day : 02/05/2025 11 results

From the “in case you wondered too” department:

-No, those weren’t gunshots in southwest West Seattle this past hour or so. Speeding cars’ exhaust.

-Tracker says the low, loud plane that just went by, same area, was a C-17A Globemaster, Air Force cargo jet from JBLM.

ADDED 11:42 AM SATURDAY: Another C-17A just flew over West Seattle, headed northeast.

WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Grand-opening night for Potterings

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

You might know Lora Radford from her years running Hotwire Coffee (when she was one of WSB’s original sponsors), or her years as executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association. Tonight she celebrated the grand opening of her latest West Seattle business – Potterings, headquartered in a 117-square-foot studio in ActivSpace (3400 Harbor Avenue SW, just north of the West Seattle Bridge’s northwest end). It’s a place where beginners can explore pottery, which is increasingly popular here on the peninsula, including the reopening of the Alki Bathhouse studio (where Lora has been teaching classes too). Among other things, Potterings offers memberships, as explained here. If you missed tonight’s grand-opening open house, you can stop by tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) 12-5 pm for mini-workshops or even just fact-finding. It’s on the ground floor of the main building’s east side.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: HPIC revives First Fridays while awaiting rebuilding

May 2, 2025 8:06 pm

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| Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

Before the fire that gutted the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s historic building at 12th/Holden almost four years ago, the group hosted popular social events on the first Friday of most months – neighborhood gatherings with food, drinks, and music. Now, while HPIC prepares to rebuild, First Fridays are back! With the retained section of foundation safely fenced off, Highland Park’ers of all ages gathered on the site tonight to chat, sip, and snack:

Early in the evening, the sun shone:

(Photo courtesy Kay Kirkpatrick)

Then things got a little cloudy and chilly, so this helped minglers warm up:

DJ Evan played classics:

It was also a chance to celebrate new leadership for HPIC, which added new board members recently, though some longtime members continue their service too, like Kay Kirkpatrick, who tells WSB they’re hoping to have the next phase of pre-construction activity as soon as next month, including utility work. They’re still fundraising for the new building, too. Meantime, set your calendar for the next First Friday, on June 6th!

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WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Benefit dinner sold out, but benefit music series needs help

May 2, 2025 5:31 pm

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| How to help | West Seattle news

News x 2 from the West Seattle Food Bank. First, we asked development director Robbin Peterson about Saturday night’s Nourish & Flourish dinner and auction at the 4105 event space – she tells us it’s sold out!

For everyone who does have a ticket and is wondering what to wear, the theme is spring festive community party – “Come as you blossom.” Wear what makes you happy, we’re just excited to see everyone!

It’s gearing up to be an amazing night, with fun and interesting auction items, amazing food from Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, as well as some special farm-to-table treats from Mom’s Micro Garden.

Also this weekend, you can support WSFB by donating during a musical performance at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm Sunday – but the longrunning series’s future is in question. Robbin explains:

For those who are looking for a different way to support their neighbors; C & P Coffee’s Sunday Music for the West Seattle Food Bank, as organized by Steve Norris is ending for the season – and perhaps permanently. May 4th will be the last one until Steve can find someone to pass the torch to.

This week’s lineup is Judy Kaplan, Deb Seymour, and Cynthia Ashley doing songs you know, originals and wonderful group creations.

The show starts at 3:00 pm and as usual, cash and or nonperishable donations are appreciated.

WSFB is so grateful to Steve, all the musicians who’ve participated over the years, and C & P Coffee for hosting.

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BIZNOTE: Grand opening Saturday for four-in-one West Seattle Mercantile

May 2, 2025 3:32 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Tomorrow is grand opening day for four businesses that are now under roof: Alair, Dylan, Three Little Birds, and Kid Friendly Footwear, now co-housed as West Seattle Mercantile. Here’s what proprietor Jennifer Young is promising for the 10 am-5:30 pm party on Saturday:

Join us for:

Raffles
Gifts with Purchase
Treats from some beloved local companies
Face Painting
Giveaways
Tours of our event space + color wall

Bring the whole fam and help us kick off this exciting new chapter.

West Seattle Mercantile is at 3270 California SW.

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IN THE JUNCTION: Flower baskets about to appear; you can help West Seattle Summer Fest get shadier

May 2, 2025 2:35 pm

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| Gardening | How to help | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Two notes from the West Seattle Junction Association:

(WSB file photo)

FLOWER BASKET TIME: The famous hanging baskets that adorn The Junction every spring/summer are almost here! WSJA tells WSB that installation is planned for Monday. Once again this year, WSJA – a nonprofit – helped cover the cost of the baskets by offering the opportunity to “adopt” them; look for plaques later this month to show who is sponsoring this year’s baskets. (WSB is participating again this year, this time dedicating our basket to the memory of co-founder Patrick Sand.) The baskets are grown by Van Wingerden Greenhouses in the North Sound, who’ve been tending them since December to get them ready for their debut! (SATURDAY UPDATE: WSJA executive director Chris Mackay just told us the installation date has moved back a week, to May 12.)

SUMMER FEST SHADE AND SEATING: West Seattle’s biggest party is a little more than two months away! West Seattle Summer Fest Eve starts it all off on July 10, and then the festival days are July 11-13. Every year, festivalgoers voice the wish for more seating and shade, so WSJA is crowdfunding to make that possible. Presenting the festival costs a big chunk of change, including permits and security, and it goes up every year, so adding these literally cool new features means this need for donations Go here to get the donation link.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: White Center 5K returns on Saturday

May 2, 2025 12:24 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB file photo from one of the first WC5Ks)

One of this weekend’s biggest events will be the White Center 5K, starting from Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) at 9 tomorrow morning. That’s where runners and walkers will finish, too. It’s a benefit for three local nonprofits – White Center Food Bank, YES Foundation of White Center, and the White Center Community Development Association – and this is the first time the White Center 5K has been presented since the pre-pandemic 2019 5K. Costumes are encouraged, particularly superheroes. No road closures are expected; here’s the course:

Not registered yet? Here’s how!

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ROAD/UTILITY WORK ALERT: What’s ahead for drivers, riders, walkers south of Alki Point

May 2, 2025 11:30 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

South of Alki Point, work affecting street and sidewalk users is about to get going, related to the Alki Standby Generator Project to increase power reliability for nearby wastewater facilities. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division has outlined what you will need to know – here are key excerpts from its bulletin:

Temporary lane change on Beach Drive SW between 63rd Avenue Southwest and Southwest Spokane Street begins as early as Monday, May 5

Crews will demolish and then replace three concrete panels on Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and Southwest Spokane Street.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained … Several street parking spots on Beach Drive SW will be temporarily unavailable
WHEN: As early as Monday, May 5. Work will take place over approximately seven weekdays.

This work is necessary to better align the roadway with surrounding concrete panels.

Limited roadway access on Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest begins as early as Monday, May 5

Crews will begin work to relocate a waterline and excavate the roadway to install electrical conduit:

Waterline relocation
WHAT: Roadway digging and waterline relocation.

This work includes a temporary Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water service shutoff for some nearby homes. SPU will notify specific homes affected by this service shutoff at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact SPU at (206) 684-3000 if you have questions.

Westbound Beach Drive Southwest will be closed at intersection with 64th Avenue Southwest.
-Pedestrian traffic will be maintained.
-Some street parking spots on Beach Drive Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest near the work area will be temporarily unavailable.
WHEN: As early as Monday, May 5. Work will take place over approximately five weekdays. Some weekend work is possible.

Roadway excavation and electrical conduit install
WHAT: Roadway digging and temporary repaving.
Beach Drive Southwest will be closed between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest. Crews will direct local access as necessary for residences on this block. … Some street parking spots along Beach Drive Southwest along the work area will be temporarily unavailable.
WHEN: As early as Monday, May 12.

Work in this area will take place through approximately mid-July. Some weekend work is possible.
WHERE: Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest.

CHANGES FOR SIDEWALK USERS
Alternating sidewalk closures on Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest
There will be multiple periods of sidewalk closures associated with the roadwork noted above. As crews move around the work area, they will direct sidewalk users as necessary to either the north side or south side of Beach Drive Southwest.

Full details and aerial maps can be seen here. This is all in preparation for the generator project, which itself is still months away.

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HPIC’s first ‘First Friday,’ Potterings grand opening, ‘Charlie Brown’ and ‘Athena,’ more for your West Seattle Friday

May 2, 2025 9:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Can’t resist another sunset photo – that one from last night was sent by Ian. Now, here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am open gym for little kids is back at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center (a WSB sponsor) is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Delridge Library, free! (5423 Delridge Way SW)

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SPORTS: Two high-school games/matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle): At 4 pm, West Seattle HS plays softball against Holy Names; at 4:30, Chief Sealth IHS boys’ soccer plays Cleveland.

ERIC CHURCH LISTENING EVENT: Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) is a hot place to hear new music first, and today it’s by Eric Church. Freebies while they last! 4 pm.

FIRST ‘FIRST FRIDAY’ AT HPIC: Highland Park Improvement Club is bringing back First Friday gatherings at its headquarters site, all summer long, starting tonight! 5:30-8:30 pm, hang out with your neighbors. (1116 SW Holden)

POTTERINGS GRAND OPENING: 6-8 pm, open house to celebrate the grand opening of this new place to explore creativity! Snacks, refreshments, prize drawing. (3400 Harbor SW)

OPEN MIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, open mic for all genres at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW). Free, all ages.

CAR SEAT HEADREST SIGNING AT EASY STREET: Meet the band at 7 pm Easy Street Records signing event! Purchase required – link in our calendar listing. (4559 California SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Two West Seattle bands and a special guest! Not Dead Yet, North Beach Gritty, Fairground, doors 7 pm, show 8, at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ Second night for the classic play at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 7:30 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.

BELLS OF THE SOUND IN CONCERT: The handbell choir presents “Sounds of Nature,” 7:30 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW). Suggested donation $15/$10 students and seniors.

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Final weekend! Curtain time tonight is 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight: LipStitch & Tongues.

CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND DJ: 10 pm-midnight late-night DJ as Cinco de Mayo weekend continues at Mission (2325 California SW).

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to we*************@***il.com – thank you!

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Remembering Don Stark, 1944-2025

May 2, 2025 9:00 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

The family of Don Stark will gather privately today to remember him, and is sharing this with his community:

Don Stark, a Pacific Northwest pioneer in the field of public affairs and adviser to many successful civic, corporate and nonprofit endeavors, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 81. Don is survived by his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren.

Donald Everett Stark was born in Seattle on January 22, 1944 to Everett and Mary Stark. Raised in the Bryant neighborhood, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from Roosevelt High School, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a Master’s in business from the University of Oklahoma.

Returning to Seattle, Don joined the Wes Uhlman administration, rising to City Budget Director. He next served as Deputy Mayor of Renton. In 1978, Don co-founded Gogerty Stark Marriott, one of the Northwest’s first and most respected public affairs consulting firms. In 2009 he co-founded another regional public affairs firm, Smith & Stark, which he continued until his passing.

Across his nearly half-century of consulting, Don advised many of the region’s top companies, non-profits, and civic causes. While known for his mastery of complex public opinion research, a hallmark of Don’s work was his ability to assemble coalitions of “unlikely allies.” For example, Don assembled the coalition of Eastern Washington agriculture and Western Washington labor and businesses that moved the state Legislature to approve funding for the SR99 tunnel that enabled the transformation of Seattle’s waterfront.

Giving back to others was a huge part of Don’s life, especially to increase opportunities for young people. He served as board chair of both the Foundation for Early Learning and Thrive Washington, and served as board chair of the Wallingford Boys and Girls Club, as well as on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County.

Don also served for more than 20 years on the board and executive committee of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and was board chair of Leadership Tomorrow, the Seattle Chamber’s business leaders development program.

A long-time advocate for civil and human rights, Don served on the Pacific Northwest Advisory Board for the Anti-Defamation League and also chaired the board of Temple De Hirsch Sinai.

Don was sought after for advice and often mentored people coming into the profession of public affairs or civic life, or anyone who was lucky enough to know him. He also was a steady, supportive presence for many people working through recovery.

Don Stark was warm, friendly, compassionate, funny, optimistic, generous, spiritual, principled, athletic, and wise. Above all, Don knew joy as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and whenever afloat on Puget Sound. Growing up, Don spent family summers on Hat Island, located between Everett and Whidbey Island, and it anchored him throughout his life.

An expert boatman and fisherman, Don and his wife Karen often motored to the San Juans or Desolation Sound. He took salmon fishing trips to Sitka or Vancouver Island with friends, but above all he loved building beach forts with his grandchildren or teaching them to crab and salmon fish, walking around the island, and making s’mores at the campfire.

Don also applied his expertise in service to his Hat Island neighbors. He served on the private island’s governing board and was its incoming president.

Don is survived by his wife Karen Hudesman Stark, son Robert Stark, daughters Anne Stark Nielsen (Clay), Jamie Wilsie (Alex), Andrea Lott (Jordan), Amanda Wolf (Ian Gillingham), and nine grandchildren: William Everett Nielsen, Henry Nielsen, Jacob Wilsie, Henry Wilsie, Shaina Starnicky, Zachary Starnicky, Audrey Lott, Sabrina Lott and Kai Gillingham King.

In lieu of flowers, Don’s family encourages donations to Temple De Hirsch Sinai or the Anti-Defamation League Pacific Northwest.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to we*************@***il.com)

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: May’s first Friday

May 2, 2025 6:02 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, May 2, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny and warm again today, high near 70, showers possible tonight. Today’s sunrise was at 5:49 am; sunset will be at 8:23 pm.

(Thursday sunset, photographed by Hana Alishio)

ROAD WORK

-Street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project could start as soon as Monday (May 5) on Beach Drive SW just south of 63rd – details and map here.

-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-evening sailings Fridays (tonight!) 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”. P.S. Next round of community meetings – online, systemwide – have been announced for later this month.

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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