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Spotlight Stories

YOU CAN HELP: Chief Sealth IHS Bike Club now rolling, thanks to your generosity, and welcoming more
November 7, 2025 2:29 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Got a bike you don’t need any more? Here’s a way to ensure it’s used and loved!

Chief Sealth’s Bike Club is thriving, thanks in large part to the incredible generosity of the West Seattle community. Last year was our first year, and it was a huge success. After putting out a call for bike donations on the blog, we were blown away by the response — so many of you offered bikes, gear, and supplies!

With generous support from Alki Bike and Board, which donated tires, tubes, and discounted supplies, students spent the winter learning the basics of bike maintenance. Together, we repaired and gave away more than 20 donated bikes to student riders (along with helmets, of course).

In the spring, we pivoted from wrenching to riding! Interest grew so quickly that we expanded from one to two group rides each week. During these rides, students practiced safe city-riding skills, learned to communicate in groups, and built confidence (and fitness) on the hills of West Seattle. Now, as we wrap up our fall riding season, we’re looking ahead to winter — we are excited to launch our Second Annual Bike Donation Drive. We want to give students new projects to work on while continuing to grow our community of young riders.

Do you have a bike that’s gathering dust in your garage? Donate it to Chief Sealth Bike Club and help a student discover the joy and independence of cycling. We’re happy to accept all kinds of bikes — even those that need a little TLC (new tires, tubes, or a chain).

If you’d like to donate a bike or have questions about the club, please email Andy Tuller at artuller@seattleschools.org. Thank you for helping keep our community rolling!

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FOLLOWUP: First two of Alki’s next round of speed bumps now in place
November 7, 2025 12:55 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Just back from Alki, where we checked on the 60th/61st/62nd SW speed-bump project. As of noon, two speed humps (no cut in the middle) are newly installed on 60th SW, south of Stevens.

We saw two SDOT trucks in the area but it wasn’t clear where crews would work next. The installation was delayed by the rainy weather. In all, the plan was for 11 new bumps in all on the three streets, between Alki Avenue and Admiral Way – speed humps on 60th and 62nd, cushions (the type with space between them) on 61st.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Holiday open house Saturday at CAPERS Home – with a big anniversary
November 7, 2025 11:56 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

We’re a week into November and the holiday season is roaring ahead. Another longtime business’s popular holiday open house happens tomorrow! Here’s the full announcement from CAPERS Home (WSB sponsor):

CAPERS Home, West Seattle’s destination for distinctive home décor, entertaining essentials, and thoughtful gifts, is delighted to invite the community to its annual Holiday Open House on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Guests are invited to step into the spirit of the season as CAPERS unveils its enchanting holiday décor collection. The event will feature exclusive in-store specials, festive beverages and bites, and a touch of holiday magic to inspire joyful entertaining and gifting.

This year’s celebration holds special meaning as CAPERS Home marks 40 years of curating elegant, globally inspired products that bring warmth and style to Seattle homes.

“Our Holiday Open House is one of our favorite traditions,” says CAPERS owner Lisa Myers. “It’s a chance to thank our customers, showcase the season’s most beautiful looks, and help our community find inspiration for gatherings and giving.”

The event is open to the general public, and especially invites those who love decorating, travel, and the art of home entertaining to connect, shop, and celebrate the start of the holiday season in style.

CAPERS Home is in The Junction at 4525 California SW. Its full holiday-event calendar – including Santa photo ops! – is here.

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ORCAS: Southbound off West Seattle
November 7, 2025 11:05 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the tip. Orcas are southbound off West Seattle, approaching Lincoln Park. (And if you don’t catch up with them before they’re south of here, remember that it’s eventually a dead end so they’ll have to head back this way eventually!)

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Here’s your West Seattle Friday list! (updated)
November 7, 2025 9:49 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE INDOOR PLAY: “Stay and Play” is open 10 am-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), with toys for the little ones and coffee for their chaperones.

SOUTHWEST ARTIST SHOWCASE PICKUP: Second-to-last day to pick up community creations that were on display throughout Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) during this year’s showcase

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER The center is open for plant-shopping Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about local history – open noon-4 pm today.

QI-GONG: Natalia‘s Friday sessions are 12:30-1 pm at La Choza (10401 47th SW).

BENEFIT JEWELRY SALE: 3-8 pm at the old brewery in Georgetown (5700 Airport Way S.), organizers hope West Seattleites will come support their sale benefiting women’s shelters.

(added) SEATTLE REIGN FC PLAYOFF GAME WATCH @ OUNCES: Cheer on Seattle Reign FC during their quarterfinal playoff game against Orlando Pride, 5 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Wy SW)

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.

FOOD NEED BENEFIT DINNER: Food banks and those dealing with the SNAP benefits crisis will benefit from money raised by this dinner – grilled cheese and tomato soup – at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), $13 cash, membership not required.

COFFEEHOUSE OPEN MIC: All genres of musicians and singers welcome at C & P Coffee‘s open mic, 6-8 pm. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

FREE TEEN SWIM: 6-7 pm at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle), free swim session for ages 13=18.

LIVE MUSIC AND MORE AT MR. B’S: 6:30 pm-10 pm, live music and vendors at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), no cover (optional mutual-aid donation).

‘JOIN OR DIE’: First West Seattle Joiners event, screening of “Join or Die” – inspiration, not ultimatum! – at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California SW), doors at 6:45, then movie and discussion. RSVP appreciated but not required.

PUN SLAM AT THE SKYLARK: Are you the punniest person you know? Signup and doors at 7 pm, pun slam at 8, tonight at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

SPINNING: DJ Hershe at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 9 pm.

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING: Skating with live music – tonight, alt-’90s cover music with Free Fighter Jet – 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial service planned November 15 for Brian Hoppe, 1958-2025
November 7, 2025 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather November 15 to remember Brian Hoppe, and are sharing this with the community:

Brian Hoppe
April 1, 1958 — September 19, 2025

Brian passed away on September 19, 2025 at the family cabin on Hood Canal. Born in Seattle on April 1, 1958 to Charles and Micheala Hoppe, he was the middle child of three. Recently retired from work as a systems analyst, he loved being out at Hood Canal, which provided lifelong memories with loved ones.

Brian was a loving and charitable person. In his free time, he loved attending live theater productions at the Paramount and Fifth Avenue theaters. He was an avid reader. And he had a love of music, both as a listener and as a keyboardist. He had recently rescued a cat and named her Juanita.

A memorial service and reception will be held at Tibbetts United Methodist Church at 3940 41st Avenue SW, on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube channel for those unable to attend. ( YouTube TibbettsUMC )

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday info
November 7, 2025 6:02 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, November 7, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today: Partly sunny, chance of pm rain, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:03 am; sunset will be at 4:42 pm.

(Glimpse of clearing at sunset – photographed in Upper Fauntleroy by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand)

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is still on a two-boat schedule “until further notice,” with M/V Cathlamet and M/V Chimacum. 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!

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PLAYOFFS: Here’s how two Chief Sealth IHS teams did tonight
November 6, 2025 11:31 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Two scores to report in high-school postseason play tonight:

VOLLEYBALL: The Chief Sealth International High School volleyball team beat Lindbergh HS 3-1 in the district tournament at White Center’s Evergreen HS tonight. That’s where they’ll play Cedarcrest (Duvall) for the district championship at 1 pm Saturday; winner goes to state.

SOCCER: The CSIHS girls-soccer team lost the district championship match to, and at, Cedarcrest tonight, 2-0, so they play for second place at noon Saturday vs., and at, Nathan Hale (who they beat earlier this week). This is also winner-to-state.

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FAUNTLEROY SALMON: You’re invited to ‘open creek’ Sunday afternoon
November 6, 2025 8:08 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Monday photo by Dave Gershgorn)

That’s one of the coho salmon seen by volunteers earlier this week near the mouth of Fauntleroy Creek. We don’t know the fate of that particular one – hungry seals have been hanging out there too – but Judy Pickens from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council tells WSB tonight that salmon watchers have seen “eight coho spawners make landfall so far,” so they’re going to welcome visitors this Sunday:

Given the forecast of dry and mild weather, we’ve decided to host our open creek this coming Sunday (11/9) from 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Salmon watchers will be on duty to talk with visitors and, we hope, give them a view of live fish. People should come to the fish-ladder viewpoint at SW Director and upper Fauntleroy Way SW to catch the eye of a watcher, who will invite them down to creek level. Children aged 15 and younger should come with an adult, and dogs should be on leash.

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FERRY UPDATE: Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth delays because of rescue
November 6, 2025 7:35 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

7:35 PM: You might experience delays on the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth Washington State Ferries route. The VesselWatch tracker shows M/V Chimacum off course, in Colvos Passage just south of Southworth; a texter whose wife is on one of the boats says the crew told her there’s a rescue operation under way. Nothing in WSF alerts yet but we’re trying to find out more.

7:46 PM: A WSF spokesperson looked into it for us and reports that indeed, the Triangle Route boats were involved in a rescue: A man was taken off an “adrift” 35-foot cabin cruiser. He’s OK. No other details so far. The ferries are now getting back to their usual routes.

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PHOTOS: West Seattle Thriftway’s 2025 ‘Holiday Taste,’ pre-Thanksgiving edition
November 6, 2025 5:00 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

5 PM: Busy night at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy, WSB sponsor) as shoppers sample possibilities for holiday meals, with three weeks to go until Thanksgiving. The “Holiday Taste” is a Thriftway tradition, with more than 20 vendors there offering samples of food and beverages, plus a chance to try what the store’s own deli is cooking up if you want someone else to do the cooking this season. As noted earlier, the store also is matching monetary donation made at its checkstands to the West Seattle Food Bank during the event. More photos later; the “Holiday Taste” continues until 7 pm.

6:16 PM: Part of the “Taste” fun is meeting the vendors as well as trying their creations. Above and below, West Seattle’s own Seattle Sorbets is there:

We wondered what Girl Meets Dirt offered, after seeing them on the vendor list – answer: Preserves!

And more preserves, from McCormick Jam:

Beverages include Caffe Vita coffee:

Twinbrook Creamery dairy products, many in classic glass bottles:

For the 21+ crowd, Lodgepole Distilling brought three flavors of gin:

The team from The Brown Pecan has treats including candied nuts:

That’s just a sample of tonight’s participants. Meantime, Thriftway’s own deli offerings are offered for tasting too:

You can get an order form at the store – with items from a $4.99 dozen rolls to a $174 roasted-turkey-and-all-the-fixings dinner:

If you can’t get to tonight’s tasting event, Thriftway will do it again three weeks before Christmas – Thursday, December 4, 4 to 7 pm.

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ELECTION RESULTS: In third round, Harrell-Wilson gap narrows
November 6, 2025 3:56 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

In the third round of results from Tuesday’s election, the gap between Bruce Harrell and Katie Wilson has narrowed; she was eight points back yesterday, now just under six points:

SEATTLE MAYOR
Bruce Harrell* – 91,263 – 52.64%
Katie Wilson – 81,355 – 46.93%

This is with just under 35 percent of Seattle ballots (175,739) counted; the ballot-return stats now show 54 percent of Seattle ballots received (277,120), so there are 101,000+ remaining to be tallied.

In the King County Executive race, Girmay Zahilay‘s lead over Claudia Balducci has widened:

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Girmay Zahilay – 202,623 – 51.73%
Claudia Balducci – 184,304 – 47.05%

In this race, 29 percent of King County ballots have been counted, with just under 45 percent received. … Next results report, Friday afternoon.

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UPDATE: Missing child found
November 6, 2025 3:21 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news

3:52 PM: The child for whom police had been looking has been found, officers just told dispatch.

Earlier:

Read More

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FOOD NEED: West Seattle Food Bank update on SNAP situation, and two more ways to help
November 6, 2025 2:25 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

With the SNAP funding situation not yet settled, many people are still scrambling to figure out how to feed themselves and their families. We have word today of two more ways to help the West Seattle Food Bank deal with the increased demand for its services, plus an update on how much that demand has increased.

We asked Robbin Peterson of WSFB for that update; she replied, “We only have stats from Tuesday – Nov. 4 was our first open day after Nov. 1 and the non-funding of SNAP. We had a 60% increase in shoppers that day over the first Tuesday of October.” She says a citywide update is expected tomorrow afternoon from the Seattle Food Committee. And here’s why the situation is even more dire for those in need: “Area food banks learned yesterday that while SNAP is being funded at the 50% level for November, that will not result in families receiving half of their benefits. Instead, the USDA is decreasing the maximum SNAP allotment by half, then calculating benefits as normal using this lower ceiling. With this formula, most SNAP recipients will receive far less than half their normal benefit. Between court proceedings and the time needed for DSHS to recalculate November benefits, SNAP recipients will experience a significant delay – in addition to less funding – in food assistance this month.”

So here are two more ways to help WSFB help more neighbors than ever:

THRIFTWAY MATCH TONIGHT: Compiling some advance information for tonight’s West Seattle Thriftway (WSB sponsor) Holiday Taste (4-7 pm), we learned the store is matching monetary donations made at checkouts during the event – that means your money will count double!

PCC FOOD/$ DRIVE STARTS FRIDAY: Announced by WSFB, PCC-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is expanding its planned WSFB-support drive:

Starting this Friday, November 7, and now running through the end of the month, Admiral PCC will be hosting a food drive to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank.

Shoppers can support neighbors facing food insecurity by purchasing for donation shelf-stable items or making a financial contribution.

West Seattle Food Bank representatives will be on site Saturday Nov. 8th and Sunday Nov. 9th to connect with shoppers, answer questions, and share information about how to receive help or get involved during this critical time.

The third PCC food drive of the year in support of WSFB, this one comes at a critical time when food banks are under increased pressure to provide additional nutrition to families who rely on SNAP benefits.

You can of course donate directly to WSFB online here. Part of our area also is served by the White Center Food Bank, whose donation link is here.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen orange beach-cruiser bicycle
November 6, 2025 12:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Maybe you’ve seen Tim‘s distinctive bicycle since it was stolen:

Sometime in the early morning of Monday, Oct 27, someone stole my orange Firmstrong single-speed beach cruiser that was inside my van. The van was parked in front of my home in West Seattle. The bike is in excellent condition. If you have any information, please contact the police or reach out to me directly at timhallemail@gmail.com. SPD report # (updated): 2025-920105

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YOU CAN HELP: Annual warm-clothing drive begins at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency
November 6, 2025 11:19 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

An annual tradition of community giving has just begun at longtime WSB sponsor Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency (3435 California SW):

(Ollie, guarding the donation bins)

The 12th annual winter clothing drive has begun at Dave Newman State Farm Insurance Agency.

In conjunction with the West Seattle Food Bank/West Seattle Helpline, we are collecting donations of clothes, coats, and shoes from November 5th until January 1st. Please drop off your donations at 3435 California Ave Southwest. The office is open for donations Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. For undergarments and socks, please donate only new and unopened packages of clothing items.

Special thank you to West Seattle Recycling for their donation of collection barrels.

Pickup may be available for those who have donations but are unable to transport them.

For further information, contact the State Farm office at 206-932-1878.

Thank you, West Seattle, for your generosity and spirit of giving.

As always, donation drives will also be part of the forthcoming WSB West Seattle Holiday Guide – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best way to get us info!

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Reading, laughter, tasting, running, budget-commenting, more for your West Seattle Thursday
November 6, 2025 9:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more for today/tonight/days and weeks ahead):

FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is opening its free community playspace two mornings a week, 9 am-noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. (42nd/Juneau)

GATHERING AT THE VOID: Get out of the home office for a couple hours! “Work, Game, Craft or Chat! At The Void ” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon. (5048 California SW)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Fall is the perfect time to plant! Explore the possibilities – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

SSC FOOD TRUCK: 10:30 am-12:30 pm at campus clock tower (6000 16th SW), serving community members as well as students, Japanese-inspired menu today.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).

TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

CITY COUNCIL BUDGET HEARING: Got something to say about the city budget for next year, before the City Council finishes shaping its plan? 1 pm starts an all-afternoon/all-evening public hearing, in person and remote; the agenda explains how to participate. (Here’s our recent report on local proposals under consideration for adding to the budget.)

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)

THRIFTWAY ‘HOLIDAY TASTE’: Sample the offerings of more than 20 vendors, plus the store’s own deli, during this annual tradition at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor), 4-7 pm. P.S. We’ve learned the store is matching monetary donations made to West Seattle Food Bank at the checkstands during the event!

DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is back today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Thai-U-Up.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! Part of tonight’s West Seattle Book Club lineup (see below), too.

ASTRA LUMINA: The lights-and-sound show at the Seattle Chinese Garden (6000 16th SW) opens for another season. First admission is 5:15 pm; tickets and info here.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now starting at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: This one’s for walkers! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

BREAKING THE WALL, FOR DISTANCE RUNNERS: Special event at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6:30 pm:

“The Mental Edge: Breaking the Wall for Distance Runners”: Anthony Gitch, CHt, LMT Certified Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist, NeuroRelief Method™ Trainer, Massage Therapist will present at West Seattle Runner. His talk will be around 30 minutes and will include a group hypnosis experience and a way for you to download a recording to use at your convenience. The script is the Strong Unstoppable Run.

WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: More than a dozen venues in West Seattle and White Center are open for readers to bring in whatever they’re reading and take a seat, starting at 7 pm. This month’s venues – plus word of any food/beverage specials for WSBC – are in our calendar listing.

STUDENT READING NIGHT AT EASY STREET: As previewed here, West Seattle Book Club night includes this special student-only space, 7 pm. (4559 California SW)

CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, prizes. 21+.

JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm comedy at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) – our calendar listing includes the ticket link.

DJ NIGHT: Extended-weekend spinning starts tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJs Kingblind, Smack, Teenage Rampage, 8 pm.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned November 15 for Stephen M. Gonzalez, 1952-2025
November 6, 2025 9:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather November 15 to celebrate the life of Steve “Speedy” Gonzalez, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

Stephen Manuel Gonzalez (“Speedy”)
October 2, 1952 – October 26, 2025

Stephen “Steve” Gonzalez, fondly known as “Speedy,” passed away on October 26, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Manuel Gonzalez. He is survived by his mother, Irene; his wife, Mary; his two sons, Timothy and Johnathan; his three sisters, Marie (Dave), Suzanne, and Charlene (John); his three grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbors.

Steve grew up in West Seattle and graduated from Chief Sealth High School. Shortly after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy, where he proudly served for two years. Following his service, Steve began a long and dedicated career at Boeing as a machinist, where he worked for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2015.

In retirement, Steve continued to give back to his community by volunteering for several years at the West Seattle Food Bank.

A self-proclaimed “extreme hobbyist,” Steve enjoyed metal detecting, garage sailing, collecting antiques, fixing things, and woodworking. He had a natural curiosity and a passion for tinkering, always finding joy in discovery and restoration.

A celebration of life will be held at West Seattle Center for Active Living, 4217 SW Oregon St., West Seattle, on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 2:30 PM. All are welcome to attend and share memories of Steve.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes
November 6, 2025 6:01 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, November 6, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

The forecast for today: Rainy, breezy, high in the mid-50s. Sunrise will be at 7:01 am; sunset will be at 4:43 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Watchful reader says new “no-parking” signs are back on 60th SW in Alki, for imminent speed-bump work.

TRANSIT TODAY

Washington State Ferries – WSF says the Triangle Route is still on a two-boat schedule “until further notice,” with M/V Cathlamet and M/V Chimacum. 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: SPD announces warrant arrest (updated Thursday)
November 5, 2025 11:45 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL WEDNESDAY NIGHT REPORT: Announced late tonight via SPD Blotter:

Seattle police detectives in the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and federal law enforcement partners arrested a 23-year-old man in possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM).

On Nov 5, ICAC detectives, Community Response Group officers, and agents in the Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security executed a search warrant and arrest operation in the Delridge neighborhood.

Police arrested the suspect without incident.

ICAC detectives interviewed the suspect and booked him into the King County Jail for possession and distribution of CSAM. Detectives also recovered CSAM evidence at the scene.

No other information; we’re following up.

THURSDAY NIGHT UPDATE: The suspect was released from jail tonight. We didn’t get any additional information on the case from prosecutors today; all we know is that the jail docket indicates it was a “court action” release, not a “posted bail” release – there’s no indication that bail was even set. We checked court files and there’s no indication the suspect had a record.

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BIZNOTE: Alki Smoke Shop and Grocery wraps a successful first week
November 5, 2025 9:09 pm
|      39 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Hayden Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Nestled next to Alki Surf Shop at 2622 Alki Avenue SW, Alki Smoke Shop and Grocery is the beach neighborhood’s newest store. Today marks one week of business, owner Jane told us, saying that she’s incredibly grateful for the community’s response.

What became Alki Smoke Shop and Grocery started first as an idea for a restaurant, although she quickly realized that something the beachfront was sorely lacking was a grocery. “Alki is a really popular destination,” said Jane, “and we had a great opportunity to lease a small space. This will be perfect for the neighborhood, especially in the summertime.”

The grocery currently stocks smoke-shop items such as cigarettes, as well as a variety of snacks (such as mac and cheese, spaghetti, and cereal), and some household products (paper towels, tissues, cleaning products, batteries).

Jane says they have no plans to stop there, and the warm community reception has inspired them to keep expanding their stock, including purchasing a cooler by the end of this week to stock eggs and dairy products. “Lots of neighbors have dropped by and welcomed us,” she said. “We’ve appreciated it so much, and we’ve been asking people what they want to make a list and meet the community’s needs.”

Alki Smoke Shop and Grocery is open from 9 AM to 9 PM, 7 days a week (in the space that held Brocante Beach House before their move to The Junction). You can reach the store at 206-566-6618.

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PREVIEW: West Seattle Thriftway’s 2025 ‘Holiday Taste’ tomorrow
November 5, 2025 7:56 pm
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 |   Holidays | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

The holiday season is about to start – and here’s proof: Tomorrow night (Thursday, November 6) brings the annual “Holiday Taste” festival of samples at West Seattle Thriftway (California/Fauntleroy; WSB sponsor). More than 20 vendors are expected for the 4-7 pm event, plus your chance to taste what the store’s own kitchen is offering this holiday season. Just drop in!

Having a holiday-related community event? Send info ASAP for our calendar and Holiday Guide – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Bus breakdown on Admiral offramp from West Seattle Bridge
November 5, 2025 5:49 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:49 PM: Thanks for the tips, even before we heard the dispatch – a Metro bus is reported to be broken down and blocking the Admiral Way offramp from the westbound West Seattle Bridge.

6:56 PM: Commenter reports it’s cleared.

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