West Seattle, Washington
25 Friday
Police are investigating gunfire near Walt Hundley Playfield just before 10 pm. The reader photo is from the 31st/Myrtle vicinity; police arriving at the scene initially reported “several” casings, but the photo shows far more than “several.” The sender said it appeared to be a “gunfight with automatic weapons”; police were told two cars left the scene, but the only description they got in the early going was that one was a “dark sedan.” No victims were found at the scene, but a short time ago, a teenage boy with a gunshot wound showed up at Harborview Medical Center, and according to a radio exchange, police just learned his injury is apparently from this incident.
12:34 AM: Now it appears that the Harborview walk-in was linked to gunfire in another part of the city instead, according to this SPD Blotter post. Meantime, we’re hoping for more info on the High Point incident later this morning. The reader who provided the photo said they counted more than 60 cards. At one point in the archived audio, one officer said they were running out of the cards and needed someone to bring more.
If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The registration deadline for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025 is now one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 24)! Registration gets you on the map and in the guide for the 20th-anniversary WSCGSD, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 10 (you can add hours or even days to your sale, but that’s the basic window for everybody), coordinated by us at WSB. More than 330 sales are signed up as of tonight, all over West Seattle and a bit beyond (we have a couple White Center signups so far), and a wide variety not only of merchandise (the sales whose listings we’ve reviewed so far include a boat and a classic car) but also of treats – besides the classic lemonade stands, we have one sale offering sourdough bread and sourdough chocolate-chip cookies! Be part of the fun, meet your neighbors, convert some not-needed stuff into cash. Clicking here takes you to the registration form; whether you’re selling or shopping, check in here on Saturday, May 3, one week before WSCGSD, when we’ll launch the map and guide.
Thanks to Andrew Trujillo from Ounces – one of the West Seattle businesses facing relocation because of Sound Transit light rail – for the update that both houses of the State Legislature have now passed HB 1733, raising the limit for relocation compensation from $50,000 to $200,000:
Sharing a big win for businesses impacted by light rail. Huge credit goes to ABA (Alki Beach Academy) and the other businesses in North Delridge (Mode, Ounces, Skylark, etc.) for voicing and advocating for more realistic support for displaced businesses. Also thanks goes to the city’s small business advocate and state legislators who sponsored it.
The bill’s original sponsors included one West Seattle legislator, 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon. The State Senate’s final vote Wednesday was unanimous. Next, it would go to Gov. Ferguson for his signature.
Today marks exactly six months since the sudden death of WSB co-founder Patrick Sand. The Admiral Neighborhood Association has chosen to honor his memory and spirit with a new community award, and nominations are open! Here’s the announcement from ANA:
Introducing the Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award Honoring Unseen Dedication in the Admiral District
The Admiral Neighborhood Association (ANA) is proud to introduce the inaugural Patrick Sand Admiral Neighborhood Community Advocate Award, a new annual honor celebrating an individual whose in front of as well as behind-the-scenes service and commitment have made a lasting impact on the Admiral District of West Seattle.
This award is named in honor of Patrick Sand, a tireless community supporter whose quiet, consistent advocacy helped shape the vibrant culture of our neighborhood — from the early years of the West Seattle Art Walk to supporting beloved community traditions like Summer Movies on the Wall. Patrick exemplified what it means to give back, and we are excited to recognize those who follow in his footsteps.
About the Award
The Patrick Sand Neighborhood Advocate Award will be presented each year to a person who demonstrates outstanding service to the Admiral District. This award focuses on recognizing sweat equity—the time, energy, and effort people invest in our community — not financial contributions.
Eligible nominees may be individuals who live, work, volunteer, or own a business in the Admiral District. Nominees do not have to live in West Seattle, but they must contribute meaningfully to the neighborhood. Current ANA Board Members are not eligible for the award, but ANA members are.
Nomination Process
• Nominations Open: Now
• Nomination Deadline: May 15, 2025
• How to Nominate: A nomination form will be available at connecttoadmiral.org. Community members
are encouraged to submit their nominations online.Selection & Recognition
Nominations will be reviewed by a team of Admiral neighbors, who will select one outstanding individual based on their demonstrated commitment, positive impact, and ongoing involvement in the Admiral community.The winner will be announced and celebrated on stage during the Admiral Block Party on August 23rd.
Join Us in Honoring Community Champions
This is your chance to lift up the unsung heroes who make the Admiral District such a special place to live, work, and play. Submit your nomination and help us shine a light on those who do the work when no one’s watching — just like Patrick did.
Thanks in advance to everyone who nominates one of West Seattle’s many amazing community advocates for this award!
3:55 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a midsize response to the 9600 block of 50th SW in the Brace Point area [vicinity map] for a garage fire. The initial dispatch described it as a “small gasoline fire in a motor” that spread and caught the structure on fire.
3:58 PM: The first arriving units declared it a “working fire” so they’re sending more units, increasing this to a full “fire in building” response.
4:00 PM: The fire is now declared “under control” so they’re canceling the plan for a larger response. … Firefighters tell dispatch the fire is fully confined to a detached 20 x 20 garage.
4:17 PM: Firefighters just told dispatch the fire’s out (“tapped”).
(WSB photo, April 2024)
That’s some of what divers brought up during their annual underwater cleanup around Seacrest last year. It’s happening again this Sunday morning, and that means a delayed start to West Seattle Water Taxi service that day. Thanks to Karen for the tip – she reported a sign about the schedule change, so we checked with Al Sanders at Metro. He tells WSB:
The Seacrest Dock will get its annual underwater cleaning Sunday morning April 20. Service will be suspended during the cleanup. Volunteer divers and staff from Seattle Dive Tours will go under the dock and pull away debris that is a hazard to both the water taxi and the people diving around and near the dock. Service to West Seattle will be suspended Sunday morning, but sailings will resume Sunday afternoon from Pier 50 starting at 1:30 p.m.
Sanders says Metro plans to send out an alert about this tomorrow (Friday).
As noted in today’s highlight list, this is opening day for the new Gene Juarez Salons & Spas location at 4730 California SW in the West Seattle Junction. They’re also the newest WSB sponsor, so here’s their message for you:
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas now open in the Alaska Junction
Gene Juarez Salons & Spas is thrilled to officially open its doors today in the heart of the Alaska Junction. This boutique-style location brings the brand’s signature sophistication to the neighborhood, offering a full suite of salon and skincare services in a modern, intimate setting.
The new salon features a dedicated barber, expert haircuts, coloring, and specialized services for textured and curly hair, as well as hair extensions. The spa side includes facials, waxing, lash and brow treatments, all delivered by a dedicated team of professionals in a relaxing, tranquil environment. Many of the artists and therapists are West Seattle residents, thrilled to work in this new location.
Commitment to Quality
The foundation of the Gene Juarez brand is training and ongoing education. All of the artists and therapists are highly trained, with salon pricing dependent on each artist’s level of experience. All services are guaranteed; if a guest is not happy, they may return for a complimentary correction service.
Commitment to Sustainability
Gene Juarez continues its commitment to sustainability at this location. At least 95% of all beauty service waste is recycled through a partnership with Green Circle Salons. The organization also makes regular updates to its products and vendors to reward sustainable brands with its high volume of business, most recently launching Davines, a B Corp premium haircare line supported by regenerative farming practices.
Community Support
April 22 – 27: 20% of net sales will be donated to West Seattle Food Bank. The salon will also be collecting food and other household good items for WSFB this week
April 29-May 4: 20% of net sales will be donated to WestSide Baby, and we will be collecting diapers and other critical items for WB this week
Located across from Bakery Nouveau and next to Chipotle, the salon is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Appointments can be booked online at genejuarez.com or by call/text at (206) 279-5777.
We thank Gene Juarez Salons and Spas for choosing to advertise their business by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Please email WS************@******es.com – thank you!
Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension project still has a variety of uncertainties – awaiting the federal Record of Decision, for example (still projected around month’s end) – but there’s something new: Advance word of the call for station artists. We were asked to share this announcement:
STart: SOUND TRANSIT ART PROGRAM
FOR ARTISTS: LISTENING AND INFORMATION SESSIONS—PLANNING FOR ARTWORK IN THE WEST SEATTLE LINK EXTENSION PROJECTSDates and Locations
Wednesday, May 7, 6-7 pm, Seattle Public Library, Delridge Branch
Thursday, May 8, 6-7 pm, Seattle Public Library, High Point BranchRSVP by May 2, 2025
Please RSVP by emailing st***@**********it.org.Meeting Purpose
In the coming months, the Sound Transit Art Program (STart) will be hiring artists to create artwork for the future West Seattle light rail stations. STart wants to hear from West Seattleites about what is important to them in their neighborhoods while art projects are being developed. In addition, STart seeks to inform West Seattle artists about how they can apply for inclusion in an Artist Candidate Pool for art project consideration.
Listening and information sessions geared toward artists will be held in two West Seattle branches of the Seattle Public Library from 6-7 pm on Wednesday, May 7 (Delridge) and Thursday, May 8 (High Point). The conversation and content will be the same each evening, offering two opportunities for participation on different nights.
About the West Seattle Link Extension Artwork Opportunities
STart incorporates artwork in its stations and facilities to create welcoming spaces for passengers, and to contribute to the character of the communities connected with light rail. At these listening sessions, STart will describe what is known about the West Seattle Link Extension (WSLE) stations, and how artwork will play a key role in making its planned Alaska Junction, Avalon and Delridge Stations distinct and memorable. Hearing about the neighborhoods where the stations will be located is valuable to STart. The stations are currently in design and planned to be in service in 2032, connecting West Seattle with the existing Link 1 and 2 Lines. You can learn more here.
STart is working to identify locations for permanent integrated artwork and long-term rotating displays of temporary artwork. Due to the layout of the West Seattle stations, most of the opportunities will be for two-dimensional works that will be translated into a durable medium—such as cut metal, glass, porcelain enamel or mosaic—either fabricated by the artist or a third-party fabricator contracted by STart. This can be a chance for painters, photographers and printmakers to be part of the stations’ public art display. There may also be a few opportunities for works of sculpture to serve as station landmarks and draw passengers to entrances.
Artist Candidate Pool Application
STart will soon accept applications to create a pool of artist candidates for future commissioned permanent and temporary public art projects. Application materials will focus on artist’s past work, not on proposals.
This Artist Candidate Pool will be used to identify and review candidates for opportunities at the Alaska Junction, Avalon and Delridge Stations currently planned for the WSLE. Selected artists for the Artist Candidate Pool will not be under contract with Sound Transit and are not guaranteed a commissioned public art project but will be eligible as candidates until May 31, 2028. STart reserves the right to use the Artist Candidate Pool for additional art opportunities on other Sound Transit projects and to reopen the application process as needed to support additional development projects.
STart projects are developed to welcome passengers to our stations, help them find their way and relate the stations to their surrounding communities. Artists selected for STart opportunities should expect to adhere to those goals.
Questions? Please email any questions and/or interest in the Artist Candidate Pool to st***@**********it.org.
Four more daylight-sighting reports, all received Wednesday evening:
GATEWOOD: This one was sent by Jess:
Watched a healthy looking coyote wander in front of our house down SW Othello just now! Moved quickly, and safely crossed 35th.
NEAR BRACE POINT: From a reader near 47th/Brace Point:
At 530 pm in front yard about 4 feet behind the chair I was sitting in…heard the sound of pots toppled and vegetation being brushed, turned around and saw the (coyote’s) rump passing by. Got up, walked around the landscape to follow it toward the street, yelling out in the event pets or children were nearby, where it was now standing in the middle of the street…brief standoff/stare and it headed south a couple houses and east up SW Brace Point… Be safe…and loud if necessary…
ALSO BRACE POINT AREA: We’ll spare you the gory video, but Rick R sent a clip of a coyote dining on a squirrel, also Wednesday evening.
UPPER FAUNTLEROY: From Alex, near 38th/Henderson:
I just wanted to share that around 5:45 pm (4/16) I saw a coyote around 38th Ave SW and SW Henderson St while out on a walk. The coyote was heading east along Henderson before turning to walk North along 38th. I was on the opposite side of 38th, and the coyote crossed over to the side I was on, so they didn’t appear afraid of me, but didn’t do anything to actively approach me, just walked by me after crossing.
Our 15-plus-year archive of coyote reports is here. We share them for awareness, not alarm – and in hopes everyone will read the expert advice on coexisting with them.
(Sun setting behind Mount Jupiter – photographed by Dan Ciske)
Another spectacular sunny spring day! Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK: Many of the churches that sent us their schedules have Maundy Thursday services tonight. Here’s the ongoing list.
GENE JUAREZ OPENS IN WEST SEATTLE: Today is the first day for the new Gene Juarez Salon & Spa (4730 California SW; WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, hours 9 am-7 pm.
FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL BRIEFING: WSF is making its presentation to the Seattle Design Commission right now – if you missed our preview and aren’t already watching, you’ll find the video link here.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring is now in its fourth week! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email we***************************@***il.com to get the latest on where they’re playing today.
SPORTS: – No local high-school games/matches on the schedule today.
DROP-IN CHESS: Spring-break event at High Point Library! 4-5:30 pm. All skill levels. (3411 SW Raymond)
POSTCARD HAPPY HOUR: Postcards 4 Democracy invites you to drop in at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) 5-7 pm for the monthly evening edition of this long-distance advocacy event.
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events tonight here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C. Davis Texas BBQ.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: This is also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: HPCS is also the starting point tonight for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
JAZZ & BLUES OPEN MIC: New 5-8 pm open mic at Northwest Wine Academy on the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) north side.
(added) RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: Plenty to enjoy on this gorgeous night, all around White Center and South Delridge, 5-8 pm. See the venue and artist list here!
GET RAINWISE! Are you eligible for subsidized rain-garden or cistern improvements? Links are in our calendar listing for tonight’s 6 pm webinar.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).
PASSOVER: Sixth night. One local church is hosting a seder – look for Bethany Community Church on our list.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Should be another awesome night to walk – meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
SUMMER SAFETY IN ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S SPOTLIGHT: 6:30 pm at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), guests from police to park rangers will be there for updates and Q&A. In-person only; details in our preview.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Single-release concert! Your Local Getaway Driver, Concrete Island, Carson Daniel, Chirality, doors at 6, music at 7. $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet, hosted by Good Old-Fashioned Local Trivia (9614 14th SW).
DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts spinning early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tophone, starting at 7 pm.
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week of the run begins, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to we*************@***il.com – thank you!
9:03 AM: Kersti Muul tells us orcas are headed northbound along west-facing West Seattle, close to shore off Brace Point. Let us know if you see them!
9:07 AM: Now nearing the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.
If you have a young soccer player in the household who’s “looking to take their game to the next level,” here’s tryout news about local leagues:
Highline Soccer Association (HSA) is a community-based soccer program that provides competitive and recreational teams for its members.
Competitive soccer
Teams are formed by Birth Year through a Tryout process.
Highline Premier Football Club
Highline Premier FC offers year-round, competitive soccer led by nationally licensed coaches. For the 2025/26 season, we are forming teams in both the Washington Premier League (WPL) and the Regional Club League (RCL), providing community-based, top-level development opportunities across the community.
Highline Premier Tryouts: Organized by Age Group (players born from 2007-2018) Apr 22 – May 15
Questions? Reach out anytime; we’d love to connect at highlinepremier.com/join.
HSA Select
HSA Select plays in the North Puget Sound League (NPSL). These players train more frequently with higher expectations than the Recreational player and volunteer licensed coaches go through an application process.
Highline Select Tryouts: Organized by Age Group (players born 2007-2016) May 1-17.
Learn more about HSA Select or contact us at hs*******@***il.com
Recreational Soccer
If your child is looking to play soccer recreationally, the Highline Soccer Association (HSA) offers two Recreational Soccer Clubs — West Seattle Soccer Club and the Highline Soccer Club. Registration for spring soccer has closed; registration for fall soccer will open in May/June.
If you have questions about which club is the best path forward for your kid, please reach out to the Highline Board of Directors – hi************@***il.com.
Tryouts are at six locations, four in West Seattle/White Center.
8:38 AM: SFD is checking out a possible fire on a bus pulled over and evacuated on the eastbound bridge near the 99 exit. The bus was smoking per a photo sent by a reader but isn’t any longer and they’re not finding any evidence of fire.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 17, 2025; for most schools in the area, spring break continues.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
More sunshine expected again today,, high in the low 60s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:16 am and 8:02 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule has begun, with later-in-the-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, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side remains closed.
-King County Roads says the SW 104th work is over in White Center.
-With the nice weather, projects may pop up without warning – please let us know if you see one affecting traffic.
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: 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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