West Seattle, Washington
17 Sunday
With the school year ending in a little more than a month, many families – but not all – have summer plans locked in. If you’re still looking for summer-camp options, the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) has an announcement that might interest you:
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is expanding summer camp options in West Seattle to help serve more families and provide additional opportunities for kids to experience camp close to home.
In past years, many West Seattle families have joined waitlists due to limited summer camp space. This year, the Y has expanded Discovery Camp to four West Seattle locations, and added capacity at Outdoor Day Camp, Trek Camp, and Peak Camp at Lincoln Park.
West Seattle Discovery Camp locations (Grades 1-5):
Arbor Heights Elementary (NEW)
3701 SW 104th St, SeattleConcord International (South Park)
723 S Concord St, SeattleFairmount Park Elementary (NEW)
3800 SW Findlay St, SeattleLouisa Boren STEM K-8
5950 Delridge Way SW, SeattleOutdoor Day Camp (Grades 1-4), Trek Camp (Grades 5-6), Peak Camp (Grades 7-9):
Lincoln Park
8011 Fauntleroy Way SW, SeattleAt YMCA summer camp, kids discover something new every day through enrichment activities, physical games, outdoor play, and weekly themes woven into the camp experience. Campers have opportunities to make new friends, build confidence, stay active, explore new interests, and enjoy a summer full of fun in a welcoming environment.
Families are encouraged to register early as summer approaches. To learn more about all Y camps in West Seattle or to register, visit the YMCA of Greater Seattle summer camp website.
Financial Assistance Available: We believe everyone should have the opportunity to participate — regardless of financial circumstances. That’s why we offer income-based financial assistance for memberships and programs as funding allows. Learn more about financial assistance here.
Continuing our sea theme this afternoon thanks to Keri Watson for sending the video! That’s a sea lion “sailing” – often mistaken for an orca – off Lowman Beach. We’ve featured and explained this over the years – here, for example.
(Lincoln Park beach at low-low tide, 2024 photo by Tom Trulin)
Plan your beach visits now – low-low tides are on the way. This Saturday (May 16) at 11:06 am, the tide is out to -3.1 feet; on Sunday, -3.8 feet at 11:50 am; next Monday, the lowest one, -4.1 feet at 12:36 pm; Tuesday (May 19), -3.8 feet at 1:25 pm, and Wednesday (May 20), -3.1 feet at 2:17 pm.
As this prime time for shore exploration approaches, the Seattle Aquarium has announced its beach-naturalist dates for this summer – including three in West Seattle, all at Lincoln Park beach:
May 18, 11 am-2 pm (with the aforementioned -4.1-foot low-low tide)
June 14, 9:30 am-12:30 pm (with a -3.9-foot low-low tide at 10:45 am)
July 13, 9:30 am-noon (with a -3.7-foot low-low tide at 10:30 am)
Some days on the chart have even lower tides – June 15 and 16, for example, both bottom out at -4.3 feet, which we’d call “mega-low.” Whenever and wherever you go exploring, tread lightly!
First orca report in a while! Kersti Muul says orcas are northbound in central Puget Sound right now, seen off south Blake Island. Let us know if you see them.
(Today’s sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here are event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FAUNTLEROY FALL FESTIVAL DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: Until 9 pm tonight, dine at Endolyne Joe’s (9261 45th SW) and part of the proceeds will help the Fauntleroy Fall Festival stay free! After 5 pm, you can also bid for a benefit gift basket – look for the festival team at the restaurant.
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE … open today, now through noon, drop in with your little one(s). (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: 10 am-11:30 am drop-in program for ages 0-5 and their caregivers at The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW; WSB sponsor).
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 Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today’s guest speaker: longtime West Seattle High School principal Brian Vance. (4470 35th SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome to play! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL: At City Hall, at 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Free assistance for students, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: No playoff games on the local schedule tonight.
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 have your own.
MODE MUSIC STUDIOS OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 5 pm signup, 6 pm music at all-ages open mic hosted by Mode Music Studios at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) have launched this Tuesday night event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL: Weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza candlelight vigil open to all. (61st SW and Alki SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: First of two concerts in their “Our Beautiful World” series, 6 pm at Chief Sealth IHS Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle), free (but donations always appreciated).
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting, community members welcome, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
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.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you aren’t a Boeing employee – email to RSVP.
ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: 7 pm at the Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill), last general gathering before summer-event season will include an update on the affordable-homeownership project planned for the HUB site. All welcome.
PAST, PRESENT, & ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A 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 places to play trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, 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 – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
Jubilation for the Wildcats, dejection for the Lions, after West Seattle HS took a must-win Metro League 3A Tournament game last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, 3-2 over Lakeside. They won in a walkoff – Samuel Kraynek hit a single for the winning RBI:
That brought in Owen Fahy:
One of WSHS’s two other RBIs was hit by Sacha Ninburg:
Cole Williamson got the other RBI. Others with hits included Blue Cheha:
Starting pitcher was Brady Sternberg:
He was pulled in the fourth inning and Cameron Fitterer followed:
After giving up two walks, Fitterer was replaced on the mound by Ninburg for the final inning. WSHS’s next game is tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13), vs. Garfield, 7 pm at Eastside Catholic.
8:04 AM: SPD and SFD are arriving at Cottage Grove Commons (5444 Delridge Way SW) for a report that a man was stabbed in the hand when someone tried to rob him of his phone. First officers on scene told dispatch they have taken a suspect into custody. Due to the size of the usual “scenes of violence” response for incidents involving weapons, northbound traffic is likely to be impeded in that area.
8:08 AM: The victim’s wound is described as a “minor abrasion” so all but SFD units but one are being dismissed.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:35 am; sunset will be at 8:36 pm.
(Recent sunset photo by Chris Frankovich)
CLOSURE ALERTS
–WSDOT now says the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge will close all weekend again this weekend. Multiple lanes are closed nightly till then, as explained here.
-Also, as announced, SDOT plans to close the West Seattle low bridge to drivers this weekend. (We have an inquiry out about whether the WSDOT plan will change this one at all.)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
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 trouble 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 photo, 2025 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack … if you dine at Endolyne Joe’s tomorrow (Tuesday, May 12), you’ll be supporting the Fauntleroy Fall Festival.The restaurant at 9261 45th SW is open 8 am to 9 pm; if you go at dinner time (5 pm or later), look for the festival organizers auctioning gift baskets as part of the fundraiser. The festival is happening on Sunday, October 18, and runs entirely on donations and volunteer power, so this helps the free fall fun continue.
<(WSB photo - new Delridge Farmers' Market site at 9th/Henderson)
Five weeks after we first told you about the Delridge Farmers Market moving to a new location this year, its first session of the season is just days away: 10 am-2 pm Saturday (May 16). The market is presented by African Community Housing and Development, which will have a ribboncutting at the start of the day, with Mayor Katie Wilson and District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka scheduled to participate. And tonight we have the opening-day vendor list, from ACHD’s Indra Budiman:
FARMERS:
Umoja N’Inguvu Farm (spinach, arugula, turnips)
Fruitfull Means (Chelan Valley apples, apple chips)
La Huertita Farm (duck and quail eggs, local seasonal veg)
Aash Farms (microgreens, mixed veg, plant starts)
Heu’s Blooms and Greens (greens and flower bouquets)
Mycology Mushrooms Medicine (local culinary/medicinal mushrooms)HOT FOOD:
Afella Jollof (Senegambian cuisine)
Amara Kitchen (Kenyan cuisine)
El Mextico (aguas frescas, tamales, etc)
Apapacho Mexican Treats (sweet Yucatan marquesitas)PREPARED/PACKAGED FOODS:
Alchemy Harvest (direct trade sustainably sourced coffee)
Queen Sugar Baking Company (Southern comfort baked goods)
Sassy Squeezers Lemonade (freshly squeezed lemonade)
Butter Bandit Bakery (Asian sweet treats)
Kehau’s Ono Grindz (Hawaiian treats)
Black Stash Coffee Roasters (hot coffee, South Asian snacks)
Tozi Teas (herbal medicinal teas)
Mixt Cafe (PNW/Filipino fusion beverages and pastries)
Nura Renüa (refreshing coconut-based drinks inspired by Puerto Rican recipes)ARTISAN:
Avea Glow (shea butter based skin care)
Amaj Scents (candles, scents, skincare)
Marooned Gifts (handcrafted jewelry)
Inspired x Chey (pressed botanical jewelry)
Heartful Rootz (herbal medicine, topical salves made with local botanicals)COMMUNITY
Burien Little Seed Library (free seeds!)
Seattle Parks and Rec (blender bike and youth engagement)
Highland Park Improvement Club (local neighborhood engagement)
White Center Solidarity (community potlucks)
The market’s new location was long the site of Morning Star Mini-Mart, famous for its barbecue until it closed almost five years ago. Its previous location was on the grounds of Hope Academy on 18th north of Roxbury. As we noted in our April report, one big reason for the move is to call attention to the ACHDO-owned land across the street, where the organization plans to build and open a permanent “public market.”
(WSB photo, May)
Lafayette Elementary‘s students and staff are dealing with the aftermath of a pipe break. Principal Cindy Chaput sent families a note, which was forwarded to us:
Update on Flooding Issue for Lafayette Elementary Families
Dear Lafayette families and staff,
Today, our school experienced a pipe burst resulting in flooding in the kitchen, cafeteria, and office hallway.Repair and cleanup work are underway. While this work continues, the front entrance, kitchen, and cafeteria will be closed for the remainder of the week.
You may notice higher humidity levels and a mild odor as part of the drying process. Please be assured there are no concerns about air contaminants affecting student or staff safety. Drying equipment will be in place throughout the week and will be located away from classrooms.
To maintain a safe and secure environment when doors are open for ventilation, a facilities staff member will be present. You may also see increased presence of a security division lead on-site and the school gates will remain locked.
We have made the following arrangements to support students during this time:
• School Access: Students and families should enter the building through the back entrances.
• Lunch: Culinary Services will provide sack lunches for the remainder of the week. Students will eat outside on the playfield or under the covered area in the event of inclement weather.
• Childcare: Childcare programming will continue in the library.
We understand that this situation may cause concern or inconvenience, and we appreciate your flexibility and cooperation. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We’re checking with district HQ to see if there’s any additional information. We don’t know if it’s related to any of the boiler work done in a major project five years ago. Lafayette is West Seattle’s most populous elementary, with 532 students as of last month’s official count. It’s been considered, but passed over, for a rebuild in district levies.
When WSDOT announced the schedule for its second phase of repairs to the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge, they warned, “Additional night or weekend closures are possible depending on the pace of bridge repairs.” Along with the nightly closures already planned, they’ve also just announced the northbound bridge will be closed all weekend again starting this Friday night (May 15). Here’s the new plan, with a reminder first about the weeknight closures:
Up to three lanes of northbound State Route 99 will close across the First Avenue South Bridge in Seattle from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Monday, May 11, through Friday morning, May 15. At least one northbound lane will remain open each night.
The following northbound SR 99 ramps also will close at the same times each night:
On-ramp from South Holden Street.
On-ramp from Occidental Avenue South.
Off-ramp to South Michigan Street.Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will move scaffolding on the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South Bridge to prepare for a second consecutive weekend closure across the northbound bridge from [10 pm] Friday night, May 15, to [5 am] Monday morning, May 18.
Crews replaced five failing steel grid deck panels during the May 8-11 weekend closure of the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South Bridge. They will replace five more panels during the weekend closure May 15-18 to finalize Phase 2 emergency bridge repairs.
Phase 3 will be a full replacement of the northbound bridge deck, WSDOT has said, likely sometime next year.
P.S. SDOT had announced the West Seattle low bridge would close this weekend – to driving – for work, and we already had an inquiry out regarding specific times, so we’re asking if this closure will change the plan at all.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A suspect has been arrested and charged in three West Seattle business burglaries – in addition to four others around the city. All but one were burglaries at pet-supply shops. The suspect is 27-year-old Teresa R. Scavotto, seen here in a photo from the charging documents:
The seven counts of second-degree burglary include April 16 break-ins in the West Seattle Junction, at Next-to-Nature (as reported here) and co-owned The Hydrant next door. All the other charges involve locations of All The Best Pet Care, including the West Seattle shop at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW, which the charging papers say was burglarized on April 15.
Though Scavotto is alleged to have stolen two dog jackets from the local All The Best – detectives note she had a dog with her when she was arrested – her primary targets, investigators say, were the stores’ safes, from which she allegedly procured thousands of dollars in cash. Here’s a paragraph from the detective’s report included in the charging papers, describing her alleged MO:
… After reviewing the cases, I observed the following similarities. The same vehicle used in all 3 incidents. The same method of entry being that of breaking the front window and going in through there. Teresa immediately proceeded to look for a safe. Teresa then uses the same bright colored crowbar to try and pry a safe open or completely off. Despite Teresa wearing a face covering, the same body type and build can be observed in all 5 incidents.
The same hair type could be seen in one of the incidents, it is styled in dreads and blonde in color. This same hair color would then later be seen during (her) arrest. The same green vest in the last 2 burglaries would later be found in the stolen vehicle with money coming out from it. The angle grinder in the stolen vehicle which was consistent in the damage that occurred during the last two burglaries. The black sling style backpack that Teresa was wearing in one of the burglaries also being found in the driver seat of the vehicle. …
The “stolen vehicle” refers to a car through which she was traced when tracking technology placed it at a north Seattle storage unit linked to her – a storage unit in which some burglary loot was found, including jewelry stolen from The Hydrant. She was arrested at the storage site and then charged in the vehicle theft; jail records show she was booked on that case late in the day on April 16 – same day as the burglaries at Next-to-Nature and The Hydrant – and released one day later. She didn’t appear for arraignment and was arrested on a warrant for that May 3; she is still in jail today, in lieu of $55,000 bail, and was due for arraignment on the burglary charges today. The new documents say she has a criminal history in the past four years including theft, obstructing an officer, and carrying a concealed pistol without a license
8:29 PM: At today’s arraignment on both these charges and the auto-theft case, Scavotto pleaded not guilty, and Judge Nelson Lee granted her lawyer’s motion for release, provided she reports to the alternative program CCAP starting tomorrow morning. We found the documents in the car theft case; the Honda Civic in the case against Scavotto was one of seven vehicles prosecutors say were taken in an April burglary from Crash Champions at 4501 38th SW in West Seattle. No surveillance video reported in that case so Scavotto is not charged in that burglary, though detectives wrote that some car keys also taken in that burglary were found in the car she is charged with stealing. Her next hearing is scheduled for June.
(Photos courtesy of West Seattle Junction Association)
9:51 AM: They’re here! The West Seattle Junction Association‘s annual hanging flower baskets have arrived in the past hour and they’re going up.
This year you’ll see 96 baskets in the heart of The Junction, “adopted” by local people and businesses to help cover the costs (WSB “adopts” one every year too). They were again this year grown by Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Whatcom County. We’ll head down in a bit for a closer look at some of them; you can see them by visiting The Junction, perhaps for upcoming events like this Friday night’s Wine Walk!
2:34 PM: Adding more photos, from WSB’s Torin Record-Sand:
And as forwarded by WSJA executive director Chris Mackay, here’s the grower’s list of specific plants!
Who Knew Orleans:
Calibrachoa Minifamous Uno Yellow+ Red Vein
Petunia Headliner Red
Verbena Lascar Mango Orange
Fruit Cocktail:
Calibrachoa Cabaret Neon Rose
Calibrachoa Cabaret Orange
Calibrachoa Cabaret Yellow
Spirits United:
Calibrachoa Cabaret Bright Red
Calibrachoa Cabaret Deep Blue
Calibrachoa Cabaret White
Sun Mixes
Mix #1
Dynamo dark salmon
Headliner Blueberry Swirl
Neo Cali Orange + red eye
Bacopa big falls white
Verbena mango orange
Mix #2
Headliner Lipstick Petunia
Indian summer petunia
Magadi basket dark blue lobelia
Ipomea solar power lime heart
Ipomea ace of spades
Mix #5 replaced bees knees mix with this
Who Knew Orleans
Mix #11 (replaced twice as nice with fruit cocktail)
Fruit Cocktail
Mix #14
Spirits United
Mix #15
SuperCal Bonfire Mix
Petcho Cinnamon
Petcho French Vanilla
Petcho Orange sunset
Shade
Mix # 16
Begon Groovy Orange
Creeping Jenny
Bacopa Big Falls White
Cha Cha Cali Diva Apricot
Mix # 19
Begon Groovy Red
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma)
Bacopa Big Falls White
neo Cali Double Yellow
(Photo by Rosalie Miller, who explains: ‘Ground nesting native Mining Bee, Genus Andrena, in a West Seattle garden’)
Here’s your Monday list of highlights, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). For up-to-18-month-olds. Free.
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Canceled today.
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond)
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 4 pm and 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
CRAFTING: It’s Crafty Night at Tim’s (16th/98th, White Center), 6-9 pm.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: In baseball playoffs, West Seattle HS faces Lakeside at 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
CHESS NIGHT: 7 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues offer you the opportunity for trivia tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! Enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
ALKI MEDITATION: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Monday with a song (or two) – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Quick reminder that if you haven’t already responded to the city’s survey on its Draft Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy announced last month, it closes today at 3 pm per the city website. Find the survey link here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, May 11, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:36 am; sunset will be at 8:35 pm.
(Photo by Mike Burns – Sunday’s sunset)
CLOSURE ALERTS
-After this weekend’s 1st Avenue South Bridge northbound repair closure, the work now moves to overnight closures, 10 pm to 5 am Monday through Thursday nights this week and next, still northbound side only.
-Also, as announced, the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to drivers next weekend, May 16-17.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
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 trouble 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!
3:26 AM: The 7-Eleven at 16th SW and SW Holden in Highland Park has just been robbed, according to police radio, and officers are searching for the robber. The preliminary description they’re circulating is a Black man in his 20s, 5’8″, heavy build, beanies, black, white, and blue jacket, black pants, black-and-white shoes, armed with a gun, last seen running westbound. A K-9 is expected to join the search, which means neighbors might hear siren chirps and/or PA announcements. The robber is reported to have taken an unspecified amount of cash; no injuries reported so far.
3:43 AM: Officers told dispatch the robber might have been associated with a white SUV.
10:39 AM: The short police summary for this robbery adds only one thing to what we’ve reported: “He did not appear to have worn gloves in the surveillance footage and an item he dropped was placed into evidence to be processed for latent fingerprints.”
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
(Bodhi Smith celebrates after Sealth gets the final out)
A Saturday morning victory has sent the Chief Sealth IHS Seahawks into Thursday’s district championship game. They beat Cedarcrest 13-6 Saturday at Steve Cox Memorial Park to earn the title-game spot.
(Jaxton Daily on the mound)
That’s also where they’ll play Nathan Hale on Thursday night.
(Nevin Pivar on the mound)
In Saturday’s victory, Nolan VanBuskirk batted in three runs:
So did Julian Reinhardt:
Graham Hull scored three runs:
Railay Keokitvon notched two:
Oliver Pivar had two hits:
Here’s Oliver Clark diving for a catch:
Head coach Ernest Policarpio and his Seahawks play for the district championship at 7 pm Thursday.
Season-opening matches are in the books for West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer clubs, Rhodies FC and Junction FC.
WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn was at the opening match of the doubleheader, Rhodies vs. Tacoma Galaxy. Rhodies were victorious – but first, a new era dawned after the club owners won their long battle for the right to serve wine and beer at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex:
Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) owner Ben Viscon was pouring today:
Food offerings included the Crispy’s truck from the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team next door in White Center:
It was a proud day for owner Jessica Pierce – recent winner of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westsider of the Year award – who posed with sponsorship coordinator Andrew Otwell:
On to the match! Here are some scenes from the Rhodies’ 1-0 victory over the Galaxy:
We couldn’t stay for the Junction FC match that followed, but they also played Tacoma, (corrected) winning 4-0.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Rhodies play at home the next two Sundays too, starting with 2 pm May 17 vs. Snohomish United – tickets are available here. Junction FC isn’t back home until Sunday, June 7, 2 pm, vs. Midlakes United – tickets available here.
(WSB photo, 2025)
The Duwamish Tribe, which has had the same chair for half a century, now has a vice-chair too. That’s one of the actions taken at its annual meeting. The tribe sent this summary of the meeting last weekend:
Duwamish Tribal Members elected three leaders to the Duwamish Tribal Council at Saturday’s Annual Meeting [May 2] at the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center. The annual Council elections are familiar and open to all tribal members 18 years and older and part of a long, uninterrupted history of Duwamish Tribal governance. This year, the election included a significant new change with the addition of a new Vice Chairperson position, which required approval by members of an amendment to the Duwamish Constitution.
Three of four candidates running for Tribal Council positions were elected at the May 2, 2026, Annual Meeting: Roger Boddy, Paul Nelson, and Victoria Welch. Mr. Boddy and Mr. Nelson were reelected while Ms. Welch will serve her first term and all three will serve three-year terms, a change made during the 2025 elections. Three seats on the Tribal Council will be on the 2027 ballot.
-Mr. Boddy is a Project Manager with Indian Health Services, overseeing projects that improve public health and quality of life in Native communities across the state. He also serves as a Councilmember and Vice President of Duwamish Tribal Services (DTS), a non-profit organization, where he has helped grow the Tribe’s endowment through strategic planning and responsible stewardship.
-Mr. Nelson brings over 20 years of experience working at Microsoft with a focus on process improvement and strategic solutions. He also serves as Tribal Secretary on the Council and as a Board Member and Treasurer for DTS where he helps guide strategic initiatives, governance, and community-focused programs that support the Tribe’s growth and advocacy for federal recognition.
-Ms. Welch has a background in administration, leadership, and community involvement, including running a small business, Bellasorellas Charcuterie. With her lifelong commitment to the Tribe and a strong sense of responsibility – especially as a new grandmother – she is motivated to give back and help continue the work of those before her and serve her community.
“As a governing body, it’s vital that our Tribal Council listens to and takes direction from our members,” said Honorable Tribal Council Chairperson Cecile Hansen (1975 – present). “Our annual meeting is an important opportunity for members and leadership to come together to connect, share stories and food, and plan a healthy, strategic, and vibrant path forward for the Tribe.”
Duwamish Tribal Members voted to approve the Constitutional amendment creating a new Vice Chairperson role and nearly unanimously approved the Council’s recommendation of Nancy Sackman (photo at right) to fill the role. Ms. Sackman is the Cultural Preservation Officer with the Duwamish Tribe and is dedicated to protecting and stewarding cultural resources across the region. Her work includes reviewing SEPA and EIS reports, monitoring construction and parklands for cultural impacts, and collaborating with community partners to support the preservation and visibility of Duwamish culture.
The Duwamish Tribe in 1925 was the first tribe in the Puget Sound to adopt a constitution and was the lead signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. The Tribal Council operates under this Constitution and is the primary governing body and legislative branch of the Duwamish Tribe, elected to enact laws, manage budgets and resources, establish strategic direction, carry out administrative oversight, and represent the Tribe in meetings with other Tribes and governments.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into planning the Annual Meeting every year,” said DTS Executive Director Kristina Pearson. “This special event has marked the beginning of summer for me personally since I can first remember, and I’m so honored to be able to help with the planning and hosting that further supports and strengthens the Tribe’s governance and sovereignty.”
Also discussed at the Annual Meeting was The Heron’s Nest, a 3.56-acre land-care project and community hub that was created by the broader community for the benefit of the Duwamish Tribe. Shared Spaces Foundation is in the process of rematriating Heron’s Nest to the Duwamish Tribe, a unique and powerful land-back project that will be celebrated at a June 13 event in the West Duwamish Greenbelt during citywide 2026 World Cup-related events.
The tribe’s Longhouse and Cultural Center is in West Seattle at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.
Your three state legislators spent an hour and a half answering questions Friday night in a Town Hall organized by the 34th District Democrats. Not much of a turnout, but we recorded video so you could see and hear what they were asked and how they answered.
Many of the laws for which people tend to blame local officials are actually state laws, and these are the people who have the power to change them: State Senator Emily Alvarado and State House Representatives Joe Fitzgibbon and Brianna Thomas.
Moderator for the forum at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center was 34th DDs chair Jordan Crawley.
First segment featured Crawley asking questions submitted in advance; then came an open-mic Q&A period. Crawley first explained how the Legislature works, and that was addressed during some of the Q&A too – the fact that our state has a part-time Legislature, only in session a relatively short part of each year. And that doesn’t give them a ton of time to review and vote on proposals; Crawley noted that this past session featured introduction of 1,700 bills, and passage of 270.
Asked about the most-significant public-safety issues of the session, Sen. Alvarado mentioned immigration-related issues and others that left the state dealing with the federal government’s “cruelty and chaos.” Rep. Thomas mentioned her much-discussed employee-microchipping ban, observing that other states are tackling the issue too, saying ours is the 13th state to address it: “I’m very pro-bodily autonomy and anti-surveillance.” Rep. Fitzgibbon said legislation that “didn’t get done but should have” had to do with reforming juvenile sentencing laws to give offenders a better chance at rehabilitation.
The legislators also discussed what the state is doing to counter federal attacks on civil rights, reproductive rights, voting rights, and more. And they were frank about the contention that state government needs more revenue to deal with programs the current federal administration has punted back to the states. Rep. Thomas, having described herself earlier as unapologetically blunt, said her retort to critics is, “Yes, I’m a ‘tax-and-spend liberal’. What do you think government DOES?”
Other hot issues that were the subject of Q&A included housing, climate change, universal health care, universal child care (Rep. Fitzgibbon said he’s currently a stay-home dad because outside child care is unaffordable for his family), gun violence, alternative energy, and education. Listen to it all here:
Next event for the 34th District Democrats is their monthly meeting, also at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm Wednesday, after a 6 pm pre-program about ranked-choice voting
3:37 PM: SFD and SPD are headed for a report of a two-vehicle crash, with one car on its side, at 15th/Henderson. They’re looking for a driver who is reported to have left the scene. Updates to come.
(Added: WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
3:40 PM: SFD had briefly upgraded the response to “rescue extrication” but turns out no one’s trapped, so they’re canceling the extra units. At least one person is reported to be following the walkaway driver on foot. The vehicle on its side is described as a “cargo van.”
3:59 PM: Adding photos. Police have described the van as the suspect’s vehicle; it has Indiana plates they couldn’t trace but they just said over the air that its VIN traces to a van stolen in Redmond. The partial description circulated of driver who ran is Hispanic, male, 5’4″, shirtless (they found what might have been his shirt at 18th/Trenton), possibly missing a shoe.
4:13 PM: Our crew says at least two parked cars were damaged. SDOT was called to clean up what was described as an extensive fluid spill.
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