:30 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) – agenda highlights are on the group’s newly redesigned website.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, Sunday night music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Hit-run driver sought for crash killing motorcycle rider on southbound 509 near Myers Way exit

September 14, 2025 12:41 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:41 AM: Southbound Highway 509 is closed right now at Cloverdale – which is where you get on from the east end of the Roxbury corridor – because of a crash. The State Patrol is investigating, but a bulletin on Seattle Police radio described it as a “fatality collision,” saying the search was on for a suspected hit-run driver. No estimate yet how long the highway will stay closed.

3:04 AM: No updates yet. If you have to head out in the next few hours, you can check WSDOT’s traffic-alert map here.

6:20 AM: Reopened as of 4:30.

10:43 AM: The State Patrol’s summary of the crash says it involved a 50-year-old man on a motorcycle and two drivers in cars. All were headed southbound on 509 approaching the Myers Way exit. The motorcyclist changed lanes to exit; the hit-run driver hit him “at a high rate,” then veered into the right-side barrier. In a chain reaction, the other car then hit the car driver and veered into the motorcyclist. The first car driver left the scene; the rider’s bike wound up in the inside lane but he was found on the right shoulder and pronounced dead at the scene (the summary notes he was wearing a helmet). All the WSP has released about the hit-run driver is that they were in a Toyota (possibly white, it was noted on SPD radio last night) and that their car would be notably damaged.

4:07 PM: Additional information from WSP, which says the hit-run driver was last seen taking the Myers Way exit:

Parts from the suspect vehicle were left at the scene. It appears that the bumper of this vehicle was metallic blue painted white. The vehicle will have front and rear end damage.

WSP detectives are seeking anyone that witnessed this horrible collision or has information that would help identify the suspect vehicle. Please email Detective Gagley at Matthew.Gagley@wsp.wa.gov.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO: Fiestas Patrias celebration begins with spirited South Park parade

September 13, 2025 8:31 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| South Park | West Seattle news

WSB PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN, VIDEO BY TRACY RECORD

State Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González was first to roll down the route of this morning’s Fiestas Patrias Parade in South Park, presiding as Grand Marshal this year. He wasn’t the only participant for whom justice resounded – another was the Duwamish Valley Youth Corps, always advocating for environmental justice:

One entry carried tributes to legendary fighters for justice and health:

Several displayed the inspirational slogan “Si si puede” (Yes, we can):

Fiestas Patrias is primarily a celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, all displayed in abundance during the parade, with multiple folkloric-dancing groups:

Culture also rolled and bounced down the parade route with members of the Eazy Duz It Car Club, too:

The vehicles representing parade organizer Sea Mar Community Health Centers‘ many branches were lavishly decorated, some whimsically with characters in the spirit of family health.

Meantime, schools participating today included Chief Sealth International High School, whose cheer team walked the route, followed by members of the 2-0 football team:

The Sealth and Denny International Middle School program Proyecto Saber had an entry too, as did Concord International Elementary, with the most pointed signs of the parade, including “No Human Is Illegal” and “Abolish ICE.” Other participants were simply exuberant:

The last major entry featured more than 50 horseback riders – and one other livestock sighting:

Relatively few government reps in the parade – District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka was in it, as were some Seattle Police and a Metro bus. After the parade, which lasted almost an hour with some long stopdowns, Sea Mar’s Fiestas Patrias celebration at Seattle Center downtown opened; it continues tomorrow.

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PHOTOS: Fruit from dozens of local trees donated to food banks after Rotary Club of West Seattle and Scouting America gleaning day

September 13, 2025 4:31 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Rotary Club of West Seattle | West Seattle news

(WSB PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN)

The sunlight gleamed while the volunteers gleamed. Above are the Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) and Scouting America volunteers who fanned out this morning to 20 sites where residents/owners had volunteered more than 40 fruit trees for gleaning – harvesting so the fruit could be given to local food banks.

The sites were identified after the Rotary’s open invitation to the community earlier this summer.

Volunteers fanned out to the 20 sites after a short group meetup this morning.

(Scout Brita Gill picks an apple in front of a house that volunteered five trees, including apples, pears, and plums)

(Rotarian Martha Sidlo)

(From left, scout Josie Gill, rotary member Martha Sidlo, and scout Brita Gill pick fruit from a volunteer’s trees)

Once the gleaning was over, it was time for the next step in the process. At the West Seattle Food Bank, development director Robbin Peterson took this photo of volunteers delivering what eventually amounted to more than 840 pounds of fruit!

(Bryan and Mike from WS Rotary, Robert from White Center Food Bank)

Robbin observes, “It was a beautiful and fun day in community, getting to meet neighbors and ne friends, while doing good for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity.” The gleaning event was also in partnership with City Fruit, who facilitates this kind of harvesting year-round.

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WHALES: Southern Resident orcas in central Puget Sound – but have lost another calf

September 13, 2025 2:38 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

2:38 PM: The Southern Resident Killer Whales of J-Pod have been seen in central Puget Sound, “coming south all day” per Kersti Muul. That would be their first visit of the season, she adds. But they’re in the news today for a sad reason – a loss. Another newborn calf has died, the Center for Whale Research reported:

Late in the morning on September 12th, several sources alerted CWR researchers to apparent sightings of a southern resident killer whale pushing a deceased calf in Rosario Strait. CWR researchers arrived in the area in the early afternoon, and sadly were able to confirm that southern resident J36 was pushing a deceased female neonate, with umbilical cord still attached.

Based on the size of the calf, we estimate that the calf was either full term or near full term. It is unclear if this was a stillbirth or if the calf died shortly after birth. Based on when we last observed J36, this calf would have been born within the last 3 days.

Researchers from SR3, SeaDoc Society, and the Whale Museum soon arrived on scene and conducted further documentation and measurement. We will share more when we can, and work with the other research teams to piece together what information we can about this calf and J36’s status.

Kersti notes that the mom, J36, has lost one of her offspring before – J52, whose death at age 2 1/2 we noted eight years ago.

2:41 PM: Just as we were publishing the notes above, we heard from Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail, who plans to be at Emma Schmitz Overlook (across from Me Kwa Mooks, 4500 block Beach Drive) with binoculars to share. She estimates the orcas might be in view from West Seattle, looking north, by about 3:15 pm.

3:01 PM: No orca-watching after all – Donna just told us the orcas turned around at West Point (northwest edge of Elliott Bay) and are headed northbound.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: ‘Everything is free’! Highland Park Elementary PTA’s Give-and-Take Sale

September 13, 2025 12:29 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: ‘Everything is free’! Highland Park Elementary PTA’s Give-and-Take Sale

| Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

In case you can’t believe it’s free, the sign reiterates it – the Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s Give-and-Take Sale is full of items donated so that people can take what they need. Free of charge, or you can make a monetary donation to the PTA. Thanks to Mel for the photo and for this quick video look at the sale setup at the school:

HP Elementary is at 1012 SW Trenton, and the Give-and-Take Sale continues until 3 pm.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until next Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup. Here’s what you can drop off

September 13, 2025 11:59 am

| Comments Off on COUNTDOWN: One week until next Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup. Here’s what you can drop off

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

One week from today – Saturday, September 20 – it’s the next Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup. We’re reminding you today in case you want to spend part of this weekend deciding what to recycle! The church partners with 1 Green Planet twice a year to accept a wide variety of dropped-off items – offering the service free of charge – and the time window is 9 am to 3 pm, so you don’t have to rush and get caught in a big backup. The church’s lot is at 9140 California SW; here’s the list of what will and won’t be accepted next Saturday:

Here’s the PDF version.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 29 options!

September 13, 2025 6:39 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 29 options!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Welcome to the weekend! Here’s our West Seattle list for Saturday, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and inbox:

GIVE AND TAKE SALE: Highland Park Elementary PTA‘s annual donate-if-you-can, take-what-you-need sale! Drop off donations starting at 8 am; shopping starts at 9 am. Monetary donations benefit the PTA (and therefore students). At HPE (1012 SW Trenton)

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) leads Saturday 8 am free group runs!

(Photo by Ana Del Claro)

SECOND-TIME SALE: Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) has its big sale this weekend, starting with shopping hours 9 am-4 pm today, as previewed here.

OTHER GARAGE/YARD SALES: See this weekend’s listings in the WSB Community Forums. (If you have a sale to add, but don’t have a login for that section, go to westseattleblog/log-in – thanks!)

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free 9 am outdoor meditation at Schmitz Preserve Park (5551 SW Admiral Way) – register here.

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this 10 am walk, which you can join even if you didn’t go on the introductory walk. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

GENERATIVE AI = ONLINE HARM: Speaker presentation at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), 9:30 am.

FIESTAS PATRIAS PARADE: 10 am in South Park, annual celebration of Latin American culture and heritage, starts at 14th S./S. Henderson and heads north on 14th to Cloverdale, then west.

ALKI KAYAK TOURS’ END-OF-SEASON SALE: Watercraft and gear, both new and used, with deals, demos, and a chance to try before you buy! Details in our calendar listing. 10 am-6 pm at AKT HQ at Seacrest Boathouse (1660 Harbor SW).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: The Garden Center at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW, north end of campus), is open 10 am-3 pm.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, in and around the courtyard at Hope Academy in South Delridge (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, sweet treats, body-care products, more!

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – free weekly in-person group for writers of all levels. For location info, go here.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)

ALKI HISTORY TOUR: Two spots left on the Log House Museum‘s walking tour, per its website! Meet at the museum at 11 am. (61st/Stevens)

COLMAN POOL POST-SEASON SESSIONS: Second-to-last day this year! 12-7 pm swim sessions at Lincoln Park‘s heated saltwater pool (on the shore, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open noon-4 pm on Saturdays. (61st SW/SW Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open for you to enjoy wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). While you’re there, see the West Seattle Art Tour preview work!

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:

The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar, and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area.

BENEFITS OF NW NATIVE PLANTS: Garden Hotline presentation at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 1:30 pm.

RAT CITY YOUTH SHOWCASE: 2 pm-4 pm open mic for youth music and poetry at Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th), free.

LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Hear David Bowie‘s “I Can’t Give Everything Away” at 6 pm, with giveaays. (4559 California SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm (doors at 7), Etchings, Pine Circle, Blip. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Topspin at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).

SATURDAY NIGHT SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight, with rotating DJ Josh and DJ NightMere, 21+, at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW, White Center).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Our Saturday list concludes with 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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