West Seattle, Washington
07 Monday
Also during the week ahead, two changes for otherwise-regular community meetings:
NO HPAC MEETING: The community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge has canceled what would have been its regular fourth-Wednesday meeting on June 25, and starting its summer hiatus. Next meeting, September 24 – but the HPAC announcement mentions a couple community-event dates in the meantime.
ONE-WEEK-DELAYED ALKI MEETING: The Alki Community Council delayed its monthly meeting one week instead of holding it on Juneteenth last Thursday, so you’re invited to gather with the ACC at 7 pm this Thursday (June 26) at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Agenda highlights are here.
(City map from plan-update overview)
The city’s rezoning/Comprehensive Plan Update process continues, outlining plans for future growth, and tomorrow brings the Seattle City Council‘s next all-day public hearing. The morning session is focused on remote testimony, the afternoon session on in-person, everybody allotted up to one minute. The agenda has all the documents, including a package of simple maps showing the newest proposed boundaries for what the city calls Neighborhood Centers and Urban Centers. Seven of the maps show the newest boundaries under consideration for the proposed Neighborhood Centers in West Seattle – pages 1-6 are Endolyne, Upper Fauntleroy, Holden, Fairmount, Brandon Junction, and Delridge, page 25 is High Point – and then there are four Urban Centers mapped for WS, Admiral (page 40), Morgan Junction (page 52), West Seattle Junction (page 61), Westwood-Highland Park (page 62). For an explanation of the different types of “centers,” you can check out page 24 of this document, and then scroll ahead to more detailed descriptionsi. The Neighborhood Center concept in particular was introduced when the city unveiled the first version of its rezoning proposal eight months ago. Not all the center boundaries have changed since then; this package of maps compares the original and revised boundaries for those that have changed, including the Endolyne Neighborhood Center and the Admiral and Morgan Junction Urban Centers.
If you’re interested in commenting to the council during Monday’s public hearing, which starts at 9:30 am, here’s how to sign up, as outlined on the second page of the agenda:
Registration for remote speakers will begin at 8:30 a.m. and end at 10:00 a.m. Register here:
https://www.seattle.gov/council/committees/public-commentRegistration for in-person speakers at City Hall, Council Chamber, will begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m.
Speakers will be provided with one minute each to comment at the public hearing.
City Hall is at 600 4th Avenue downtown.
FIRST 9 PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WSB
If you’re in a garden-related business, chances are you have a great garden yourself, as does Marcia Bruno (above), owner of West Seattle Nursery and Garden Center (WSB sponsor) – her west Admiral garden was the first stop on the map for today’s West Seattle Garden Tour. Ten gardens were chosen as tour stops. Here’s the fifth on the list, in west Seaview:
This garden was laden with art, including “Steel Roots” by Steve Tobin:
A notable feature of the eighth garden on the list, toward the south end of The Arroyos – its Puget Sound view:
At the ninth garden, in Seola, we photographed gardeners Janyce Lauhon-Horton and Kent Horton beneath a magnolia tree:
This is Janyce’s childhood home.
She told us she’s been gardening there for 50 years, and she’s especially fond of shade-loving plants!
These hydrangea blossoms were eye-catching too:
Container gardening was in view at some stops too, like the tenth on the list, on Puget Ridge:
And containers also caught our eye at the seventh mapped garden, in Gatewood (photos from here by WSB editor Tracy Record):
But the most striking features of this site are the gardeners’ efficient use of space, including the planting strips:
Not shown, but also notable, this home once had a golf-course-quality lawn out front. One of its owners told us they knew when they bought the house they’d never be able to maintain that. Over the years, more and more of the lawn has been carved away and turned into garden beds.
The West Seattle Garden Tour raises money for grants to nonprofits – here’s this year’s list; nominations are still being accepted for next year’s grants.
6:21 PM: If you’re heading toward the 1st Avenue South Bridge, you might want to wait a while. There’s an emergency response at the onramp on the south end of the northbound bridge, after a driver reportedly went into the retention pond alongside the ramp. The water is reported to be only about two feet deep so they’ve downsized this from the originally dispatched rescue response.
6:25 PM: According to SFD, “Crews were not able to find any occupants inside or around the vehicle.”
… This is the closest traffic camera, but it’s WSDOT, not SDOT, and doesn’t enlarge clearly.
4:59 PM: SPD and SFD are headed to a reported flipped-car crash at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Austin. Police say the driver has gotten out of the car and no one is trapped. Updates to come.
(Added: WSB photos)
5:24 PM: Our photographer says it’s actually a car on side, not car on roof. No serious injuries reported. At least two parked cars were reported to have been hit. (Added) Maddy sent this video from a different angle, before emergency responders arrived:
Northbound traffic is getting through on Fauntleroy.
5:35 PM: An SDOT crew and tow truck have arrived.
5:47 PM: Officers just told dispatch that all lanes are now open.
Glenn emailed with this question:
I wondered if you all had heard of or know of a population of weasels at Lincoln Park or if perhaps someone may have let a pet go. I’ve lived near and run in the park for 23 years now and have never seen one before, but the other day on the beach path one ran across in front of me from the water back towards the wood. It was quite small, short legged, and black in color which is why I believe it to be a weasel species and not a fisher or ferret but I’m no biologist.
And that reminded us of photos DeAnna had sent last month that we hadn’t published. She thought it was a Stoat:
(DeAnna wrote) It was a tiny thing, body not more than about 6” long ( or counting the tail) and was whipping around the logs and rocks near the pool. There was something kind of swim camp going on and the beach was full of kids absolutely oblivious to the menace among them. This is my first sighting of such a critter in my 35 years here.
We checked the archives but have never had a report on this critter in our 17+ years of wildlife coverage, either. Hoping at least one reader will have further enlightenment for us!
11:56 AM: It’s slow going on the east half (aka the Spokane Street Viaduct) of the westbound West Seattle Bridge right now; thanks to the texters who tipped us on this:
Construction work on West Seattle Bridge blocking the WB right lane between 1st Ave S and 4th Ave S. Use caution. pic.twitter.com/5SEOQVjDmV
— SDOT Traffic (@SDOTtraffic) June 22, 2025
That’s the closest view we have; one person who’s gone by says the work appears to involve barrier(s) at the Harbor Island exit.
1:26 PM: No ETA so far on when this will be over; the live camera shows the lane closure still in effect.
3:21 PM: No change.
4:43 PM: The lane has reopened since our last check.
Got shelves of vinyl? You might be interested in this last-minute addition to the “happening today” lineup – just got word of this from Matt Vaughan of Easy Street Records, who says it’s a “super great opportunity for record collectors and vinyl enthusiasts!”
Join Hans Brackman from Definitive Audio anytime between 4-7, for an afternoon of keeping your records in peak condition. Hans will be bringing out their Clear Audio Double Matrix record cleaner. If u have a record or two that need pro cleaning, here’s your opportunity. Free. Bring ’em with you. Upstairs vinyl section. Get hands on, ask questions, and get tips on how to upgrade your system and care for your vinyl records.
Easy Street Records is on the northwest corner of California SW and SW Alaska.
Family and friends will gather September 21 to celebrate the life of Constance Wilkinson, and in the meantime are sharing this remembrance with her community:
Constance Marie Wilkinson
October 30th, 1957 – June 14th, 2025Constance Wilkinson, 67, of Seattle, parted this earthly realm on June 14th, 2025, surrounded by friends and family in her home. She fought bravely and hopefully after being diagnosed with stage four renal cell cancer in April of 2024. For those that knew Constance, she had an infectious enthusiasm for living and undying gratitude for life and its multitude of joys.
Born in Riverton, Wyoming, Constance lived on the family homestead before moving to Missoula, Montana at the age of 5. One of five children, there was never a lonely moment on the family farm. Her home was filled with music and books that moved her and shaped her perspective. Throughout her life, no matter the distance or time zone, she kept her relatives close in her mind and heart, and loved sharing stories about family traditions and the fun they had together. Family reunions and annual Christmas drawings were cherished rituals.
After graduating high school in 1976, she set her sights on Alaska with a plan to work hard and have an adventure while saving money for college. She fondly recalled being a “tough chick” while living in Juneau where she commercial fished in the summers and tended bar in the winters. Her chapter in Juneau lasted over a decade, and in that time, she developed a lifelong love for exploring untamed nature and being on the water. She left her mark on the city and its people; when she returned over 30 years later, she was recognized and greeted warmly everywhere.
Constance eventually made it to her longtime home of Seattle to pursue higher education and a career of service to others. She received a master’s degree in Speech and Hearing Sciences from the University of Washington (UW) before beginning an impactful career in health care as a speech-language pathologist at Harborview Medical Center (HMC). There she met her future wife and the love of her life, her “sweet Kyra Jo.” Leading by example with kindness, patience, and a smile, she was quickly promoted to manager of the Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program (CORP). With a talent for uplifting and bringing out the best in others, Constance next became a clinical instructor for the Medical Speech Language Pathology Program at UW. She ended her working career as the Director of Rehabilitation Therapies at the VA Puget Sound Healthcare System which she referred to as her “dream job.” Constance made lifelong friends in every organization she touched. Beyond performing her roles earnestly and exceptionally well, she was a beloved and trusted mentor to countless individuals, and her positive influence created a ripple effect of benefit within the rehabilitation community in Seattle.
Constance’s vivacity could be seen in the sparkle of her bright blue eyes. Her warm smile was almost always accompanied by a happy laugh. She was passionate about building relationships and was an incredible host with impeccable style and taste – memories of joyous gatherings and connecting others to create new friendships were gifts that will continue to be enjoyed far beyond her time with us. She conducted over twenty wedding ceremonies for friends – a testament to the trust and intimacy of her relationships. She was most content in the company of her devoted wife, Kyra, with whom she was inseparable.
Many interests brought her joy – animals (especially dogs), music, literature, sailing, art, travel, but above all, she loved people and believed in their goodness. She had many nicknames, Con, Cob, Const and Stink. The most fitting, however, was “the Queen of Gratitude.” Always thinking of how to help others, she was active in her community and generously volunteered her time and resources to numerous non-profit organizations. She began as a singing member of the Seattle Women’s Chorus and soon became a Board member and the president of Flying House Productions. After retirement, however, there was less time for the rehearsals as she and her wife lived their dream to travel and sail extensively with their precious “sea dog” Remy accompanying them whenever possible. Her favorite trip was to Uganda and Rwanda where she completed four separate treks to see the mountain gorillas in their remote natural habitat. Despite her busy travel and sailing schedule, she found time to continue to give back to her community by joining as a Board member at Companis, a non-profit organization she was passionate about.
Constance was loved by many. She is survived by her wife, Kyra Becker, her brother Wesley Wilkinson (Jane Wilkinson), her brother Kenneth Wilkinson, her sister Holly Hoff (James Hoff), and her sister-in-law Donna Wilkinson. She was predeceased by her brother Daniel Wilkinson and her beloved dog Remy.
For the celebration of her life, Constance wished to host an event with “good red wine” to be served in stemware with a performance of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the Seattle Men’s Chorus. Those requests will be honored at a gathering on September 21, 2025 at the Hall at Fauntleroy.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Companis.
When asked how we can honor her memory, Constance encouraged to us all to “live a life of gratitude, love, and forgiveness.”
(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)
(Lincoln Park’s Barred Owlets, photographed from a distance this week by Rainer Klett)
Gardening, art, soccer, music, and more – here are our highlights for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: Sold out, so this is just a reminder that it’s happening today, 9 am-5 pm, and you might encounter some unexpected traffic on streets with gardens hosting tour stops. If you still need to pick up your ticket book, it’s waiting for you 8:30-11 am at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW), but they do NOT have extras for sale.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with summer produce (berries! lots of salad greens! asparagus!) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
MASTER GARDENERS: While at the market, look for Master Gardeners, ready to answer your questions! Sundays throughout the summer, they’re at the market, 10 am-2 pm.
ADMIRAL CHURCH CELEBRATION: Later this year, the church will leave its longtime home to make way for the redevelopment it chose as a path to its future. Today a celebratory service, lunch, and reception, “Fond Farewells and Daring Dreams,” will celebrate the past and future, 10:30 am-2 pm. (4320 SW Hill)
WESTIES RUN CLUB ANNIVERSARY RUN/PARTY: Today’s Sunday Funday run is part of the Westies’ three-year celebration, leaving from and returning to Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 10:30 am.
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) is open every day, no matter what the weather, 11 am-8 pm.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
COLMAN POOL: The heated salt-water outdoor pool at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) is open today as its 7-day-a-week season continues, noon-7 pm, with four hour-and-a-half swim sessions, each half lap swimming and half open swim – see the schedule here.
WADING POOL: Also at Lincoln Park, the wading pool will be open if the forecast for some sunshine and a 70ish temp holds, noon-7 pm.
LOCAL ARTISTS CELEBRATION + SOCCER: Before today’s home match for (corrected) West Seattle Junction FC vs. the Tacoma Stars, check out the local artist celebration at the stadium, including all-ages activities, starting at 12:45 pm, match at 2 pm, Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). Get tickets here or at the stadium.
ALKI POINT LIGHTHOUSE TOURS: Weekly free tours! Grounds at 3201 Alki SW open at 1 pm; last tour starts 3:45 pm; more info in our calendar listing.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LIVE MUSIC AT TIM’S: Blues Afternoon with Korner Blues , 2 pm at Tim’s Tavern in White Center. (16th/98th)
STRING QUARTET AT KENYON HALL: Second concert for string quartet Pure Flavor, continuing to present Beethoven’s String Quartets, 2:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – check here for tickets.
‘THE EFFECT’ AT ARTSWEST: First afternoon performance for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 3 pm – check here for tickets.
BENEFIT SHOW FOR MODE MUSIC & PERFORMING ARTS: More than two dozen acts perform a concert at the iconic Neptune Theater (1303 NE 45th), 3:30 pm, to raise money for scholarships at West Seattle’s Mode Music and Performing Arts. Ticket info in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Weekend’s end brings Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could feature on the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
12:55 AM: In case you wondered about thr sirens, SFD had a “fire in building” response for 30th/Henderson, but it turned out to be minor, and everyone’s been dismissed. … (Update) Turned out to be a “small propane stove, turned on.”
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