October 2026

UPDATE Alki community center reaches turning point for restoration of programming
After a decade of cutbacks and school construction closures, Alki residents voice strong demand for the return of multi-generational community services

Update October 18

The effort to reopen the Alki Community Center has reached a critical turning point. Building on years of community advocacy and strong survey support for restoring public recreation, a major legislative opportunity has now emerged.

At a recent Alki Community Council meeting, advocates received an in-person update from Michael Taylor-Judd from the office of Seattle City Council Member Rob Saka. Council Member Saka's office is currently writing a budget amendment to add or shift funding directly toward reopening the Alki Community Center. While this announcement is exciting news after more than a decade of systematic reductions in neighborhood programming, securing the funding is far from guaranteed.

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Beyond the frame: Remembering Jerry Gay and the heart he brought to photojournalism

On October 14, 2026, legendary photojournalist Jerry Gay passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 79. For those of us across the newsrooms of Robinson Newspapers, his passing marks more than the closing of a storied chapter in Pacific Northwest journalism—it is the loss of a mentor, a colleague, and a dear friend whose profound humanity forever altered how we see our craft and our community.

In a heartfelt message, his daughter, Ellen Bohn, shared the family's gratitude and remembrance:

"With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our dad, Jerry Gay, 79, who peacefully passed away this morning, October 14th. Jerry was a Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, an adored father, grandfather, and a dear friend to so many. We are grateful for the love, memories, and moments shared with him.

Details for a celebration of life will follow.

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One dead, one injured in early morning Burien shooting

One man died and another was injured following an early morning shooting near the intersection of Southwest 130th Street and 2nd Avenue Southwest in Burien.

Multiple 911 calls alerted authorities to the shooting around 3:40 a.m. to 3:41 a.m.. Responding deputies located one man dead from gunshot wounds directly at the scene. Shortly after, a bystander flagged down responding deputies to report a second man who sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Emergency responders transported him to Harborview Medical Center.

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Candidates clash on public safety, tax policy, and school funding at Alki community forum

By Westside Seattle Staff

On Oct. 15, the Alki Community Council hosted a candidate forum at the Alki United Church of Christ (Alki UCC) featuring contenders for the Washington State Legislature, King County Council, and King County District Court. Held alongside a community briefing on local tsunami hazards by the Seattle Office of Emergency Management, the non-partisan forum gave local residents an opportunity to question candidates on public safety, education funding, addiction treatment, and fiscal accountability ahead of the upcoming election.

The meeting was moderated by President Charlotte Starck and vice president Zak Nyberg. This was the last in person meeting as President for Starck, as Council elections are coming up soon.

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Ridge to River Coalition hosts community open houses to shape future of Seattle's largest forest

The Ridge to River Coalition has announced a series of community open houses to explore options for a long-range vision plan and pilot project for the West Duwamish Greenbelt, Seattle's largest remaining forest. Extending from the West Seattle Bridge to White Center, the natural area provides vital habitat for birds and wildlife alongside local recreational walking trails.

The upcoming events build upon feedback gathered from outreach sessions and a 2025 community survey. Community members attending the open houses will have the opportunity to share ideas regarding trail access, safety, environmental stewardship, and cultural connections. Coalition leaders intend to use participant input to guide public agencies and elected officials as they make future decisions.

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Sound Transit advances West Seattle Link Extension with general contractor selection and cultural preservation milestones

Sound Transit has selected a joint venture between Traylor Bros. and Atkinson Construction as the heavy civil general contractor and construction manager for the upcoming West Seattle Link Extension light rail project.

The joint venture will bring early contractor involvement during the design and pre-construction phases to optimize constructability, manage complex civil risks, and refine cost schedules before major heavy construction begins.

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Plumbing problems shutter Tim's Tavern starting Nov. 1

Update 10/14 8:00am

The closure will start November 1.

Original post 10/12

Tim's Tavern in White Center has been dealing with a lot of issues over the last couple of years, from noise complaints, to an improperly sited or built outdoor venue (built by the previous owners) to plumbing problems. It's that last one that has caught up with them. They are closed until repairs can be made.

Owner Mason Reed said, "Basically, the sewer line is getting worse. It’s collapsed outside the building and every time we jet it now it causes more damage.  They need to replace at least 45 feet and then fix a couple of holes in the cast iron pipes inside as well."

The estimate is more than $50,000, which for a small venue is a big lift.

"It’s really a tough spot to be in.  The plumber has been out 5 times in the last 10 days.  And we have cleared the line every day since Friday.  

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Sports Watch 10-13-26

By Tim Clinton

Sports Editor

 

This weeks sports schedule features major matchups across professional, collegiate, and high school competitions. On the professional stage, the Seattle Seahawks travel to face Denver on Thursday, Oct. 15.

Sounders FC competes at Dallas on Wednesday, Oct. 14, before returning to Lumen Field to host Montreal on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Hockey fans can watch the Kraken take on Tampa Bay and Florida on the road before coming home to Climate Pledge Arena against Detroit on Tuesday, Oct. 20, while the Seattle Thunderbirds host home games against Kamloops and Spokane at accesso Showare Center in Kent on Friday, Oct. 16, and Saturday, Oct. 17.

Additionally, Seattle Reign FC visits Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 18.

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Neighbors preparing together: Alki Emergency Hub invites community to action
Meet Tuesday Oct. 20 at Alki UCC

When a major earthquake or urban disaster strikes, municipal emergency services can easily be stretched beyond capacity. To ensure neighbors are not left isolated, volunteer-driven community networks step in to provide support, communication, and resource coordination.

The Alki Emergency Hub, situated at Whale Tail Park, stands as one vital node within the broader network across Seattle. Residents are invited to an upcoming informational meeting held on Tuesday, Oct. 20th, from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at the Alki United Church of Christ, located at 6115 SW Hinds Street.

To explore the broader network, residents can visit the Seattle Emergency Hubs Home page or learn more About Us.

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UPDATE: Honeydew Glassworks will celebrate its Grand Opening Nov. 13

UPDATE Oct. 12

Honeydew Glassworks will be holding a grand opening event on November13th from 12-6! pm. Expect live glassblowing, glass art available for purchase by several local artists and refreshments.

 

honeydew glassworks
Emily Chick is the new owner of the former Avalon Glassworks now named Honeydew Glassworks. A glass artist herself she plans to be a big part of the West Seattle community.
Photos courtesy Honeydew Glassworks

 

Original post September 15

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