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Spotlight Stories


  • Street

    ALKI PT. HEALTHY STREET: What SDOT’s doing next

  • Store

    ON THE DRAWING BOARD: Store penciled in for WS

  • USPS

    MAIL VANS TARGETED: Post Office crime

BIZNOTE: Tanning-salon replacement at Westwood Village
January 15, 2025 6:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood

Last weekend we reported on an early-stage permit application for clothing outlet J.Crew Factory to take over and combine the two Westwood Village spaces recently vacated by GameStop and Desert Sun Tanning. Today while we were nearby, a banner caught our eye – it’s over the ex-Desert Sun entrance on the west side of the building, announcing Bronz’d Tanning and Light Spa. The phone number is the same as Desert Sun. The new business has only a bare-bones website; we have an inquiry out to try to find out more.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Vandals throw rocks, damage homes and cars
January 15, 2025 4:16 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime

That’s security video sent by the victim of a rock-throwing attack last Friday, who writes: “On 1/10/2025 at 3 PM, two individuals threw very large rocks at the front window of my house ,smashing it in the process. The rocks then landed on the hood and fender of my car, which was parked under the window, causing over $5,000 in damage. A 3rd person threw a rock at my neighbor’s window, shattering it.” This happened near the Sealth/Denny campus. Here’s a framegrab the victim also sent:

We are not showing the one who’s visible full-face as these are juveniles, not charged so far, in what is likely a non-felony case. But the clothing is enough for someone to recognize them. You can contact police and refer to incident # 25-008943.

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West Seattleite Nick Brown takes office as state Attorney General
January 15, 2025 2:13 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Photo courtesy Joe McDermott)

In the center of that photo is West Seattleite Nick Brown, signing the oath of office as he begins work as state Attorney General. Brown, a Democrat, was elected in November with 56 percent of the vote, over Pete Serrano, a Republican. Brown previously served as U.S. Attorney for Western Washington and is a decorated U.S. Army veteran.

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SAVE THE DATE: 2025’s first announced recycling/shredding event
January 15, 2025 12:53 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 2024)

We always get questions about free recycling/shredding events in West Seattle, so we’re passing along what we just heard from the West Seattle Junction Association, that they’re again co-sponsoring a big drop-in event with the WS Chamber of Commerce. It’ll be Saturday, March 8, likely 9 am-noon, at the usual place, the north lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). They’re working on some improvements to avoid the big dropoff backup, but otherwise, it’ll likely be the same arrangement of options – shredding, electronics and other small home items, styrofoam, and more. Watch for full details later this winter. (If you can’t wait that long to recycle something, there are options for various kinds of items – try the “Where Does It Go?” lookup.)

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Countywide levy leads to South Delridge land purchase
January 15, 2025 11:02 am
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Back in 2022, King County voters approved a levy for bringing the Conservation Futures program back to its original rate. This week, County Executive Dow Constantine announced some of the land purchases that will lead to, and they include a bit of land in South Delridge. First, from the countywide announcement:

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced $107 million in land conservation awards – approved by the King County Council – that will protect more than 3,000 acres of open space to advance climate resilience, farmland access, environmental justice, recreation access, and habitat restoration.

A few of the 53 projects include helping the City of Auburn build its first downtown park and public space, permanently protecting the lowland forests of Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, creating more greenspace near affordable housing in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, and helping a community-based organization create an urban farm near Sound Transit’s Rainier Beach Station.

The funding package continues the accelerated pace of land conservation in recent years, which is the result of several actions: Voters’ approval in 2022 of Executive Constantine’s initiative to restore the local Conservation Futures Program to its historic funding rate, bonding against future revenues to protect natural areas before they are no longer affordable, and cutting in half the amount of matching funds cities and other partners are required to provide.

The South Delridge purchase is described in the announcement as:

Seattle’s Westwood-Highland Park Urban Village acquisition: Combining new open space with future acquisition of repurposed properties owned by the Seattle Department of Transportation to secure a full acre in a rapidly developing neighborhood and provide more park access near White Center.

So we asked for specifics. County spokesperson Doug Williams replied:

Specifically, the land we’re talking about is to the southeast of the Delridge Way / Southwest Barton Street intersection: maps.app.goo.gl/8S2FkL1hpshqJa6V6

The grant funding will be used to reimburse Seattle for their recent purchase of the vacant square of land you see just to the southeast of the treed triangular land. The idea is to combine the treed triangular land with that vacant land and a street closure (that little chunk of 18th Avenue Southwest on the eastern border of the treed triangular portion) to create a nearly one-acre piece of public open space.

Community advocates had long worked for a park in that area, though their effort has gone dormant. We’re checking on next steps for the site’s future.

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Morgan Community Association, Sealth/Denny Thrift Share, walking, running, bingo, more for your West Seattle Wednesday
January 15, 2025 9:13 am
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s our list of what’s happening on your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am in Lincoln Park – meet up at 47th/Fauntleroy.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: At Southwest Library, 3 pm, for kids ages 1-3. (9010 35th SW)

HOMEWORK HELP: Volunteer helpers are available 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

CHIEF SEALTH IHS/DENNY IMS THRIFT SHARE: Happening this afternoon/evening at the Chief Sealth International High School galleria (2600 SW Thistle):

Chief Sealth and Denny Pop-Up Thrift Share
January 15, 2025
4:30-6:30 p.m.
Chief Sealth Galleria
2600 SW Thistle
Sizes are for all ages and genders. Everything is free. Bring a bag.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center). You can learn more about the WS Tool Library in our recent West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight!

DRAG BINGO: 6 pm at Pine Lake Cellars (5405 California SW) with Jolene Granby. Free to play!

FREE GROUP RUN: All year ’round! All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm, all welcome at MoCA‘s quarterly hybrid meeting, online or in-person at WSUU’s downstairs event room off the parking lot, agenda and participation info here. (7141 California SW)

YOGA/MEDITATION/GONG BATH: 7-8:30 pm at Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska), $35, ticket info here.

PIANO NIGHT: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) – all requests!

TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two places to play on Wednesdays! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … Or, at Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: One girls’ varsity home game tonight. West Seattle HS (6-4) hosts Seattle Prep (9-4) at 7:30 pm. (3000 California SW)

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to take the mic and show your stuff? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – and if it’s a holiday event, send it for the Holiday Guide – thank you!

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch
January 15, 2025 6:01 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, January 15, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

We never did see the promised sunshine on Tuesday, but today’s forecast says it should appear, with a high in the mid-40s. Sunrise/sunset – 7:52 am and 4:45 pm.

THIS WEEK’S TWO REMINDERS

*The new “school street” on 45th in front of Madison Middle School, between Spokane and Hinds, continues today. No motorized vehicles on that block 7 am-5 pm unless you live there or are a delivery driver delivering there.

*Sound Transit is scheduled to continue geotechnical-research drilling just east of the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge.

TRANSIT

Metro buses – Regular schedule

Water Taxi –  As noted, regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”

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: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on 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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Fauntleroy Way Shell robbed again (updated)
January 15, 2025 12:46 am
|      22 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

12:46 AM: Police converging on the Shell station/mini-mart at Fauntleroy/Alaska say it’s just been hit by armed robbers again. The initial call was “shoplift” involving five people, but at least one was armed, and that makes it a robbery. The robbers are described so far as all male, late teens/early 20s, black masks, one with a machete, the other implying a handgun. They are reported to have taken off toward the bridge on Fauntleroy, in a black SUV.

1:06 AM: That SUV is a Hyundai Tucson, officers just told dispatch.

1:14 AM: The robbers’ description has changed – four men in their early 20s, one in a black hoodie, one in a blue mask, one in a black jacket, one in a multicolor sweater, one with a hammer. In cross-city communication, police are discussing the possibility of a link with a robbery that just happened downtown.

WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON UPDATE: From the SPD summary that’s since been released:

Four suspects with masks walked inside the gas station located at the 4500 BLK of Fauntleroy WY SW. The suspects grabbed a shelf of food items and threw it to the ground to block the entrance door. One of the suspects had a hammer and demanded money from the clerk. The suspects took approximately $200.00 in cash and food items. The suspects left in a Black SUV and possibly committed a second robbery at the 700 BLK of Taylor Ave N.

And after that, police say, they are suspected in a Bellevue holdup.

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Change at the top, police/crime updates, more @ Fauntleroy Community Association’s first 2025 meeting
January 14, 2025 10:15 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The Seattle Police Department may only have hired one more officer last year than it lost, but as 2025 opens, the Southwest Precinct has two new officers.

That was part of what emerged at tonight’s Fauntleroy Community Association board meeting, a hybrid meeting facilitated by Mike Dey, in his final meeting as FCA president, with more than 15 people filling the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse conference room, and several more attending online.

POLICE AND CRIME: The local precinct was represented by crime-prevention coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, attending online. She heard first from an attendee who said he was “assaulted yesterday in my home.” The attacker was an old friend of a family member, and the attack was unprovoked. His biggest concern was that police did not respond for five and a half hours. Once they arrived, he said, he told them who the attacker was, and where he lives. But no arrest yet, that he knows of. How do police pursue something like that? Satterwhite looked into the system, once the man gave her the incident number, and noted the case has been assigned to the City Attorney’s Office and to SPD’s follow-up unit. But, she cautioned, “I can’t necessarily speak to what the detectives will do.” Can police indeed arrest someone for something like this? another attendee asked. Yes, said Satterwhite, though she warned she had no information on why an arrest hadn’t been made. She said she could have an officer follow up. As for the long response time, two possible factors – the dispatcher asked if the attacker was still there and if he had had a weapon (both answers were “no”); Satterwhite said the former was a likely reason the call was given a lower priority. The victim clarified that he had told the calltaker he thought the attacker was gone but might be in the bushes.

After that discussion, Satterwhite had a crime-stats update for Fauntleroy – for 2024, the area “ended exactly even compared to 2023” – exact same number of incidents. Among specific crime categories, motor-vehicle theft was down 34 percent (17 fewer incidents) – burglary was down 4 percent (1 less burglary) – aggravated assault the same (9 incidents for the year) – 1 less rape – Do the stats include 35th/Barton? asked an attendee. The west side, Satterwhite replied. Can the east side be included too? The designation is a city policy, outside SPD control, Satterwhite suggested. Others suggested they should be considered together, as what’s happening in Westwood affects what happens in Fauntleroy. She said police look at “repeat call locations” around the precinct too. In Westwood, for example, crime last year was down 2 percent from the year before (which itself was a “historically high” year) – burglary was up 26 percent, robbery was even, auto theft was down 30 percent (90 fewer incidents).

Satterwhite also brought numbers on incidents of confirmed gunfire (which, as we often remind you, means there was a victim, property damage, and/or casings found): In the entire precinct, 97 incidents last year, up from 92 in 2023, though that was down from “historically high” 2022, which saw 121.

Asked about the slight increase in police hiring over police departing, Satterwhite noted that outgoing interim Chief Sue Rahr has negotiated with the state training academy (she was closely involved in training oversight in a previous role) to have up to 12 Seattle Police recruits in each academy class (every two weeks) – the previous limit was five. She added that the Southwest Precinct got two new officers recently, one female, both joining the shift that had the most vacancies, evening (third watch). How’s the morale? asked Dey. “Honestly, I think it’s much better,” Satterwhite replied, saying that followed a few “tough” years. “I think we’re at a point where those who are unhappy have left. … I think we’ve turned a corner.”

Other major items of business:

Read More

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READER REPORT: A different kind of package story
January 14, 2025 8:40 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle people

For once, a package story that’s not about theft. From the WSB inbox:

We received a package that was mistakenly delivered to our home that has a very similar address to the intended recipient. Vida, if you are looking for a package from Michael’s, we drove over and dropped it at your front door, but I tucked it behind a small bush for safe keeping. I hope you have found it, and happy crafting!

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ALKI POINT HEALTHY STREET: SDOT unveils next steps and survey results
January 14, 2025 5:38 pm
|      63 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

Just in at the end of the day – SDOT‘s latest update on the Alki Point Healthy Street, in the form of a 50-page slide deck. Toward the end, they’ve finally decided what they’re going to do with the southern stretch, part of this list of what’s planned for this year, including extending the walking/biking/rolling lane, adding flashing crossing beacons at 63rd/Beach, and trying to address the “cul-de-sac” confusion on the north side:

And they’re considering making the Beach Drive stretch one-way:

This all follows results of the survey SDOT ran last fall, for which they say they received more than 1,100 responses. Detailed results are here. Here’s the SDOT summary:

If you’ve forgotten how that survey was circulated, here are their toplines on that:

They included study results of usage of the Healthy Street on given dates:

That included a walking/biking breakdown:

And they included some info on how data was connected:

SDOT also says the remaining parking in the area was nowhere near maxed out on the days they studied it:

The full slide deck/report also includes some project history.

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SURVEY: Reconnect South Park looking for your thoughts on four ‘potential futures’ for section of Highway 99
January 14, 2025 4:54 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   South Park | Transportation | West Seattle news

The Reconnect South Park initiative continues, envisioning future change along the stretch of Highway 99 that bisects South Park, and if you’re interested in this, the project team invites you to answer its survey:

Find the survey here. You can also look at the potential options on the RSP website. (Here’s our report on a project-milestone gathering a little over a year ago.)

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FOLLOWUP: What SDOT says about crash-plagued West Seattle Bridge spot
January 14, 2025 1:06 pm
|      53 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Reader photo from crash and fire January 3)

After multiple crashes (including this one and this one) weekend before last toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge – near the pullout by the “Welcome to West Seattle” sign and remaining “Walking on Logs” sculptures – we asked SDOT if they’re looking into that particular spot.

(January 5 photo from commenter SeaKev)

Though neither crash resulted in serious injuries, among other things, they had other effects – such as, both led to callouts for SDOT responders to come reset the jersey barriers that the crashes had knocked out of place, which required blocking traffic for a time. Meantime, here’s what SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson told WSB:

Thank you for bringing this pattern to our attention … we’re still working on this question for you. Our pavement engineers and Vision Zero team are looking into this location to better understand the history and current conditions and consider potential next steps.

Some commenters have wondered whether a change in pavement types at that spot is a factor in these crashes – or whether it’s just a speed problem – or maybe a risk faced by certain types of vehicles. Even a quick search of our archives shows crashes at that spot for years. (Side notes – the number of crashes in our archives outstrips what’s shown on the SDOT collision data map, if you’re looking for hard data. And the bridge has had at least one other focused trouble spot before.) We’ll continue checking back to see what SDOT eventually deduces.

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FOLLOWUP: Fauntleroy Church’s winning tree and half-ton ‘prize’
January 14, 2025 11:57 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Holidays | West Seattle news

(Photos by Shirley Asmussen. Above, closeup of winning tree Las Posadas)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

During December’s season of giving, area food banks were flush with donations to keep shelves well stocked. Then came January’s season of want, when donations typically drop off and managers struggle to serve everyone in need. Thanks to the Festival of Trees hosted by Fauntleroy Church through the start of the year, the dropoff this year was not so severe.

(Carolyn Tucker oversaw the boxing of food for delivery to food banks)

Area residents who viewed the trees voted for their favorites by donating nonperishable food destined for West Seattle and White Center food banks. Last week, volunteers counted, checked expiration dates, sorted, and delivered a total of 937 cans, boxes, and bags of food weighing more than half a ton – 1,123 pounds.

(Youth-group members Vander Timblin and Elliot Sales helped sort the “votes” for favorite tree)

The 14 trees created by families and groups reflected traditional themes (i.e., peace and gingerbread), environmental concerns (i.e., orcas and trash), and just for fun (i.e., Christmas penguin and nostalgia). The winning tree, by the congregation’s immigration task force, reflected Latin America’s colorful “Las Posadas” celebration of Mary and Joseph‘s search for a safe place to stay.

Three other trees received honorable mentions – The Gingerbread Man by Hazelwood Preschool (“Through a Child’s Eyes”), the Trash Tree by Jamison Johnson (“Most Earth-Friendly”), and The Way We Were by Solo Seniors (“Traditional Beauty”). (See two of those trees here.)

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2 community meetings, preschool open house, dine-out fundraiser, invitation to singers, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
January 14, 2025 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Monday night sunset, photographed by
John-Michael Bennett III)

Here’s today’s list – highlights of what’s happening today/tonight, mostly from our Event Calendar, where you can preview what’s happening days, weeks, even months ahead:

SENATOR & CANDIDATES @ POSTCARDS 4 DEMOCRACY: As previewed Monday, you can talk with State Sen. Joe Nguyễn and four candidates for the State House appointment that may result from his impending departure for the state Commerce Department during the Postcards 4 Democracy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all welcome.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Second lunch meeting of 2025, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), with the Student of the Month presentation.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

HOMEWORK HELP: Students can drop in for free help, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

WSHS BOYS’ BASKETBALL DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 5-8 pm at West Wings (2329 California SW), 25% of the proceeds benefit the team.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), community members welcome. Here’s the agenda.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: 6:15 meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the free weekly track run.

HOPE LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL/TRANSITIONAL KINDERGARTEN OPEN HOUSE: 6:30 pm-7:30 pm at the main Hope Lutheran School (WSB sponsor) campus (4456 42nd SW), find out about these two programs.

OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: Singers invited! The Boeing Employees Choir – open to non-employees too – has open rehearsals tonight and the next three Tuesday nights at the American Legion Post 160 hall (3618 SW Alaska), 6:30 pm.

FREE SWING DANCE LESSONS: At the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), “Intro lessons for East Coast Swing start at 6:30 PM and Intermediate Foxtrot with Swing start at 7:45. First class is free, so come and check it out.” More info here.

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION, WITH FOOD/COAT DRIVE: The Admiral Neighborhood Association‘s next general gathering is at 7 pm tonight, and you’re encouraged to bring nonperishable food and/or gently used/new coats to donate to the West Seattle Food Bank (whose reps are among the speakers) – our calendar listing has details. Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 6: Now SIX trivia options for Tuesday night – 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) … and Trivia Tuesdays at Christos on Alki, 7:15 pm (2508 Alki SW).

Hosting an event? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Remembering Stanley E. Bradley, 1945-2024
January 14, 2025 9:00 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather next month to lay Stan Bradley to rest. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing now:

Stanley Eugene Bradley (Stan), loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away at the age of 79 on Thursday, December 12, 2024.

Stan loved his family, and they will miss him dearly. He is predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Judith Ellen Bradley (Judy). He is survived by his loving family: daughter Sue Bennett, son Michael Bradley, son Jeff Walters, and daughter Mary McLean along with 9 grandkids and 2 great-grands. He also loved his sister’s family as little brother to Jean Bradley Hollers and uncle to her kids.

Stan and Judy owned and operated Stan’s Mt. View Towing in White Center for decades until they officially sold and retired in 2019. They bought the business from his parents H. Stan and Lily Bradley, who had owned and operated it themselves for decades as well. Though several family members took their turns working at Stan’s, it was his son, Jeff, who served by his side as long-time general manager. The business provided jobs for so many good people through the years, often blurring the lines of work, family, and friendship with many long-term employees.

He was that man who spent his life quietly making things happen and paving the way for others, asking nothing in return. Stan loved coming through for people and helping in big ways with a small voice. Stan was an advice guy, but he knew it all without being a know-it-all. He could fix anything. He made it his priority to ensure everyone was comfortable and safe. Over the years, that meant different things: from taking the kids’ car keys when it started snowing because he knew the wreckage slick roads can cause to helping kids with house shopping so he could get a preview of the various projects he’d surely be tackling for years to come.

We thank Stan for his service in the United States Army with the 589 th Engineer Battalion “Mountain Movers.” He worked on big rigs in Vietnam, giving him the mechanical expertise he’d use the rest of his life with his tow business.

Stan and Judy lived large in their heyday. They took several cruises with friends and family, somehow always ending up at the captain’s table. A love for boating led to him sweet talking Judy into buying a boat, a big one that they took out across Puget Sound and at Lake Chelan for years. Stan had always liked gambling, but he and Judy were really hooked on slot machine tournaments in Reno. They had a great time wherever they went.

Stan, Dad, Grandpa, Papa Stan – we love and miss you so much. We are comforted knowing you lived a great life on your own terms. We’d like to think you are up there with your vodka & OJ giving a cheers to your dad with his vodka & milk! You are likely handing out Stan’s Towing business cards and shaking hands. Judy is calling your name, better go see what she needs.

*****

In lieu of flowers, the family would be honored with a donation to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation/JDRF, or Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Stan will be laid to rest alongside Judy on Friday, February 21, at 2 pm at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. A celebration of his life will follow, to be held in the Seattle area.

(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, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday toplines
January 14, 2025 6:00 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, January 14, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today, clouds are expected to give way to sunshine with a high in the low 40s. Sunrise/sunset – 7:53 am and 4:44 pm.

TWO REMINDERS, ONE MORE TIME

*The new “school street” on 45th in front of Madison Middle School, between Spokane and Hinds, continues today. No motorized vehicles on that block 7 am-5 pm unless you live there or are a delivery driver delivering there.

*Sound Transit is scheduled to continue geotechnical-research drilling just east of the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge.

TRANSIT

Metro buses – Regular schedule

Water Taxi –  As noted, regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service.

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: Besides 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; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on 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!

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YOU CAN HELP: Here are your local volunteering options for MLK Day of Service
January 13, 2025 10:39 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Holidays | How to help | West Seattle news

(Students volunteering at Lincoln Park on MLK Day of Service 2024 – photo by forest steward Lisa McGinty)

By Aspen Anderson
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

A reader asked WSB to compile a list of volunteering opportunities for MLK Day of Service next Monday (January 20). Local options aren’t plentiful, but here’s what we’ve found so far.

Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association: Plant Trees
Event: Plant Trees for MLK Day of Service
Plant native trees and shrubs, remove invasive plants and mulch new plantings.
Time: 10:00 am – 01:00 pm
Location: Pigeon Point Park, 1901 SW Genesee
Registration: Sign up as an individual or group on the DNDA website
Bring: Dress for rain or shine with long pants, layers, closed-toe shoes and rain gear. Bring water and work gloves if you have them. Youth under 18 need a signed waiver.
They provide: Tools, gloves, light snacks, and training on restoration activities and safety.

Green Seattle Partnership: Lincoln Park
Event: Lincoln Park – MLK Day of Service
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Lincoln Park, West Seattle
Help remove invasive plants (e.g. blackberry, ivy, holly) and make room for native trees and plants.
Registration: Register here (a few spots are left)
Bring: Dress for winter Seattle weather. Bring a signed Youth Participant Waiver Form if under 18. Wear closed-toe, sturdy shoes or boots. Bring a personal water bottle, garden/work gloves (if you have them), and dress in NW layers.
Where to Meet: Near the map kiosk in the NORTH parking lot on Fauntleroy Way SW (and SW Rose St).
Parking: NORTH parking lot or street parking on Fauntleroy Way.
Bus: The RapidRide C Line stops at SW Rose St by the parking lot.
Contact: Lisa McGinty (lmcginty206@gmail.com), WSHS Earth Club Leaders: tatumpaddock20@gmail.com or cmlewis260@gmail.com.

Neighborhood House
Event: MLK Day of Service – Facility Cleanup
At Neighborhood House High Point, this volunteer opportunity focuses on cleaning and organizing various sites to ensure welcoming and functional spaces for families. Pick up trash, dust windows, organize boxes, power wash, beautify playgrounds, organize files, and move furniture.
Time: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm (volunteers are encouraged to dedicate 4 hours.)
Location: 6400 Sylvan Way SW
Registration: Register here
Bring: Dress comfortably for cleaning and outdoor work.

A Cleaner Alki: Lincoln Park
The local cleanup coalition says Genesee Hill Elementary School is organizing a Block Drop cleanup at Lincoln Park for MLK Jr. Day. Participants can meet at the south parking lot near the ferry dock, with options to head into the upper park or down to the beach. Additional park-sprucing projects may be available, especially near the beach.
Time: Monday 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Location: Lincoln Park / South Lot, 8617 Fauntleroy Way SW
Parking: Park in the south lot by the water side near the birdhouse.
Bus: The RapidRide C Line stops nearby.
Registration: No registration required. All are welcome to join.

YMCA West Seattle (WSB sponsor)
Event: Annual MLK Day of Service (Details TBD)
The YMCA in West Seattle typically organizes volunteer activities in honor of MLK Day, although nothing formal has been published yet.
Registration: It is recommended to register as a volunteer in advance.
Keep an eye on the YMCA’s website for updates and specific event details.

Find more volunteer opportunities outside of West Seattle here and here. And if you have anything local to add – please let us know, westseattleblog@gmail.com, so we can add it – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: More low-low-tide sights
January 13, 2025 9:15 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Another round of nighttime low-low tides has accompanied the full moon, and Rosalie Miller has shared photos of the wildlife she saw on the shore at Charles Richey Sr. Viewpoint/Constellation Park (along the north end of Beach Drive SW). Above, a Pacific Octopus; below, a Monterey Dorid:

A Shag-rug Nudibranch:

And a Northern Leopard Dorid:

Still time to get to the beach for tonight’s lowest tide, -2.4 feet at 10:28 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: U.S. Mail trucks damaged in gas theft
January 13, 2025 6:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

We heard a dispatch to the Westwood Village Post Office this morning for a report of gas theft and fence vandalism. We’ve since obtained the Seattle Police report narrative. It says officers were called for a report on two separate incidents: Last night around 10 pm, they discovered that gas had been siphoned from two vans, and their tanks had been damaged in the proces. Then around 8:30 this morning, they found a hole had been cut in the fence, and “a plastic bag containing an unknown white powder” was found in the area. Police took it for evidence; the report does not indicate whether the substance was subsequently identified.

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TUESDAY: Talk with state senator, legislative-appointment candidates in West Seattle
January 13, 2025 5:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

The Washington State Legislature convened today. If you’re available at mid-morning tomorrow, you can talk about it here in West Seattle with a unique group that Postcards 4 Democracy is hosting – here’s the announcement they asked us to share with you:

West Seattle’s Postcards4Democracy.org, the local group that advocates for voter registration and getting out the vote via handwritten notes to people in places where it counts nationwide, concludes its presentation of candidates being considered for our 34th District House & Senate this month due to Sen. Joe Nguyễn’s appointment to state Director of Commerce under the new Ferguson administration.

State House Rep. Emily Alvarado is one of 2 who have emerged so far that are being considered by the PCO’s of the 34th District Dems to refer on to the King County Council to appoint for the soon to be vacant Senate seat. (John “Skip” Crowley is the other and to date no contact info has been found for him, nor did he attend the Jan. 5 forum hosted by the 34th.)

There are 7 folks throwing their hats into the ring vying for the house seat should Emily Alvarado move up to fill the vacant spot in the Senate. Previously, last week, we introduced Geoffrey Wukelic, Gina Topp (Seattle School Board president), and Representative Alvarado, who will keep her house seat if she doesn’t move into Senator Nguyen’s post.

We look forward to hosting 4 of the other candidates for the potential House Rep opening should Emily Alvarado move into the senate, plus Senator Joe Nguyễn, this Tuesday, 1/14/25 at C & P Coffee, from 10:30 – 12 noon.

In addition to Senator Nguyễn, we are expecting to hear from:

Brianna Thomas, Csenka Favorini-Csorba (who currently serves as a King Conservation District Supervisor), Sarah Moore (who currently serves in Position No. 5 on the Burien City Council), and Stephanie Tidholm (who currently serves on the Highline School Board).

There will be opportunity for questions, we hope you will join us! More info at: postcards4democracy.org

Meantime, the next step in the process of appointing Sen. Nguyễn’s successor is a King County Democrats meeting this Sunday – here’s info about that.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Bank robbery in The Junction
January 13, 2025 2:44 pm
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

2:44 PM: Police are investigating a bank robbery in The Junction, a few minutes before 2 pm at the 42nd/Edmunds US Bank. It was originally dispatched as a theft – but the dispatcher then was told that the person had shown or implied a “possible weapon,” and made off with $1,000 cash, so it was reclassified to a bank robbery. The robber was described as a white woman in her 20s or 30s, glasses, dark-gray hoodie, last seen heading on foot toward California Avenue. No injuries reported.

ADDED TUESDAY: SPD has released a brief report summary: “… It was reported a female suspect entered the bank and passed a note to the front teller. The note advised a bank robbery was taking place and demanded all the money in the register. Shortly after displaying the note the female brandished a firearm that she was carrying in her purse. The teller handed over $1,000 dollars in cash, and the suspect left the bank. …”

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DEVELOPMENT: 3010 SW Avalon Way apartments set for Southwest Design Review Board’s first meeting since 2023
January 13, 2025 2:01 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

(Rendering by Studio 19 Architects)

Five years have passed since we first told you about an apartment building planned for 3010 SW Avalon Way [map]. Three years ago, the proposal passed the first stage of Design Review. Now it’s set for a second and potentially final review, at what will be the Southwest Design Review Board‘s first meeting in more than a year (they last had a project to review in 2023 – much Design Review is now done by city staff, without public meetings). The 3010 Avalon project is currently described as eight stories, 86 units, 84 bike-parking stalls – that’s from the latest design proposal, which the city’s meeting page says is “not available” but which we found buried in the online files – see it here. The meeting is set for 5 pm February 6th, online; commenting and attendance info will be here at least a week in advance.

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