(All photos taken during Southside Revolution’s May 10 bout with Seattle Derby Brats)

Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Dave Gershgorn
for West Seattle Blog

“Seattle is where roller derby is at!”

So proclaims Patty Gray, a former Rat City Roller Derby skater who is mentoring the newest generation of derby skaters as board president of Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby.

SSR, whose home bouts are at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center, recently wrapped up its home season with the “Battle in Seattle” vs. Seattle Derby Brats. The two are not only friendly rivals; Patty says they make Seattle the only city in the country with two junior roller-derby organizations.

Though the home season is over, the competition continues. Four teams comprise Southside Revolution – Alliance, Cadets, Rebels, and Resistance; the Rebels are a year-round travel team, headed to regionals in Oregon in June, which are followed by national championships in Colorado in July. They’re hoping to make it to “champs” for the first time in seven years. And SSR is hoping for community support to help get them to postseason success; you can help with that by going to their Royal Masquerade Skate Prom fundraiser at Southgate on Wednesday (June 4). More on that shortly!

Why support SSR? Myriad reasons, including this one: Junior roller derby is an inclusive sport, Patty explains, attractive to many kids and teens who just “didn’t fit in”. with conventional sports. Southside Revolution is open to ages 7-18, and it’s “open gender,” so all can skate together. “All body types,” too. Yes, it gets rough, Patty acknowledges, but it has rules. “These kids are learning how to embody their strength, their skills.” Sometimes during bouts, it’s about speed, but other times, it’s about defense against an opponent trying to break a “jam,” and you might see the line of teammates barely move.

“It’s definitely a team sport,” Patty says.

She says she fell in love with roller derby by watching skaters then known as the Rat City Rollergirls; eventually she joined them. She skated for five years before retiring; now she has two kids who are following in her wheelstops. Skaters of course have derby names; she was Slamburger Patty – her son is Omargeddon; her daughter, Killer Diva.

Though Southside Revolution has been in existence more than a decade – even if you’ve never been to a bout, you might have seen them around, including West Seattle Grand Parade appearances – this is its first year as a nonprofit. That means there’s been a new learning curve, and it includes the world of fundraising. Even if you don’t skate, you can have fun at Wednesday’s Royal Masquerade Skate Prom, 5:30-7:30 pm at the rink (9646 17th SW) – watching skating, of course, for starters.

Also, there’ll be a costume contest, silent auction, refreshments, more to make it a true party. $20 tickets will be available at the door.

P.S. If you have a potential derby skater in your household – watch for word of new-skater clinics that SSR will be offering in fall.

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TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE: Harbor Avenue reopened after police shutdown while clearing stunt drivers from Don Armeni Boat Ramp (updated Sunday night)

May 31, 2025 8:36 pm

| 61 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle police | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:36 PM: If you’re seeing/hearing the police response at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, police called for backup to break up a reported crowd of at least 100 stunt drivers. They’re ordering them to disperse, and declaring the park now closed to the public. They’re also blocking Harbor Avenue in the Don Armeni vicinity to facilitate the “clearing out,” officers are telling dispatch.

9 PM: Police say only a few are left, so they’re reopening Harbor Avenue.

ADDED 10:12 PM SUNDAY: We requested SPD narrative on the only incident # we could find on the data map clearly related to this; it tells just part of the story, though, mostly about the woman a commenter mentioned seeing taken into custody. Here’s the narrative, with XXXXX redactions by police – it starts with “remarks” regarding what they were told by dispatch:

REMARKS: REVVING ENGINES, POSS DRAG RACING, NO VISUAL, NO MENTION OF WEAPNS, ON WITH ANOTHER PERSON REPORTING THIS, SAID THERE ARE 500+ PEOPLE

At approximately 2015 hours, I was on a call at 1228 HARBOR AV SW (BOAT RAMP)

As I was pulling into the boat ramp for directed patrol, I observed a Maroon GMC Sierra WA-XXXXXXXX doing burnouts and racing doughnuts while I was patrolling the boat ramp.

I initiated a traffic stop on the same vehicle located at 1228 Harbor Av Sw. I contacted the driver who identified herself as XXXX XXXXX XXXX DOB XX/XX/1998. As I requested the driver for her license and proof of insurance, she provided me with her license and stated that she did not have insurance due to the vehicle being new. Records check revealed that XXXX was clear and current with a current license.

I advised XXXX the reason why I conducted a traffic stop, and she stated that she knew and that she would never do it again.

As I waited for my backing officers to arrive due to the large gathering of people, I observed two toddlers in the back seat of the pickup truck. The vehicle was doing burnouts while the toddlers were seated in the back seat of the vehicle.

As My backing officers arrived, I requested XXXX to step out of the vehicle for further investigation. I advised XXXX that what she did was dangerous especially with two toddlers in the back seat.

I advised XXXX that she was going to be placed into custody. I placed XXXX into custody, and I read her Miranda rights. I requested for a female officer to search XXXX, but due to the large group of people and vehicles we needed to clear the scene for officers safety, so I searched XXXX incident to arrest.

Officer XXXX advised me that one of the witnesses stated that they witnessed the whole thing. The unknown witness stated that while the vehicle was doing burnouts, he stated that he saw a male subject drive the vehicle. Then when the officer pulled over the vehicle XXXX and the unknown male subject switched seats before the officer approached the vehicle.

I asked XXXX if she was the one driving the vehicle and XXXX stated that she did even before I initiated a traffic stop.

Sgt. XXXX arrived on scene and screened the incident at the scene.

I transported XXXX to SW Precinct for further processing. Due to XXXX’s cooperation, she was released from the SW Precinct without further incident.

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Two Saturday sightings

May 31, 2025 7:10 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news

Two coyote sightings today from the north end of West Seattle – first, via text, 5:30 am at 41st/Walker:

Then, not far from there, reported via email, this sighting was around noon:

We just had a coyote hanging out in our back yard. We live above the Fairmount Ravine and know coyotes are often among us, but this is our first daytime sighting. Thought I would share with the community.

Coyotes are often seen far from ravines, greenbelts, etc., too. For those who haven’t already memorized the coexistence advice, including what to do if you see one, here it is again!

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ORCAS: Seen off West Seattle

May 31, 2025 6:39 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

6:39 PM: Up for Saturday evening whale-watching? Kersti Muul sends news that orcas were north of Alki Point, headed south/westward, around 6 pm. Let us know if you see them!

PHOTOS ADDED: Thanks to Robin Sinner for sharing photos from the orcas’ Elliott Bay appearance!

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YOU CAN HELP! West Seattle Bee Garden needs mulchers Sunday

May 31, 2025 5:44 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Gardening | How to help | West Seattle news

Spread mulch, help bees! That’s the task awaiting helpers at tomorrow’s monthly West Seattle Bee Garden work party. Lisa asked us to, well, spread the word:

Please join us this Sunday, June 1st, 10 am-12 pm in the Bee Garden for our June work party.

Our big task is re-mulching the pathways. We’ll have wheelbarrows and pitchforks to complete the work but bring your own if you have a favorite. As usual, dress for the weather (looks like sun!) and wear closed-toe shoes. Light snacks provided.

We’ll have additional tasks as well, such as weeding (always) and possibly some planting.

Thanks to our amazing community support, this season we’ve been been able to relaunch the field trip program as well as welcoming other education groups back to the garden. It wouldn’t have been possible without your help. Thanks for your continued support!

The West Seattle Bee Garden is on the north end of High Point Commons Park, Lanham/Graham.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen work van

May 31, 2025 4:34 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

The photo and report were sent by Milena:

We recently had our work van stolen from the Diamond parking lot on California and Brandon. It’s a white 2006 Ford Econoline with a Thule rack on top. Plate BQJ2678. Police report # 25-148375.

Call 911 if you find it.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another early-morning 7-Eleven holdup

May 31, 2025 3:05 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

For the second consecutive day, a West Seattle 7-Eleven has been hit by armed robbers. This time, it was the 7-Eleven on Erskine Way at the south end of The Junction. A short summary released by SPD say officers were dispatched there after a holdup-alarm notification at 5:16 am and confirmed with store staff that they’d just been robbed. According to the summary, the two robbers “entered the store, propping the door open with an object … walked about, making sure no other people were inside … then went behind the counter and one pointed a firearm at the clerk … (they) then took several items from behind the counter, mostly tobacco and vape products (and) fled on foot westbound.” Police found “some discarded items in the alley to the west” and suspect a getaway vehicle had been waiting there.” The summary does not include descriptions but archived audio from the response has officers describing the robbers as Black, male, wearing black face masks and black pants, one in a black hoodie, the other in a gray or white sweatshirt with flower print. The summary, meantime, adds that police believe the same robbers “most likely committed another robbery in Queen sector.” It doesn’t say if they’re suspected in the Friday morning Admiral 7-Eleven holdup; meantime, we’ve obtained the narrative for that one and updated the original Friday morning report.

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WEST SEATTLE ART: Emerald Water Anglers mural progress

May 31, 2025 2:17 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

A bright sight on a gray day! Artist Matthew DeLorme has spent almost a week up on that ladder (though not when we passed by in the noontime rain), painting a mural outside Emerald Water Anglers. We showed you an early look this past Tuesday when we reported on the plan for the last vacant space in that Junction building, The Missing Piece moving from 35th/Roxbury by end of summer. EWA moved there from 42nd/Oregon last fall; there’s a mural inside the shop too, as we showed you in coverage of the new location’s grand opening.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Time to play at Gatewood Elementary’s Gator Fair

May 31, 2025 11:07 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Gatewood | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photos courtesy Brandy DeWeese, Gatewood PTA)

The banner says it all – Gatewood Elementary‘s third annual Gator Fair is on right now! Everyone’s welcome to join in free fun on the playground on the west side of the 4320 SW Myrtle campus:

Some activities and performances are scheduled – here’s the lineup:

The Gator Fair continues until 2:30 pm today (rain or shine!).

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WEST SEATTLE SCHOOLS: STEM K-8’s Pride Kickoff Party

May 31, 2025 10:52 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle schools

(WSB photos)

Pride month begins tomorrow, but Louisa Boren STEM K-8 in Delridge got an early start with a Pride Kickoff Party on the playground last night. Rainbows were everywhere, from chalk creations to costumes:

Sponsors and participants included the PTA, GGLOW, and area organizations like White Center Pride:

WC Pride’s street festival is one week from today, June 7 on 16th SW between Roxbury and SW 100th.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 31 possibilities!

May 31, 2025 6:07 am

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Brooke Gosztola, who says these are 2 of her 3 ‘backyard bunnies’)

Last Saturday in May – here’s your list of West Seattle happenings, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.

PLANT SALE TO FIGHT LUNG CANCER: 9 am to 3 pm, another session of Amy‘s famous plant sale, raising money to fight lung cancer. (3703 SW 107th)

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: That’s followed immediately by this walk in which you can participate regardless of whether you were on the introductory stroll. Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, Saturdays through October, at Hope Academy (9421 18th SW). Fresh produce, cooked-on-site food, body-care products, more.

SEATTLE SPEAKING PROJECT: Your chance to speak up, with this Toastmasters group’s special 10 am online meeting.

MASTER GARDENERS: They’re ready to answer your questions! Saturdays this spring and summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.

GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY GATOR FAIR: Free family-friendly fun at the school (4320 SW Myrtle), 10:30 am-2:30 pm.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.

SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) continues daily operations today, 11 am-8 pm.

HOLDEN NATURAL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS INFO: 11 am-1 pm drop-in info session at BedHead Coffee (16th/Holden) with the latest on the Highland Park project, as previewed in our report on this past week’s HPAC meeting.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW)

WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Visit the Log House Museum for today’s 11 am-noon open house and learn how! (3003 61st SW)

WOMEN’S CLOTHING SWAP: 11 am-3 pm at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California SW), swap benefiting and presented by nonprofit Leaps and Bounds Children’s Therapy – see our calendar listing for the explanation of how it works.

FOURTH WEEKEND FOR COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today to start the fourth of six preseason weekends, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: After the aforementioned volunteer open house – explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

ART & SOL: Arts Corps‘ end-of-school celebration with art, performances, more, all ages welcome, noon-2 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), free.

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MAKE PINCH-POT ANIMALS: At the Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), noon-2 pm; more info in our calendar listing.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: On the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus:

The Northwest Wine Academy Tasting Room, Wine Bar and Retail Store are open Thursday-Saturday from 1-6 pm. Come taste and purchase our student-produced wine! The Northwest Wine Academy features a large tasting room and retail store. While tasting one of our current releases, you can you may request a tour of our barrel room and bottling area. Come support our student winemakers and join us for a student tasting.

‘THE SPACE HE LEFT’: This “yoga journey into the loss of a father” is set for 2-4:30 pm at Limber Yoga (7901 35th SW), $65, preregister here.

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 6-8 pm, Gary Benson‘s mellow solo songs, no cover, all ages, at C & P (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Racoma performs at 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)

THE WIZARD OF OZ: Denny International Middle School presents the youth edition of this classic at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), 7 pm, free.

DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: Cookie Couture is on hiatus but, with Fraya Love and Kenzie, drag extravaganza West End Girls carries on at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, tickets here.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s DJ Cray at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW).

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Up for Saturday night singing? 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

Got a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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