day : 29/05/2025 10 results

Two more West Seattle Crime Watch notes before the night’s out:

DELRIDGE RESPONSE: Thanks for the tip about police blocking off Delridge near the playfield late tonight. It started with a parking-enforcement officer discovering a man passed out inside an illegally parked car. They handed the discovery over to patrol officers, who learned the car was a Volvo SUV stolen on Mercer Island. Officers were reported to be having a difficult time rousing him to get him out of the car but eventually arrested him.

JUNCTION ATM ROBBERY: Missed this one last night while covering an event, but police released a brief summary. Around 7:30 pm Wednesday, a woman was held up at gunpoint after withdrawing money from the Wells Fargo ATM on SW Alaska in The Junction. The robbers were two men who got away in a car parked nearby. In archived audio, the robbers were described only as an Asian man and Black man, both around 25

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BIZNOTES: Three from Westwood Village (updated Friday)

May 29, 2025 9:53 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Three Westwood Village notes tonight:

(WSB photo when signs first appeared two weeks ago)

TOTAL WINE TOMORROW? The signs saying “Open 9 am May 30” are still on the Total Wine & More doors at 2501 SW Trenton as of our most recent check a short time ago. Perhaps it’s a soft open, as the company was taking RSVPs for a ribbon-cutting and “preview” event next Wednesday evening (June 4).

FRIDAY UPDATE: Yes, they’re open. (New photo added above.)

J. CREW ON THE MAP: We’ve been reporting on evidence that clothing retailer J. Crew is opening a “factory” store in the ex-GameStop and tanning-salon spaces. Now more evidence: The logo is officially on the WWV map (above), which is the only way the center has been “announcing” new tenants.

RITE AID’S FUTURE: When Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy again, we reported that the Westwood Village store’s lease was among those offered “for assignment” by a broker working with the company to offload dozens of stores. CVS is reported to be taking over more than 60 Rite Aid stores in the region, but no hint yet if WWV is among them – its leasing map now shows that space (above) as “available.”

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Admiral stabbing/robbery suspect to get competency evaluation

May 29, 2025 6:52 pm

| 19 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(May 12th WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

We checked court records today to see if Admiral stabbing/robbery suspect Jiminson A. Calix-Bodden had been arraigned yet. Instead, we found he had appeared in court two days ago for a hearing in which his lawyer’s motion for a competency evaluation was granted. Calix-Bodden is the 25-year-old arrested after a man walking near California/Stevens was stabbed in a random attack on May 12th; Calix-Bodden was charged with assault with a deadly weapon, as well as with robbery for allegedly accosting a woman nearby to steal her phone. In court this week, Calix-Bodden’s lawyer contended he was not mentally competent to stand trial; Superior Court Judge Brian McDonald granted her motion for a review to determine if that’s true. He also ruled that Calix-Bodden, listed in court documents as a Tukwila resident, should stay in jail in lieu of $250,000 bail, and would be held on electronic home monitoring if he managed to get out on bond. His next hearing is set for June 12th.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Your turn to release salmon fry into Fauntleroy Creek

May 29, 2025 5:04 pm

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| Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | Wildlife

If you’d like a chance to do what the Roxhill Elementary student in Fauntleroy Creek salmon-release volunteer John Sturtevant‘s photo is doing – your chance is just three days away. As we look ahead to what’s happening around West Seattle this weekend, this is one of the unique events – a community salmon-release opportunity at the creek, where hundreds of students have been visiting all month to free the fry they’ve been raising at school. On Sunday (June 1), 1 pm-3 pm, enter Fauntleroy Park at the SW Barton entrance and walk to the bridge, where you’ll find Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteers with a bucket of fish and answers to all your questions – free, all ages!

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CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle girls’ water polo to compete at state tournament. Then: Free clinic

May 29, 2025 3:11 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Congratulations to the West Seattle girls’ water polo team – they’ve made into the state tournament! That news comes from Jennifer, who sent the photos and report, and also says they’re offering a free clinic to mentor other girls:

The WSHS Girls Water Polo team finished 3rd in the Division Championship Tournament last Saturday and then won a play-in against Shorewood High School to qualify for the State Championship Tournament held at Curtis Aquatic Center in University Place. The Wildcats will play Curtis High School (tonight) at 8 pm. The team will also play Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st. The other qualifying schools are Bainbridge, Kennedy Catholic, Gig Harbor, Bellevue, Mercer Island, and Rogers.

Once their post-season is over, the team will host a free clinic for middle- and high-school-aged girls on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 3:00 to 4:30 pm at Southwest Pool. Learn and play alongside the high school girls team players, under the direction of WSHS Coaches Steven McKinnon and Jojo Southwell. Find out what this growing sport is all about and get a chance to learn the basics. This is an educational event open to all 6th through 12th grade girls regardless of which school they attend. Registration required in advance of the event. Please contact WSWP to receive a link to register: wshswaterpolo@gmail.com

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PARKING: Add more street spaces to Alki Avenue after diagonal spaces are removed? New SDOT proposal and survey

May 29, 2025 12:45 pm

| 74 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

12:45 PM: As first reported here in January, SDOT plans to convert the diagonal-parking area just northwest of Don Armeni Boat Ramp into parallel parking. An update today reaffirms that the work should be complete by mid-June. But today’s update adds something new:

(Google Maps Street View image, part of the stretch where SDOT proposes adding parking)

Re-establishing daytime on-street parking is proposed for the west/water side of Alki Avenue SW, between the 1200 and 1700 blocks, where the street is wide enough. This would help offset the reduced parking at Duwamish Head and meet increased parking demand during summers. Changes could be installed in the summer of 2025.

While the diagonal-parking removal is a done deal, the Alki Avenue parking is not, SDOT says, and it’s asking your thoughts via this brief survey. Meantime, we have followup questions out to SDOT, including the number of spaces planned for removal/addition, and the updated cost (the original announcement of the diagonal-parking removal noted that District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka had gotten $175,000 for it added to the budget).

ADDED 5:05 PM: SDOT says there’ll be a net gain of 140 spaces with all of this – the 35 diagonal spaces will be replaced with 25 parallel spaces, and 150 spaces would be added to Alki Avenue. SDOT says the $175,000 originally budgeted should cover the Alki Avenue plan as well as the diagonal conversion.

We also asked about other street changes that would be made to accommodate the parking changes: First, at the soon-to-be-former diagonal area, “Wheel stops will block off the space behind the parking lane and the curb on the west side (water side).” Second, in the area between 1200 and 1700 blocks of Alki Avenue, “We will be installing 20′ no parking zones (also called daylight buffers) before and after each crosswalk to enhance visibility of pedestrians crossing at these locations. The parking lane will be established by painting a fog line on the west side (water side of Alki Ave SW). Wheel stops are not here, as these spaces will be adjacent to the curb.”

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen silver Elantra; Little Free Library emptyings (anyone else?); dumped bag of opened packages

May 29, 2025 11:22 am

| 26 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN SILVER ELANTRA: Megan’s 2012 silver Hyundai Elantra was stolen in North Admiral between Saturday and Wednesday. License plate BKY4563; distinctive feature, “the taillights are melted from a fire in 2020.” If you find it, call 911 and refer to police report 25-144801.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY EMPTYINGS: Betty wonders if this has happened to anyone else with a Little Free Library:

For the second time in a week, i awoke to find that every book, except one Dickens novel, was taken from my little free library in Gatewood overnight. I am puzzled and annoyed. Even used books are costly to replace. I am curious if this has been happening to other little-library stewards.

DUMPED PACKAGE BAG: Charlene saw this at 13th/Holly:

If you’re a package-theft victim in the area, you might go take a look, though another photo (with no hint of names or addresses) suggested everything in the bag had been opened.

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From music to mending, plus orcas – here’s what’s up for your West Seattle Thursday

May 29, 2025 9:58 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(West Seattle from the sky – photo sent by Anne earlier this week – West Duwamish Greenbelt in center)

Here’s our list of Thursday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get the details of where they’re playing today.

DROP-IN CHESS: 4-5:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), youth up to 18 years old are invited to drop in and play.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events 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: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Last but never least, HPCS is the starting point 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!

FREE MENDING WORKSHOP: 5:30 pm at KAVU (9064 Delridge Way SW), bring what you need to mend, and learn from mending mentors! Our calendar listing includes an RSVP link where you can also note what you’ll be bringing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run starts at The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Prefer 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).

DUSTY THURSDAYS: 6 pm at Tim’s Tavern (98th/16th, White Center). From West Seattle’s own Billy Joe Huels:

Dusty Thursdays concert series is returning at Tim’s Tavern 6-9 pm on the outdoor stage. Each week we will feature a top local band (most hailing from West Seattle) followed by The Dusty 45s. It’s free, all-ages and everyone is welcome!

Featured tonight – Freddy Luongo & Longshots.

HOW TO GET RAINWISE: You might be eligible for subsidized RainWise installation. Find out more at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), tonight at 6:30 pm. Our calendar listing has details, including how to check if you’re eligible.

THE WHALE TRAIL AT C & P COFFEE: At 7 pm, The Whale Trail‘s spring gathering features updates on the Southern Resident orcas and a celebration of the concluding career of one of their champions – details in our calendar listing. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

‘WIZARD OF OZ’ PRESENTED BY DENNY IMS: Performances tonight and Saturday at 7 pm, free admission, <strong>Chief Sealth IHS Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle).

MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Two Fingers Social (9211 Delridge Way SW), the club discusses “Stiff” this month.

FOXWARREN LISTENING EVENT: 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), be among the first to hear Foxwarren‘s new album – free, all ages.

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 Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, 7 pm on.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned June 21 for Jay Murray, 1936-2025

May 29, 2025 9:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather June 21 to celebrate the life of Jay Murray, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

Jay Murray, lifelong resident of West Seattle, passed away peacefully at his family’s mountain retreat in Silverton, WA, on Friday, March 7th, 2025, where he and his family have enjoyed life alongside the South Fork of the Stillaguamish River since his childhood. He passed away just shy of his 89th birthday. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joanne (McCarthy) Murray; his son Vern Murray (Jenny); daughter Meredith (Murray) Blache; and five grandchildren: Renee (Erik), Mercedes, Fiadh, Matthew and August.

Jay had long enjoyed photography as a hobby, building a darkroom and make-shift studio at home. Jay and Joanne bought an established photography studio on SW Oregon Street in the West Seattle Junction in 1966. Murray’s Studio captured cherished memories for decades, and many West Seattleites remember Jay as the photographer for their senior and family portraits and wedding photos. Eventually moving the studio to 4740 California Avenue SW, Jay and Joanne expanded their business to include bridal and formal wear.

Jay was involved in many West Seattle organizations and served as president of the West Seattle Junction Association, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, the West Seattle Hi-Yu community festival, and the West Seattle High School Alumni Association. He was also secretary of the Rotary Club of West Seattle.

Jay was a member of the Admiral United Church of Christ and, as a lover of music, he sang in his church choir and several barbershop groups.

Born April 24, 1936, to Clarence and Laverne Murray of West Seattle, Jay had two older sisters, Joy Humphreys and Jane Keitges, who preceded him in death.

He attended Jefferson Elementary, James Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, graduating in 1955.

While still in high school, Jay was sworn into the US Army by his father on his 17th birthday. He served in the Army Reserves until called to active duty from 1956 to 1958, after which he remained in the Reserves. Called again to active duty deployments at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida, in Kuwait during Desert Shield/Desert Storm, and in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope, he served a total of 43 years in the US Army, retiring in 1996 with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer CW4.

Active in several local, state, and national professional photography organizations, Jay was president of the Professional Photographers of Seattle and the Professional Photographers of Washington. Winning many awards, Jay was proud to be recognized as a Photographic Craftsman by the Professional Photographers of America and a Fellow of Photography by the Professional Photographers of Washington.

Jay and Joanne traveled and enjoyed the great outdoors, from the mountains to the sea. Both avid skiers, they joined Sahalie Ski Club at Snoqualmie Pass in 1961. They also enjoyed Whistler and Blackcomb, where they celebrated his 83rd birthday skiing with three generations of family. He and Joanne traveled to Hawaii almost every year. They especially cherished walking the beaches at Bellows Field on Oahu.

Friends are invited to a Celebration of Jay’s Life on Saturday, June 21st, at 2:00 pm at Admiral Church, 4320 SW Hill St, Seattle (California Ave SW & SW Hill Street).

(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)

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER, ROAD WORK: Thursday notes

May 29, 2025 6:02 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:24 AM: Thanks for the tips – crash response on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge, at/near the Delridge onramp.

Earlier:

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, May 29, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy and likely showery this morning, clearing later, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:17 am; sunset will be at 8:56 pm.

ROAD WORK

-Gas pipeline work toward the Lowman Beach end of Beach Drive … street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project toward the Alki Point end.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-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. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Note: Online “open house” for commenting on possible ferry-fare increases/changes is now ready for you here.

STADIUM ZONE

Mariners are home tonight vs. the Nationals, 6:40 pm.

EARLY WARNING OF BRIDGE CLOSURE

As reported Wednesday – the low bridge will close the weekend of June 7-8.

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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