FOLLOWUP: Mailbox status for two West Seattle Post Offices

| West Seattle news | Westwood

After Tuesday’s report on a break-in at the Westwood Village Post Office‘s curbside mailbox, we followed up with the USPS today on its status – and also asked what’s up with the long-promised replacement of the one at the Junction Post Office.

(WSB photo, Tuesday)

USPS regional spokesperson Zachary Laux answered both questions. Regarding WWV, he said, “The damaged Westwood Village box will be removed from the street as it is beyond repair. A replacement box will be ordered and installed as soon as possible.” Eleven months ago, the box was replaced in less than a month. But it’s been more than a year and a half since the box in The Junction was stolen, and no replacement yet, though we noted that a reader said the staff told him it was finally close, which Laux also said: “Maintenance staff is awaiting one more component before the California Ave. collection box can be securely replaced.” (If you happen to be nearby when it arrives for reinstallation, please text us – 206-293-6302 – thanks!)

345palm September 3, 2025 (3:51 pm)

Great reporting as usual, Tracy. What’s infuriating is how long it has taken to replace the Junction mailbox! It’s inexcusable incompetence.

Anne September 3, 2025 (4:32 pm)

It takes as long as it takes-it’s not incompetence. Besides it will just keep happening anyway. Next time it does they should not even bother replacing them.
- bill September 4, 2025 (8:39 am)
  
  It is incompetence, Anne. Before break-ins and complete theft of boxes became a thing, West Seattle’s fine drivers had a tradition of bashing into the boxes which I expect they will continue. Perhaps someone will flip their SUV on a box one day. The need for replacement boxes is absolutely predictable. The local PO district should have several in storage. Quite possibly the incompetence is not at the local postmaster level. Maybe these things have to be approved way up the food chain in DC. In which case rather than incompetence we are the victims of political mendacity given the Republicans’ longstanding campaign to starve the PO of funding to make government look bad.

Joe September 3, 2025 (4:02 pm)

They should have heavy duty box’s like the one on California ave used infront of The Beverage Place, to collect voter ballots?

Jen September 3, 2025 (4:10 pm)

The whole mailbox issue is so annoying on so many levels. I wish we could truly understand why it takes so long for replacement. That said, I think I’m almost more comfortable going inside to mail bills and such. At least you know they won’t be stolen. The downside is parking. Between the post office customers and the mail trucks it’s not always easy to find a spot to park for a moment to run in and put mail in the inside mailbox. I know the post office personnel are doing their best, and I do appreciate it.

My two cents September 4, 2025 (12:01 pm)

I’m going to assume that the USPS doesn’t have warehouses of replacement mailboxes at the ready. Additionally, USPS would have a budget for maintenance items which would be allocated across the respective individual locations. It’s frustrating, yes – but as others have stated, there are alternatives if you don’t want to leave your car while the postal boxes are repaired or replaced.

Alf September 3, 2025 (6:03 pm)

Being disabled and rarely finding parking at the junction post office I hand off mail to be sent to my home carrier

Alki resident September 3, 2025 (8:25 pm)

Why is it so difficult to secure the area with a camera and fencing like other post offices do? This is beyond ridiculous.

Anne September 3, 2025 (10:01 pm)

Are you serious?
- Alki resident September 3, 2025 (10:37 pm)
  
  Why wouldn’t I be serious. This is completely avoidable and fixable. Are you serious?
  - KD September 4, 2025 (2:25 am)
    
    Like downtown Burien Post Office outside pull up is behind a fence with just the chute sticking out. Why the two West Seattle ones can’t be inside a fence also??
    - Alki resident September 4, 2025 (8:06 am)
      
      KD. That’s what I use the most. I can’t believe West Seattle can’t do the same,

WS Long-timer September 3, 2025 (10:54 pm)

For what it’s worth, in the almost two years since the California Ave. drive-by box has been gone I’ve found that it’s almost easier to head down to the post office on 4th Ave S. (across 4th Ave. from McDonald’s). Parking is generally plentiful, and the crew there is pleasant and helpful. Just watch your step by the curb – the parking lost asphalt there has more undulations than a Scottish golf course.(Note: I live near Harbor and Alki Avenues, so I realize it’s fairly easy for me to get to the bridge and beyond, but the same should be about the same for anyone living in West Seattle from the Junction north.)

bill September 4, 2025 (8:26 am)

That post office is north of Lander on the east side of 4th. Very handy if you are headed for I-90 or north on 5, and a tolerable diversion from north 99. It has an outdoor box — immediately turn left when you enter the driveway.

Out of curiosity September 4, 2025 (5:32 pm)

A gentle reminder, you can always hand your prepaid outgoing to a letter carrier when you see them. Also a HUGE MEGAPHONE gentle reminder, the USPS post office parking lot on the 4400 block of California (98116 post office) is for USPS vehicle parking after 2:00 PM. The sign is very big and very ignored. This is for your safety as postal vehicles are returning from their routes or picking up more mail to be delivered that day ON TOP of dispatch trucks coming for the outgoing mail. It is a highly active work zone. Last truck general leaves around closing time (~6 pm). They understand that the parking situation is not ideal at this location and that the collection box has been missing for quite some time, but please remember, they will gladly accept your outgoing and bring it in for you. At the end of day most of them have walked over 8 miles and the last thing they want is to damage your property or injure you cause you can’t read a sign.

Rats September 4, 2025 (7:25 pm)

There’s also USPS and customer vehicles parked on the sidewalk at the California Ave location. It has been going on almost as long as the box has been missing. This is an ADA violation and not very nice for our neighbors who have disabilities. I have been trying to get the issue addressed for about a year with several city departments and on the federal level as well.

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