West Seattle, Washington
28 Wednesday
9:45 PM: Some are asking about a sizable police response at a apartment building on the east side of 35th south of Morgan. According to emergency radio, a standoff has developed with a suspect in a possible domestic-violence situation. Updates as we get them.
10:23 PM: Officers have just told dispatch they’re closing 35th between Morgan and Holly because of this situation.
(Added: Photo by Tim Durkan)
11:03 PM: Haven’t heard any updates, but 35th is still closed off as of a short time ago, Tim Durkan reported in a comment.
5:46 AM SATURDAY: We don’t know what time it ended, but SPD has released this summary indicating it ended with an arrest:
At 2040 hours, we received a call from the victim stating that the suspect had taken her car keys and had a kitchen knife to his throat saying that he would kill himself if she took the children and left. Further investigation led us to learn that the day before the suspect had threatened to kill the victim. The victim had advised SPD she had locked herself and two children in the back bedroom. The victim stated she could hear the suspect on the phone telling whoever it was he was going to have to kill her. HNT, SWAT, and K9 responded. SWAT was able to use a ladder and remove the victim and children from the bedroom window. A search warrant was completed, and SWAT was able to take the suspect into custody without incident. The suspect was booked into KCJ for Felony Harassment.
(Photos by Rick McGann)
Those are some of the 16 students from our area’s two largest high schools who were honored this past Monday night at Alki Masonic Lodge‘s 44th annual School Awards Night. Every year the lodge works with school counselors to choose juniors as honorees, as part of their mission “to recognize and thus encourage participation in public-school education,” as its parent organization “has long supported the public-school system as one of the basic necessities in maintaining the American ideal of democracy.” In addition to presentation of plaques – and, later, pizza – all in attendance listened to some observations and advice from their hosts. Martin Monk, who emceed, noted that he was a recipient of one of the awards in the 44-year-old program’s very first year. He offered a little more history: The lodge, at 40th/Edmunds in The Junction, has been there since 1906; they have 100 members now, though membership in the past has been as high as 500.
Chaplain Alan Sawyer suggested the student recipients consider the awards “a launching pad” for their future efforts.
(Ron Creel standing, Tom Christie seated)
Sporting a top hat, the lodge’s leader, Worshipful Master Ron Creel, mentioned he had spent time as a high-school teacher, and offered six points of advice to the students:
-Stay curious through your lifetime and never stop learning new things.
-Find something to be passionate about.
-Develop creative outlets, like art and/or music.
-Be kind to all people.
-Volunteer your time and skills.
-Learn another language – it will open you up to multiple possibilities in life.
The ceremony traditionally includes a presentation to faculty representatives of both schools; (corrected) school counselor Daniel Rosen took the stage representing CSIHS; WSHS faculty representatives included assistant principal Nancy Carroll.
(Daniel Rosen with Martin Monk)
Tom Christie preceded that part of the presentation with a speech reinforcing the Masons’ commitment to public education, noting that “freethinking is a tenet of Freemasonry” and expressing hope that the recipients will be inspired to “search for truth.” Rosen thanked the Masons for recognizing juniors, as senior year becomes such a blur by the time students get to the end of their high-school years.
The students’ achievements were briefly noted as they came forward to accept their awards, with hopes of future studies in areas of focus ranging from business to science. Here are the lists from both schools, in the order featured in the event program:
Chief Sealth International High School
Caitlin Boyer
Dayami Angulo Lopez
Tara Kankesh
Hamdi Elmi
Ann Nguyen
Elena Latterell
Azhar Samatar
Addison WhitedWest Seattle High School
Lilly DuPuis
Adelyn Martin
Keegan Chapman
Ioannis Athanasiadis
Nina Nakajima
Jim Guevara
Anhelina Hutsu
Justice Jenkins
The recipients also received monetary gifts, described by Monk as “not a lot of money, but every little bit helps” when it comes time to cover college costs.
Sent by Tom from Upper Fauntleroy:
7:20 am, 40th and Cloverdale. Just spotted this guy, cruising the neighborhood.
What should you do if you encounter one? Major advice – don’t run. Here’s one of the many places you can find advice.
Another city project is out with an update just before the holiday weekend. We first reported March 31 about the Barton repaving plan in the bus-layover zone alongside the north edge of Roxhill Park, after spotting a mention in a land-use bulletin; now SDOT is ready to have a community meeting about it – here’s the update they sent today:
We have completed designing the SW Barton St Layover Repaving project and plan to begin construction in Fall 2025!
Before then, join us for a public meeting on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 from 5:30 – 7:00 pm, at the former site of the Bed Bath & Beyond in Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton St, Suite A1).
We will be discussing:
-Bus detours
-Bus stop relocations
-Construction impacts to area businesses
-Answers to your questionsYou can also sign up for email updates or visit the project website where we will regularly share news of the project.
Why are we doing this work?
We’re partnering with King County Metro to repave the bus layover zone and street on SW Barton St.
The street’s concrete is old, cracked, and damaged from the heavy buses. Here’s what we’ll do:
-Replace the underlying soil with lightweight concrete
-Repave the road with stronger concreteThese improvements will:
-Reduce repair costs for SW Barton St
-Lower bus maintenance costs
-Make driving smootherDuring repaving, bus routes and layover zones will change. We’ll work with Metro to find the best new locations for bus stops and the layover area. We aim to minimize inconvenience and will provide updates on alternate arrangements. To contact our project team, email SWBartonLayover@seattle.gov.
If you live in the area, SDOT says to watch your mailbox for an information postcard next week.
Two fun ways to help your local food banks:
WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK’S SUMMER RAFFLE: Tickets are available now!
The West Seattle Food Bank is thrilled to announce its annual Summer Raffle, a triple win for everyone involved. Not only does every raffle ticket support local families in need, but each stub doubles as a coupon good for 10% off one visit at each of our 6 fantastic partner businesses! This summer, your ticket to doing good comes with real perks — because when neighbors support neighbors, everyone benefits.
Here’s How It Works:
Tickets: $10 each, only 500 printed
Available: Until Sept. 12, or until they sell out.
Drawing: Sept. 12 – winners notified by phone
Prizes Include: 1st ) $150 gift card to West Seattle Thriftway, 2nd ) $100 gift card to Supreme Pizza and tickets for 4 to the Museum of Flight, 3 rd ) $50 gift card to Mioposto. Every Ticket Stub Is a Coupon For:
o 10% off one visit to each of our 6 generous partners:
The Neighborhood
Peninsula Soul Food
The Roll Pod
The Westy Sports & Spirits
Viscon Cellars
West Seattle Wine CellarsReady to Play Your Part?
Buy Tickets Now: Available in-person from the West Seattle Food Bank (35th/Morgan), at our booths at summer festivals or ask WSFB board members and staff!
TASTE OF WHITE CENTER: The White Center Food Bank, whose service area includes south West Seattle, has just announced its annual fundraiser for June 28, 11 am-3 pm, at venues throughout WC. (you buy “taste” tickets for any or all of 30+ restaurant/bars, and get a map, at a central booth). Full details are on our partner site White Center Now.
That’s the Highland Park area where Seattle Public Utilities plans to install the project known as the Holden Natural Drainage Systems. It’s now reached a design milestone, and construction could start before the year ends. With that in mind, SPU has announced a drop-in info session for a week from tomorrow:
The Holden Natural Drainage Systems (NDS) Project has reached final design. SPU will build natural drainage systems, also known as roadside rain gardens or bioretention, on SW Holden St between 16 th Ave SW and 17 th Ave SW. The NDS will capture and treat stormwater runoff before it reaches Longfellow Creek and Puget Sound. The goal of the project is to improve water quality in the creek, increase landscaping diversity, and provide roadway and pedestrian safety improvements. Construction is anticipated to start in late 2025. To learn more about this project, please visit our website.
Spring Drop-In Session:
Time & Date: Saturday, May 31, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Location: BedHead Coffee, 1513 SW Holden St
Contact: Wan-Yee Kuo, Project Manager, at Wan-Yee.Kuo@seattle.gov or 206-684-3957The drop-in session will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the final design, what to expect during construction, and ask questions and share comments with members from the project team.
Three days before that, the project will also be on the agenda for next Wednesday’s HPAC meeting, 6:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW). The NDS project has already been in the planning phase for almost three years.
(WSB photo, Admiral Block Party, August 2024)
Memorial Day weekend kicks off summer, but planning has already been under way for months for big summer events. That includes the Admiral Block Party, presented by the Admiral Neighborhood Association, which asked us to let you know that vendor applications are open (and they’re still welcoming sponsorships too). The Admiral Block Party takes over part of California SW north of Admiral Way from 11 am to 9 pm on Saturday, August 23, one of summer’s last big celebrations, and ANA hopes you can help it be bigger and better than ever. Just go here to get going on vending and/or sponsoring!
(California Poppy, photographed by Rosalie Miller)
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).
KNIFE-SHARPENING POP-UP: Got a knife that needs to be ready for your Memorial Day cookout (or something else)? Kneighborhood Knives is back, 10 am-4 pm today and Saturday, $12/knife, at Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW).
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) campus.
QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
HIGH TEA AT THE KENNEY: 2 pm, you’re invited!
Breakfast at Tiffany’s Afternoon Tea Party
Place: The Kenney Senior Living, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW
Date: Friday, May 23
Time: 2 p.m.Join us for a traditional high tea. Wear your “Sunday best” and come ready to socialize, enjoy afternoon tea treats, and engage in some friendly competition! All are welcome!
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION FC HOME OPENER: First home match of the season for West Seattle Junction FC, 7 pm vs. Lane United FC at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). “Blue Out” night – all fans requested to wear blue!
WEST SEATTLE STORY SLAM: New event at Kenyon Hall! 7 pm open-mic storytelling, sign up to tell a story or just sit and watch/listen. Free! (7904 35th SW; check out our in-depth update on Kenyon Hall)
COFFEEHOUSE COMEDY: Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm. All ages, no cover.
FREE CONCERT AT THE LONGHOUSE: Ryan Littleeagle performs at 7 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW), all ages, no admission charge.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: The Retromancers, Fools in the Rain, Pirate Radio, doors 7 pm, show 8, at The Skylark, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Buttnaked 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: Foul Blooded, Nordus.
BEACH FIRE SEASON & PARK HOURS CHANGES: Tonight’s the first night of beach-fire season at Alki, where closing time will be earlier (as it will at two other West Seattle parks, Don Armeni Boat Ramp and Hamilton Viewpoint) – go here for Seattle Parks‘ reminder about the changes.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
If your summer-camp plans aren’t finalized yet, here’s one more nonprofit option we were asked to share with you, from Camp Fire, whose local offices are in West Seattle:
We are incredibly excited to be expanding our service area this summer and serving more youth in West Seattle!
Westcrest Park is a crown jewel and boasts a gorgeous green space with picnic tables, a playground, & viewing platform overlooking the skyline.
West Seattle native and Camp Fire team member Mulch Morwell will be at the helm! “I’m so excited to be directing Westcrest Park Day Camp this year! I grew up in West Seattle going to that park and it’s a beautiful location with plenty of access to hiking trails. It’s a great spot to connect kids with nature, give teenagers meaningful leadership experiences, and lead some fun and educational camp projects that kids love. Camp Fire really stands out from the other youth organizations when it comes to giving kids the chance to grow at their own pace and figure out what they’re passionate about.”
Connecting Kids to the Outdoors
Also on tap for this summer at Westcrest Day Camp: Scavenger hunts, tie-dye, STEM projects, camp songs, and so much more! Special guests will also be featured inluding Dana Aoyama (Camp Name: Meeko) and her snake friends!
Extended Care is Available at this location, which is running from July 21st – 25th.
For more info, and registration, go here.
7:55 AM: Thanks for the tips. Backup on the eastbound bridge after crash reported at its crest.
9:20 AM: Thanks for this tip – the ramp to NB 99 from the bridge is blocked by a broken-down tanker truck. Just as we type this, police are being dispatched.
9:41 AM: Sounds like this may be blocked for a while. If you need to get to NB 99, find an alternative.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, May 23, 2025, as we head toward Memorial Day weekend.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Mostly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:23 am; sunset will be at 8:50 pm.
ROAD WORK
-Beach Drive work that’s restricting parking by Lowman Beach Park is a continuation of the PSE gas pipeline project, which also has flaggers in action a bit further north.
-At the other end of Beach Drive, in South Alki, street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project is in its next phase, centered at 64th/Beach Drive – details and maps are here, along with what’s next.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-evening sailings Fridays (tonight!) and Saturdays. Note that the West Seattle Water Taxi WILL sail on Memorial Day. …
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. On Monday, WSF says, this route will be on its two-boat schedule.
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!
2:03 AM: For those wondering about the police converging on The Junction – according to emergency-radio traffic, this started with a report of a burglary at the Antique Mall in the 4500 block of California, and as officers were arriving to search, one suffered a leg injury in a reported assault. The suspect was last seen running northbound on California, described by dispatch as an “unknown-race male, 30s-40s, face mask, gray hoodie, bleeding from his left hand.” SFD is being called to treat the officer; other police are looking for the suspect. If you have any information, call 911. (Added: This is case 25-138791.)
2:39 AM: They’re still searching and have expanded the area after the suspect reportedly at one point jumped a fence on the northeast edge of The Junction, leaving a bloody hand/fingerprint. Officers have also just told dispatch that they have probable cause for burglary, NOT assault on an officer, so we’ll have to wait to find out later what that was all about. Meantime, a K-9 is joining the search.
2:43 AM: They have a suspect in custody, in the 4100 block of 40th SW. They’re calling in SFD because he’s “bleeding everywhere” (the wound was described earlier as likely related to broken glass at the burglary scene).
2:51 AM: Police also have reported they’re involved in a collision at 42nd and Oregon.
NOON: We’ve just obtained the report narrative from SPD, and here’s what else we’ve learned from it:
-The aforementioned bloody prints resulted in a conclusion that the would-be burglar apparently didn’t manage to get into the store despite apparently breaking some glass on the upper floor of the back of the store.
It wasn’t the first burglary attempt, police were told. Meantime, the 31-year-old man eventually arrested is described as a relative of an acquaintance of the store owner and is reported to have tried to make a purchase recently but didn’t have the money for the item he wanted. The suspect was treated at a hospital and taken to jail after his hand injury was stitched up. (The report narrative provided to us does not have any information about the reported injury to an officer or the subsequently reported collision, so we’re asking again on followup)
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