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Spotlight Stories

WATER TAXI: Vashon Island to get Saturday service
September 17, 2025 3:31 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

West Seattle has had weekend King County Water Taxi service for years – and now Vashon Island is getting it too. When the fall/winter service schedule starts on October 11, the Vashon Island to Downtown Seattle run will get eight round trips on Saturdays. The schedule also will include an added Friday night sailing, from downtown to Vashon at 7:30 pm Fridays. As noted in the full announcement, this is a one-year pilot program, with the $1 million cost allocated by the state Legislature.

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THURSDAY: Interested in robotics? RSVP ASAP for Skunk Works open house
September 17, 2025 2:11 pm
|    Comments Off on THURSDAY: Interested in robotics? RSVP ASAP for Skunk Works open house
 |   West Seattle jail sites | West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

A robotics organization that includes youth from West Seattle and points south wants to remind you about its open house tomorrow night!

The Skunk Works Robotics open house is Thursday, September 18th, 6:15 pm, at Highline College. The Skunks are a robotics team for high school students and compete in the FRC division of FIRST Robotics.

FRC teams offer an opportunity to learn high-level skills from industry mentors that can be applicable to careers or college. Skunk Works gives you a chance to gain expertise in CAD, programming, business presentations, marketing, data analytics, building circuit boards, 3D printing, and more.

If you would like to join us at the open house, please fill out the form at forms.office.com/r/7Bxc8z49Hr, We will get back to you with more information. Our website is www.skunkworks1983.com.

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FOLLOWUP: Road closure begins for drainage project at east end of Sylvan Way
September 17, 2025 1:21 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

We’ve been watching for the “mid-September” start of the road closure for resumption of a drainage project along Sylvan Way just west of Delridge Way [map], and just found crews setting out cones, barricades, and signs a short time ago. Seattle Public Utilities announced three weeks ago that the project would resume after three years on hold. Here’s the official construction notice for the work, expected to continue through the end of the year.

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PHOTOS, VIDEO ADDED: Second day of helicopter drill in southeast West Seattle
September 17, 2025 11:06 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Helicopter | Myers Way | West Seattle news

(WSB PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN, VIDEO BY TRACY RECORD)

11:06 AM: We’re back at the Joint Training Facility, where day 2 of helicopter rescue training with a Washington National Guard Black Hawk is under way.

So far they’re practicing hoists and lowering over the landing area and will then move to a 5-story building on the west side of the JTF. (Added: Watch below as participants attach themselves to the hoist in a little over :30, then get lifted – you’ll also hear what the propeller-generated wind was like:)

11:55 AM: The helicopter just left for refueling at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, but is expected back. (That’s when the media photo ops ended, so we don’t have visuals of the drill involving the building.)

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue F-150 pickup truck
September 17, 2025 10:35 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Justine:

Our truck was stolen overnight:

2016 Blue Ford F150, 4 doors, Canopy on the back
License plate C46278J

Stolen from SW Dawson St between 50th Ave S and 51st Ave SW at 12:36 am (according to a neighbor’s camera) on 9/17.

If seen, please call 650-279-1030

When reporting to 911, refer to incident # 25-271545.

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The list for your West Seattle Wednesday (updated)
September 17, 2025 9:54 am
|    Comments Off on The list for your West Seattle Wednesday (updated)
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunrise reflected on windows across Puget Sound – photo by James Bratsanos)

Here’s what’s happening for summer’s last Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HELICOPTER DRILL: Reminder that 10 am-2 pm today is the second of two days you might see a Washington National Guard Black Hawk helicopter over southeast West Seattle, South Park, and/or White Center as part of a disaster drill with the city. (We visited the SFD Joint Training Facility for the first round Tuesday, cut short because of a hoist problem.)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy (this is a last-minute reminder, so would-be walkers can set their calendars for next Wednesday morning!).

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW)

NO AMERICAN MAH JONGG TODAY: Afternoon meetups are still on hold until The Missing Piece reopens in its new West Seattle Junction location.

REZONING VOTES: The first of at least two City Council meetings this week to consider the Comp Plan/rezoning, including amendments, is at 2 pm; the agenda explains commenting and viewing.

FREE ALL-AGES MOVIE: “Lilo and Stitch,” 2:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

FREE KIDS’ ART WORKSHOP: With Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3 pm.

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 drained for the offseason cleaning. 4-7 pm daily through Friday this week plus noon-5 pm on Saturday. $5/session per dog. (Here’s our story from day 1.)

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: (updated) There IS one local event on the Metro League schedule – cross country meet at Lincoln Park this afternoon featuring Chief Sealth IHS, West Seattle HS, and other schools. (Thanks for the correction.)

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix that broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

FREE ART CLASS: 6 pm, pay what you can, all levels invited to explore watercolors at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly happy-hour meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN WITH HOKA DEMOS: An energetic way to enjoy your end-of-summer evening – the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome – this week, try HOKA shoes!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

MUSIC BINGO x 2: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm, and monthly MINGO at Three9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), 7:30 pm.

TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) at 7 pm … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and it’s an 8:30 pm start for trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You can be in the spotlight tonight – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: The singing starts at the pub at 8:45 pm. (2306 California SW)

Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ORCAS: Southern Residents off West Seattle again
September 17, 2025 8:32 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

8:32 AM: Whale advocates have sent word that Southern Resident Killer Whales from J-Pod are headed this way again. Kersti Muul reported they were in the Seattle/Bainbridge Island ferry lanes as of about an hour ago and says they are currently off Blakely Rock. Donna Sandstrom of The Whale Trail says she plans to be at Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (across from Me Kwa Mooks park, 4500 block Beach Drive SW) with binoculars to share. Good luck whale-watching!

7 PM: We did a bit of that with The Whale Trail at the overlook before sunset, as the whales headed back north, close to the west side of the Sound, so most of what we saw was just blows, but exciting enough!

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday info
September 17, 2025 6:02 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, September 17, 2025 – fall officially arrives in five days.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

After a record-tying high of 91 degrees on Tuesday, today is expected to be sunny and in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:50 am; sunset will be at 7:16 pm.

ROAD WORK

-That portable crane was blocking a northbound lane of California just north of Oregon again Tuesday for the 4448 California project, so be aware that may continue.

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

-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is scheduled to resume (let us know if and when you see work there – we weren’t able to check Tuesday).

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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SPORTS: First of this week’s two major Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS matchups
September 16, 2025 11:58 pm
|    Comments Off on SPORTS: First of this week’s two major Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS matchups
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)

Friday night, it’ll be a football game, but today, it was the sport the rest of the world calls football that brought Chief Sealth International HS and West Seattle HS to the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. We were able to drop in during the girls-varsity match’s early going for a few photos.

WSHS got its first win of the year, 3-0.

The Wildcats’ record is now 1-0-1; the Seahawks, 1-2-1.

You can see their next scheduled matches on the Metro League webdite. (Next Sealth /WSHS game on the field this week is Friday night at 7, when the two schools’ football teams play the annual Huling Bowl game.)

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CELEBRATING CHANGE: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle invites you to service and lunch Sunday to commemorate musical transitions
September 16, 2025 8:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle religion | WS culture/arts

You’re invited to First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) this Sunday for a special service and lunch. Here’s what it’s all about:

On Sunday, September 21st, the West Seattle community is invited to celebrate musical transitions at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle. Luncheon is being served after the 10:30 a.m. morning service, to introduce Dana Robinson as our new Organist and Choirmaster, and honor Deacon Emeritus Dean Hard as our retiring Choirmaster.

Dean Hard began singing in the First Lutheran choir as a West Seattle High School student in the 1950s. It seems that he found his calling, because he went on to serve as Choirmaster, along with Andrew King as Cantor/Organist, for the last 50 years, in addition to his academic career at West Seattle High School. After Andy’s death last year, Dean postponed his own retirement to help shepherd FLCWS through numerous substitute organists and our search for an individual who could serve as both organist and choirmaster in the tradition of excellence that we have enjoyed in our liturgy and church services.

Enter Dana Robinson — who comes to us from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was an Associate Professor of Music (Organ) for 25 years, and has an extensive background as a church Organist and Choirmaster dating back to 1978. Dana has performed nationally and internationally, and is considered by many to be, “one of the finest performers of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music in the United States.” (Music at 9th & Stewart, Seattle 2019)

How fortunate for us that when Dana retired from his professorship in Illinois last December, he intended to move back to Tacoma and find a local church that had a unique and excellent organ where he could make beautiful music and enhance worship for the congregation. Enter into the picture, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle! We so look forward to what joys will be heard from our Organs and Choir, Deo Gloria Santores, resonating in our church and surrounding us with lush tones that give us inspiration and delight as we worship every Sunday at First Lutheran. Soli deo gloria!!!

SAVE THE DATE
Sunday, September 21

Following the service, you are invited to a luncheon in the Parish Hall, honoring Dean Hard’s many years of service as Deacon and Choirmaster at FLCWS and to welcome Dana Robinson as our Organist/hoirmaster

10:30 a.m. Eucharist Service
11:45 Luncheon in the Parish Hall

First Lutheran Church of West Seattle
4105 California Ave SW
206-935-6530
www.flcws.org

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WEST SEATTLE SUNSET: Dramatic departure at day’s end
September 16, 2025 8:11 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks for the views of tonight’s sunset, extra-dramatic with billowing clouds. We’ll admit we don’t know whether they’re clouds of smoke or just clouds, but it was quite a view either way. The photo above is from James Bratsanos; below, a wider view from Wyatt:

And this one’s from Chris Frankovich:

Today’s high at Sea-Tac tied a record for this date, 91; tomorrow, we’re supposed to be back in the 70s.

ADDED: Gretchen Flickinger sent this view of the “enhanced” Olympics:

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Westwood Village J.Crew Factory to open this week
September 16, 2025 5:31 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Thanks for the tip and pics! Westwood Village is about to see its second grand opening of the month. Eight months after we first told you a J.Crew Factory store was on the way, it’s opening this Thursday (September 18) at 10 am, according to signage at the store.

The clothing store took over the spaces that formerly held GameStop and Bronz’d. According to the company website, it’ll be open 10 am-8 pm daily except Sundays, when it will close at 7 pm.

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YOU CAN HELP: West Seattle VFW Hall’s roof party
September 16, 2025 4:50 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | Triangle | West Seattle news

That was the scene back in 2009, neighbors of the West Seattle Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post 2713, were up on the VFW Hall’s roof raising a new flag, replacing one that had deteriorated into tatters. Now, the VFW’s roof needs some neighbor power again, this Saturday, as the post works to weatherize its building before fall kicks into gear. If you can give some time, be there – 3601 SW Alaska – Saturday (September 20), 10 am, to help seal the roof. The post’s announcement says, “There will be sealant, brushes, rollers; please come with clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.” Their goal is to “reseal – prevent our community space from flooding during the upcoming rainy season.” The VFW Hall hosts a variety of community events and classes, so weather woes at the building affect more than just the VFW members. If you can help, just show up Saturday!

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FOLLOWUP: What’s next with the high-school split-lunch controversy
September 16, 2025 3:51 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photo outside SPS HQ, Monday)

Hours after high-school students from all over the city gathered at Seattle Public Schools HQ to protest the plan to split lunch period, West Seattle High School students got word of a three-week reprieve. We noted in earlier reporting that the district had posted an FAQ list which among other things said the deadline for split-lunch implementation was actually October 6, and the message sent to families by WSHS principal Brian Vance says that’s now what they’re aiming for, so they’re staying with one lunch at least until then. Meantime, school board president Gina Topp had told us she expected that tomorrow’s board meeting would include a briefing on the sudden schedule change, and indeed, that’s been added to the agenda, fairly early in the 4:15 pm Wednesday meeting. Nine of the 25 speakers signed up for the public-comment period later in the meeting are listed as planning to address the lunch topic.

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Art classes with Diane Kappa: Welcoming a new West Seattle Blog sponsor
September 16, 2025 2:51 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

New local members of the WSB sponsor team get to tell you about what they do, so today, as we welcome artist Diane Kappa, here’s what she wants you to know about the classes she teaches:

The Magic of Block Printing

There’s a special moment when a student lifts their first print from the block—a mix of surprise and delight that never gets old. Block printing is accessible to beginners yet endlessly inspiring for seasoned makers. In my workshops, I focus on creating an atmosphere where everyone feels supported to experiment, discover, and leave with both artwork and the confidence to keep creating at home.

Workshops in West Seattle (and Beyond)

I’ve been teaching workshops in West Seattle for almost 2 years, and they’ve become a place where creativity and community naturally come together. Each class takes place in my studio with no more than five students, providing plenty of space to spread out and lots of personal attention. The intimate setting makes it easy to relax, connect, and dive fully into the creative process. While block printing remains at the heart of what I teach, I also offer a variety of other art classes, giving students fresh ways to explore their creativity. I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to host week-long retreats in inspiring locations, where my students and I can carve out meaningful time to create, connect, and recharge.

Join the Community

Workshops and retreats aren’t just about learning a skill—they’re about making space for creativity in your life and finding a community that inspires and encourages you. If you’ve been curious to try block printing or another creative class, or if you’re ready to dive deeper, I’d love to welcome you into an upcoming workshop or retreat. As a thank-you for finding me through West Seattle Blog, mention this article when signing up for a class and receive 10% off.

I’m proud to be a host site and participating artist for the West Seattle Art Tour this weekend, September 20 & 21! During the tour, I open my studio doors so neighbors and visitors can meet me and three fellow artists, getting a behind-the-scenes glimpse into what a creative life looks like.

Visit dianekappa.com to see upcoming workshops and retreats. And instagram.com/dianekappa for a day-to-day look into my creative life.

We thank Diane Kappa for choosing to advertise her art classes by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com for information – thank you!

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ROAD WORK: Pothole patrol at Admiral Bridge
September 16, 2025 12:43 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks to Susan for the photo. She’s one of two readers who noted that the SDOT pothole patrol has been out today on the Admiral Bridge. As discussed in previous coverage, resurfacing was not part of the just-concluded seismic-strengthening project, but as with any street, the city will dispatch to pothole reports – here’s how to report them, and here’s the map that’ll show you if anyone’s already reported the one(s) you’re concerned aboutt.

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PHOTOS: Short-lived helicopter drill over southeast West Seattle and vicinity
September 16, 2025 11:27 am
|    Comments Off on PHOTOS: Short-lived helicopter drill over southeast West Seattle and vicinity
 |   Helicopter | Preparedness | West Seattle news

(PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB)

11:27 AM: As previewed last week, the city is partnering with the Washington National Guard today and tomorrow for a disaster drill involving a helicopter. We’re at the Joint Training Facility in southeast West Seattle to find out more; the helicopter they’re using flew eastbound over West Seattle around 9:45 am, headed this way, and now it’s just taken off for practice hoisting from and to a building on the west edge of the JTF. They’ll be focusing the drill here unless there’s a problem and they need to fly elsewhere. More photos and info later!

11:45 AM: Today’s drill was very brief due to a hoist problem. The helicopter had to land after a few minutes. Everybody’s OK. They plan to try again tomorrow – with a different helicopter.

6:30 PM: Adding photos from what did happen while we were there, and what we learned.

The collaboration between the Washington National Guard – out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Tacoma – is relatively new. SFD has been training with King County and Snohomish County air-support units for years. The department has an eight-person Aviation Team from all over the city (we talked with Capt. Michael Dulas, who is from Station 18 in Ballard). He says the team members have to go through this kind of drill/training four times a year, because what they practice are “very perishable skills.”

We asked how they’d be deployed in case of an actual catastrophe. Not surprisingly, the reply was that it depends on circumstances – they could report to JBLM and board a helicopter there, or wait for one at one of the fields around the city where it’s been determined a helicopter could safely land. (We learned about at least two in West Seattle in 2020, when drills were done in case airlifts were needed during the bridge closure.)

We did learn some interesting stats in the briefing before the short-lived flight – the hoist is capable of lifting up to 600 pounds; the helicopter’s door can be opened in wind up to 80 knots. Meantime, we’ll be back at the JTF tomorrow to see how it goes.

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19 notes for your West Seattle Tuesday!
September 16, 2025 9:45 am
|    Comments Off on 19 notes for your West Seattle Tuesday!
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(WSB photo: End-of-summer blossoms, seen in Morgan Junction)

Here’s our Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HELICOPTER DRILL: Reminder that 10 am-2 pm today is the first of two days you might see a Washington National Guard helicopter over southeast West Seattle, South Park, and/or White Center as part of a disaster drill with the city. (Added: A Black Hawk helicopter headed that way flew over us, eastbound, just a moment after we published this.)

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: 10 am with Natalia. (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.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch meeting at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) features speaker Dr. Carrie Horwitch, president-elect of the Washington State Public Health Association.

CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm weekly meeting, with agenda items including regulating potentially predatory home-buying. Meeting is open to public comment both online and in person – the agenda explains how.

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 drained for the offseason cleaning. 4-7 pm daily through Friday this week plus noon-5 pm on Saturday. $5/session per dog or $20 for the whole week. (Here’s our story from day 1.)

HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS girls face off at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 4:30 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.

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) hosts “Unplugged: A Musical Gathering“ for acoustic instrumentalists and singers “of all stripes.” No cover, all ages.

UKULELE PLAYERS’ EVENING MEETUP: Once a month they gather in the evening, and tonight’s the night, 6 pm at Good Society (California/Lander).

TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

CREATE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), register in advance to work on your project(s).

WEST SEATTLE PFLAG: Monthly meeting, 7 pm at the Admiral Hub (ex-church, 4320 SW Hill).

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: New classes continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has details including how to check if they have space.

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.

BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 4: Four options for Tuesday night trivia – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).

If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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ORCAS: Southern Residents off West Seattle (photo added)
September 16, 2025 8:00 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

8 AM: Kersti Muul tells us a large group of Southern Resident Killer Whales is off West Seattle right now, northbound, headed toward Lowman Beach.

6:25 PM: Thanks to Robin Sinner for sending the photo of J-Pod whales as seen from Constellation Park this morning!

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Summer’s last Tuesday
September 16, 2025 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Summer’s last Tuesday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, September 16, 2025 – fall officially arrives in six days.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Summery forecast today – sunshine and a high in the low 80s, with some smoke possibly blowing in tonight. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:48 am; sunset will be at 7:18 pm.

(Monday sunset, photographed by Chris Frankovich)

ROAD WORK

–59th SW in Alki is closed for a month by the school-construction zone (thanks to the reader who confirmed the closure happened as announced).

-“Natural drainage” construction toward the east end of Sylvan Way is scheduled to resume, but it hadn’t started as of EOD Monday.

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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Westcrest Park gunfire (updated Tuesday)
September 15, 2025 9:55 pm
|      8 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

ORIGINAL 9:55 PM MONDAY REPORT: Police have been at Westcrest Park for about half an hour, investigating gunfire. One resident nearby reported a window broken by a bullet; officers then reported finding more gunfire evidence in a park lot described as near 8th/Henderson. No injuries reported so far, and no suspect/vehicle descriptions have been circulated. If you have any information contact 911 and refer to case # 25-270054.

ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: We requested and obtained the SPD report narrative (XXXX represents redactions by SPD):

On 09/15/2025, I OFC XXXX, was working uniformed patrol as unit 3W22 with OFC XXXX. We responded to 81XX 7 AV SW for a report of a bullet shot through a window at approximately 2119 hours.The call notes are as follows:

1 MIN AGO, SHOT THROUGH RPS WINDOW, NOTHING ELSE SEEN OR HEARD

We arrived on scene and did a prompt area check surrounding the house. I then went to the home and contacted the RP XXXX, and his roommate XXXX. XXXX led us inside the home and into the kitchen. The kitchen window directly in front of the sink was shattered on the outside. The window was double paned and only the exterior glass was broken.

OFC XXXX and I went outside to look at the damage. There was a significant hole that indicated where the projectile struck the windowpane. There was tempered glass on the floor and in the planters directly below the window. No bullet was recovered. Because the projectile did not penetrate or break both panes of glass, it is most likely that the shot was a stray bullet from a significant distance away from the scene.

I took photos of the damage and uploaded them to Axon. I gave XXXX a business card. XXXX and XXXX stated that they were both on the couch and heard the glass shatter. They walked over and realized that it was most likely a stray bullet. XXXX then called police. Neither of them heard any shots being fired.

After clearing the scene, we drove southbound to Westcrest Park where the backing officers were conducting an area search.

OFC XXXX discovered XXXX and took photos of the scene and collected them for evidence. The spent casings were found near a shed inside Westcrest Park where there were indications of damage from the shots. XXXX cartridges were found on the ground. There was also a fired projectile found near the scene.

An officer taped a business card to the shed for staff to find in the morning. When given the evidence at the precinct, I weighed the fired projectile. The bullet weighed XXXX on our scale in the evidence room, which converts to XXXX. It is more likely than not that the fired projectile was a XXXX.

I inspected the headstamps of a few of the spent casings. The majority of the XXXX.

There is no suspect at this time. There is probable cause for SMC 12A.14.071 Aiming/Discharge of a Firearm.

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Canine swim time! Dog Days of Summer arrive at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club
September 15, 2025 9:49 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   Arbor Heights | Pets | West Seattle news

By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The “dog days of summer” have arrived at Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club! They’ll have hours available at their pool every day this week until Saturday (September 20) for you to bring your canine companion to cool off during their “Dog Days” event. (An especially good idea tomorrow, with the high being forecast near 85 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.) We stopped by briefly today to take some pictures of Day 1 participants:

Above is Sona, around 7 years old. Below is Nala, around 5 ½ years old (notably, her owners told us this marks her 4th year of attendance!)

And below is Sasha, around 2 ½ years old, here for her second year in a row

This event is the only fundraiser for the club every year, with proceeds going to help their youth swim teams, as well as general pool maintenance. In past years, contributions from the public have allowed them to purchase crucial items such as a set of new kickboards and poolside clocks for swim meets.

This year marks the 10th anniversary for “Dog Days,” which started in 2012 and took two years off for the pandemic, starting back up in 2022. The event also marks the end of the pool’s season, as they’ll move into maintenance until next spring after “Dog Days” concludes.

Attendance today was strong, with pool manager Blake telling us that around 25 dogs had already came throughout the day by 5 PM.

If you and your dog are looking to have some fun in the sun, you have five more chances this week. Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club (11003 31st SW) will be open to the general public for “Dog Days,” with weekday hours of 4 to 7 PM, and 12 to 5 PM on Saturday. The cost is $5 per dog per day, and $20 for a week-long pass. If you’d just like to come by and see the dogs, it’s free.

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New season, new conductors, registration and audition time for West Seattle Community Orchestras
September 15, 2025 9:04 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

The new school year also means a new season for the West Seattle Community Orchestras, which is celebrating some fresh starts this year – and that could include yours! Here’s all the WSCO news:

With the 2025–2026 concert season fast approaching, the West Seattle Community Orchestras (WSCO) has announced registration and audition details as well as new conductors for two of their four ensembles — well-known Concert Orchestra conductor Bryan Kolk returning as conductor of WSCO’s Symphony Orchestra and Allion Salvador joining as the new conductor of WSCO’s Concert Orchestra.

Fall registration for all ensembles is now open. Auditions for new members are tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 23. For more information, visit wscorchestras.org/register or e-mail info@wscorchestras.org.

Bryan Kolk is a music educator, conductor, and bassist who served as Concert Orchestra conductor for four years. He was chosen to conduct the higher-level Symphony Orchestra earlier this summer after former conductor Asieh Mahyar accepted a professorship in another state. Kolk directs the orchestra at Mercer Island High School, which performed at Carnegie Hall earlier this year. He previously directed orchestra and guitar classes at Garfield High School in Seattle and at high schools in Michigan. He also directs the Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestras’ Debut Symphony and has years of experience directing music festivals and camps.

Following Kolk’s move, WSCO launched a broad search for a new Concert Orchestra conductor. Allion Salvador — a violinist who is completing a master’s degree in conducting at Central Washington University — was chosen to serve. From 2023–2025, Mr. Salvador served as Music Director of the Federal Way Youth Orchestra. He has also worked with Spokane Symphony, Seattle Philharmonic, and Missoula Symphony, and currently serves as assistant conductor of Wenatchee Valley Symphony and a pops conductor for Candlelight Concerts. He is associate concertmaster of Yakima Symphony and co-concertmaster of the String Orchestra of the Rockies. A 2021 Music International Grand Prix winner, he studied violin at Manhattan School of Music.

Four ensembles comprise WSCO, which also offers beginning strings instruction for young people and for adults (Bill Panks is teacher). In addition to the orchestras mentioned above, beginning students can join the WSCO Debut Orchestra (Rachel Nesvig, conductor) and advanced brass, woodwind, and percussion players can try out for WSCO’s Wind Symphony (Justin Murray, conductor). All four ensembles are multigenerational, offering youth an opportunity to perform alongside more experienced musicians.

If you can’t, or don’t want to, get involved with WSCO right now, you can still make plans to enjoy their fall concerts – watch for the dates, on their website as well as the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar.

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