West Seattle, Washington
18 Saturday
(Photo sent by Michael Reilly)
Everyone’s cheering for the Mariners. Even the statues! But you’d probably like to watch them in American League Championship Series Game 3 tomorrow with some people who are a little less, well, stony-faced. We’re getting questions about West Seattle watch parties, so maybe you can help us build a list. First one sent to us:
SEASIDE GRILL: Alki Beach Pride is hosting this watch party, with appetizer and drink specials. (2820 Alki SW)
Added Wednesday:
ARTHUR’S: “At Arthur’s we will have the game on with sound! Happy hour for the first portion and our fresh sheet with specials throughout.” (2311 California SW)
THE NEIGHBORHOOD: “We will be playing the M’s game with sound!” They’re open 3 pm-9 pm. (6503 California SW)
ADMIRAL PUB (2306 California SW): Watching.
THE WESTY (7908 35th SW): Watching.
WEST WINGS (2329 California SW): It’s also Wing Wednesday, half off second order.
WHISKY WEST (6451 California SW): Half-price wings too.
TALARICO’S (4718 California SW): Open at 3 pm.
POGGIE TAVERN (4717 California SW): Watching.
BEVERIDGE PLACE PUB (6413 California SW): Watching.
LARRY’S TAVERN (3405 California SW): Watching (and skipping trivia in favor of the game).
Game time is 5 pm Wednesday – we’ll add to this list with anyplace we hear about from you – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – and anyplace we find while looking around!
The only West Seattle project to have had a Southwest Design Review Board meeting this year, ~86 apartments at 3010 SW Avalon Way [map], now has its official design decision. The official report was released by the city today; see it here. This opens a two-week period for appeals, as explained in this notice. As we reported when the project went before the board in March, the project is proposed as an eight-story building with no offstreet parking. As for whether it’s on track to be built any time soon – since the development market has been fairly slow around here – that’s hard to tell from the document files, and of course the West Seattle light-rail project likely looms large in that area’s future.
Less than a week after celebrating Harvest Fest in advance of Halloween, the West Seattle Junction Association is presenting a new event this year – a Day of the Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebration in the “Lower Junction” (east edge of The Junction, mostly on the west side of Fauntleroy Way):
Saturday, November 1st | 11 AM – 2 PM
Join us for a vibrant Day of the Dead celebration as we transform Fauntleroy Ave into a colorful block filled with papel picado, marigolds, and community spirit. Come honor loved ones, enjoy live music, and explore festive activities from your favorite local merchants.
What’s happening:
Live Mariachi band (Mariachi Estrellas de Mexico)
Calaveras face painting (skeleton art)
Community Ofrenda at Maris – starting Oct 30, bring a photo of a loved one to add to the altar, honoring their life and spirit. The ofrenda will remain up through Nov 2.Merchant Activities:
–Orangetheory Fitness – “Afterlife Burn” 30-second rowing challenge, giveaways, swag, class vouchers + photo area
–Sound & Fog – offering Mexican hot chocolate + Day of the Dead–themed treats
–Maris – Create your own skull keychains + Day of the Dead magnets
–Club Pilates – Color your own calaveras, try the “Deadly Plank Challenge,” join the magic-circle fun
–Spa Phoebe – Create your own skull scratch masks, make your own bath salts with essential oils and grab a free temporary Day of the Dead tattoo
–City Sweats – Add to our Gratitude bowl: share memories or notes of thanks; entries entered in a raffle for complimentary wellness services
–Bohemian Studios – Participate in Day of the Dead -themed morning Barre classes at 8:30 A & 10 A plus Vinyasa Yoga at 11:30ACome walk the block, sip, shop, move, and celebrate life and remembrance together in true West Seattle style.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Tonight at 6 pm, Washington State Ferries will hold the second of two sessions of their fall systemwide online community meeting.
We watched the first session at 1 pm so you’d know what they’re covering, in case you’re undecided on attending.
Here are the panelists introduced this afternoon:
Bryn Hunter moderated. The first to speak was Steve Nevey, who’s been leading WSF for a year and a half. He said he set three strategic priorities at the start of his tenure and he feels they’ve “made great strides” toward achieving them. “We’re trending better by every metric (but) we still have a lot of work to do.” He said he’d proudest of a dramatic drop in cancellations related to crewing, attributed to hiring and training improvements.
Other numbers:
He then made way for the system’s second-in-command John Vezina. He showed the full tree of system leadership, saying they’re “laser-focused on making things better for our customers and our colleagues.”
Here’s how they’re doing that:
Vezina handed the baton to his successor as director of external relations, Jenna Forty. This summer, she said, ridership on the Triangle Route was up almost 9 percent, and its on-time performance improved in a big way, now up to 85 percent. Forty said vessel supply and stability remains a challenge but they’re doing what they can.
Next, David Sowers talked about his latest role, electrification-program director. He said WSF has embarked on an “unrivaled” program of building new boats and retrofitting existing ones.
He said M/V Wenatchee is now back in service full time after its conversion, with 864 batteries installed; the other two Jumbo Mark II ferry conversions remain on hold until after the World Cup. Meantime, the new ferries to be built on the East Coast will start arriving in 2030, with the other two of the first three to arrive annually after that.
He was the last planned speaker before Q&A. We’re just noting the ones of Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth interest:
-What about terminal support for electrification? They’ve got money to design and build one terminal system, money to design two more. The Triangle Route terminals were not mentioned as being in the early construction plans.
–What can WSF do about line-cutting? (The question was focused on the downtown terminal, but applied everywhere.) Vezina’s answer boiled down to “not much can be done, we know it’s frustrating, has even happened to me.” Another question later: Could camera enforcement be used? Vezina’s answer was mostly, “no.” Among other reasons, he said some people might have the right to “cut,” such as a medical emergency.
–General staffing update and “what’s being done to sustain it”? Nevey said a big concern a few years ago had been shortage of qualified captains, so they’ve invested time and money in training programs so crew can climb the ladder. They used to have unfilled captain’s jobs; now they have a waiting list for people seeking them. “We’re doing very well to set us up for permanent solutions, not just band-aids.”
–Will fares go up every year? And why so “dramatic(ally)”? Vezina explained that WSF doesn’t set its fares – fare policy is set by the Legislature, for starters. Pre-pandemic, he said, WSF had 80 percent farebox recovery (fares covering costs), but now is closer to 50 percent. There won’t be a new “how much WSF needs to make from fares” policy next Legislative session, but there will be one the following year.
–Fleet replacement. Nevey said they’re deciding whether they can keep their three oldest boats in service slightly longer, rather than retiring them as the new boats are completed.
–Passenger-only ferry service? The Legislature ordered WSF out of that business years ago. So counties (King and Kitsap, for example) are providing it. The state did a study last year and it’s being reviewed, but one question, “do you add new service when WSF still has significant needs?” Vezina observed, “Interesting policy conversation going forward.”
–Why can’t you pay WSF fares with ORCA cards? Vezina noted that their fares are so much higher than other transit services (particularly vehicle/driver) that it just doesn’t work with the way ORCA functions.
If you want to watch and/or ask questions at the 6 pm meeting (questions are all in writing, no live voice or video of participants), register here. WSF promises to post meeting recordings to that page too.
(Reader photo)
Thanks for the photo and tips. For the second time in three days, someone has trashed a car and abandoned it at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, apparently attempting to roll it down an embankment. We reported Saturday on a car abandoned on the field; neighbors later said there were actually two, but the first was towed quickly. According to archived police-radio exchanges, officers were dispatched just after 6 am today to check out what was described as an abandoned car with broken windows. We’re checking with SPD to see if it turned out to be stolen. We’re also checking with Seattle Public Schools regarding the gate to the parking lot (and fence-repair plans).
That’s a new Washington State Ferries rendering of what the signalized intersection at the Fauntleroy Way ferry-dock entrance/exit will look like. A WSF update sent in advance of today’s systemwide meetings (1 and 6 pm online) and tomorrow’s final meeting of the Community Advisory Group for the terminal project (6 pm Wednesday, online) also reveals intersection construction has been moved to a later date; WSF had been talking about building the intersection this fall, but now they’re saying it’ll be in the spring. The WSF update also includes a date range for the terminal-replacement construction, previously loosely described as late this decade; now they project construction will start in 2028 and conclude in time to open the new dock/terminal in 2031. The update also recaps the WSF choice of a larger footprint for the new dock, potentially holding almost twice as many vehicles (up to 155) as the current one (80).
(West Seattleite Dave Townsend photographed Mount Rainier under the full moon on a recent flight)
20 notes comprise our Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
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.
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Art is on display all around Southwest Library (9010 California SW), and you can visit any time this month during regular hours, which are 12 pm-8 pm today.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course. Guest speaker: Rick Newell from Route 21. (4470 35th SW).
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ONLINE COMMUNITY MEETINGS: The fall systemwide community meeting will be held twice today/tonight, 1 pm and 6 pm. You can register for either by going here.
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: Though it’s budget season, the council has a rare regular session at 2 pm – here’s the agenda (which explains how to comment); watch live via Seattle Channel.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Today’s games/matches are on the road.
RALLYGOERS’ SAFETY TRAINING, 2 SESSIONS: 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm sessions with West Seattle Indivisible at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Registration information is in our calendar listing,
HOMEWORK HELP: Students can get free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.
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.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly board meeting, community members welcome, in person at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) or online (attendance info here). More info in the agenda document.
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.
strong>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).
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. Newcomers are always welcome, and the first class is free.
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 locations for trivia tonight – 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!
The Fairmount Park Elementary PTA is signing up volunteers for the upcoming Falcon Fest and asked us to publish this invitation:
Fairmount Park’s annual fall festival, Falcon Fest, is Friday Nov 7 and we need your help to make it a magical event for our students and families! Whether you’re great at games, crafts, decorating, or just bringing the energy, there’s a spot for everyone. Volunteering is a fun way to support the school, meet other parents & students, and be part of the community spirit.
Sign up today to volunteer or bring a dessert dash item and help us create an unforgettable evening of fall fun! 🍁 Shifts are only 1hr so you have plenty of time to enjoy the festival with your family. Dessert for dessert dash are prizes to take home and enjoy. This is also a great volunteer opportunity for Fairmount Park Alums in middle or high school and their friends. Questions? Email volunteer@fairmountparkpta.org.
7:41 AM: Fire beneath I-5 at east end of WS Bridge is slowing traffic per texters.
Earlier;
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today is sunny, again with a north wind, upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:27 am; sunset, at 6:22 pm.
(Monday’s sunset moment, photographed by Chris Frankovich)
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule, no more later-night service scheduled until spring.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
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!
MONDAY NIGHT: The weapon-waving incident reported here wasn’t the only police response in The Junction early this afternoon. Tonight SPD released this initial summary of what officers were told started as a scuffle over a sign:
At 1337 hours, a 71-year-old victim, who is of Jewish descent, was walking along the street when he saw a sign in support of Gaza on a light pole. The victim ripped the sign off the light pole. The suspect, a male in his 30’s, was walking dogs nearby and yelled at the victim and the victim yelled back at the suspect. The suspect then approached the victim and headbutted him in the face, causing significant facial injuries and knocking him to the ground. The suspect was calling the victim a “f—ing Zionist pig” during the attack. After the suspect headbutted the victim, he began to walk away. The victim got up and yelled at the suspect, asking him what his problem was. The suspect then turned toward the victim and walked at him aggressively. The victim, fearing he was going to be assaulted again, pepper sprayed the suspect. Regardless of being pepper sprayed, the suspect was able to knock the victim to the ground, get on top of him and repeatedly punch him in his face. The suspect only stopped when on-lookers intervened. The victim believed the assault was because of his religion.
We didn’t hear any of this in realtime so we just checked the audio archives. Over the publicly monitorable air, it was dispatched simply as a fight between two men near 42nd/Alaska. If you have information, the SPD incident # is 25-299777.
TUESDAY MORNING: We requested and obtained the report narrative from SPD. It reveals that a 38-year-old suspect was arrested:
On 10/13/2025, at 1332 hours I officer xxxx was dispatched to 4203 Alaska AVE SW, for an assault call.
When I arrived, I contacted ARRESTEE who stated he was assaulted by V/VICTIM. ARRESTEE stated V/VICTIM was tearing down GAZA posters on the north end corner of California Ave SW and SW Alaska ST near the closed Starbucks.
Arrestee stated while walking his dogs, he approached V/VICTIM tearing down a Gaza poster, resulting in ARRESTEE and V/VICTIM getting into a verbal disagreement arguing with each other. ARRESTEE STATED HE and V/VICTIM walked into each other during the argument causing them both to headbutt each other, leaving ARRESTEE with a laceration above his forehead. ARRESTEE declined any medical attention, but I still dispatched fire to make an assessment. SFD E #32 responded and evaluated him on-scene.
ARRESTEE stated after the headbutt, he turned the corner and walked east on SW ALASKA ST. ARRESTEE stated as he walked down SW ALASKA ST, V/VICTIM followed him so he turned around to confront him, that’s when V/VICTIM pepper sprayed him in the face. ARRESTEE stated due to being peppered sprayed, he was unable to keep grip of the dog leashes. ARRESTEE stated he then defended himself due to being pepper sprayed and was blindly swinging his fists, which resulted in a tussle between the two. ARRESTEE stated estimated number of times he struck V/VICTIM is around two strikes.
I contacted V/VICTIM, a 71-year-old Jewish male whose mouth was covered in blood, and his lips were swollen. V/VICTIM declined multiple requests for medical attention.
V/VICTIM stated as he tore down the GAZA poster on a public light pole, he did not agree with on the corner of California Ave SW and SW Alaska ST, he was confronted by ARRESTEE who called him a ‘ZIONIST PIG’. V/VICTIM stated the two began to have an argument resulting in a back and forth between words. V/VICTIM stated ARRESTEE then walked up towards him and headbutted him in the face, causing his mouth to bleed and lips to swell knocking V/VICTIM to the ground. V/VICTIM stated after the headbutt, he walked towards A/VICTIM following him east on SW ALASKA ST’S sidewalk asking ‘why did you hit me’
V/VICTIM stated as he was attempting to get ARRESTEE’S attention, ARRESTEE turned around and walked back aggressively towards him, closing the distance. VICTIM/VICTIM stated because he was already assaulted from the initial headbutt, he feared he would be assaulted again so he pulled out his pepper spray and sprayed ARRESTEE in the face to defend himself.
V/VICTIM stated after he used his pepper spray on ARRESTEE, ARRESTEE immediately knocked him down and began punching him in the head around six times.
V/VICTIM stated he believed ARRESTEE disengaged due to the pepper spray taking effect and bystanders yelling at them.
V/VICTIM stated he believed he was attacked because he is Jewish and during the assault ARRESTEE called him a ‘Zionist PIG’.
WITNESS/1 remained on scene and was contacted. WITNESS/1 stated he only witnessed the moment V/VICTIM was on the sidewalk and ARRESTEE was standing over him, punching him in the face. WITNESS/1 stated he attempted to break up the confrontation by screaming ‘stop’ multiple times.
WITNESS/1 stated he called 911 while grabbing the dog leash due to ARRESTEE losing control of the dogs.
WITNESS/1 stated he then walked ARRESTEE towards the entrance of XXXX XXXX located at XXXX SW Alaska ST as ARRESTEE asked for water to wash his face.
WITNESS/1 believes the only reason why ARRESTEE probably stopped assaulting V/VICTIM was due to the pepper spray taking effect.
I searched the area for any possible footage but was unable to locate any. I also asked two stores for any possible witness or footage, and both said the cameras are not facing the incident’s location
After I concluded my investigation, I determined ARRESTEE assaulted V/VICTIM due his perception of V/VICTIM being Jewish. V/VICTIM believed he was targeted because he is Jewish.
I placed ARRESTEE under arrest and read his Miranda rights. Officer XXXX #8599 searched him incident to arrest and transported ARRESTEE to KCJ where he was booked for investigation of Hate Crime.
(Both parties declined medical attention)
WITNESS/1and V/VICTIM provided an audio statement that was uploaded to Axon evidence. Photos of the injuries were also uploaded to Axon evidence.
The King County Jail roster shows the suspect is still there, held for investigation of hate crime.
7:22 PM TUESDAY: He has since been released; a King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office spokesperson says that “based on available information from police so far, there is insufficient evidence to show that the defendant was targeting the victim’s religion.”
It’s not strictly a Halloween decoration … but the newest mural by West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen (whose nickname is “Graves“) certainly fits the season. Property owner John Bennett commissioned this for the east-facing side of his building on the northeast corner of California SW and SW Genesee (home to Itto’s Tapas and Salon 08, among other things), and sent us the photo. This is actually the second giant skeleton to decorate Bennett’s building; the other one also is up year-round.
Got a Halloween-season scene to share? We’re continuing to show them nightly – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Love strong coffee? These new dark-roast beans might be instrumental in your brewing routine! Frank Gross from Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) shared the news (announcing it in this video too):
We launched a cool and unique collab with our friends at QED Coffee in West Seattle today.
In collaboration with our friends at QED Coffee (35th SW and SW Graham) here in West Seattle, we are pleased to bring you Thunder Roast. Big body and creamy, with hints of sweet citrus, chocolate and panela. Find this coffee in store at Thunder Road Guitars and QED Coffee in West Seattle or online at thunderroadguitars.com.
If you want to shop in person, TRG’s hours in Morgan Junction are here; QED’s hours in High Point are here.
Thanks to Keri for the photos! Today’s north wind brought a classic scene on the Alki promenade – dramatic waves hitting the seawall.
A similar north wind is in the forecast for tomorrow too. Meantime, the wind is a challenge on the open Sound just past Alki – the Vashon Island Water Taxi has canceled trips for the rest of today because of the wind. (The West Seattle Water Taxi is still running – it sails in more-protected waters.)
(Saturday photo sent by Tony Tschanz)
As reported here last Thursday, today is “soft open” day for Do Si KBBQ at 2516 Alki Avenue SW, where Duke’s closed in April. We went in to find out the plan for the coming days – sometimes “soft opens” don’t immediately precede “official” opens. But the staff told us this one does – they’re also expecting to be open tomorrow and beyond. This is an expansion; the original Do Si is in Kent. If you haven’t had KBBQ (Korean barbecue) before, it centers on a tabletop grill where diners cook their own sliced meat – you can order various combinations, including AYCE (all you can eat).
(Posted menu photo sent by Chris Kardish)
For starters, Do Si plans to open 11 am to 9 pm Mondays through Thursdays, until 10 pm Fridays-Saturdays-Sundays, and they told us they prefer reservations but will consider walk-ins.
Thanks to James Bratsanos for the view of the snow-dusted Olympic Mountains peaks seen from Alki after the weekend storm clouds lifted and departed. It’s not snowing low enough for skiing (the Stevens Pass cameras verify that) yet, but it gives us a reason to remind you that this year’s West Seattle Ski Swap is less than two weeks away. Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) presents the Ski Swap across the street at the West Seattle VFW Hall (3601 SW Alaska), and this year’s swap starts with seller dropoffs on Friday, October 24, 2-5:30 pm (snowboards and other snowsports gear, not just skis), then two days of shopping, 10 am-5 pm Saturday and 10 am-4 pm Sunday, October 25-26. If you’re interested in selling, go here to register before pre-swap Thursday (October 23).
12:42 PM: For those asking about “all the sirens” – police were responding to reports of a man “waving around a gun” near 42nd/Alaska. He was then tracked to the 7-11 at California SW and SW Erskine, where officers report they have one person in custody. No gunfire or injuries reported.
(Added: WSB photos)
12;53 PM: According to police radio, a witness has confirmed the man in custody is the man seen at 42nd/Alaska; they have probable cause to arrest him for investigation of felony harassment (which is a catch-all for various types of threats).
1:18 PM: The suspect is being taken to the King County Jail.
ADDED TUESDAY AFTERNOON: We’ve requested and obtained the police-report narrative on this, which reveals the “gun” was a lighter:
Multiple people called 911 to report the incident and that the suspect left going Southbound.
I spoke with the victim identified as XXXX. XXXX reported that he has a business nearby and saw the suspect later identified as ARRESTEE standing outside the QFC located at 4550 42 Ave SW. ARRESTEE was yelling at people inside the store. ARRESTEE then raised what look like a firearm and pointed it toward the QFC entrance and said ” come out, I’ll shoot you.” XXXX who was standing nearby was afraid that if the gun was real ARRESTEE would start shooting and could injury people inside the store and that XXXX himself could be injured if the suspect started to shoot.
XXXX reported he was unsure if the gun was real but believed it was possible that it was, and was in fear by the comments and action of ARRESTEE while holding the realistic looking firearm.
I spoke with QFC staff who reported the suspect ARRESTEE was attempting to steal merchandise from the store. The suspect left the merchandise in the store when confronted. ARRESTEE then exited the store and started yelling at staff. Staff reported they were not in fear by ARRESTEE yelling at them.
Officers located ARRESTEE nearby at the 711 store located at 4812 Erskine Way SW. Officers who located him had witnesses in the area point out ARRESTEE as the one threatening people with a firearm. ARRESTEE was placed under arrest and officers located a lighter that resembled a handgun.
XXXX was transported to the area where ARRESTEE was being contacted by officers. XXXX positively identified him as the same suspect who was threating to shoot people outside the QFC.
ARRESTEE was identified and booked for investigation of harassment.
Multiple officers were involved in the initial contact with ARRESTEE. Please see their statements for further details.
Officer XXXX #8599 took a voluntary recorded statement from XXXX. The statement was uploaded to evidence.com
ARRESTEE was transported and booked into KCJ for investigation of harassment without further incident.
Sergeant XXXX #8366 screened the arrest on scene.
I photographed the lighter that looked like a firearm arm and uploaded the photos to evidence.com. The lighter was packaged and submitted to evidence at the Southwest Precinct.
TUESDAY NIGHT: The suspect is still in jail, bail set at $7,500, although the docket seems to show those are bail amounts from earlier unrelated cases.
(Alki this morning, photo by James Bratsanos)
Sorry to miss the usually daily event list because of this morning’s breaking news. Things to know this Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day, besides general government closures:
SEATTLE PARKS: Here’s the list of what’s open and what’s closed.
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Closed.
PARKING: For Seattle city streets with paid public parking, no charge today
U.S. POSTAL SERVICE: Holiday.
WSB WEST SEATTLE EVENT CALENDAR: See today’s listings (and beyond) here. One highlight:
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE DROPOFFS: Today is the first of three Mondays when community members can drop off food and clothing for the drive 4-6 pm at the school’s “historic entrance” (3000 California, north side).
8:37 AM: Seattle Fire has a full response in the 8100 block of 16th SW [map]. Avoid the area.
8:40 AM: SFD describes this as a vacant building but says it’s evacuating neighbors as a precaution. Meantime, police are blocking traffic “in all directions” at the scene.
(WSB photos)
8:49 AM: Our crew has just arrived and reports plenty of smoke in the area. Photo added.
9:01 AM: Above, our crew reports heat from the fire appears to have damaged siding on a neighboring house. No injuries reported so far. Neighbors tell us they heard an “explosion” just before the fire broke out, and they say this house had a fire callout earlier this year (we’re looking that up).
9:11 AM: SFD says the fire is under control. Here’s our report on a fire at the same house in January. The archived SFD log reminds us that fire was also in the morning, with a callout just after 9 am. That fire sent two people to the hospital but so far, SFD confirms to us, no injuries related to this one.
9:38 AM: Just talked to the incident commander. They suspect a propane tank (which would explain the “explosion” neighbors report hearing). Some units are being dismissed.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, October 13, 2025. It’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day and Columbus Day.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today is sunny, breezy, upper 50s. Sunrise will be at 7:26 am; sunset, at 6:24 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF is back to three-boat service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Issaquah. Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule, no more later-night service.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes today.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
If you’re interested in finding out more about what’s happening in your neighborhood, you’re in luck if you live, work, shop, study, play in one of the three West Seattle neighborhoods whose community coalitions meet this week.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, TUESDAY: This is a hybrid monthly FCA board meeting, with community members welcome to attend too, 6 pm Tuesday (October 14) at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) or online. Agenda highlights are here; you can register for online attendance at fauntleroy.net/meetings.
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, WEDNESDAY: This is a hybrid quarterly meeting of MoCA, 7 pm Wednesday (October 15) at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd SW and SW Juneau) or online. Agenda highlights and the online-attendance link are here.
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL, THURSDAY: This is an in-person-only monthly meeting of the ACC, 7 pm Thursday (October 16) at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Agenda highlights are in the newsletter the ACC sent tonight.
Thanks again to everyone who’s answered our call for Halloween decoration photos! Tonight we’re going with another simple yet elegant scene – A sent this from West Seattle’s legendary Chelan Café (3527. Almost worthy of a caption contest!
****Right after we uploaded the photo and wrote the lines above, before we even hit “publish,” another view arrived, sent by Yma; removes a little of the mystery:
Got a decoration photo to share – whether your display or one you’ve seen? Email westseattleblog@gmail.com – and see what we’ve already shown in our Halloween archive!
(WSB file photo)
6:22 PM: One more big-event countdown to mention today – only one week away, this year’s Fauntleroy Fall Festival! On Sunday, October 19, 2-5 pm, the grounds of Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, Church, and YMCA (WSB sponsor), indoors and outdoors, everywhere will be full of festival fun, including traditional activities like pumpkin painting, birdhouse building, and salmon hat making, plus inflatables, live music, the cake contest (whether you want to enter a cake or “trot” to win one), all brought to you by volunteers and donations (free except for optional food and drink). Later this week we’ll have details on the exact schedule and locations of activities and performances!
8:10 PM: Ben Weagraff from the FFF has sent some updates since we published the above:
We are in good shape for our activities, but we could use a few more volunteers. We’re very excited about an army of neighborhood partners that have come to support us, including: Fauntleroy Community Association, Fauntleroy YMCA, Fauntleroy Children’s Center, Hazelwood Preschool, D Squared Hospitality, STS Construction, Endolyne Joe’s, Wildwood mMarket, Fauntleroy Church UCC, Super Deli Mart, The Birdhouse.
We are also excited for a few new activities this year:
-This year, we will be partnering with the White Center Food Bank, so please bring Pantry Staples, Canned Goods, Sauces & Spreads, and Snacks to support our community members that need additional support.
-We will be featuring a local author table – Elaine Moy is a neighborhood mom and (and long-time fall festival volunteer); she has just published her first children’s book Otter’s Tummy Table, she will be doing readings for the children.
(Added: Photos by Mark Dale)
Yes, that was thunder – and a lot of it – rolling through the area these past few minutes. The National Weather Service says thunderstorms are possible for much of the afternoon.
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