West Seattle, Washington
17 Saturday
As we cool down from a recordsetting warm day (73 degrees!) we have a truly cool invitation: The eighth-graders of Our Lady of Guadalupe hope to see you in the audience at their one-night-only performance of “Frozen” this Thursday:
On with the snow! Our OLG 8th graders are thrilled to invite you to their one-night only performance of Frozen! All friends, neighbors and community members welcome!
Where: Our Lady Of Guadalupe School (Walmesley Center & Gym) – located on the stage inside the gymnasium:
3401 SW Myrtle St (34th & SW Myrtle)When: Thursday, March 27th, 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
Show Run Time: approx 40 minutes
Cost: The event is free with a suggested donation of $1 per person. We are accepting donations to help us recoup our costs and to help build our volunteer parent, teacher and student-run program.
Concessions: Snacks and beverages will be available for purchase before and after the performance. Proceeds benefit our 8th grade musical program at Our Lady Of Guadalupe. No outside food or drink, please.
Please come check it out and support our West Seattle community. The show is one night only – don’t miss it!
Before last weekend gets too far in the rear-view mirror, we have more “Scouting for Food” results, this time from Pack 793, whose collection we’d previewed:
On Saturday, March 22nd, Cub Scouts from Pack 793 picked up 600 pounds of donations and delivered them to the West Seattle Food Bank. From the scouts, we thank all of our generous neighbors for making a difference in the lives of the hungry, and from the Pack leadership, an extra thanks for giving our scouts the opportunity to do good in our community.
Interested in joining Scouts? Check us out at pack793.com
(National Weather Service infographic)
It might just miss us … or not. Thanks to Guy for the tip that the National Weather Service is beginning to get a bit clearer about the wild weather that might sweep through Puget Sound tomorrow afternoon. From the NWS’s latest “forecast discussion” – again, this is all for Wednesday:
* MID MORNING: An initial wave of moisture will move toward the Olympic Peninsula, and showers and embedded thunderstorms may develop west of the Puget Sound. The primary threats of this initial wave will be lightning and the potential for small hail/graupel. However, a large amount of uncertainty exists over the intensity of this precipitation and how far inland these showers will develop.
* EARLY AFTERNOON: Activity will decrease across western Washington with a lull in shower and thunderstorm activity midday. Southerly flow aloft will continue to advect warm air into the region, and daytime heating with some cloud clearing will allow the environment to become very unstable by the early afternoon. …
* AFTERNOON/EVENING: The offshore low will lift a vigorous front northward across western Washington throughout the afternoon and evening hours, bringing a round of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms across the region from the south moving northward. The primary threats of these storms will be hail and gusty winds alongside frequent lightning and locally heavy rain. The strongest storms are favored to develop east of the Puget Sound Wednesday evening along the I-5 corridor, potentially impacting the evening commute. The strongest storms that develop could become severe and capable of producing hail up to 2 inches or more in diameter, outflow wind gusts as high as 60 mph or more, and/or an isolated brief tornado.
The NWS usually updates its forecast discussions around 9 pm, so look for another update then.
We weren’t able to mention this in real time but for those who’ve since asked about a big SFD response on Harbor Island earlier this afternoon, it was in the 1600 block of SW Lander [map] shortly after 3 pm, and SFD ultimately discovered it was a vehicle on fire inside what they described as a “warehouse building.” Firefighters extinguished it and no injuries were reported.
Thanks to Amy Do for sending the video of a beaver sauntering across Delridge Way. Amy reports:
A large adult beaver approximately 50-60 pounds was sighted crossing Delridge Way SW between Webster and Holden St at 11:30 pm on Sunday night. The beaver was spotted just in time for a Lyft driver to slam on the brakes to avoid collision. The passenger of the Lyft took a short video. The beaver successfully crossed the street into a small wooded area, and is suspected of living in the greenbelt surrounding Longfellow Creek.
The creek and its watershed are home to multiple beavers, as discussed during an HPAC meeting (with guest Pamela Adams of BeaverInsights) back in January (WSB coverage here).
P.S. Just as we were about to hit “publish” on the above and run out of HQ, we checked email and saw this had just come in, from Matthew – a second beaver-in-street sighting:
Matthew reported having to “shoo” that beaver off Highland Park Way last night around 10:30 pm
A reader called to report discolored water at her home in South Delridge. Nothing on the Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map, current or recent. Reminder that if this happens at your home/business/school/etc., report it to SPU at 206-386-1800 (ALWAYS report it if your water is discolored); causes can include a water-line break or nearby fire-hydrant testing.
12:35 PM: The foghorns have finally stopped sounding, after a murky morning! Thanks to everyone who sent photos. Above is Chris Frankovich‘s view of Alki from above; below, two views from James Bratsanos:
And two views looking east – first from Michael Reilly:
And from Greg Snyder:
As the fog clears, the promise of warmer weather has already been fulfilled – the temperature has already hit the mid-60s! Tomorrow is expected to approach 70 but showers are a possibility, too, so today’s the best day to get outside for a while if you can.
ADDED 1:50 PM: A sixth view – a “fogbow,” photographed by Curry Gibson:
Remember that scene from The Junction last August, during the West Seattle Roper Romp? Dozens channeled their inner – and outer – Mrs. Ropers for a zany celebration. If you were part of it and dreaming of an encore – or sad that you missed it – you’ve got another chance this Saturday (March 29) in White Center, 3-6 pm at Tim’s Tavern (16th & 98th), starting with a photo op and continuing with a multi-venue party (details in our calendar listing).
This coincides with the White Center Vintage Sale (more on that here) and Day 2 of the Tikipalooza music festival (more on that here) – these two do NOT require wigs and caftans, so non-Ropers are welcome too!
One week from today – on Tuesday, April 1 – registration begins for this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! The big day is Saturday, May 10 – always the second Saturday in May – and 2025 is the 20th anniversary edition; WSCGSD was founded in 2005, and WSB has coordinated it since 2008. Our standard reminder – WSCGSD is not one big sale at one site, but instead it’s sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, depending on who decides to sign up for sale day! After we close registration (which will be open for just over three weeks), we build a map that’s published via WSB one week before sale day, accompanied by a printable list of all the sales, identified by number and address, with the short summaries that sellers provide when registering.
Official WSCGSD hours on May 10 are 9 am-3 pm; some sellers start early and/or end late – some add extra day(s)! – so if you’re having a sale, be sure to include that information with your registration (there’s a place on the form). Once the form is open and ready to go on April 1, we’ll announce that here. We’re looking forward as always to the biggest “person-to-person recycling” day of the year!
(Sleeping Mallard, photographed by Stewart L.)
Here’s what’s happening on your foggy-so-far Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-timer.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Lunch meeting, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW). Guest speaker today is from End Plastic Soup.
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).
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.
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Lots of light in the evening for this – 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
FREE DANCE LESSON: At the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Westside Dance with Dean:
Tuesdays through April 15
Swing 1: Intro to East Coast Swing 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Swing 2: Dancing to the Blues (a traveling dance) 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.Brush up on your dance skills with our next six-week dance series. Instructor Dean Paton leads these live partner-dance classes in Swing 1 & 2. No partner is necessary, both singles and couples are welcome. Join the fun and meet others in the community!
More information 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).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
LISTENING EVENT AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, free, all ages, come be among the first to hear Mumford & Sons‘ new album “Rushmere.” (4559 California SW)
ACTIVIST EVENT: A private home in West Seattle is hosting an “activist event,” a Russian scholar speaking at a discussion in the context of today’s U.S. political situation, 7 pm, attendance info in calendar listing.
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: If you’re a quiz whiz, tonight is your night – 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, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Friday to remember Bill Sweeney, and are sharing this remembrance with the community:
William John Sweeney (Bill) died on February 11th, 2025, at age 93 with family around him. Bill was born in Tacoma, Washington (1931), to parents from Ireland, a heritage that was important to him his whole life. The Sweeneys moved to Olympia in 1939. He was one of the younger children in a large active family where he learned to get along yet hold his own in supportive ways that sustained him his entire life.
Bill went to grade school at St. Michael’s in Olympia and high school at St. Edward’s Seminary in Kenmore, Washington. After graduating from St. Martin’s College in Lacey, Washington, he attended Gonzaga Law School in Spokane.
In 1957 he married Beatrice Booth (Bea) and they settled in Spokane, where Bill worked as an insurance adjuster. In 1962 they moved with their four children to Juneau, Alaska, where he opened his own office as an independent insurance adjuster, which he managed until 1979. At that time he moved back to Seattle and continued working in insurance until he retired. After retirement, Bill took a part-time job as a school-bus driver. He felt he came into his own driving children who attended special education classes.
Bill always loved sports, beginning in 1945 when he and his brothers played on St. Michael’s winning team in the city grade school championships. He coached Little League in Juneau and always supported his kids in whatever they chose.
Bill and Bea raised seven children in Juneau. Family and work were his highest priorities and values. Strong in his Catholic faith he was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe in West Seattle. He always had stories to share, a large smile, and sense of humor. He will be missed by many.Bill is survived by his wife, Bea; his children Mary (Dick), Judy (Fred), John (Louise), Teresa, and Kathy (Denise), seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sons, Brian and Larry, one grandchild, Karre, his brothers Jim, Tim, David, Leo, Kevin, and sister Teresa.
Share memories with Bill’s Family on the Tribute Page here: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituary/William-Sweeney. His Memorial Mass is this Friday, March 28th at Our Lady of Guadalupe at 11:00 am.
– Care Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle –
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Today is supposed to be warmer in a big way – high in the mid-60s, partly sunny! Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:01 am and 7:30 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – West Seattle service is back today! Metro says those repairs at Seacrest took less time than expected.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth serving as the “bonus boat.”
ROAD WORK
-Utility crews are working on SW Holden west of 16th and on 16th north of Myrtle.
-In White Center, the 16th SW closure at 104th continues, with detours.
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 (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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