West Seattle, Washington
07 Friday
Amanda is hoping for help solving a case of arson:
This time of year I normally email the blog photos of my neighbor’s amazing Halloween decorations. However early this morning, 10/28/25, around 1 am, someone destroyed the display and set fire to the decorations and bushes of my neighbor’s house on the corner of 42nd Ave SW and SW Hudson St.
(Above is video from a camera) on our street. I’ve also included a screenshot of the person (a little blurry). White male, brown hair, blue coat, possibly in his 20’s.
If you recognize this person or have any information, the police report number is 25-315317. Any help is greatly appreciated.
A big shout out to the neighbors who were out there putting the fire out and calling 911. This could have been a lot worse if it weren’t for really great people on our block. Hoping the West Seattle community can help bring some closure to a terrible situation.
Seattle Parks crews still have a lot of cleanup to do after the weekend windstorm. Our photo above shows Lowman Beach Park‘s biggest trees, which we checked out on Monday after a commenter mentioned those trees had lost limbs in the storm. It appeared – at least when we went by – that the northernmost tree had taken the brunt of that. Afterward we asked Parks for any stats on how many damaged or downed trees they were dealing with; spokesperson Rachel Schulkin told us today, “We have over 50 work orders related to downed trees or branches in parks citywide.” If you see tree trouble or any other Parks problem that you think might not yet have been reported, the department’s maintenance hotline is 206-684-7250.
Thanks to Rainer Klett for the harbor-seal (and meal) photo! Here’s our Tuesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
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)
BUDGET COMMITTEE: As previewed Sunday night, the first briefing on councilmembers’ proposed budget amendments, department by department, starts during this under-way (9:30 am start) meeting – proposals are linked on the agenda.
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 Bavarian cuisine. (6000 16th SW)
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Final week! Art is on display all around Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), and you can visit any time 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: Cinda Stenger, executive director of Westside Interfaith Network. (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.
HOMEWORK HELP: Students can get free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: West Seattle HS girls’ soccer Metro League playoff match vs. Franklin at 4 pm, Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle).
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.
CREATE POTTERY: Last 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at closing-soon pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW) – preregister to work on your project(s).
KINDERGARTEN INFORMATION NIGHT: 6:30 pm at Hope Lutheran School (4456 42nd SW), adults only.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: West Seattle’s newest dance classes (WSB sponsor) 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. (WSB sponsor)
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!
West Seattle’s legendary haunted house Meeds Manor is back this Halloween. One night only, 3011 45th SW, 5:30-9 pm Friday. The Meeds family is opening their haunted house to collect West Seattle Food Bank donations, so be sure to bring nonperishable food! You can also support WSFB via cash donations on the family’s Venmo account, @meedsathletics.
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, October 28, 2025 – five days until we “fall back” an hour when Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday morning at 2 am.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Cloudy, chance of rain, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:48 am; sunset, 5:57 pm.
WINDSTORM AFTERMATH
-We’re told the briefly iconic ‘limb in a wire” over the Admiral Way hill was removed Monday pm.
ROAD WORK
-Fauntleroy culvert repairs had the 9100 block of California SW down to one lane with a flagger on Monday.
-Still awaiting the 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF has three boats on the Triangle Route – M/V Issaquah, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. 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.
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!
Three weeks after two community events (WSB coverage here and here) aired concerns about street disorder near the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle, a neighbor reports results of a “productive meeting.” Abi CC’d us on their report:
Dear West Seattle Neighbors and Community Partners,
After a productive meeting 10/23 with the Westside Neighbors Shelter (WSNS), we wanted to share an update where shelter board members, owners and operators, myself & my partner came together to review updates from recent community / precinct meetings and plan the next steps for the shelter’s future. Our goal is to ensure the shelter continues its important mission while improving safety, operations, and rebuilding a strong relationship with the community.
Key Updates for the Community:
1. Strengthened Partnership with Seattle Police Department (SPD)
· We’re pleased to share that WSNS has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Southwest Precinct, giving SPD officers the authority to act on behalf of the owner to enforce trespassing on shelter property without requiring prior approval from shelter leadership. This enables officers to go on property to address harassment vs prior restrictions.
· Enforcement follows a clear three-step process: → Verbal Warning → Citation → Arrest (if necessary)
· SPD has also increased patrol visibility, including parking a patrol car on site at key times (such as after breakfast) to ensure guests leave the property once services conclude.
· The precinct has also increased their speed to remove offenders and response time to calls both around the shelter and in the surrounding Triangle.
This support is a big step forward and a direct result of community engagement. We appreciate the quick support from the SPD. We anticipate that the community will see a decrease in loitering on the property and in the immediate area.
2. Future Direction and Next Steps
The WSNS Board discussed and aligned to on the following key next steps:
· Development of a Good Neighbor Agreement to formalize safety, communication, and collaboration standards with community stakeholders, including local businesses & neighbor associations. This is a framework designed by the city and implemented by other like organizations in the Seattle area. Our goal here is to also work directly with the Neighbor Council and West Seattle Junction Association in addition to the Precinct.
· Improved community updates and communication to inform on the shelter’s mission, progress against plans, and relevant updates for the community.
· Keith and team are pursuing a partnership / transition in operational management. While the mission is big, current operations are understaffed, and a transition plan is critical for sustainable safe and effective operation.
3. Upcoming Event
The following is a fundraiser for the shelter – as we work to strengthen operations and implement new ways of working, any donation will help accelerate this transformation. See attached for the event flyer.
Boeing Employees Choir Benefit Concert
St. John’s Episcopal Church (3050 California SW)
(corrected) Saturday, November 8, 4 pm
Suggested donation: $15 (all proceeds benefit the shelter)
We don’t have numbers, but we can say anecdotally that we’ve heard “trespassing” dispatches for the shelter since this report revealed police have been authorized to respond to such calls there.
Tonight’s featured Halloween decorations are at Zachary‘s house on Alki – and they’re not the only one on the block: “Multiple displays along 64th; there’s also dueling pirate-themed displays between ours and the neighbors across the street.” And for trick-or-treating, he adds, “We’re also registered on the Teal Pumpkin Project Map.”
(If you’re participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project too, please let us know – we’ll have a list in our calendar for Halloween.) Meantime, still room for a few more decoration photos before Friday night – westseattleblog@gmail.com if you haven’t sent yours yet – thank you! (Scroll through the WSB Halloween archive to see what we’ve shown already.)
For those who appreciate numbers … updated results from two of the events we covered while they were in progress over the weekend:
(Sunday photo by Oliver Hamlin for WSB)
CHILI COOKOFF: The West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival‘s tastiest event brought in $5,700 for the West Seattle Food Bank, WSFB’s Robbin Peterson tells WSB. (If you missed the winner announcement in our as-it-happened festival coverage on Sunday – The Westy got the most votes, followed by Husky Deli and Easy Street.)
(Saturday photo by WSB’s Anne Higuera)
DRUG TAKEBACK DAY: Southwest Precinct fill-in crime-prevention coordinator Matthew Brown reports that on Saturday, “We collected 7 boxes filled with a combined total of 168.6 lbs of unused and expired medications. It was extremely successful.” Look for the next opportunity in about half a year.
Thanks to Gary Jones for the photos. Several readers asked today about the presence of multiple boats fishing with nets off Alki Point.
They’re purse seiners that show up about this time many years (here’s one of our past reports), fishing for chum salmon.
If you’re interested in the rules, maps, etc., here’s the 56-page document (which we also linked when purse seiners showed up briefly two months ago).
4:59 PM: It’s not blocking traffic but the response soon might – a driver has gone onto the sidewalk and (reportedly lightly) hit the building on the northeast corner of 16th/Roxbury, as shown in the traffic-cam screengrab above.
5:06 PM: Live camera shows police now have the adjacent – westbound outside – lane on Roxbury blocked.
5:19 PM: Tow truck just arrived. Apparently no major injuries, since SFD canceled quickly.
6:37 PM: Had to leave the desk for a while; the scene has since been cleared.
(WSB photo, August 14)
3:32 PM: More than two months after the noontime smash-and-grab takeover robbery at Menashe & Sons Jewelers in The Junction, a suspect is charged. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the first-degree robbery and unlawful-gun-possession charges filed against 29-year-old DaSean S. Harrison, who the documents say has prior weapons and robbery-attempt convictions. The charging documents say they traced him through witnesses, car rental records, an investigation of pawn-shop robberies (for which he’s also charged) in Renton and Shoreline, and even SODO Home Depot camera images showing shoplifting of items similar to what was used in the robbery, including sledgehammers and gloves. Harrison, who the documents say lives on Capitol Hill, already has been arraigned and has pleaded not guilty; he is in the King County Jail, in lieu of $250,000 bail. We’re still reading the lengthy (26 pages) charging documents and will add more details shortly.
ADDED 4:25 PM: The documents start by telling the story of the robbery, saying the car holding the robbers was parked on the other side of California for about 15 minutes before it turned around and pulled up in front of the jewelry store 2 1/2 minutes before four people got out and did this:
Through a person who called 911 about two suspicious vehicles near 35th and Fauntleroy a few minutes later – believing one was being stolen – police were able to link the robbers to a white Camry that during the robbery had been parked in the 4100 block of 35th SW. They found images on an officer’s Automated License Plate Reader.
The documents then say another piece of the puzzle fell into place when a detective learned that Harrison was being investigated in a similar pawn-shop robbery, smash and grab, at a CashAmerica pawn shop in Renton in January. In both cases, the detective writes, one robber was significantly larger than the other – they say Harrison is the one at left in these images from the Menashe robbery:
The documents say Seattle detectives found out that Renton detectives had learned Harrison rented a white Camry for the first half of August. Investigators in the Menashe case then sought records for the phone number Harrison had provided with the rental; the documents say they showed the phone in the area of both the Menashe robbery and where the Camry was parked. GPS records from the rent-a-car, detectives write, showed it arriving in West Seattle around 10:43 am the morning of the robbery, and driving past the jewelry store about 10 minutes later, then again a half-hour after that, and finally parking in the 4100 block of 35th around 11:30.
Meantime, the documents say that car was found on SODO Home Depot surveillance a week before the Menashe robbery, and checking other cameras, they found a person believed to be Harrison walking out with items he hadn’t paid for; zoomed-in imagery shows trash bags, sledgehammers, and gloves, like what was seen in the Menashe robbery.
Back to the day of the robbery – the charging documents say Harrison’s phone made multiple calls in the hours afterward to a phone number that traced to “Tacoma Gold Buyers.” The documents then mention Harrison exchanging the rent-a-car the next day, and jump ahead to Renton Police arresting him on October 16th. From jail, they say, he made phone calls to someone at the address listed in his Seattle arrest report as his address, for which they eventually obtained a search warrant. Acting on part of what they heard in his jail phone calls, the documents say, they found a .223 rifle and 9mm handgun, and that’s why he is charged with unlawful firearm possession.
The documents do not mention any other suspects in the case nor the status of the items stolen from the store. Prosecutors also provided the Renton charging documents, so we’ll be reading those next to see if there’s anything of note regarding the West Seattle case.
Thanks to the reader who forwarded the Sunday announcement from Lazy Dog Crazy Dog that it’s closed both its Ballard and West Seattle (9064 Delridge Way SW) locations (though the email only mentions Ballard, the sign on the door today confirms that WS is closed too):
Dear Lazy Dog Customers:
It is with great sadness that we announce the indefinite closure of Lazy Dog Crazy Dog, effective today, Sunday at 6:00 PM.
Over the past two weeks, we have received hundreds of menacing messages and threats of violence directed at our employees and our business. These have come through email, social media, phone calls, and even direct in-person confrontations at our location. Some of these messages have included racial slurs.
The safety of our employees, the dogs in our care, and our customers is paramount — we simply cannot continue to safely offer our services under these conditions.
As a company led and operated by dog lovers, we know how this news impacts daily routines and travel planning, especially as the holidays approach. We sincerely apologize for this disruption, but it is the right decision.
We will deeply miss caring for your dogs and being part of the Ballard community. If you have prepaid credit, please contact us at play@lazydogcrazydog.com, and we will coordinate your refund.
Though the note doesn’t mention it, what happened two weeks ago was the filing of criminal charges against a 20-year-old former Ballard employee of the business, charged with felony animal cruelty for kicking and hitting a dog at that location in August, waiting more than an hour to take the dog to a clinic, where he died. We’ve read the charging documents and there is no mention of the West Seattle location, which opened in South Delridge in January 2024, according to a news release that says it’s owned by a company that also has dog-care facilities in other states.
We reported Sunday on the flooding that closed the Jefferson Square CVS store (former Bartell Drugs). After commenters reported today that some other businesses in the center were also affected by water damage, we went over to find out more. Here’s what we found, either from signs on doors or from talking to people at the respective businesses:
CVS – still closed, might be able to reopen this afternoon
The Joint – closed today
West Seattle Animal Hospital – closed today and tomorrow
Dream Dinners – closed today
School of Rock – studios closed today, handling lessons remotely
ATI – open but directing clients to an alternate entrance
The inner Jefferson Square businesses on the east and south (Safeway) sides are open, as are other lower businesses. We’re told the plumbing problem was traced to a restroom in the CVS space. We’ll be following up with center management.
(Photo from last week by Tom Trulin)
Emergency repairs continue on the culvert that takes Fauntleroy Creek beneath the short stretch of California SW between the schoolhouse and church, and today they’re digging in the street, so a flagger is helping traffic get through; if you have to travel through there, allot extra time. When last we checked in with Seattle Public Utilities, spokesperson Brad Wong told us work was not expected to conclude before November 7; the no-parking signage in the area has just been updated to potentially run through November 15. This is separate from the culvert-replacement projects that will start next year on 45th SW.
We’ve been reporting that City Council budget amendment proposals would start going public today, after previews from District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka and local groups about what he might propose adding to the budget. The presentations start with a 9:30 am meeting tomorrow, and agenda details for those first presentations are out now. On the agenda under Seattle Public Utilities-related budget amendments, one that could give a boost to local cleanup group A Cleaner Alki, which as we’ve reported is working to replace lost grant money – here’s the amendment number and the summary by council staff:
SPU-002-A-1 – Increase SPU by $100,000 GF for additional community cleanup services through community partners
(Summary) The funding provided by this CBA is intended to support additional neighborhood cleanup events and activities through established community partners, such as A Cleaner Alki in West Seattle, that have a proven track record of collaborating with City departments and are in the community performing services on a weekly basis. The funding is also intended to support the launch of a new pilot program to fund volunteer cleaning ambassadors and periodic neighborhood cleanups located in Morgan Junction, Alaska Junction, and Admiral Junction.
The intent is for SPU to contract with community organizations to provide cleanup and maintenance services in City parks, greenbelts, and rights-of-way, including litter pickup, vegetation management, and beautification projects. The funding may also be used for cleaning supplies and disposal services, coordination of community cleanup events, and data collection on litter volumes and types.
Also on Tuesday’s agenda, under Mayor’s Office-related amendments, Saka proposes two that relate to issues raised in West Seattle, primarily Alki:
MO-002S-A-1 – Request that MO convene departments to study and report on noise enforcement to better address problem noise viola�ons citywide
(summary) This Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) would request that the Mayor’s Office (MO) lead a comprehensive policy review on the City’s approach to regulation of excessive noise, including vehicle noise and disruptive noise occurring on sidewalks and rights of way in the stadium district and citywide.
This SLI would request the MO work collaboratively with the Seattle Police Department, Department of Finance and Administrative Services, Seattle Department of Transportation, and Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to evaluate current enforcement practices, interdepartmental coordination, and develop a coordinated interdepartmental strategy and implementation approach to more efficiently and effectively address excessive noise violations to include clear guidelines around enforcement, mitigation best practices, education, and interventions, along with roles and responsibilities of relevant City departments.
A report with findings and specific implementation recommendations to improve the City’s noise enforcement approach should be submitted to the Public Safety Committee and the Central Staff Director by June 1, 2026.
MO-003S-A-1 – Request MO to lead a policy review on unpermitted food and merchandise vending
(summary) Council requests that the Mayor’s Office (MO) lead a comprehensive policy review on the City’s approach to licensing and enforcement of unpermitted vending. The Mayor’s budget would include $1.8 million in new funding to support Joint Enforcement Team and unlicensed vending enforcement.
To better understand the strategy for the use of these and existing resources, the MO is requested to evaluate current enforcement practices, interdepartmental coordination, and strategies for addressing public health and safety concerns related to unlicensed vending. Council further requests an understanding of how the Department of Transportation, Office of Economic Development, Seattle Police Department, Department of Finance & Administrative Services, Seattle Parks & Recreation, other critical City partners, and King County Public Health can best be coordinated to meet the needs this issue presents.
The review should include best practices from other cities and recommend policy options that balance enforcement with pathways to compliance for small business entrepreneurs and supports community well-being. The report should identify strategies for immediate implementation, which address potential accessibility, equity concerns and relevant barriers associated with unlicensed vending.
A report with findings and implementation recommendations that are immediately actionable should be submitted to the Transportation Committee of the City Council by April 30, 2026, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
(Also under Mayor’s Office, Saka has an amendment proposing a study of tree policy.) Those are just the first of Saka’s notable proposed amendments; SDOT and Parks-related amendments (such as the potential Morgan Junction Park skate dot and Camp Long restoration items we’ve mentioned) will be on the agenda for another council meeting Wednesday, and those specific documents are not yet linked – we’ll publish a story when they are. The proposals will go through council review before a determination of whether they make it into the “balancing package” that the budget chair – this year, Councilmember Dan Strauss – puts forward. The budget will be finalized next month.
(The Great Pigeon Point Pumpkin? Thanks to Pete for the photo)
Wondering 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!):
SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE: Last week to see the art display at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) – visit during regular hours, 10 am-6 pm today.
BABY STORY TIME: Also at Southwest Library, 12 pm-12:30 pm.
NEED MEDICARE INFO? Second of two opportunities to drop by Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) 1-4 pm to talk with an insurance adviser.
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL FOOD DRIVE DROPOFFS: Today is the last 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 SW, north side).
HOMEWORK HELP: Free drop-in homework help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4 pm to 5:45 pm.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT HIATUS: Still on hold until The Missing Piece reopens. in its new Junction location (hoping to fully open later this week).
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! Special Halloween trivia 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).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: At 7 pm, the Chief Sealth IHS volleyball team hosts Highline (2600 SW Thistle).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Play in The Corner Pocket‘s weekly pool tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: South-end Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Mondays, sing karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to EVERYONE who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, October 27, 2025 – and we’re now less than a week from “falling back” an hour when Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday morning at 2 am.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The forecast for today: Partly sunny, chance of showers, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:46 am; sunset, at 5:59 pm.
(Sunday’s sunset – photo by Chris Frankovich)
WINDSTORM AFTERMATH
-You might still find downed trees, hanging tree limbs, and malfunctioning signals this morning, as cleanup/repair crews were busy on Sunday and didn’t get to everything – like these tree trouble spots.
ROAD WORK
-Still awaiting the 60th, 61st, 62nd Alki speed-bump work between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way.
TRANSIT TODAY
Washington State Ferries – WSF is back to three boats on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas, M/V Cathlamet, and M/V Sealth. 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.
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!
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand unless otherwise credited)
After all that rain, dozens of salmon spawners are approaching the entrance to Fauntleroy Creek. That’s what longtime salmon-watch volunteer Dennis Hinton told the 100+ people who gathered to ceremonially welcome them home this afternoon: “They’re out there, and they’re coming!”
(This photo and next by Dave Gershgorn)
It’s a fall tradition, inviting community members to gather near the creek, to sing and drum during a short gathering that also includes writing messages for the returnees.
(Judy Pickens and Dennis Hinton)
The gathering was emceed by Judy Pickens, who – along with husband Phil Sweetland – also has long volunteered for Salmon in the Schools, which will be different for local participants this year as culvert work in Fauntleroy Creek will prevent the release of campus-raised fry, which Judy says will be taken instead to West Seattle’s other major salmon-bearing stream, Longfellow Creek.
But the springtime releases are just part of the circle of life – there’s “home hatch” too, thanks to some of the returnees (347 spawners counted last year). The songs led again this year by Jamie Shilling (above) told the story, as did the drumming – which, as Judy recounted, is meant to mimic the female salmon’s tail slapping the creek bed, making a redd for her eggs.
Participants were discouraged today from going to creekside because – like so many other areas of West Seattle – trees lost limbs last night. But as an afternoon sunbreak peeked through the still-standing trees, a creek-reminiscent blue banner was held over tiny dancers:
Those in attendance ranged from infants to seniors – including 93-year-old volunteer Dick Paynter, honored as the eldermost volunteer in the Watershed Council’s ranks:
(Dennis Hinton and Dick Paynter)
Dick declared himself “overwhelmed” by the honor and explained how much the creek work has meant to him, with his interest dating back to his college years as a fisheries major.
And the singing went on, softly: “Hey, hey, coho … return, return, return.”
Once they do start returning, Judy promises updates, as always, and watch for word of a potential “open creek” event if and when weather, safety, and salmon permit.
We missed last night’s Halloween-decoration showcase because of the windstorm, but we’re back on schedule tonight. We’ve already featured multiple displays on 47th SW, and here’s another one – also featured in past years – this year, Sandy sent the pic of the mega-decorated home on 47th between Hinds and Hanford. Four more nights, and then Halloween will be here! Not too late for more photos – westseattleblog@gmail.com – see what we’ve already shown by scrolling through our Halloween-coverage archive here – thank you!
On Friday, we mentioned the list of city-budget amendments that District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka is mulling as the council goes into the next phase of budget revision/review. Another West Seattle project on his possibility list: The Highland Park Improvement Club rebuild. HPIC trustee Kay Kirkpatrick sent word of this along with a status update on the project, 4+ years after fire gutted the historic community center:
HPIC (the Highland Park Improvement Club) is thrilled to be moving along with our next Phase of Replacement of the HPIC building lost to fire in 2021. This groundwork phase includes utilities upgrades and footing & foundation strengthening.
We’ve included some photos of interesting points that happened over the last couple of weeks; including replacement of our power pole (above) and transformer with upgrade to the alley service line, trenching power conduit to the building wall, and trenching for footings for the west side deck and trellis.
The digging of the deck trench revealed old historic footings from the Barbershop that stood west of the first version of the HPIC building in the 1930’s.
As we do this work we continue to fundraise for our next phase, Framing and Dry-In of the building structure. We are thrilled that Councilmember Saka has included HPIC in this proposed list of amendments to the City Budget, which would make significant City funding available to help complete reopening this vital Community Resource.
We are asking fellow D1 residents to consider taking a few minutes to lend support by contacting City Council members as they deliberate on these proposals.
Councilmembers’ official lists of proposed amendments are expected to go public tomorrow. Starting 9:30 am Tuesday, they will be reviewed, department by department. There are also opportunities for public comment – see the Tuesday agenda (which will be updated tomorrow) for information on that.
3:39 PM: It’s hard to fully appreciate the precarious dangling status of that branch on a wire/cable over the center of the Admiral Way hill without driving/riding under it, as we did (photo taken by passenger) this afternoon. We mentioned it in our as-it-happened windstorm coverage overnight, and it’s one of multiple trouble spots lingering today, with cleanup yet to come. Not seen in our photo, the cones and signage beneath it. If you know of other trees still blocking roads, aerially or otherwise, please let us know if you can so we can check on their status before the am commute – thank you!
5:52 PM: Two readers sent photos of the tree above, in the 9700 block of 42nd SW in Arbor Heights. … Below, not a major traffic hazard, but a look at another downed tree we mentioned last night:
The tree on 21st that fell last night was in the driveway at Croft Place. Damaged multiple cars. You can see one under it if you zoom in on the third photo.
7:07 PM: Sent by Megan – trees still down in the 4000 block of 18th SW:
There are still 2 fallen trees blocking 18th Ave SW since 9:30 pm last night. This is a one-lane road and the only access. Every house after the trees, like mine, cannot leave. We called 911 last night because the trees also took down power lines. I called again a few hours ago and were told our case was called in but no idea when help will come.
ADDED: Sent Sunday night by Nathan:
Just wanted to warn parents and kids heading to Gatewood Elementary in the morning that there is a tree down and leaning on a power line on the West side of 44th Ave SW, near Myrtle – across from the school. We’ve alerted SCL but they have yet to respond.
12:40 PM: Thanks for the photo! Multiple readers have reported that the CVS store in Jefferson Square is closed because of flooding. No details yet.
12:53 PM: We just went to try to find out more. Store staff told us the flooding was from an internal plumbing problem, not the weather, and they have a cleanup crew coming soon; they expect to be open tomorrow.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB, unless otherwise credited
11:03 AM: Yes, the West Seattle Junction Harvest Festival is on, starting with the costume parade – led by the West Seattle High School Marching Band (whose musicians were most of the costumed paraders) – and the chili cookoff (inside ArtsWest this time).
Trick-or-treating has begun too.
11:33 AM: Hardy crowd – performers too – Rain City Ropeworks is starting their performance at California/Alaska.
Meantime, the chili’s going fast – you get a flight, amd a vote, for $20, supporting the West Seattle Food Bank:
Competitors are Margie’s Cafe, Easy Street, Shadowland, The Westy, Husky Deli, Cafe Osita, The Neighborhood, Elliott Bay – Papa Tony’s had to drop out.
Don’t miss all the activity booths on California south of Alaska! (added) Among the businesses and organizations that braved the rain, three WSB sponsors – Fitness Together:
(This photo and next two by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)
And Mode Music Studios (represented by their nonprofit organization Mode Music and Performing Arts)
12:09 PM: Wouldn’t be Halloween season without the Seattle Thrillers, who’ve drawn a crowd:
Good news is – Rain’s eased for now.
1:03 PM: Final hour – trick or treating continues, and the band’s performing, and the break in the rain continues too!
1:09 PM: Chili cookoff results just announced:
#1 – The Westy
#2 – Husky Deli
#3 – Easy Street Café
(added) Three of the winning venues’ proprietors are in this photo:
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