West Seattle, Washington
18 Thursday
Summer break is now two months away, and it’s been a while since we reminded you about some local options for camp. When last we spoke with Erin Rubin from Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and Mode Music and Performing Arts, she said they still have some openings, so check it out if your summer’s not yet all booked:
ARE YOU READY TO ROCK WITH MODE MUSIC STUDIOS?!
It’s time for a summer of Rock Bands with Mode Music Studios! We’re offering camps for ages 6-11 and 12+ this time around. Camps run 9-12:00 for our 6-11 crowd and 12:30-2:30 for our 12+. Finish up the week with a Saturday live performance at our favorite neighbor venue, The Skylark, next door!
Turn it into a full day of camp for our 6-11’s by signing up for an afternoon of music and theatre classes at our nonprofit MMPA – keep scrolling for more info and sign up for a rock band at the link below!
MMPA PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN MUSIC AND THEATER SUMMER CAMPS – LET’S GET CREATIVE!
All of our MMPA camps are offered as half and full days at a pay-what you can rate, so they’re accessible to everyone. Half-day camps run 9-12:00 and 12:30-3:30 and are available for grades K-5. Hang with us for lunch in-between and double up for a full day of fun! Don’t miss out on another creative summer with us. Click the link below to sign up!
modemusicandperformingarts.org/camps
Though Seattle Parks paused the plan to set up pickleball courts on a Lincoln Park slab that once held tennis courts, its final fate has yet to be announced. Last night, before giving the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners a presentation about Parks’ “Pickleball and Tennis Vision,” deputy superintendent Andy Sheffer said they were “on the cusp of a decision” about it. Superintendent AP Diaz also promised that “more information on Lincoln Park is coming.” But that was all meant mostly to make sure those in attendance who were interested in LP – the subject of several public comments at the meeting’s start – knew it would not be specifically addressed in the presentation. Here’s what was:
Parks officials said that pickleball is growing, and while they said their presentation did not include “solutions” for addressing the need, they promised it would lay out a “path to find solutions.” That path includes designating four “hubs” around the city, two each for pickleball and tennis. Locations were listed for three, but not for the south pickleball hub (which would be for the area including West Seattle, though not necessarily in West Seattle):
Here’s how a hub would work:
No prospective sites for the “south” hub were mentioned; early in the presentation, this slide showed where dedicated pickleball and tennis courts are located in the city now:
You can see the full slide deck here. There was a heavy emphasis on encouraging use of pickleball rackets using noise-reduction technology, as part of the “vision,” to address persistent concerns about the sport’s noise; the Parks officials also promised to improve communication, in part by setting up online and in-person groups.
No timeline was mentioned for the next update.
(File photo via SPU)
ORIGINAL REPORT: We’ve gotten some questions about whether Seattle Public Utilities is planning a West Seattle compost giveaway this year. One has appeared on SPU’s Beyond the Cart page: 10 am-1 pm Saturday, May 4, in the Westcrest Park P-patch parking lot. SPU reminds those interested, “These events give away bulk compost, so remember to bring a shovel and a container to load and haul your compost.” There’s a limit, too, although not listed currently on the SPU page.
ADDED TUESDAY: Important additional info from SPU:
This year, Seattle Public Utilities is adopting a more focused community approach by hosting smaller compost events. The primary objective is to channel resources towards communities that historically face challenges in accessing composting. This more targeted approach is being led by community partners, like Grow Northwest, in West Seattle.
Those who attend will be provided up to 6 cubic feet of compost (unlike previous years where SPU offered a maximum of 14 cubic feet).
To mitigate traffic congestion and enhance accessibility, vehicles will not be permitted to drive up to the compost collection area. Attendees will be directed to park nearby and access compost on foot.
3:05 PM: If you’re noticing police activity in the Westwood Village/Roxhill Park area, it’s because of a shoplift-turned-robbery at the shopping center. According to the dispatch, Ross security tried to stop a shoplifter, who subsequently flashed a gun. They were last seen heading toward Roxhill Park. We haven’t heard a description so far. The Guardian One helicopter is arriving to help with the search.
3:08 PM: According to the description just given to the helicopter crew, they’re looking for a “light-skinned Black man, 25-30, 5’10”, medium build, black face cover, black hoodie with a tie-dye shirt.”
3:22 PM: No one matching that description was in view from the air, so the helicopter has moved on.
5:48 PM: Commenters say the robbery was at Marshalls, not Ross, though the latter is what was initially dispatched. A final written report won’t be available before Monday.
(WSB photos and video)
Providence Mount St. Vincent‘s centennial celebration opened ceremonially, including the opening of a time capsule, with a little help from a team from West Seattle’s Nucor steel mill, which produced steel that built “The Mount” a century ago.
It’s a day full of history, including photos and items dating back to the elder-care and rehabilitation facility’s early days in the 1920s.
Both County Executive Dow Constantine and Mayor Bruce Harrell issued proclamations in honor of the occasion:
Reflections about the Sisters of Providence founding The Mount were shared by Providence executive Dianna Reely, after an introduction by emcee Brian Callanan:
A rededication ribbon-cutting followed:
As noted in our calendar listing, you still have time to go to The Mount (4831 35th SW) and participate in today’s celebration – with an ongoing open house this afternoon and a free family movie at 5 pm.
Here’s a reminder about three events this weekend that can help with your spring cleaning in a variety of ways:
FREE RECYCLING SATURDAY: That’s the list from Fauntleroy Church for its twice-yearly Recycle Roundup, happening 9 am-3 pm Saturday (April 27) in the church lot. (You can also see it here in PDF.) Just drive up or ride/walk up and Recycle Roundup partner DTG Recycle/1 Green Planet will take your item(s). The lot is at 9140 California SW.
DRUG TAKE-BACK WITH SHREDDING SATURDAY: Also on Saturday, the twice-yearly Drug Take-Back Day dropoff event is happening outside the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster), 10 am-2 pm, and this year SPD is offering free shredding, too (up to three boxes) – bring nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank.
FREE SHREDDING AND FOOD DRIVE SUNDAY: On Sunday (April 28), 9 am-noon, you can shred with John L. Scott Real Estate Westwood (WSB sponsor), which will be accepting food/money donations for the White Center Food Bank. Look for the canopy and truck in the northwest lot at Westwood Village (west of the former Bed Bath and Beyond, north of the future Daiso).
Two weeks from tomorrow, on Saturday, May 11, West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day will be nothing short of amazing. Registration is closed as of 12 hours ago (sorry, no way to sneak in late signups this year, the database is locked down) and we have 525 sales registered – the most ever, by far! We’re almost done reviewing the registrations, and compiling a list of highlights (one sale, for example, promises “Grandpa’s mystery novels that he wants someone to read” while another has “So many wool shirts!” and another says it’ll be a “plumber’s dream,” and there are sellers with gear for a wide range of pastimes, from sports to camping to fishing to kayaking to skiing and … well, watch for the previews). So what happens now? We’re working on the map and printable guide so they’ll be ready for perusal one week before WSCGSD, so look for the links here and at westseattlegaragesale.com on Saturday, May 4. If you’re a seller, tell your friends, relatives, co-workers, etc. that West Seattle is the place to be on May 11. Official WSCGSD hours are 9 am to 3 pm, but some sellers are opening earlier and/or closing later, while some are adding extra days – all that will be in the guide. Wondering about the point of all this? One big day of person-to-person recycling, where you get to meet neighbors and new friends, in the community-building spirit of the nonprofit that founded WSCGSD in 2005 (turning it over to WSB in 2008). So as we always say … stand by for updates!
(Crow at Seacrest, photographed by Robin Sinner)
Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FINAL DAY FOR TRANSPORTATION LEVY FEEDBACK: Got something to say about the mayor’s proposed renewal/expansion transportation levy? Today’s the final day for feedback on the draft – go here to provide yours.
WATER TAXI EXTENDED HOURS: Second Friday for the Water Taxi’s spring/summer hours, which add Friday and Saturday later-evening service each week.
STAY & PLAY INDOOR GYM: Free drop-in play, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.
LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Seattle Public Library‘s just-announced closure days continue; the West Seattle (Admiral) branch will not be open, but it’s regular hours today for our area’s other libraries.
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION: Providence Mount St. Vincent is celebrating its 100th anniversary today starting with a 10:30 am ceremony, continuing with a noon “group hug” photo outside the building, and including a free outdoor family movie at 5 pm. (4831 35th SW)
WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD SALE: Not just rummage-sale items, but plant starts too! 11 am-3 pm. (1409 SW 107th)
SOCCER SENIOR NIGHT: Big night for the Wildcat boys – here’s the announcement:
Tonight is Senior Night at Walt Hundley Field when West Seattle hosts Eastside Catholic at 4:00. Seniors Sam Holman, Charles Twombley, Will Jacobs, Finn Olander, Rex Reifel, Aleister Alfstad, Gavin King (L to R), and Hayden Rayner, and Devon Ghali (not pictured), will play their final game for the Wildcats.
(Photo by Brandon Faloona)
A short ceremony to honor the seniors will follow the game.
(34th/Myrtle)
VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room/wine bar open tonight for wine by the glass or bottle – 5-9 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Acid Tongue onstage at 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Sugar Bones, Thief Motif, M. Femme. Doors at 7 pm, show at 8. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SHOWCASE AT THE SPOT: Fridays are Live Artist Showcase nights at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), 7-10 pm.
FINAL WEEKEND FOR ‘ENGLISH’: At ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7:30 pm. If the ticket link in our calendar listing shows that it’s sold out, check directly with the AW box office.
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Music 9 pm-1 am on Fridays! (4547 California SW)
MAKE IT LOUD! Skate to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), 9 pm-midnight, this week featuring Gender Envy, Fox Medicine, Mutual Stoke. $18 cover + $5 skate rental
LATE-NIGHT SINGING: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Something to add to our calendar? westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo, November 2023)
When that Peace Pole was installed last November outside the building that holds the Westside Neighbors Shelter (currently in operation as a warming center), West Seattle Veteran Center, and American Legion Post 160, future plans were described for more. If you can spare some time tomorrow morning, you can help – Catherine sent the announcement:
(Here is) a request for volunteers to show up this Saturday April 27th at 10 AM at our WS Warming Center, 3618 SW Alaska St. (American Legion Hall) to help Keith Hughes with a special project. He is removing sod and installing a gravel path and Peace Poles in front of the center. Keith has plans and materials; he needs helping hands. Interested folks can show up at 10 am Saturday or contact me for more information: catherinemann (at) comcast.net
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 26.
LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE
The West Seattle low bridge is closed for a seventh day, expected to reopen no later than early Monday morning; here’s SDOT info about the closure, including how to get free bus or Water Taxi trips.
SDOT’s update at end-of-day Thursday: “The new control system is in. You may see the bridge opening and closing as we conduct test openings for the next few days. These tests determine if the new control system is working as intended.”
ROAD-WORK ALERTS
*The Delridge pedestrian-bridge earthquake-safety project continues at Delridge/Oregon, down to two lanes for the project’s duration, up to one year.
*Final work on the permanent Highland Park Way/Holden signal is under way, as previewed here.
*If you’re going to Westwood Village, note that road work is under way at the center, requiring some detouring:
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners are back in town, starting a homestand at 6:40 pm tonight vs. Arizona.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Showers, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:59 am; sunset will be at 8:15 pm.
TRANSIT NOTES
Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.
Water Taxi today – Regular schedule, including the later-evening trips for spring/summer schedule tonight and Saturday. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is.
Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
High Bridge – the main camera:
High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):
1st Ave. S. Bridge:
Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.
BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.
If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
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