West Seattle, Washington
05 Wednesday
3:36 PM: Police and SDOT are checking out what’s reported as a sinkhole near the west end of West Marginal Way SW, just east of the north end of Delridge. It’s reported to be about two feet wide by two feet deep, and an officer told dispatch they were marking it with a cone for starters – but because of the hole’s depth, that first cone wasn’t fully visible. So beware for now if you’re headed that way.
6:09 PM: No updates on that but there’s apparently another one – a texter reports one at 35th SW and SW Myrtle (and we’ve just heard SPD dispatched to check it out).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The next step in the city budget process is the “balancing package” – a list compiled by the council’s budget chair, this year Ballard Councilmember Dan Strauss, showing which of the councilmembers’ recently proposed budget amendments he’s proposing should go forward. This all has to be in the confines of a balanced budget. The “balancing package” will be presented at a council meeting tomorrow, but details are out today, so we know the potential fate of District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s proposals, which we previewed in multiple reports recently.
We’ve gone through the balancing package toplines (the page numbers referred to below are from the list in this slide deck) – here are the notable Saka amendments that are going forward (but not a sure bet until voted on) – some with downsized dollar amounts – followed by one notable proposal that isn’t:
MORGAN JUNCTION PARK SKATE DOT: The full amount needed to add this back to the park expansion plan, $700,000, is in the balancing package (page 31). This would create the once-promised “all-wheels” area that community advocates have been fighting to save and on which they’ve already spent volunteer time and grant money.
INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC MARKET: Saka asked for $3 million; the balancing package has $1 million for this project proposed for a Highland Park site that we now know is at 8850 9th Avenue SW, 18,000 sf in vacant lots that previously held houses, now owned by an entity of African Community Housing and Development, which also runs the Delridge Farmers’ Market … which might benefit from:
FOOD-DESERT FARMERS’ MARKETS: $200,000 in support for these could benefit the Delridge Farmers’ Market, which runs April-October in South Delridge. (page 23)
HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: Saka proposed $2.6 million; the balancing package has $500,000 that could go to the rebuild project
SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT: $250,000 to support small business in North Delridge and Georgetown (page 16). This appears to be the amendment originally proposed as North Delridge light-rail-affected business support, though now light rail isn’t mentioned (and wouldn’t be relevant to Georgetown).
ADMIRAL JUNCTION PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS: Inspired by Stu Hennessey‘s “Walkable Admiral” proposal, Saka requested $200,000 and this is now proposed for $150,000 in design/build funding. (page 26)
RESTORE SCHMITZ PARK: $150,000 is penciled in for a plan to restore the old-growth-forest park (a project spearheaded by Schmitz Park Creek Restore). (page 31)
A CLEANER ALKI: $100,000 is penciled into the Seattle Public Utilities budget for cleanup services by community partners, possibly A Cleaner Alki (whose work stretches far beyond its namesake area). (page 32)
Saka also had proposed a variety of studies and reviews, without specific $ amounts attached (that would come in some later budget if projects resulted). Here’s some of what is in the balancing package:
Two studies under Seattle Parks and Rec (page 30):
-Report on Camp Long rebuild plan and how to prioritize it in Park District’s third funding cycle (which will be planned in early 2028)
-Report on potential turf conversions at four playfields, two in West Seattle – Riverview and Bar-S
Two studies under Office of the Mayor (page 14) of particular interest to Alki:
-Study how to address problematic noise levels
-Policy review regarding unpermitted food/merchandise vending
A study under the Office of Economic Development
-Develop recommendations on how to “better support” small businesses in station-planning areas for the West Seattle and Ballard light-rail projects
Some other Saka amendments made it through, but aren’t West Seattle-specific or -targeted; probably the one of most note is taking $275,000 from city transit-service funding and redirecting it to hire a Chief Transit Safety and Security Officer. (page 26)
MORE INFO ON ALL OF THE ABOVE: The details on each proposed amendment are here, department by department. (We’re going through that to be sure we didn’t miss anything of local note.)
Meantime, here is one previously noted Saka proposal that is not in the “balancing package” (though he could choose to pitch it again – any councilmember can make another try before the budget is finalized later this month):
RESUME WORKING ON SW ROXBURY REPAIRS: 10 years have passed since SDOT had a plan to fix this rutted arterial; Saka’s proposal to earmark $250,000 to resume some design and planning work did NOT make the cut.
Here’s what happens next with the budget:
-Council meeting at 9:30 am Wednesday (November 5), including public comment, for presentation of balancing package (the agenda has info on participating/watching)
-Council public hearing, 1 pm and into the evening, specifically about the budget – the agenda explains how to participate, in person or remotely.
If you have feedback on a specific budget amendment, using its official number is helpful, and you can find that in the agenda documents we’ve linked (going through the slide deck is quicker).
Just received from a texter in Admiral:
My BF and I found a bunch of groceries that had been dumped by the corner dumpsters by our apartment this morning. These were not garbage groceries, they looked like maybe they had been stolen from someone’s porch or their car or something.
4 brown paper bags had produce, and two cardboard boxes had nonperishables. In this time with so many having anxiety around food I thought maybe it’s worth saying something. We grabbed the boxes of non perishables with the intention of taking it to a food bank, but if you think it’s worth posting, or if you heard from anyone about a grocery theft, I’d be happy to connect with them.
Some of the produce was completely ruined, but some (looked like apples) were in plastic produce bags and would maybe be salvageable if someone was desperate? The bags and boxes were not marked (no Amazon smile or Safeway or anything just plain brown) so I’m not sure where they came from. I just felt horrible to see it all sitting there clearly dumped when so many are worried about their next meal right now.
If you have an idea how these might have ended up by the dumpsters, please comment, or contact us and we’ll connect you.
11:23 AM: A Seattle Fire Department “full response” is headed to a home in the 6500 block of 39th SW [vicinity map]. The dispatch was for “a lot of smoke” inside the house, possibly from a “basement kitchen.” Updates to come.
11:27 AM: Incident command reports, “We just have smoke, no fire,” so they’re downsizing the response.
It’s school-planning season, so many schools are offering open houses and tours. This Saturday, prospective elementary families are invited to tour independent Tilden School (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) – here’s the announcement so you can plan ahead:
Tilden School will host its Fall Open House on Saturday, November 8, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. Families are invited to drop by anytime during the event to tour the campus, learn more about the school’s academic program and community, and meet faculty, administrators, current parents, and alumni.
Open Houses at Tilden provide families an opportunity to explore the school’s foundational academic principles and discover what makes this independent K–5 school unique!
Those unable to attend this weekend will have additional opportunities during Winter Open House sessions on Saturday, December 6, 2025, and Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 10:00 a.m.–noon.
There are select openings for grades 1-5! Applications are available online at tildenschool.org.
For more information, contact Jennifer Trise at info@tildenschool.org
Tilden’s campus is on the north edge of The Junction, adjacent to but not affiliated with First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor).
(Coho in Longfellow Creek – photo by Hans A.)
Here’s our Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
VOTE BY 8 PM! That’s when ballot drop boxes close – here’s where to find the nearest one – four in West Seattle plus one each in nearby White Center and South Park. Lost your voter-info pamphlet? The info’s online here.
FIND FOOD ASSISTANCE: Here’s the city lookup link to find local food banks and more.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Indoor play on a gray day! West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)
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.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE FOOD TRUCK: As previewed here, it’s open to the public, 10:30 am-12:30 pm at the campus clock tower, and today culinary students are serving Japanese cuisine. (6000 16th SW)
DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR ROXHILL ELEMENTARY: This one runs for three days! The Westy (7908 35th SW) is donating part of its proceeds to Roxhill Elementary today through Thursday. It’s 21+ for dine-in but the fundraiser covers takeout too. Open 11 am-midnight. Use the code ROXHILL.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course. Today’s program: Students of the Month. (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS @ HIGH POINT LIBRARY: Drop in 2-5 pm to talk with a DoN rep, no appointment necessary. (3411 SW Raymond)
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.
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.
WEST SEATTLE BIKE CONNECTIONS: All welcome, 6:30 pm meeting at High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) and online – link is in our calendar listing.
WESTSIDE DANCE WITH DEAN: All-ages dance lessons, no partner necessary, first lesson free! 6:30 pm at Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon)
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space for you. Space allowing, newcomers are welcome, and the first class is free.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A 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!
Family and friends will gather next month to remember Bonnie Beerman, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:
Bonnie Arlene Beerman, age 97, a true West Seattleite, died on August 18, 2025. She passed away peacefully at home with her daughter Arlene by her side.
Born on April 8, 1928, at her parents’ home in the West Seattle Junction to William and Arlene Rochester, Bonnie was a proud graduate of West Seattle High School (1946) and attended the University of Washington.
Her friends Walt and Carol Tabor introduced Bonnie to Moe Beerman in 1955. They were married from March 2, 1956, until Moe’s passing in 2008. They raised five children: Leslie, Robert, David, Brian, and Arlene.
Bonnie had a passion and a big heart for serving. When the children were young, she volunteered on various Fauntleroy Church committees and enjoyed ten years serving as a political manager for West Seattle State Rep. Bill Leckenby.
In 1976, Bonnie went to work at Westside Federal as a teller. During her years at Westside Federal, she was promoted to Assistant Vice President and Manager at West Seattle Branch. Bonnie was honored with a Women of Achievement in the field of Banking.
Over 30 years of community involvement, she served on boards of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Fauntleroy YMCA, and as a trustee and vice-chair for West Seattle Community Hospital.
After retiring at the age of 62, she and Moe worked on a committee organized by Earl Cruzen to launch the Murals of West Seattle in the West Seattle Junction and bring the Walking on Logs statues to the Fauntleroy Expressway.
She also volunteered providing tax assistance at the Senior Center of West Seattle (now Center for Active Living). Her passion for serving continued at Fauntleroy as a Financial Assistant until her mid-80s.
Bonnie is survived by her children, Leslie; Robert (Anne); David; Brian (Patricia); Arlene. She was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother to Michelle (David) – Wyatt and Benjamin; Zak; Bruce – Lilly and Emmett; Olivia – Armand, Lorelie, Helios and Bastion; and Nicole. Bonnie’s sister Chirlee and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service and reception will be held at Fauntleroy Church on December 14, 2025, at 2:30 pm. The service will include a livestream link – youtube.com/live/EzM-SgzF81E?si=ignxETy09ggWMB0Blink
In lieu of flowers and cards, donations in Bonnie’s memory may be made to Fauntleroy Church Maintenance Reserves. Fauntleroy Church UCC, 9140 California Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98136.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Election Day, Tuesday, November 4, 2025 – watch for evening traffic around the busiest ballot drop boxes (The Junction, Morgan Junction, High Point).
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Partly sunny, chance of rain, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 6:58 am; sunset, 4:46 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Portable crane working on 4448 California project reduces lanes on California north of Oregon.
-Fauntleroy culvert repairs in the 9100 block of California SW are expected to wrap up this week.
-SDOT says work might start this week for 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is still on a two-boat schedule “until further notice.” Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
STADIUM ZONE
–Sounders FC hosts Minnesota United FC, 7:45 pm kickoff.
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!
Groups, clubs, coalitions, organizations, teams … from two people strong to 200+ people mighty … If you’ve never really known just how many options you have for connecting with other West Seattle/White Center community members to have fun, do good, teach, learn, all of the above and more, this Saturday’s West Seattle Joiner Jamboree will show you!
Four weeks after the plan went public, last we heard from organizer Julie Garbutt is that more than 55 orgs will have someone at the drop-in event, 11 am-3 pm Saturday (November 8) at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall (3050 California SW) to offer info and answer questions. (Many of them are shown in our calendar listing.) Thinking of going? RSVP here! And plan to bring warm clothing to donate, if you can – Julie tells us, “We will have a Warm Clothing Drive station sponsored by Admiral United Church of Christ at the Jamboree.” Other activities that are planned – besides visiting the tables/booths that interest you – are also in our calendar listing.
And if you can, get in the mood via the pre-funk, Friday night’s free screening of “Join or Die” (not an order, but rather a reference to how “joining” can extend your life) at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California SW), 7:15 pm November 7 – here’s the trailer:
As with the Joiner Jamboree, advance registration is appreciated but not required – the film/discussion RSVP link is here.
A local educator presenting a workshop on teaching reading is hoping to gauge interest via early sign-ups, so here’s his announcement:
Teaching Reading: Want to learn how to teach beginning readers, or know someone who is having difficulty? Then this free workshop is for you. Robert Femiano, long-time Seattle school teacher, will explain, step by step, how to teach anyone to read regardless of age. A free PDF of his latest book, Scientific Phonics, includes all needed activities. High Point Library conference room (3411 SW Raymond St.), Saturday, November 22 at 1:00 – 4:00. To ensure sufficient use for this public room, please sign up now, with an email to rfemiano@gmail.com .
(Note that this is a community-sponsored, not library-sponsored, event.)
According to state data, almost 200,000 people in King County receive SNAP food benefits. With the SNAP situation still being worked out in the wake of court rulings, the city has launched a webpage with a lookup tool that will point you to food banks and free-meal resources nearby – you can enter your address here.
The city’s announcement also notes that some Seattle Public Schools provide free meals to all students – the list, including eight West Seattle/South Park schools, is on this page
When last we checked in on the future Morgan Junction EV-charging lot, the city said construction would start in October. That month ended with no sign of construction, so we checked in again.
While the project website now says “late 2025” for the start of construction on the eight-charger lot, we asked Seattle City Light spokesperson Jenn Strang if they could be more specific, and Strang said November, adding, “We’re currently working through pre-construction activities with the contractor.” As we reported a month ago, Zenisco Inc. won the contract with a bid of $823,250.
(Photo sent by Amy)
Members of West Seattle Indivisible were out sign-waving this morning on the SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle overpass near the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge, not for any candidate(s), but just to encourage people to vote, and we’re told they are planning to be on the Delridge foot/bike overpass at day’s end. With general-election voting ending in just a day and a half, King County Elections says they’re just now processing ballots picked up over the weekend, so the return stats haven’t risen much, but KCE spokesperson Halei Watkins tells WSB, “I was just upstairs and saw that we have lots of full bins coming in from drop boxes as well so I would expect that number to keep creeping up at a decent pace throughout the afternoon and processing ends at 6 pm. For turnout, we’re trending just a point or two behind where we would expect to be and are seeing very busy drop boxes even so far today. So fingers crossed we’ll meet or beat that 45%!” Meantime, 8 pm Tuesday (tomorrow) remains the deadline for getting your ballot into one of those KC Elections drop boxes. Can’t find or accidentally tossed your ballot? Here’s how to get a last-minute replacement!
In the coming holiday season, the Endolyne Children’s Choir will be busy with performances. But as a nonprofit, they need to raise money to keep offering singing opportunities to local youth. You can support that, and have a great time, this Wednesday at the Admiral Theater, when the choir presents a benefit screening of “Wicked,” the singalong edition. In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB Event Calendar, here’s the full announcement:
The Endolyne Children’s Choir invites the community to step into Oz for a special Wicked Sing-Along fundraiser on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 5:30 pm at the Historic Admiral Theatre in West Seattle.
This one-night-only event gives audiences the chance to belt out their favorite songs from Wicked with on-screen lyrics, dress in Emerald City style, and experience the joy of a full hall of voices singing together. Be sure to enter the raffle for a chance to win magical prizes!
The sing-along also serves as the perfect lead-up to the highly anticipated release of Wicked: For Good, opening nationwide — and at the Admiral Theatre — on Friday, November 21, 2025.
All proceeds from the evening support the Endolyne Children’s Choir, helping them provide music education and performance opportunities for young singers across West Seattle. Enjoy the magic of Wicked, while supporting the next generation of musicians.
Get your ticket(s) in advance online before they magically disappear … go here. (P.S. If you somehow haven’t been to The Admiral, it’s at 2343 California SW.)
(One more fall-colors view from Jerry Simmons before the leaves are all down)
For highlights of what’s happening in West Seattle today/tonight, here’s our list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (got something to add? please send info!):
VOTE: Your ballot has to be in a King County Elections drop box by (exactly!) 8 pm Tuesday. West Seattle has four (plus White Center and South Park have one each).
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE PICKUP: If you participated in the art display this past month at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) – this is the week to retrieve your art, during regular library hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
BABY STORY TIME: Also at Southwest Library, 12 pm-12:30 pm.
HOMEWORK HELP: Free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.
GREATER WEST SEATTLE MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION NIGHT: As previewed here, 15 middle schools will have reps inside Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s Walmesley Center (northeast corner of 35th SW and SW Myrtle) 6-7:15 pm tonight, plus a guest speaker with insight about helping your child make the transition to middle school.
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 4: Four places to play tonight! Music Quiz at Easy Street, 6:30 and 7:30 pm, free (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Doors open at 6:45 for 7 pm meditation at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players are invited to The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: South-end Monday night meditation – 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!
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, November 3, 2025 – the first weekday of the new month, and the first weekday since the end of Daylight Saving Time.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Cloudy, rain expected in pm, high in the low 50s. Sunrise will be at 6:55 am; sunset, 4:49 pm.
(Sunday morning photo by Chris Frankovich)
ROAD WORK
-Fauntleroy culvert repairs in the 9100 block of California SW are expected to wrap up this week.
-SDOT says work might start this week for 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is still on a two-boat schedule “until further notice.” Vessel Watch will show you which boat is where; ferry alerts will update with any changes.
Metro buses – On regular schedule and routes.
Water Taxi – Now on regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
STADIUM ZONE
–Sounders FC hosts Minnesota United FC, 7:45 pm kickoff.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the view looking west. Also note, maritime-opening info is again available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
The photos and report were sent by Matthew;
Just wanted to give you a heads up about some more tire dumping in the West Seattle Greenbelt off Highland Park (Way) towards the bottom of the hill. About 100 tires were dumped about 200’ up from the gate. The gate has been unlocked for some time and allowing this commercial level dumping again. Awhile back, there were at least 100 tires dumped by the gate. Seems like the perpetrators are back. And, now, there’s an abandoned van nearby.
That van has been there since at least 10/14/25. Several neighbors and members of the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group have sent in Find It Fix It reports.
No action yet, though, so we’ll check with city departments tomorrow. That area also has had several fire reports lately, with another one (described as “very small”) around 9 pm tonight.
9:37 PM: Thanks to Jill for the photo. The driver of that Jeep Cherokee hit a utility pole by lower Solstice Park, at 47th SW and SW Webster, and then, police have told dispatch, walked away – though not before giving his name to the SFD crew who arrived to check on him. That name checked to the car’s owner, a Morgan Junction-area resident, according to a radio exchange between officers and dispatch, so police are trying to find him. They’ve also notified Seattle City Light about the pole and called for a tow truck; no other vehicle was reported involved.
9:45 PM: They’ve caught up with the likely suspect a few blocks north.
One more football score to report from this weekend – in last night’s game at Bishop Blanchet, West Seattle High School took the win, 31-17, and ran their record out to 8-1 heading into district playoffs next weekend. Though the date and time aren’t on the bracket page yet, WSHS is scheduled to play Kennewick, which will be the home team, suggesting it’ll be a road game for head coach Anthony Stordahl‘s Wildcats, and the winner goes to state.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
With marine life facing increasing challenges to survive and thrive, you might wonder, who’s the next generation of people studying to help them?
Answer: People like Lola Taylor, a third-year student at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, with an interest in marine animals. She’s a 5th-generation Seattleite who grew up here in West Seattle and graduated from Chief Sealth International High School. She is currently president of the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine Aquatics Club, which specializes in bringing speakers on the topic of veterinary work for marine animals, as well as offering lab work opportunities for students in the field.
(Officers of Aquatics Club at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, from left, Isabelle Hughes, VP; Katelin Buckley, treasurer; Lola Taylor, president; Katie McDonald, secretary. Photo: Ted S. Warren)
Taylor views her work as a crucial element of the dynamic we have with local marine life. “Humans are the reason marine animals end up in rehabilitation centers, and if humans are causing the issue, they have a responsibility to resolve the issue.” she said.
Her passion started here in West Seattle, on the shores of Puget Sound. As a child, she often visited her grandparents in The Arroyos. She was in second grade when she started taking her visits seriously as a way to engage with local aquatic life. “When I went to the beach, my mom said, ‘If you want to be a scientist, they record the things they observe, so you should take a notebook with you’.”
She started noting as much as she could about the local sea-star population (only now recovering from catastrophic losses): “I’d write down colors of starfish, how many there were, if they were dead or alive, and if one was drying out in the sun at low tide, I’d take it back to the water.” All of this, she said, gave her a solid foundation and appreciation for how deeply connected we are to the life on our shores. “My parents instilled in me respect for animals and the environment from a young age, and it’s shaped the course of my volunteering and career path.” she said.
(Photo courtesy Lola Taylor)
She has continued to work locally, helping animals both on and off shore. During high school, she volunteered with the Seattle Aquarium‘s “Youth Ocean Advocates” program for three years, contributing more than 400 hours of her time. Her relationship with the aquarium has continued, as she’s recently had opportunities to shadow the veterinary work there and continue to build connections. She’s also helped with the Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network here in West Seattle. She remembered fondly volunteering at the Alki Art Fair this summer with the group, doing education work while tabling: “I signed up for a 2-hour shift and kept talking the entire time, I hadn’t even realized two hours had passed – one of my fellow volunteers said ‘are you sure you want to go back to school after this?’”
Her dream is to be able to further this work after graduating from veterinary school. She said that while the field of aquatic veterinarians is very competitive, with limited spots, she is dedicated to the cause no matter what path she might follow. “Even if I don’t end up in the dream of working 40 hours a week at an aquarium, I hope to be able to give back volunteering.” she said.
Currently, her club is raising funds for a trip to the University of Washington‘s Friday Harbor Laboratories, in the San Juan Islands. The trip will allow them to tour the laboratories, as well as participate briefly in some of the work there, and see both local Salish Sea marine species and ways they help treat them. They’re fundraising mainly to provide transportation and housing for the trip, as they’re hoping to accommodate the whole of the club – around 30 students.
She’s hoping to share her passion for Pacific Northwest marine life with her fellow students who are from elsewhere. “A lot of students in our club are students from the East Coast or [other land-locked states] who have only really seen Pullman, this is a great opportunity for them to see the Salish Sea.” she said.
If you want to donate to help her club’s cause for further education about local marine wildlife, and help inspire a future generation of doctors and scientists who could help our local marine life, you can find their page here. The campaign runs only until November 12th, and she says time is of the essence so they can make the trip.
Mulling where your kid(s) will attend middle school? You can get information from, and ask questions about, 15 schools – independent, public, parochial – at the annual Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night tomorrow – if you haven’t already seen it in our calendar, here’s the announcement:’
Greater West Seattle Information Night – Nov 3, 2025 – 6 pm
Mark your calendar for the Greater West Seattle Middle School Information Night on November 3rd!
Fifteen middle schools will be in attendance and ready to answer your questions about transitioning from elementary to middle school!
Guest Speaker and school counselor Kelly Dobelstein from Holy Rosary will give a short presentation about how to support your student as they move up to 6th grade.
RSVP here or at the door!
Schools attending:
Academy Schools
Explorer West
Harbor School (Vashon)
Holy Family Bilingual
Holy Rosary
Hope School
Lake Washington Girls School
Louisa Boren STEM K-8
McMurray (Vashon)
Our Lady of Guadalupe
Pathfinder K-8
St. Bernadette School
St. Francis
Summit Atlas
Westside School
This is happening 6-7:15 pm Monday in the Walmesley Center at Our Lady of Guadalupe (35th SW and SW Myrtle, northeast side of intersection).
That’s some of what had already been donated at the community-organized food and clothing drive in The Junction when we went over for a photo earlier this afternoon. We also photographed some of the organizers, who were thrilled with the response:
Basically – they just wanted to do something to help. And you can too. As we always have, we’ll continue spotlighting chances to help, and right now, with food benefits for families in need still in question, the most powerful action you can take is to financially support your local food banks – West Seattle Food Bank here, White Center Food Bank (which also serves southern WS) here.
(Added: Photo from 8 am hour, texted by reader)
8:42 AM: Thanks for the multiple tips that orcas are in Elliott Bay again this morning, currently southbound toward Alki Point.
11:26 AM: They’re still in the area; most recent comments have them southbound past Fauntleroy.
But there’s sad news too; calf J64 has apparently died. The Center for Whale Research announced this in a post Saturday, saying the baby was nowhere in sight in their most recent encounter with her family. She was first seen less than two months ago, and most recently a week and a half ago.
1:33 PM: Meantime, today’s visitors are still out there. Patrick W emailed a few minutes ago to say, “Orcas moving north from Des Moines. Both USCG Port Security units are with the pod, oddly enough. We’re observing from Tramp Harbor on Vashon.”
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