West Seattle, Washington
19 Saturday
So far we’ve been from Morgan Junction…
… to the north end of The Junction…
… and we’ve seen hundreds of protesters on a dozen streetcorners, midway through a planned two-hour protest of various actions the Trump Administration has taken or might take. Next, we’re traveling the rest of California Ave.
1:20 PM: Just did that, and counted another dozen intersections with protesters at multiple corners, ending at Admiral Way.
By Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Clear skies and warm breezes made it a perfect Friday night for baseball, as rivals West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School suited up to take the field at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. The weather fostered a festive atmosphere in the stands as well. At one point, the fans broke out into a singalong with the Zac Brown Band’s breezy single “Knee Deep” between innings.
(Photos by Tracy Burrows unless otherwie credited. Above, CSIHS #2, Julian Reinhardt)
On the field, it was a tale of two contests – a slugfest for the first three innings and a pitcher’s duel for the final three and a half, with West Seattle coming away with the win by a score of 7-6. The Wildcats got things going in the bottom of the first, scoring three runs off Sealth’s starting pitcher, Teo Perala.
The big blow was a towering double by Lincoln Scott (#44 below), who advanced to third on the throw to home plate.
Sealth tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the second with timely hitting and smart baserunning, scoring a run on a West Seattle wild pitch. Sealth went ahead 6-3 in the top of the third, powered by a Perala double. West Seattle wasted no time in answering back, tying the game at 6-6 in the bottom of the inning, helped by three walks and a hit batter by the Sealth pitchers.
The rest of the night belonged to West Seattle’s pitcher Oliver Heltzel (above), who held the Seahawks scoreless for the last four innings, notching 5 strikeouts and forcing many ground ball outs. Sealth kept the game close with some stellar defense but gave up an unearned run in the bottom of the fifth through a combination of a walk, stolen base, fielder’s choice, and wild pitch.
WHAT’S NEXT: Both games are back at NCSWAC next Wednesday (April 23), against different opponents – Sealth vs. Roosevelt at 4 pm, WSIHS vs. Nathan Hale at 7 pm.
Photos:
#24 Lukas Cheha at bat
#44 Lincoln Scott winds up at third on a clutch hit
#2 Julian Reinhardt takes a rip
Sealth’s Teo Perala on the mound
WS conference on the mound
Sealth’s Sam Popelka (#7) pitched 3+ innings in relief
Until noon today, the annual shredding event and food/money donation drive for White Center Food Bank is on in the northwest section of the Westwood Village parking lot (south of the post office). The shredding service is provided for free by John L. Scott Westwood Real Estate-The Madrona Group (WSB sponsor).
(Spring blossoms, photographed by Susan Whiting Kemp)
The weekend begins! Here are highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK CONTINUES: Easter vigils and more on our list of local services – see it here.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.
FREE SHREDDING AND FOOD DRIVE: You bring the food and/or money for White Center Food Bank, a shredding service provided by John L. Scott Westwood Real Estate-The Madrona Group (WSB sponsor) does the shredding, 9 am-noon in the northwest section of the Westwood Village parking lot (closer to Trenton entrance, south of the post office)
HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).
THIS WEEKEND’S EGG HUNTS: They start today at 10 am – here’s our full list, including Delridge and High Point Community Centers and Lincoln Park this morning, Ounces this afternoon (with an adult egg hunt too!) and church egg hunts tomorrow.
DUWAMISH ALIVE! The spring day of work parties along the river and its watershed is here, 10 am-2 pm – if you haven’t pre-registered for one, you can try dropping in! This year’s opening ceremonies and acknowledgments are again at həʔapus Village Park (4500 Duwamish Trail).
DNDA EARTH DAY EVENT: Revisit the legendary Nature Consortium as its founder Nancy Whitlock returns for this restoration event at Pigeon Point Park (1901 SW Genesee), 10 am-1 pm
INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, join others for the full weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. 13-week series continues today, 10:30 am, Grace Church (10323 28th SW).
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.
FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am family reading time is back at new home of Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW) and this week features Sheryl Murray and her new book “When Night Comes Calling.”
EARTH DAY AT THE P-PATCH: Join The Clay Cauldron and friends at Delridge P-Patch (5078 25th SW) for an Earth Day event, 11 am-3 pm.
SPRING BUCKET GIVEAWAY: White Center Pride‘s fun giveaway for kids is set to start at 1 pm at Dubsea Coffee (8th SW south of SW Roxbury).
PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-1 pm at Westside Wonderspace (7018 14th SW).
STREETCORNER RALLIES FOR DEMOCRACY: Noon-2 pm, democracy advocates plan to gather at California SW streetcorners from Admiral to Fauntleroy, plus at 16th/Holden in Highland Park, with signs and noisemakers, continuing what started with the “Hands Off!” rallies two weeks ago.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
FREE MASSAGE: Nepenthe event is canceled this week.
INTIMATE CONCERT SERIES: 6 pm at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), pay what you can, Kelly Hyde and Joey Valentine perform “living room style” in the gallery.
PASSOVER’S FINAL WEEKEND: The Jewish festival of Passover concludes this weekend.
BAD NERVES AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm show and signing, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, show 7:30, Wes Weddell & Del Rey at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW). All ages; tickets here.
FESTIVAL OF FRIENDS AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7, show 8:
BANDMIXERS DISCOGRAPHY / VOL. 16
Bandmixers-Discography events feature curated cover bands showcasing select tracks from some of rock music’s most iconic albums. Performing bands are made up of musicians from within the Festival of Friends Events musician community. Our Volume 16 installment includes the music of Rush, Boston, Pixies and Pearl Jam. Join us for a great night of community live performances!
Tickets here. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second weekend continues, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
MUSIC AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 8 pm, with Alec Estes, no cover. (9444 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm with DJ Topspin at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW)
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Want to sing on your Saturday night? 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to be listed on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Added: Reader photo)
9:25 PM: What started as a small response in the 8100 block of 17th SW has been upgraded to a full “fire in building” response. Updates to come.
9:27 PM: Firefighters told dispatch the fire is in the one-story house’s basement. … It’s extended through a window and caught the exterior on fire.
9:41 PM: Not out yet. But now one firefighter just radioed that the fire may have started in the “vinyl siding.” Another reiterated the earlier observation that flames came through a window and caught the siding on fire, adding that the basement electrical panel might have factored into it.
9:48 PM: City Light has arrived. The fire is reported to be under control.
10 PM: And now it’s been declared out.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Though Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting yielded no major revelations about the summer safety plan for the beach, the fact that the meeting happened at all, one month before the season’s traditional start, was a triumph.
ACC brought together reps from Seattle Police, Seattle Parks, and Seattle Public Utilities, with other guests and with the Alki Bathhouse serving as a symbolically important setting, just steps from the epicenter of summer activity at the beach – both good and bad. Last year, a multi-agency community meeting (WSB coverage here) happened after a still-unsolved murder on Duwamish Head in June.
As we’ve been reporting since last month, Parks plans to finally make earlier closing times at Alki (and elsewhere) permanent, after years of implementing them as a “pilot” (here’s our coverage of last week’s Parks Board meeting at which commissioners voted in favor of the change. So that means a 10:30 pm closing time for Alki. But closing times alone won’t solve everything. Other aspects of Alki summers were spotlighted at the meeting.
“We are really looking forward to the summer season,” opened Starck with optimism, even with the possibility that a small percentage of “bad actors” can cause trouble. The meeting was intended, she explained, to learn from city reps who are “guardians” of the area, and to learn how everyone can be a “guardian” in their own way.
Taking the concept of guardianship back a few centuries, the area’s First People were represented by Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman stood before the crowd to deliver a welcome in Lushootsheed, the Duwamish Tribe‘s language, which he said children are learning again. He spoke of his great-great-etc. grandfather welcoming the Denny Party in 1851. In the less than two centuries that have passed, he observed, “On this land, everything has changed. … this was all trees.” He wanted to come and “show you where you are.”
EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: Two guests whose stewardship of the land started far more recently spoke to the ACC next – Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) eighth-graders whose “Change the World” project is plastic pollution. They’re oganizing a beach-cleanup day – no date chosen yet – and will need help getting the word out. They haven’t set a date yet but will let the ACC know. Starck told them, “We’re super proud you’re taking control of what’s happening in your back yard.”
SUMMER-PREVIEW PANEL: Then it was on to the summer-preview panel – Seattle Police Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair, Jon Jainga from Seattle Parks’ security and emergency-management team, Tracy Cramer from Seattle Public Utilities‘ Clean City Initiative, and one more Parks rep, Brian Willis, Southwest District maintenance captain (handling 86 parks – with “not a lot” of staff, he said when Starck asked).
A car found burning on a West Seattle street early Thursday was stolen, according to SPD. Their short summary of the incident just after 3 am Thursday near 27th/Othello says that while the vehicle had been stolen in Seattle, checking its VIN showed it was linked to a shooting in the King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction, so what was left of the burned car was towed to a KCSO-controlled location. We haven’t yet been able to obtain report narrative on the incident.
(April 12 WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
Only one major West Seattle egg hunt is in the history books – the Fauntleroy Community Association‘s event last Saturday – all the others are in the next two days. Here’s what we have on the list:
DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER: 10 am Saturday (4501 Delridge Way SW)
HIGH POINT COMMUNITY CENTER: 10 am Saturday (6920 34th SW)
LINCOLN PARK: The mega-event presented by Eastridge Church, also featuring bouncy toys and Easter Bunny pics, is in the park’s south meadow at 10 am (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
EGG HUNT FOR DOGS: 11 am-2 pm at All the Best Pet Care (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW), which also invites cat owners to stop in for feline-treat-filled eggs.
OUNCES BEER GARDEN Three egg hunts at 3809 Delridge Way SW – two for kids (noon for ages 4-8, 3 pm for younger), one for adults (5 pm)!
SUNDAY EGG HUNTS AT CHURCHES: Among the ones that sent us their Easter/Holy Week schedules, egg hunts are part of the plan at:
Bethany Community Church: After 9:30 am Easter service, egg hunt on Highland Park Playground (11th/Cloverdale)
HOPE LUTHERAN (4456 42nd SW), 10 am Sunday
Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11:15 am Sunday
The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist (3050 California SW; WSB sponsor), 11:45 am Sunday
Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 12:20 pm Sunday
(Any to add? westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302 – thank you!)
(WSB photo taken this week)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Last July, we told you about an uncertain future for the Paragon, the giant wooden bones-of-a-boat sculpture installed more than 20 years ago at what’s now known as həʔapus Village Park and Shoreline Habitat (formerly T-107 Park; map) along West Marginal Way near the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse.
The Paragon’s artist, Don Fels, sounded the alarm at the time, asking for public support to help save the Paragon, which he declared was in “mortal danger” after deteriorating amid what he said was long-running city neglect. When last we updated, the artist had hope it would be saved.
We hadn’t checked in on the situation recently; then we heard from Fels this week. He wrote:
I am writing to tell you and your loyal readers that after a year of a great deal of effort on my part- and many others like the WSeattle Bloggers [WSB readers] and Nucor Steel – ARTS, the so-called ‘public art’ department of the City of Seattle, intend to ‘deaccession‘ the Paragon sculpture along the Duwamish, at their Public Art Committee meeting next week, April 22nd. I’m very sorry to have not provided you with a more timely notice of this, but I was not given such notice myself. This means that once the committee approves the deaccession, the next step will be for the City’s Seattle Arts Commission to formally agree to destroy the sculpture at their May 13 meeting and then begin taking it to the dump.
I am an experienced public artist, and someone who to date has had an excellent relationship with the City of Seattle arts people. But no matter what I tried to do over an entire year, I couldn’t get them to offer any assistance whatsoever to rebuild the wooden boat atop the sculpture. The final straw came when they sent me a multi-page contract to sign wherein the City laid out numerous requirements that I would have to meet in order to rebuild the sculpture, all with donated monies and services, and though unpaid, I would have to assume any and all liabilities, and indemnify the City against any damages. Several well-versed persons in the arts and the law strongly urged me not to sign. I did not.
I attach a letter here that I sent to Gülgün Kayim, the Director of ARTS, informing her of my decision. I believe it is important that interested people send letters to them as well. To be honest, I don’t expect that hearing from the public will change their mindset, or that of their legal dept, but they do need to know that people care about such insane policy decisions.
People who wish to write should do so to: allie.lee@seattle.gov
I am grateful from the bottom of my heart for the outpouring of appreciation for the sculpture, and only wish I had been successful in saving it.
Here’s the letter Fels sent to director Kayim. Toward the end, he suggests that what has gone awry here could happen to other city-owned public art (in which we all have an interest, given – among many other things – the public funding that goes into it):
… ARTS has forced a legacy, beloved sculpture to be scrapped and made necessary spending a large expenditure of public money to make that happen. That is a long way from not allowing the ARTS conservator to inspect and/or maintain the sculpture every so often. I cannot be expected to make up for what has ARTS failed to do. Nor can my actions undo what ARTS has caused to happen. That is not the role of the artist, nor should it ever be. Clearly, ARTS needs a robust maintenance budget for its large public art collection. And without it, other artworks in the City of Seattle’s collection will meet the same fate at the Paragon. …
We asked Office of Arts and Culture spokesperson Otts Bolisay about the situation; he confirmed that partial demolition is proposed and the next step is a meeting this Tuesday:
We’ve worked with Mr. Fels on this since last year and, unfortunately, are unable to come to an agreement. Since it’s still a safety risk, we are moving forward with deaccessioning Paragon.
We’ll present a proposal to the Public Art Advisory Committee (PAAC) on Tuesday, 4/22 to remove the hazardous parts of the sculpture. But we’ll keep the steel armature in place for one year should Mr. Fels change his mind about replacing Paragon himself.
If PAAC recommends to the Seattle Arts Commission (SAC) that Paragon should be deaccessioned, SAC will review and vote on it Tuesday, 5/13.
Both meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to attend.
The Tuesday meeting is at 9 am online, and the attendance info is here (we are requesting the agenda document); the May 13 meeting is hybrid, 4 pm, with attendance info here. You can see the “armature” to which Bolisay refers, in this old photo provided by the artist:
(Photo courtesy Don Fels)
Fels was told the Tuesday discussion is scheduled at 10:20 am, to last 40 minutes – broken down by the city as follows:
Public Art team to present deaccession recommendation (10 minutes)
Artist and community response (10 minutes)
PAAC member questions or comments (15 minutes)
PAAC motion for recommendation (5 minutes)
We are seeking information on the city’s budget for the planned demolition/removal work, as Fels contends in his letter, “Asserting that there are no funds to rebuild the sculpture, ARTS will spend an equivalent amount in removing it.”
See the sculpture’s background here.
Two quick reminders about free services the next two Saturdays that can help with your spring cleaning:
(WSB photo, 2023 event)
FREE SHREDDING TOMORROW: Saturday (April 19) brings the annual shredding event in the northwest Westwood Village parking lot, offered by John L. Scott Westwood Real Estate-The Madrona Group (WSB sponsor), 9 am-noon. Shredding is free, but if you can, bring food/money to donate to the White Center Food Bank.
RECYCLE ROUNDUP ON APRIL 26: Then one week from tomorrow, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, April 26, it’s the spring edition of Fauntleroy Church‘s Recycle Roundup – free dropoff recycling for electronics and much more. Here’s the newest list of what will and won’t be accepted. Drive/ride/walk up to the church lot at 9140 California SW (but don’t wait until the last hour unless you absolutely can’t make it any sooner – they want to avoid a big crowd at closing time).
Thanks to Terry for the report: “I’m in Gatewood up near California and Holden and our water just started coming out of the tap pretty darned brown.” Terry has reported this to the city – Seattle Public Utilities‘ round-the-clock number is 206-386-1800. Although it’s likely hydrant testing, which is accelerating now that spring is here, it’s always important to report discolored water, as it can sometimes be first word of a problem such as a pipe break.
(Anchor/Luna Park in the morning sunshine, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Today is Good Friday. Our list of scheduled services at local churches that sent them is here.
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Arbor Heights event canceled today, for spring break.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring plant-shopping time! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Delridge Library, free! (5423 Delridge Way SW)
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
(Seattle Parks photo)
NATURE JOURNALING: First of two sessions is at 4 pm today!
Looking for a fun Spring activity to do with your kids? Or with yourself?? Try Nature Journaling! There are two options for dates/times of this program- April 18th and 19th, both along Longfellow Creek at the Dragonfly Pavilion! We will be meeting at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) and walking along the creek, learning about nature and how to capture it through journaling. Come hone or develop your observation and nature journaling skills with us.
Presented by Seattle Parks; here’s the registration link.
LEARN ABOUT SOIL: 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) – advance registration required; call 206-684-7454 ASAP.
SONGWRITER INCUBATOR NIGHT AT KENYON HALL: Signups at 6, music starts at 6:30 pm, monthly songwriters’ showcase at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW). Free, all ages.
CROSSTOWN BASEBALL: Our area’s two major high schools face off in baseball at 7 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Chief Sealth IHS at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)
LIVE AT EASY STREET: Black Viiolet performs in-store at Easy Street Records, 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Ska band The Georgetown Orbits‘ album release party, featuring Giant Octopus, doors 7 pm, show 8, at The Skylark, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second weekend. Curtain time tonight is 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight: Kawaii Skate Night: Idols in Seattle, hosted by Magical Melody, with performances by Paida, Berry, Phoebe, & DJ Baby Van Beezly.
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!
Family and friends are remembering Harris Riach, and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Harris Charles Riach
June 9, 1929 – April 14, 2025Harris Charles Riach, a lifelong West Seattle resident, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2025, at the age of 95.
Born and raised in West Seattle, Harris attended Alki Elementary, James Madison Junior High, and graduated from West Seattle High School with the class of 1947. He remained deeply connected to the community that shaped him, holding a lifelong love for West Seattle and the memories made there.
Harris was a kind, hard-working man whose greatest joy and purpose was being a father. He was deeply committed to being an unconditionally loving and unwavering support to his beloved daughter, Jasmine Riach, who survives him.
He valued the satisfaction of effort and took pride in a job well done — whether skiing at Crystal Mountain, chopping wood at the family cabin, or tending to his garden. He carried this ethic into his 37-year career with the U.S. Postal Service, where his dedication and reliability were hallmarks of his work.
His appreciation for hard work was evident in the way he lived every day—with quiet strength, consistency, and care.
He will be remembered for his steadfast love, gentle spirit, and the example he set through a life of purpose and integrity.
A private memorial will be held in his honor.
(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)
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 18, 2025; last day of spring break for most local schools.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More sunshine today,, high near 70. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:14 am and 8:03 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule has begun, with later-in-the-evening sailings Fridays (starting tonight) and Saturdays (started last weekend). Note Sunday change, below.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”.
WEEKEND NOTE
-As reported here Thursday, the West Seattle Water Taxi starts late on Sunday because of the annual underwater cleanup at Seacrest.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side remains closed.
-With the nice weather, projects may pop up without warning – please let us know if you see one affecting traffic.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
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!
Police are investigating gunfire near Walt Hundley Playfield just before 10 pm. The reader photo is from the 31st/Myrtle vicinity; police arriving at the scene initially reported “several” casings, but the photo shows far more than “several.” The sender said it appeared to be a “gunfight with automatic weapons”; police were told two cars left the scene, but the only description they got in the early going was that one was a “dark sedan.” No victims were found at the scene, but a short time ago, a teenage boy with a gunshot wound showed up at Harborview Medical Center, and according to a radio exchange, police just learned his injury is apparently from this incident.
12:34 AM: Now it appears that the Harborview walk-in was linked to gunfire in another part of the city instead, according to this SPD Blotter post. Meantime, we’re hoping for more info on the High Point incident later this morning. The reader who provided the photo said they counted more than 60 cards. At one point in the archived audio, one officer said they were running out of the cards and needed someone to bring more.
If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The registration deadline for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025 is now one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 24)! Registration gets you on the map and in the guide for the 20th-anniversary WSCGSD, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 10 (you can add hours or even days to your sale, but that’s the basic window for everybody), coordinated by us at WSB. More than 330 sales are signed up as of tonight, all over West Seattle and a bit beyond (we have a couple White Center signups so far), and a wide variety not only of merchandise (the sales whose listings we’ve reviewed so far include a boat and a classic car) but also of treats – besides the classic lemonade stands, we have one sale offering sourdough bread and sourdough chocolate-chip cookies! Be part of the fun, meet your neighbors, convert some not-needed stuff into cash. Clicking here takes you to the registration form; whether you’re selling or shopping, check in here on Saturday, May 3, one week before WSCGSD, when we’ll launch the map and guide.
Thanks to Andrew Trujillo from Ounces – one of the West Seattle businesses facing relocation because of Sound Transit light rail – for the update that both houses of the State Legislature have now passed HB 1733, raising the limit for relocation compensation from $50,000 to $200,000:
Sharing a big win for businesses impacted by light rail. Huge credit goes to ABA (Alki Beach Academy) and the other businesses in North Delridge (Mode, Ounces, Skylark, etc.) for voicing and advocating for more realistic support for displaced businesses. Also thanks goes to the city’s small business advocate and state legislators who sponsored it.
The bill’s original sponsors included one West Seattle legislator, 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. The State Senate’s final vote Wednesday was unanimous. Next, it would go to Gov. Ferguson for his signature.
Today marks exactly six months since the sudden death of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand. The Admiral Neighborhood Association has chosen to honor his memory and spirit with a new community award, and nominations are open! Here’s the announcement from ANA:
Introducing the Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award Honoring Unseen Dedication in the Admiral District
The Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) is proud to introduce the inaugural Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award, a new annual honor celebrating an individual whose in front of as well as behind-the-scenes service and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Admiral District of West Seattle.
This award is named in honor of Patrick Sand, a tireless community supporter whose quiet, consistent advocacy helped shape the vibrant culture of our neighborhood — from the early years of the West Seattle Art Walk to supporting beloved community traditions like Summer Movies on the Wall. Patrick exemplified what it means to give back, and we are excited to recognize those who follow in his footsteps.
About the Award
The Patrick Sand Neighborhood Advocate Award will be presented each year to a person who demonstrates outstanding service to the Admiral District. This award focuses on recognizing sweat equity—the time, energy, and effort people invest in our community — not financial contributions.
Eligible nominees may be individuals who live, work, volunteer, or own a business in the Admiral District. Nominees do not have to live in West Seattle, but they must contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood. Current ANA Board Members are not eligible for the award, but ANA members are.
Nomination Process
• Nominations Open: Now
• Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2025
• How to Nominate: A nomination form will be available at connecttoadmiral.org. Community members
are encouraged to submit their nominations online.Selection & Recognition
Nominations will be reviewed by a team of Admiral neighbors, who will select one outstanding individual based on their demonstrated commitment, positive impact, and ongoing involvement in the Admiral community.The winner will be announced and celebrated on stage during the Admiral Block Party on August 23rd.
Join Us in Honoring Community Champions
This is your chance to lift up the unsung heroes who make the Admiral District such a special place to live, work, and play. Submit your nomination and help us shine a light on those who do the work when no one’s watching — just like Patrick did.
Thanks in advance to everyone who nominates one of West Seattle’s many amazing community advocates for this award!
3:55 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a midsize response to the 9600 block of 50th SW in the Brace Point area [vicinity map] for a garage fire. The initial dispatch described it as a “small gasoline fire in a motor” that spread and caught the structure on fire.
3:58 PM: The first arriving units declared it a “working fire” so they’re sending more units, increasing this to a full “fire in building” response.
4:00 PM: The fire is now declared “under control” so they’re canceling the plan for a larger response. … Firefighters tell dispatch the fire is fully confined to a detached 20 x 20 garage.
4:17 PM: Firefighters just told dispatch the fire’s out (“tapped”).
(WSB photo, April 2024)
That’s some of what divers brought up during their annual underwater cleanup around Seacrest last year. It’s happening again this Sunday morning, and that means a delayed start to West Seattle Water Taxi service that day. Thanks to Karen for the tip – she reported a sign about the schedule change, so we checked with Al Sanders at Metro. He tells WSB:
The Seacrest Dock will get its annual underwater cleaning Sunday morning April 20. Service will be suspended during the cleanup. Volunteer divers and staff from Seattle Dive Tours will go under the dock and pull away debris that is a hazard to both the water taxi and the people diving around and near the dock. Service to West Seattle will be suspended Sunday morning, but sailings will resume Sunday afternoon from Pier 50 starting at 1:30 p.m.
Sanders says Metro plans to send out an alert about this tomorrow (Friday).
As noted in today’s highlight list, this is opening day for the new Gene Juarez Salons & Spas location at 4730 California SW in the West Seattle Junction. They’re also the newest WSB sponsor, so here’s their message for you:
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas now open in the Alaska Junction
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas is thrilled to officially open its doors today in the heart of the Alaska Junction. This boutique-style location brings the brand’s signature sophistication to the neighborhood, offering a full suite of salon and skincare services in a modern, intimate setting.
The new salon features a dedicated barber, expert haircuts, coloring, and specialized services for textured and curly hair, as well as hair extensions. The spa side includes facials, waxing, lash and brow treatments, all delivered by a dedicated team of professionals in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Many of the artists and therapists are West Seattle residents, thrilled to work in this new location.
Commitment to Quality
The foundation of the Gene Juarez brand is training and ongoing education. All of the artists and therapists are highly trained, with salon pricing dependent on each artist’s level of experience. All services are guaranteed; if a guest is not happy, they may return for a complimentary correction service.
Commitment to Sustainability
Gene Juarez continues its commitment to sustainability at this location. At least 95% of all beauty service waste is recycled through a partnership with Green Circle Salons. The organization also makes regular updates to its products and vendors to reward sustainable brands with its high volume of business, most recently launching Davines, a B Corp premium haircare line supported by regenerative farming practices.
Community Support
April 22 – 27: 20% of net sales will be donated to West Seattle Food Bank. The salon will also be collecting food and other household good items for WSFB this week
April 29-May 4: 20% of net sales will be donated to WestSide Baby, and we will be collecting diapers and other critical items for WB this week
Located across from Bakery Nouveau and next to Chipotle, the salon is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Appointments can be booked online at genejuarez.com or by call/text at (206) 279-5777.
We thank Gene Juarez Salons and Spas for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WSBAdvertising@wsbsales.com – thank you!
Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension project still has a variety of uncertainties – awaiting the federal Record of Decision, for example (still projected around month’s end) – but there’s something new: Advance word of the call for station artists. We were asked to share this announcement:
STart: SOUND TRANSIT ART PROGRAM
FOR ARTISTS: LISTENING AND INFORMATION SESSIONS—PLANNING FOR ARTWORK IN THE WEST SEATTLE LINK EXTENSION PROJECTSDates and Locations
Wednesday, May 7, 6-7 pm, Seattle Public Library, Delridge Branch
Thursday, May 8, 6-7 pm, Seattle Public Library, High Point BranchRSVP by May 2, 2025
Please RSVP by emailing start@soundtransit.org.Meeting Purpose
In the coming months, the Sound Transit Art Program (STart) will be hiring artists to create artwork for the future West Seattle light rail stations. STart wants to hear from West Seattleites about what is important to them in their neighborhoods while art projects are being developed. In addition, STart seeks to inform West Seattle artists about how they can apply for inclusion in an Artist Candidate Pool for art project consideration.
Listening and information sessions geared toward artists will be held in two West Seattle branches of the Seattle Public Library from 6-7 pm on Wednesday, May 7 (Delridge) and Thursday, May 8 (High Point). The conversation and content will be the same each evening, offering two opportunities for participation on different nights.
About the West Seattle Link Extension Artwork Opportunities
STart incorporates artwork in its stations and facilities to create welcoming spaces for passengers, and to contribute to the character of the communities connected with light rail. At these listening sessions, STart will describe what is known about the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) stations, and how artwork will play a key role in making its planned Alaska Junction, Avalon and Delridge Stations distinct and memorable. Hearing about the neighborhoods where the stations will be located is valuable to STart. The stations are currently in design and planned to be in service in 2032, connecting West Seattle with the existing Link 1 and 2 Lines. You can learn more here.
STart is working to identify locations for permanent integrated artwork and long-term rotating displays of temporary artwork. Due to the layout of the West Seattle stations, most of the opportunities will be for two-dimensional works that will be translated into a durable medium—such as cut metal, glass, porcelain enamel or mosaic—either fabricated by the artist or a third-party fabricator contracted by STart. This can be a chance for painters, photographers and printmakers to be part of the stations’ public art display. There may also be a few opportunities for works of sculpture to serve as station landmarks and draw passengers to entrances.
Artist Candidate Pool Application
STart will soon accept applications to create a pool of artist candidates for future commissioned permanent and temporary public art projects. Application materials will focus on artist’s past work, not on proposals.
This Artist Candidate Pool will be used to identify and review candidates for opportunities at the Alaska Junction, Avalon and Delridge Stations currently planned for the WSLE. Selected artists for the Artist Candidate Pool will not be under contract with Sound Transit and are not guaranteed a commissioned public art project but will be eligible as candidates until May 31, 2028. STart reserves the right to use the Artist Candidate Pool for additional art opportunities on other Sound Transit projects and to reopen the application process as needed to support additional development projects.
STart projects are developed to welcome passengers to our stations, help them find their way and relate the stations to their surrounding communities. Artists selected for STart opportunities should expect to adhere to those goals.
Questions? Please email any questions and/or interest in the Artist Candidate Pool to start@soundtransit.org.
Four more daylight-sighting reports, all received Wednesday evening:
GATEWOOD: This one was sent by Jess:
Watched a healthy looking coyote wander in front of our house down SW Othello just now! Moved quickly, and safely crossed 35th.
NEAR BRACE POINT: From a reader near 47th/Brace Point:
At 530 pm in front yard about 4 feet behind the chair I was sitting in…heard the sound of pots toppled and vegetation being brushed, turned around and saw the (coyote’s) rump passing by. Got up, walked around the landscape to follow it toward the street, yelling out in the event pets or children were nearby, where it was now standing in the middle of the street…brief standoff/stare and it headed south a couple houses and east up SW Brace Point… Be safe…and loud if necessary…
ALSO BRACE POINT AREA: We’ll spare you the gory video, but Rick R sent a clip of a coyote dining on a squirrel, also Wednesday evening.
UPPER FAUNTLEROY: From Alex, near 38th/Henderson:
I just wanted to share that around 5:45 pm (4/16) I saw a coyote around 38th Ave SW and SW Henderson St while out on a walk. The coyote was heading east along Henderson before turning to walk North along 38th. I was on the opposite side of 38th, and the coyote crossed over to the side I was on, so they didn’t appear afraid of me, but didn’t do anything to actively approach me, just walked by me after crossing.
Our 15-plus-year archive of coyote reports is here. We share them for awareness, not alarm – and in hopes everyone will read the expert advice on coexisting with them.
| 0 COMMENTS