Reported by Gretchen at Circa in The Admiral District (WSB sponsor):

While serving last night, one of our employees’ car was stolen from the (ex-)Bank of America parking lot behind Circa. It’s a 1997 black Honda CR-V.

We are sickened that while he worked a crazy busy Sunday night shift for us his car was stolen. Anyone that sees it, please text 206-331-8954.

Plate number is BRU9800; police report # is 25-134652.

UPDATE: About the film crew at Fauntleroy Park

| Fauntleroy | Seen around town | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Added: WSB photos)

11:15 AM: Several questions so far this morning about a film crew set up on the SW Barton side of Fauntleroy Park. We asked the Fauntleroy Watershed Council if they had any notification, since this is salmon-release season and they routinely have volunteers in the park as well as dozens of visiting students. They hadn’t been notified in advance but did some investigating for us and volunteer John learned, “They’re shooting stills for Kia car company that will be used in a variety of marketing material. They will be there all day.”

12:29 PM: Added photos. As volunteer John added in a followup email, “They’re taking shots of a new Kia vehicle nestled under a cedar.”

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From comedy to college to commenting, here’s what’s on our list for your West Seattle Monday

May 19, 2025 9:45 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Rainbow photographed this morning by Chris Frankovich)

Here’s what’s on our list for your West Seattle Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ALL-DAY PUBLIC HEARING: As previewed here last night, the City Council is spending all day – and into the night – listening to public comments on rezoning plans. This was scheduled to start at 9:30 am but it’s not too late to get in queue for the online or in-person sessions, or to send in a comment via email; here’s how.

BABY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s noon story time is back on the schedule today. (9010 35th SW)

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE INFO SESSION: Visit Cascade Hall on the north side of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) at 1 pm today to learn about SSC and how to get on the path toward enrolling there.

HOMEWORK HELP: K-12 students can get free drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.

CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.

D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!

LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: You don’t have to grieve alone. 6:30 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio, join a group with Listening to Grief. Registration/fee info here. (4034A California SW).

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Four places you can play tonight! Every-other-week Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 and 7:30 pm …. and the weekly events: 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

ALKI MEDITATION: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

DOUBLE-HEADLINER COMEDY SHOW: 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), two headliners at this month’s show – a few tickets still available when we checked before publishing this list!

JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music on Monday nights – jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Monday nights, you’re invited to karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Musical mentoring! West Seattle Community Orchestras’ new program for high-school students

May 19, 2025 9:00 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(File photo, WSCO)

Tomorrow (Tuesday) night, you can see West Seattle Community Orchestras members perform their second and final free concert of the spring. Today, WSCO has an announcement that applications are open for a new mentoring program aimed at high-school musicians hoping to continue their artistry:

West Seattle Community Orchestras is excited to announce the Honor Student Program — a new pilot initiative designed to support high school musicians preparing to apply for college music programs. This fully-funded opportunity provides personalized coaching, audition preparation, and involvement in WSCO ensembles.

Who is Eligible?
WSCO members in grades 11 or 12 (junior or senior year)

Actively applying or planning to apply to a college music program

Play one of the following instruments: violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba

What’s Included?
6 hours of one-on-one coaching with professional musicians

Mock auditions and personalized feedback

Participation in WSCO ensembles and community events

How to Apply?
Submit your application by Tuesday, June 17, 2025 by 5 pm PST to: lison@wscorchestras.org

Required materials:

Application letter (1 page)

Music director reference letter (1 page)

Live audition and interview will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at 6 pm at the Fauntleroy Church in West Seattle. Honor Students will be announced on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 via email.

Questions?
Contact Lison J. at lison@wscorchestras.org

WSCO was founded in West Seattle in 2002 and has served hundreds of students and adults alike, providing a community for musicians of all ages and abilities with opportunities for performance and growth.

Visit the WSCO website for more information about the concerts or how to become involved as a musician or volunteer.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Monday info

May 19, 2025 6:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, May 19, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly cloudy, rain expected, high in low 60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:26 am; sunset will be at 8:45 pm.

ROAD WORK

-In South Alki, street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project is in its next phase, centered at 64th/Beach Drive – details and maps are here, along with what’s next.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct:

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!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Carjacking reported at Westwood Village

May 18, 2025 11:46 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | Westwood

Police have just gone to the QFC parking lot at Westwood Village to talk with a woman who says she was carjacked while loading groceries into her car. Two people approached and took her car, she reported, a gold Nissan Maxima with plates starting in CAP. The two “unknown-race males in ski masks” were last seen driving the car south on 26th. Call 911 if you think you see it.

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SOCCER: Rhodies FC debuts with a draw

May 18, 2025 9:58 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo by Dakota Grim)

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Rhodies FC’s debut match against Ballard’s Salmon Bay FC ended in a tie this afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, signaling a wary but optimistic start to their first season. Today’s game was the culmination of months of effort and passion, which showed as dozens of people met several blocks away at EC Hughes Playground before the game to march to the home field, carrying signs and chanting.

(March to the Match. Photos by Hayden Yu Andersen unless otherwise credited)

“It’s been a labor of love,” said Marissa Villegas, a marketing officer for the team. Supporters, including members from three local youth soccer clubs, met up ahead of the game for face-painting and poster-making hosted by members of the team.

(Fan-made sign)

Getting here has been a long process, and they’ve faced more challenges than they can count, Villegas said. “It’s been tough, and we had to get our hands dirty but today, we’re focused and excited.” Adding to the pressure of today’s inaugural game was the rivalry between Ballard and West Seattle’s soccer teams- something that’s played out previously seasons with the Rhodies’ sibling team, West Seattle Junction FC (which started its season Saturday, with a loss at Tacoma) .

Villegas thinks the pressure is a good thing, though, focusing the Rhodies even more as they step out onto the field together for the first time.

(Seattle Metropolitan Singers on the field before the match)

Before the match, attended by more than 1,600 fans, the National Anthem was sung by the Seattle Metropolitan Singers. Kickoff commenced at 2 pm. Salmon Bay met the upstart Rhodies head-on, and for the ensuing 90 minutes, neither team seemed willing to give an inch.

(Photo by Dakota Grim)

By halftime no goals had been scored. After a series of skirmishes at Salmon Bay’s six-yard box, including noteworthy goalkeeping by the Rhodies’ Madi Munguia, the score remained at 0-0 until the game was called. It was a hard-fought game for Ballard’s Salmon Bay, and a cautious start for the Rhodies, beginning their first season with a draw.

“I’ll need a minute to digest it,” Villegas said after the game, “but I’m optimistic, we’ve got the whole season ahead of us.”

Next Sunday, the Rhodies will go up against Oregon’s Lane United FC, again at home at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle). To buy tickets for that and future matches, check out their website here.

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WEEK AHEAD: City Council’s makeup public hearing on rezoning Monday

May 18, 2025 9:24 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

Back in February, the City Council‘s public hearing to listen to comments about proposed rezoning was adjourned with a long list of people still waiting to speak. They promised another chance. An all-day public hearing tomorrow (Monday, May 19) brings that chance. In case you’ve missed the mentions in citywide media, here’s how it was announced by the office of Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, who is leading land-use issues:

The Select Committee for the Comprehensive Plan, chaired by Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), will hold its second public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan and associated legislation on Monday, May 19.

The Select Committee will hear public comments on amendments to the interim HB 1110 legislation. Interim HB 1110 legislation is designed to ensure that Seattle meets the June 30 implementation deadline for the state’s Middle Housing bill. When work on this interim legislation is complete, the Select Committee can begin considering Permanent HB 1110 legislation.

This public hearing will be separated into two sessions, with individual registration windows for each session. Session I at 9:30 a.m. is reserved for remote public comment. Session II at 4 p.m. is reserved for in-person commentors. Each speaker will be provided one minute to give their comments. Individuals will only be permitted to comment at one session. The Select Committee may recess if there are no registered speakers present at any time. The Select Committee will recess for lunch between Session I and Session II.

Meeting information
WHO: Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan
WHAT: Public Hearing (two sessions)
WHEN: Monday, May 19
9:30 a.m. for remote public comment
4 p.m. for in-person public comment
WHERE: Council Chamber, City Hall, 600 4th Avenue

How to register
Session I: Registration for remote speakers – 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Register here: seattle.gov/council/committees/public-comment</a>

Session II: Registration for in-person speakers – 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

In-person public comment will be accepted beginning at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers, at City Hall
Speakers must be registered in order to be recognized by the Chair and will be called in the order registered. Registration for each public hearing session will end at the established time.

February 5 Public Hearing Attendees
Members of the public whose registered speaker’s numbers were not called at the February 5 Comprehensive Plan public hearing will be required to re-register for the May 19 public hearing. There will be a separate, clearly marked check-in location for these individuals. City Council staff has been provided with a list of names to work directly with these individuals to ensure their public comment is heard in a timely manner.

Submit Written Comment
You may also submit written public comments to the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan by email to council@seattle.gov. Written comments should be received by Monday, May 19, 2025, at 5 p.m.

HB 1110 is the bill passed last year by the State Legislature that basically ended single-family zoning, as explained in this city document.

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West Seattle 5K 2025, report #2: See all the racers, and learn about this year’s added ingredient

May 18, 2025 6:09 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos by Oliver Hamlin and Tracy Record)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The West Seattle 5K has been a success since its start in 2009. But the West Seattle High School PTSA, which organizes the WS5K as a fundraiser for WSHS programs, decided it needed a little more school spirit. So this year, they found ways to add it. Listen, for example, to the song played live in our annual video of all the runners/walkers leaving the starting line:

That’s the WSHS fight song, played by an alumni pep band assembled for the occasion, directed by Madison Middle School music leader Clark Bathum (who played tuba too). And the WSHS cheer squad contingent was larger this year:

The cross-country team rallied the runners with their own cheer:

And a WSHS student was even half the announcing team – Zola Northup, now a WSHS freshman, again joining her dad Fred Northup:

Midway through the 5K, Zola got to announce her own grandparents crossing the finish line. The WS5K is big with families – you can lose count of the strollers, for example. But lots of young runners were on the course under their own power – in fact, for the second year in a row, 12-year-old Beau Sitzmann, bib #1248, was the top female finisher, in 18:22:

Lots of cheering on the sidelines in the unexpected morning sunshine:

Top overall finisher was, as mentioned earlier, 41-year-old Kevin Hansen, bib 8556, in 15:43:

Next was 21-year-old Eric Casey, bib 194, in 16:21:

But with a record turnout of almost 1,700, the real winners were the WSHS PTSA and the students who’ll be assisted by the money they raised. Race directors this year were Athena Frederick, Pam Hembrow, and Kelley O’Connor:

(Photo courtesy WSHS PTSA)

They snagged a presenting sponsor for the first time, Proliance. And the sponsor/nonprofits zone by the Bathhouse was livelier than ever. WSB was again among the community co-sponsors, and the lineup included a few of our sponsors too – like Neighborhood Naturopathic and Primary Care:

(Drs. Lauren Oldziej, Megan Taylor, and Allison Middleman)

The West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA, with the <strong>West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s newly honored Westsider of the Year, Cleveland, joined by Madisson and CJ:

And Lori and Tim from West Seattle Runner, also newly honored as the Chamber’s Business of the Year:

WSB sponsors Dave Newman State Farm Insurance and PCC Community Markets were among the WS5K sponsors too (full list here).

One other sight of the day – many dogs on the course; you can run or walk the WS5K with your furry friend if you choose to:

Full results from today’s WS5K can be seen here.

P.S. Bonus clip from the “pep band,” performing before the race:

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SALMON: Midpoint of Fauntleroy fry-freeing season

May 18, 2025 4:00 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(Photos by Dave Gershgorn. Above, Dennis Hinton guides a student)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Volunteers Dennis Hinton, Pete Draughon, and Shannon Ninburg were on hand Friday (May 16) to help 52 eager first graders from Roxhill Elementary put 125 coho fry into upper Fauntleroy Creek at the midpoint of release season.

(Above, Shannon Ninburg with students)

By the end of this month, the Fauntleroy Watershed Council will have hosted 22 releases involving about 850 students, preschool through post secondary. Most will have reared their fish through the Salmon in the Schools program coordinated by Seattle Public Utilities.

The fry will grow in the creek for almost a year before heading to saltwater as smolts. To document how many survived since last year, volunteers installed soft traps in the upper and lower creek on March 15 and checked them two or three times daily through May 15.

Of the 21 smolts they counted, 13 would have been fish released last spring by students in the park. Most of the rest would have been “home hatch” from fall 2024 spawning in the lower creek.

(Photos by Dave Gershgorn. Above, Pete Draughon explains aquatic bugs)

“The number of smolts tells us a lot about how healthy the creek is for juvenile salmon,” said Dennis. “It’s an indicator of how clean and cold the water is, how much food they were able to find, and how well vegetation protected them from predators.”

The last release of the season will be for anyone in the community who wants to put a fish in the water on Sunday, June 1, 1:00-3:00 pm at the big bridge in Fauntleroy Park.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Box, docs, pics, blanket stolen in car break-in

May 18, 2025 3:17 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report:

May 17th between 1 am and 10 am Someone broke into my car between 61st and 62nd on Stevens St near Alki and stole a circlar purple burgundy angel vintage box that had some important papers inside. Last names: Glen and Williams; please let me know if you see it or find it. My neighbor’s work van was also hit. Please let me know if you find it or any paperwork or photos.

Here is na AI generated photo of box that looks similar it had many memories ,photos childhood photos and important documents with my name on it

There was also a blanket that is very special to me that was in the box. Below is a photo.

I’m offering a reward if I can get it back.

We don’t have the police report # yet but if you find any of these items let us know and we’ll connect you.

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Ready for another 5K? Memorial Day 5K planned at South Seattle College this Thursday, to honor veterans

May 18, 2025 1:03 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Holidays | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

While we put together our full report on this morning’s biggest-ever West Seattle 5K, here’s news of another 5K coming up just before the holiday weekend: The Memorial Day 5K on Thursday at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), one of several holiday-related events – here’s the announcement:

South Seattle College’s Veterans Student Center will host a 5K walk/run in observance of Memorial Day 2025 on Thursday, May 22 at 1:00 pm. The event is open to students, staff, faculty, and the local community. Course map:

Come together in a show of support and remembrance. Whether you’re a veteran, related to one, or simply wish to honor those who served, this event is for you.

Register here: forms.office.com/r/MaPGX4p9c6?origin=lprLink. T-shirts and light refreshments will be provided.

Additional Memorial Day activities at South Seattle College will include:

Thursday, May 22, 2025
Flag Ceremony | 7:30 AM
Join us for a solemn and respectful flag-raising ceremony.

Miniature Flag Display
A special flag tribute will be on display throughout the day on the “little lawn” near the Jerry Brockey Building. Take a moment to visit and reflect.

5K Run/Walk | 1:00 PM (registration required)

Thursday, May 29, 2025
A Salute to Veterans Event
This special event brings together students, staff, and veterans to reflect on the legacy of those who gave their lives in military service. The program will feature guest speakers, a moment of reflection, and a barbecue to foster community and connection. More details to follow.

We’ll update this story next week when the time/place for that event is announced.

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REPORT #1: 2025 West Seattle 5K on Alki, the early going

May 18, 2025 9:35 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:35 AM: The West Seattle 5K is on! Almost 1,700 runners and walkers just left the start/finish line near 61st/Alki, headed east/northeast. Alki and Harbor Avenues are closed to through traffic in the area until after the 5K. Updates and lots of coverage to come!

9:46 AM: The first finishers have crossed the line! Kevin Hansen, 41, was first to finish, in 15:43.

10:41 AM: Down to stragglers now so the plan to reopen the streets around 11 looks to be on track. We’ll have a full report separately later! (ADDED: See that here.)

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BASEBALL: West Seattle HS takes second @ district tournament, headed next to state

May 18, 2025 9:13 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Wildcats’ Clay Pecora)

Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

West Seattle High School finished second in the District 2 3A baseball tournament, losing to the Ballard Beavers on Saturday by a score of 2-1 at Steve Cox Memorial Park‘s Mel Olson Stadium. It was a chilly afternoon, with an occasional downpour that sent fans crowding toward the center of the covered seats. The players were unfazed by the weather and the game was tight throughout the contest.

Ballard capitalized on classic small-ball play in the first inning, scoring a run on a single and stolen base followed by an RBI single. West Seattle threatened to tie up the game in the third when Ryan Typpi (photo above) walked and Lincoln Scott was hit by a pitch. With two out and runners on first and second, Sacha Ninburg ripped a single to center field, but Typpi was gunned down at home on a great throw by the Ballard outfielder to end the inning. Ballard added an insurance run in the bottom of the third, fueled by a double and an RBI single to take a 2-0 lead.

Ninburg continued his torrid hitting in the top of the sixth, crushing a lead-off double. Clay Pecore followed with a run-scoring single, narrowing Ballard’s lead to 2-1. In the seventh, West Seattle loaded the bases with a walk, a single by Cody Buehring, and another walk. But the Ballard closing pitcher was able to work out of the jam with three fly ball outs to end the ball game.

West Seattle pitchers Jacob McCall, Seth Rutman (photo above), and Oliver Heltzel combined to limit a talented Ballard team to just two runs.

Both teams are headed to the 3A State Championship tournament, which starts Tuesday at various sites; the final rounds will take place in Yakima.

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West Seattle 5K this morning, Rhodies FC this afternoon, and more for your Sunday

May 18, 2025 6:03 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

It’s finally here – the peninsula’s biggest run/walk of the year!

The West Seattle 5K, organized by and benefiting the West Seattle High School PTSA, takes off from 61st/Alki around 9:30 am, heading to Anchor/Luna Park and back; Alki/Harbor Avenues, and some side streets, will close to through traffic starting around 8 am. Still need to register? Do it online. Or just come down to cheer the 1,600+ participants – and the special band assembled for the occasion! (The WS5K’s community co-sponsors include WSB.)

Here are other highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s Sunday Funday run leaves from Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way), 9 am.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with spring produce (lots of greens! asparagus too) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

MASTER GARDENERS: While at the market, you can look for Master Gardeners, ready to answer your questions! Sundays this spring and summer, they’re back at the market, 10 am-2 pm.

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am Sundays, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)

ALKI UCC DONATION DRIVE: Drop off donations in the church‘s front courtyard 11 am-3 pm:

This month’s priority needs:
Clean and wearable Men’s Work/Casual Clothing
New Socks
Non-Perishable Food
We also welcome clean and wearable men’s/women’s outerwear suitable for the season, hygiene items and camping gear. Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

(6115 SW Hinds)

(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)

PEONY FESTIVAL: 11 am-4 pm again today at the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus, 6000 16th SW) – arts and crafts today but no performances; our calendar listing has the schedule link.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get something done? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.

SECOND WEEKEND FOR COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open again today during the second of six preseason weekends, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.

‘THE IDOLATRY OF WHITENESS’: Third session of six-week class at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), noon-1:15 pm. Details in our calendar listing.

RHODIES FC’S FIRST HOME GAME, + MARCH TO THE MATCH: Gather at EC Hughes Playground (2805 SW Holden) for a 12:30 pm “March to the Match,” with activities, heading for Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) for Rhodies FC‘s 2 pm match vs. Salmon Bay (tickets here).

DISASTER RESILIENCE BIKE RIDE: 1 pm family-friendly ride to demonstrate the roles bicyclists can play after catastrophe. Meet at Salvation Army in South Delridge (9050 16th SW).

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

CALLING ALL ADVANCED CRIBBAGE PLAYERS: 2 pm twice-monthly fast-paced play at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required.

WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – this month’s title is “The Great Gatsby.”

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Fan Club performs album-release show, 5 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

YOGA & CREATIVITY CLASS: 5 pm at Limber Yoga (7901 35th SW), $29.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Wrap up your weekend with Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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SOCCER: Emotional end to Chief Sealth IHS boys’ season

May 17, 2025 11:39 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Saturday night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, the Chief Sealth International High School boys’ soccer team suffered a heartbreaking district-tournament loss to Tukwila’s Foster High School, falling in a dramatic penalty-kick shootout, 1-1 (3-1).

With a berth in the state-championship tournament on the line, both teams played with passion, intensity and grit. Sealth struck early in the first half when Seijiro Azinger netted a quick goal, giving the Seahawks a 1-0 lead they held for most of the game. Controlling possession and dictating the pace, Sealth looked poised to close it out. But despite dominating the run of play, the team couldn’t capitalize on its scoring opportunities and it came back to haunt them.

Late in the second half, the game took a stunning turn. The referee called a rarely enforced violation on the Sealth goalkeeper for holding the ball longer than six seconds — violating the so-called “six-second rule,” which requires the ball to be put back in play promptly. The call awarded Foster an indirect free kick from where the goalie had been holding the ball — in this case from point-blank range. The Foster players crowded on the goal line and managed to tip in the kick, leveling the score at 1-1.

Neither team could break the deadlock through two tense five-minute overtime periods, sending the match to penalty kicks. There, Foster’s goalkeeper emerged as the hero, making three crucial saves. Sealth managed just one conversion as Foster claimed the shootout 3-1.

The final whistle triggered an outpouring of emotion. Several Sealth players collapsed on the turf, devastated by the sudden end to a hard-fought season. It was a cruel reminder of soccer’s unforgiving nature — where a single call, a missed chance, or a brilliant save can change everything.

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PREVIEW: Updates/reminders about Sunday morning’s West Seattle 5K

May 17, 2025 10:05 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

The West Seattle 5K on Alki is just hours away – 9:30 am Sunday. Here’s what else you should know:

MUSIC & CHEERING: Just received this update from the organizers at the West Seattle HS PTSA late tonight:

New this year, we have formed a WS5K Pep Band to cheer on the runners and entertain the crowd! The all volunteer WS5K Pep Band is under the direction of Clark Bathum (Madison Middle School band director), and made up of WSHS band alumni, Madison music students, and even a Madison teacher (Mr. Ashish Meloottu, English). The talented Mr. Bathum will both direct and play (tuba) as part of the WS5K Pep Band!

The band is scheduled to play a set of crowd favorites during the pre-race festivities from 9:05-9:10, plus the WSHS fight song at 9:30 to kick off the start of the race.

Plus, there will also be 30 members of the award-winning WSHS Cheer team present to cheer on all 1600 (and counting) runners/walkers.

Come out to the 5K early to enjoy the musical talents of our Pep Band!

The start/finish line is around 61st/Alki
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LAST-MINUTE REGISTRATION: It’s all online so if you’re not signed up yet, do it here before you even leave the house. We’re told 1,600+ are signed up so far!

STREET CLOSURES: The route is to Anchor/Luna Park on Duwamish Head and back; Alki and Harbor Avenues will be closed to through traffic starting around 8 am, and connecting side streets are for local traffic only. Here’s the Metro Route 50 reroute (so far the advisories don’t include the Water Taxi shuttles, though).

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PREVIEW: West Seattle Rhodies FC plays first home match Sunday – and you can march to it

May 17, 2025 6:45 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Tomorrow, West Seattle soccer fans will get their first look at the new pre-professional soccer team Rhodies FC, and you’re invited to March to the Match, too.

Named for the Rhododendron flower, to represent a commitment to community and strength, The Rhodies will make their home debut Sunday at 2 pm against Ballard’s Salmon Bay FC. The Rhodies are affiliated with West Seattle Junction FC, which made its own debut a year ago, following a trend of growth for pre-professional soccer across the last several years.

As a new USL W League team, the Rhodies are joining an ever-expanding network of almost 100 clubs across the country, since the league’s inaugural season in 2022.

(Rhodies Head Coach Lyndsey Patterson at a recent training session – photo by Erik Sandvik @slow_snaps)

The Rhodies’ head coach is Lyndsey Patterson, a 24-year veteran of women’s soccer with experience coaching at University of Tennessee and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, as well as a professional career spanning seven years, including time with Seattle Reign FC and Seattle Sounders Women.

The ties to West Seattle Junction FC, the Rhodies are embedded in the community. According to their website, “Just as Rhododendrons thrive in clusters, our strength lies in unity. We are deeply connected to West Seattle, committed to building relationships that strengthen our local soccer culture and bring people together.”

The Rhodies’ home field is Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). Fans are invited to get there via a family-friendly March to the Match ahead of time, from EC Hughes Playground a few blocks north. Here’s the plan:

Participating in the march and its adjacent activities is free, but tickets will be required to watch the Rhodies play. They are available online here. Tomorrow is one of five home matches on the Rhodies’ inaugural schedule.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound bridge’s west end reopened

May 17, 2025 5:43 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:43 PM: Traffic headed toward the west end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge is being detoured onto Admiral. We are not seeing any current crash reports but a reader did note that jersey barriers in the area were out of place earlier.

6:02 PM: Checking the live camera, westbound traffic is flowing to the Fauntleroy end of the bridge, so the blockage/closure is over.

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: Peony Festival 2025 at Seattle Chinese Garden

May 17, 2025 4:45 pm

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| Puget Ridge | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

WSB PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN

The first day of this year’s Peony Festival at the Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle College campus drew more visitors than you might expect on a gray, showery day. But this was the day for performances and demonstrations, like grounds manager Julian Leung demonstrating Tai Chi:

Flautist Michael serenaded festivalgoers:

You could make a paper peony, as Rhonda was doing:

Or photograph the festival’s namesake flower:

Enjoy tea:

Or just wander the garden, sightseeing, as we found Joshua, Sarah, and Juniper doing:

The festival continues 11 am-4 pm tomorrow. Admission to the gardens, on the north end of the campus at 6000 16th SW on Puget Ridge, is by donation.

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Remembrance, crime updates, housing policy, membership growth & more @ Fauntleroy Community Association’s May meeting

May 17, 2025 3:11 pm

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| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The Fauntleroy Community Association gathered for their May meeting on Tuesday night, featuring discussion about crime and safety, housing, recruiting new members and sharing remembrances of one of their own.

The public meeting was held in the packed front room of the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, with FCA president Frank Immel facilitating.

REMEMBERING MIKE DEY: Members expressed heartfelt condolences regarding the loss of longtime FCA president Mike Dey, who died in April. The group shared memories of Mike, highlighting his significant contributions as a community leader, friend, and pillar of the neighborhood. His impact on the association and the community was deeply felt, and members acknowledged the ongoing grief and the challenge of moving forward in his absence. Dey’s wife Susan Lantz-Dey was also praised for her partnership and significant contributions. Immel called Dey a dear friend and said FCA meant so much to him, and that “we have to figure out a way forward without him; his legacy will live on.”

CRIME PREVENTION AND COMMUNITY SAFETY: Joining the meeting remotely was SPD’s Jennifer Satterwhite, Crime Prevention Coordinator from the Southwest Precinct, who presented a recent batch of crime statistics for the area, saying that overall “the numbers look great.”

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: First day of 2025 for Delridge Farmers’ Market

May 17, 2025 1:03 pm

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| Delridge | West Seattle news

The Delridge Farmers’ Market is back! As previewed here, the Saturday market presented by African Community Housing and Development has returned to the courtyard of Hope Academy (9421 18th SW). More than two dozen vendors are there today, about a fourth of them farmers like Masra from Coyote Run in the Sammamish Valley:

If you like salad, check out his tables:

He’ll be back in two weeks with more, including pea vines and lettuce. Rotation is part of Delridge Farmers’ Market’s secret sauce – more than 60 vendors are on the list for this season. Today, they also include Jeanne from Bahati Farm in Kent:

Her greens include deep-purple lettuce:

Despite the drippy weather, this BIPOC-vendor-focused market was bustling. The layout includes covered table areas where you can sit and enjoy the fresh-cooked food you’ll find at some stands – beverages too, with coffee and tea providers. Some vendors are along the sidewalk bordering 18th SW (like Akio’s Bakery, with offerings including miso chocolate chip cookies). And if you can’t get there before closing time today, make plans for next Saturday (May 24), when the market will officially celebrate the new season with a ribboncutting ceremony at 10 am.

P.S. Besides the merits of what the growers and vendors are selling, DFM suggests reasons to support the market include its buyback program for any merchandise that hasn’t been purchased by closing time, and the fact ACHD does not take a percentage – the sellers keep all their proceeds.

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West Seattle Democratic Women to host all three 34th District state legislators

May 17, 2025 11:22 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

While the City Council gets much of the elected-official attention, state legislators are the ones with the power to make many types of laws that affect you. All three of our state’s legislators, House Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon and Brianna Thomas, and State Sen. Emily Alvarado, are scheduled to speak with the West Seattle Democratic Women at the group’s next meeting, 5 pm Thursday (May 22), and all are welcome. This is their first public joint appearance in West Seattle since the Legislature’s adjournment. Since the WSDW has dinner meetings (at the West Seattle Golf Course, 4470 35th SW), RSVPs are requested well in advance, but you can also email them to ask about attendance without dinner – all that info is in our calendar listing.