day : 23/03/2025 13 results

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

(Photo by Stewart L.)

Or, you can call them “boulders.” That’s how they were described in a wide-ranging Alki Community Council meeting this past Thursday, facilitated by ACC president Charlotte Starck.

DON ARMENI IMPROVEMENTS: Seattle Parks didn’t have a speaker at the meeting but ACC had been in contact and learned that the boulders were placed to discourage drivers from going up onto the grassy area. More are planned. And more speed bumps to slow drivers inside the park. Parks has also added a gate, so both the entrance and exit are gated. They’ve also reinstalled “parking signs after they keep getting removed.” Parks also has been coordinating with SPD regarding consistently clearing out the park at 10 pm.

POLICE UPDATE: Year-to-date for Alki, said Officer German Barreto, sexual assault is the only category of crime that’s gone up. He didn’t have exact numbers. (Update: We’ve since received the numbers – two rapes reported in the Alki area year to date, compared to zero in the Alki area a year earlier.)

CARE COMMUNITY CRISIS RESPONDERS: CARE Department spokesperson Sean Blackwell was in attendance (as he usually is). He recapped the mayor’s West Seattle briefing a day earlier (WSB coverage here) about CARE Community Crisis Responders‘ expansion into Southwest and South Precinct areas. He explained the kind of call to which CARE Responders might be sent – maybe a person in crisis, walking in the street – he also explained that the team started with six responders and has now expanded to 24. Right now, they’re dispatching South and Southwest out of SODO, but (as we have reported) are working on a Southwest space. Their on-duty hours for potential dispatch are noon to 10 pm. Any particular geographic areas of emphasis in our area? They’re working right now to get the lay of the land on that, as well as walking the streets. “Please call 911 … if you see any kind of emergency,” and the people who answer will decide who to send.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Another West Seattle Bridge crash

March 23, 2025 10:24 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks for the tip on this one. It’s also on the westbound bridge, but not what some refer to as “the usual spot” – this is between the crest and the Delridge exit.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Couple’s gift transforming into community food garden

March 23, 2025 8:59 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Gardening | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Yes, the sun really did appear for a while on Saturday, and our photos from West Seattle’s newest community garden are proof. A work party at “Beyers’ Bulldog Garden” at 54th/Edmunds – a block inland from Beach Drive – was on our Saturday event list, and we stopped by to see how things were going. We just missed the biggest wave of volunteers, but there’ll be more events to come. The site has a heartwarming backstory (read it here) – Margi and Bill Beyers used to garden there, and after they died, bequeathed it to GROW. Some of their plants remain – we noted these artichokes:

That’s a hint at what Kristin Parker from GROW explains as the site’s destiny – a community-tended “food forest” including existing fruit trees, some espaliered. Donated raspberry plants are going in, too.

Though this will be operated in connection with the city’s P-Patch program, it won’t be following the model where individual gardeners sign up for individual plots – it’ll be collectively tended. You can sign up to help with this via the P-Patch website; here’s how. Part of it will be used as a “giving garden” – a shed the Beyers installed on the west side of the lot will be used to grow tomato starts!

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REMINDER: No West Seattle Water Taxi service Monday, Tuesday

March 23, 2025 6:54 pm

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| King County Water Taxi | West Seattle news

(King County Metro photo)

A reminder in case you missed the original announcement last Friday – The West Seattle Water Taxi will NOT be in service for the next two days (Monday-Tuesday, March 24-25). Metro says the two-day break is needed for work at the dock at Seacrest, “to repair damage caused by recent weather. The repairs include refastening pile guides to the docking float and replacement of pile guide bushings.”

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UPDATE: Crash at 35th/Edmunds

March 23, 2025 5:18 pm

| Comments Off on UPDATE: Crash at 35th/Edmunds

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Yet another crash of note today – this one is blocking one lane each way on 35th SW at SW Edmunds. No major injuries reported but traffic is affected, so you might consider avoiding the area for a while. (Thanks for the tip!)

6:11 PM: Just went over to check; all clear.

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GIVING: More West Seattle ‘Scouting for Food’ success

March 23, 2025 4:00 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Another local Scout troop has reported in with results of their “Scouting for Food” community donation drive. Here’s what Troop 282 asked us to share with you:

In the annual Scouting for Food project, Troop 282 scouts show how well they can work together for the better of the community. With the help of the adult volunteers, the Scouts were able to collect an impressive 863 pounds of food donations, which were then sorted out and transported to our local food bank.

The Food Bank’s generous support ensures that these contributions will go to families in need, thus making the project a huge success. This achievement is only made possible by the dedication of the participants, the Scouts and adults. This is because their efforts are in line with the values of service and kindness that Scouting embraces. If you didn’t get a chance to join in this year, there are plenty of opportunities to contribute in the future during Scouting
for Food. Thanks to everyone who made a difference – you have made a lasting impact in our community!

Troop 282 meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm at West Side Presbyterian Church. If you’re interested in seeing if scouting is for you, stop by and join us.

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VIDEO: ‘The U.S. Mail is not for sale,’ declare protesters at Westwood Village Post Office

March 23, 2025 1:21 pm

| 44 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle protests

1:21 PM: As previewed in our daily list, the National Association of Letter Carriers (postal workers’ union) called for rallies across the country today to oppose any attempts to dismantle or privatize the U.S. Postal Service, and the regional gathering for Seattle is at the Westwood Village Post Office. We’re there and so are more than 100 protesters.

1:43 PM: The speeches are concluding – along with chants such as “The US Mail is not for sale’ – and they’re planning a march around the Post Office building.

1:54 PM: They’re actually marching around the Westwood Village perimeter, on the sidewalk. Video when we’re back at HQ.

2:58 PM: First, here’s that video, as the march left the Post Office vicinity:

The marchers walked east along Trenton, then south on 25th, turning west on Barton, and that’s when we had to move on. Earlier, speakers ranged from a Westwood Village postal worker to regional labor leaders, plus union-solidarity songs from the Seattle Labor Chorus:

(We panned the crowd toward the start of that video, as they ringed the Post Office’s customer lot.) As for what to do next, speakers suggested focusing on members of Congress as those with the power to “save the Postal Service.” The message was a mix of saving the Postal Service and also reminding people that USPS employees have been working without a contract.

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UPDATE: Crash on westbound West Seattle Bridge

March 23, 2025 12:29 pm

| 43 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

12:29 PM: An emergency response toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge is for a flipped Jeep, per a reader.

12:58 PM: Log shows SFD cleared fairly quickly, indicating no major injuries.

2:29 PM: Thanks to Jackie for sending the photo, which shows that this happened in what’s been a crash-plagued spot; SDOT has said it’s “monitoring” that location, so we’ll check again tomorrow.

6:45 PM: Added above, another reader photo. Meantime, SFD tells us that firefighters/medics “assessed” a 65-year-old man but he did not need to be taken to the hospital.

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5 YEARS AGO: West Seattle Bridge’s sudden shutdown happened March 23, 2020. Here’s our annual check-in

March 23, 2025 12:00 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle Bridge Safety Project | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, March 2020),

Many news outlets have been looking back at the pandemic-related closures, five years later. If you were here in 2020, you know another shutdown compounded the shock for West Seattleites: On March 23, 2020, the city announced the West Seattle Bridge had to be shut down for safety reasons, and hours after the announcement, it was. (Here’s our as-it-happened coverage of the announcement.) No one knew that day how long the closure would last; the bridge didn’t reopen until two and a half long years later, on September 17, 2022. Those years went by with drivers clogging detour routes, particularly through Highland Park on the way to the 1st Avenue South Bridge (and if not for people working and studying at home, it would have been worse). To mark today’s shutdown anniversary, we asked SDOT this past week about the bridge’s status and condition. Here are the results of our email Q&A:

WSB: When was its most recent inspection and how did it do?

SDOT: The most recent inspection was completed in January 2024. The findings from this inspection report did not identify any changes from the previous inspection. With these positive findings we moved the frequency of bridge inspections back to a 24-month routine inspection cycle consistent with Federal guidelines for routine bridge inspections. Data from the monitoring system that was installed on the bridge will continue to be reviewed and compared with past data to see if there are any changes.

WSB: Has anything changed?

SDOT: Nothing has been observed that would trigger any follow up evaluation.

WSB: Any new cracks or other situations you’re watching?

SDOT: There are no new cracks identified. Existing cracks that were previously noted show no signs of progression.

WSB: What’s the status of the planning for the replacement someday? Is that just on the shelf or does it get taken out for an update meeting now and then so it’s always standing by?

SDOT: Based on inspections and data from the monitoring system since the repairs were completed, the bridge is performing as expected and is anticipated to continue doing so for the foreseeable future. We will continue to inspect and monitor the bridge and perform any necessary maintenance work to keep the bridge operational. The pre-planning replacement work that was completed during the design phase for the repairs is filed and remains readily available as foundational reference material if future corridor needs arise, including addressing functional obsolescence or determining if replacement is necessary.

March 23, 2020, was also the day that – two and a half hours after the West Seattle Bridge shutdown announcement – then-Gov. Inslee announced his stay-home order. (If you want to see the entirety of what we covered that day – dominated by pandemic-related info – you can scroll through this one-day archive.)

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Kiwanis Club’s seed giveaway at Farmers’ Market

March 23, 2025 10:42 am

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| Gardening | Kiwanis Club of West Seattle | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

(WSB photo: Denis and Mike from the Kiwanis Club with a booth visitor)

Classic showery spring weather brings thoughts of gardening to come. The Kiwanis Club of West Seattle is hoping to make it happen for more classrooms and families with its annual seed giveaway; today’s the day, at the Kiwanis booth at the south end of the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. Though the pickup of vegetable and flower seeds is geared for the teachers and parents who responded to the invitation we published last fall, they have some extras too, first-come first-served. Supporting youth is a cornerstone of what the Kiwanis Club does, and this is part of that. The seed pickup is scheduled to continue until about 1 pm.

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UPDATE: Olson Place crash

March 23, 2025 8:53 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:53 AM: Thanks to Collin for the photo and report that one lane is blocked southbound at Olson/3rd.

9:47 AM: No SFD callout, which indicates no injuries of note.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 18 things to do (updated)

March 23, 2025 6:07 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 18 things to do (updated)

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Dave Gershgorn)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are possibilities for your Sunday:

CANCELED – RAIN WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE JAMBOREE: 9 am-6 pm at Bar-S Fields (6425 SW Admiral Way), cheer for WSLL players as they start their season! Details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s run leaves from Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 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: Open 10 am-2 pm, with early-spring produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!) 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)

SEED GIVEAWAY AT THE MARKET: 10 am-1 pm, the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle will be there (near California/Alaska) with free seeds both for those who ordered them and for others interested.

DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The Longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

KINDIE WEST MUSIC SERIES: The Sunday morning family-music concerts are back! First of five concerts, 10:30 am at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), this time starring Harmonica Pocket.

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

READY FREDDY PREP PARTY: 11 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), preparedness coach Alice Kuder shows you how to get started with getting ready – our calendar listing has registration info.

TILDEN SCHOOL BOOK FAIR: Last day! Make a purchase at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW), mention Tilden School (WSB sponsor) at checkout, and part of the proceeds will benefit the school.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

SAVE THE POSTAL SERVICE: Regional protest as part of a nationwide demonstration against dismantling/privatizing the U.S. Postal Service, 1 pm outside Westwood Post Office (2725 SW Trenton)

WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: The resistance group has a meeting for newcomers at 1:30 pm, for everyone else (newcomers welcome to stay) at 3 pm, both at South Seattle College‘s CAB cafeteria at center of campus, enter from north and park in north lot. (6000 16th SW)

VISIT NEPENTHE: Big afternoon at the little shop (9447 35th SW):

Art Show featuring glass artist Judy Popky
Open house
*Food * Drinks * Chair massage*

2-5 pm.

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

NATURE JOURNALING: Nature journaling with Alma at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) – register here.

SPRING EQUINOX YOGA & TAROT WORKSHOP: With Natalie, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6:30 pm. $50. Register here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music – 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 our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation in church parking lot (updated Monday)

March 23, 2025 12:41 am

| 20 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

12:41 AM: Police are on both sides of SW Roxbury around 18th SW after a report of gunfire. So far it sounds like they’ve confirmed bullet damage along the parking lot on the south side of Holy Family, including at least three vehicles, and at least 19 shell casings. Officers told dispatch that witnesses reported three people getting out of a white Tesla, opening fire, then getting back into it and leaving. No injuries reported so far.

12:46 AM: Officers just told dispatch there are two scenes in the parking lot, and the second one has at least 15 “handgun rounds.” They’ve mentioned finding “rifle casings” too. But now another witness is telling police the Tesla was dark, not white.

12:54 AM: Police report finding a “bullet fragment” inside a building adjacent to the church lot. (Note that this is an SPD investigation despite Holy Family being south of Roxbury; the city limit jogs south there to keep the church campus inside the city.)

ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: We asked SPD for report narrative – which would provide the most details made publicly available until and unless someone is arrested and prosecuted. Here’s the entirety of the redacted report we received:

On 03/23/2025 at 0024 hours I was working uniformed patrol as 3F2. I was dispatched to 94XX 18 Av SW for a report of shots being fired. I arrived with multiple officers and was notified by people at a large event at the XXXX that the shots were fired further south. The scene was located at 96XX 20 Av SW in the parking lot to the south.

Officers arrived and were advised by witnesses that four suspects were firing shots from handguns and a rifle. Witness XXXX stated that he had XXXX of the incident. Officers provided XXXX with the XXXX XXXX. The four suspects that were shooting and one driver fled the scene in a dark colored, unknown plate XXXX, southbound in the alleyway.

Suspect #1 Unknown race male, black puffy jacket hood up, blue jeans. Suspect #2 Unknown race male, XXXX. Suspect #3 Unknown race male, XXXX. Suspect #4 Unknown race male, black hoodie and XXXX. Suspect #5 Unknown race male was driving the Tesla.

No victims were located at the scene or surrounding area. Multiple vehicles were struck in the parking lot and damaged. Approximately XXXX and live rounds were located at the scene. There were no indications that this was a hate crime associated with the Ramadan event taking place nearby. GVRU and the Duty Captain were notified. GVRU responded and processed the scene.

The Ramadan event is a reference to a mosque on the other side of Roxbury, where the gunfire was clearly heard, but there was no indication any actually happened there (there was some initial police response while officers sorted out what had happened and where). GVRU is short for SPD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit.

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