West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
Thanks to the reader who texted that photo from tonight’s Seattle University men’s basketball game vs. Gonzaga, after being surprised to see a halftime performance with West Seattle’s own Rain City Ropeworks jump-rope team. “It was a great show, got the loudest applause of the night,” the texter added. (Seattle U lost the game, 71-50.) Rain City is coached by Rene Bibaud, the West Seattleite who holds multiple jump-rope world championships.
Tire-dumping in West Seattle greenspaces seems to be a recurring problem. After multiple reports in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, tonight word of another location – a texter sent the report and photos:
Someone dumped maybe 50 tires on the side of the road on Fairmount Avenue. It’s kind of a criminal amount of illegal dumping … I just got home from the airport … Sounds like this happened sometime Thursday night or Friday.
That timeframe was according to the texter’s neighbors. The city’s page about illegal dumping explains, among other things, how to report it (and also has a map of recent reports).
P.S. Almost forgot to mention, the dumped-in-Fauntleroy spa chairs shown here earlier this week have been taken away, reports Tom (who sent the original photo of the chairs).
Metro is proposing changes affecting Route 60, which runs from Westwood Village to Capitol Hill via White Center, South Park, Georgetown, Beacon Hill, the International District, and First Hill. The changes could affect other transportation-corridor users, so you might be interested in offering feedback even if you’re not a bus rider. They’re asking for feedback via this survey, and detailing the proposals in four segments – here’s the summary of how the West Seattle (and vicinity) segment could change:
Segment 4: East Marginal Way & 16th Avenue South to Westwood Village (South Park, Westwood-Highland Park).
The East Marginal Way to Westwood Village segment includes portions of the South Park and Westwood-Highland Park neighborhoods. The route serves multiple community assets such as the Olson/Myers Park and Ride and Westwood Village.
Potential improvements to this segment may include:
-A new bus priority lane on Cloverdale Street approaching 14th Avenue South. This lane would help buses bypass long lines of traffic during morning and evening rush hours.
-Intersection improvements near the Olson Place and Myers Way Park and Ride to reduce travel time and improve bus reliability.
-Closure of the eastbound bus stop at Barton Place and 22nd Avenue Southwest. Removing this stop will help improve travel time and result in better stop spacing that aligns with Metro’s recommended guidelines.
All segments’ proposed changes are detailed here. Metro is asking for responses to its Route 60 survey by February 20.
We often publish obituaries on WSB, mostly for humans, but occasionally for pets, like this one sent by Jyl, whose dog Boo was a bit of a “neighborhood celebrity,” so Jyl wanted the community to know he’s gone:
Boozhoo (aka Boo) the self-proclaimed Mayor of West Seattle, passed away at home on January 16. Boo was 13 1/2 years young and was deeply loved.
He was rescued in 2019 as part of a hoarding case in Texas. Because of his sweet spirit, Boo served as a temperament tester for the rescue before he was sent to Seattle for his retirement years. Boo was adopted at the start of COVID and quickly learned why West Seattle is the best Seattle. Like many pit bulls, he knew he had to be an ambassador for his breed, so he was always seen with a T-shirt and bow tie on so people knew he was a sweet boy. He made friends with every dog he met and every human who would stop to pet him. Until he started to slow down in his super senior years, he could be seen daily walking all over the neighborhood in search of a good smell and a friendly pet. People regularly stopped traffic to say hello and on at least one occasion to give him a serenade. Friends like Bernie and David showered him with gourmet treats whenever they crossed paths.
In his self-appointed role of Mayor, he supported local businesses. The guys at Alki Lumber became his favorite source of treats and “dad pats,” and RealFine Coffee on Fauntleroy always had the best pup cups. He wooed the staff at Next-to-Nature Pet Markets to give him extra snacks, and he knew a stop at El Chapulin Oaxaqueño meant his favorite carnitas. Boo was a big fan of all the folks at Pet Care Center at Luna Park, even when they trimmed his nails.
He visited Alki Beach regularly, and he watched all the football games at West Seattle Stadium. If you’ve walked down Avalon Way and found your path blocked by an 80-pound pit bull hoping for a pet, that was Boo. He will be missed by his large extended family in the Westside Flats apartments and all his dog friends, especially Naya, Lemon, Misha, Kiba, Buddy, Scarlett, and Robbie. If you loved Boo, you can honor his memory by donating to the shelters who rescued him, Dallas Dog RRR and Seattle Humane. Boo made stickers every year for his friends, and if anyone would like one, they can stop by RealFine Coffee on Fauntleroy to pick one up.
(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)
(Added: WSB photo, Water Taxi boarding just before 4 pm)
If you’re going to the Seahawks‘ playoff game (5 pm at Lumen Field vs. the 49ers), reminder that you can take the West Seattle Water Taxi there and back. The WT website says, “After the game, there will be special post-game sailings from Pier 50 to the Seacrest dock at 8:30 p.m., 9:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Then you can take the free shuttle from Seacrest to the West Seattle Junction (Route 773) or ride along Alki (Route 775).”
Something else the sunshine brings to mind … spring cleaning, and the free West Seattle recycle/reuse events that can help with it. Here are two dates to save (both Saturdays):
(WSB photo from March 2025)
MARCH 21: The annual recycle/reuse event organized by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is set for this date. This is in partnership with multiple organizations that accept a variety of recyclable/reusable items. We don’t have this year’s specifics yet – and the location might change from past years – but we’re told you can definitely count on this date.
APRIL 25: This will bring Fauntleroy UCC‘s next twice-yearly Recycle Roundup – one partner but a long list of items they’ll accept, including electronics, and plenty of capacity. (We usually are able to publish that list well in advance; not this early, though.)
UNTIL THEN: Can’t wait to dispose of some items? Find options via the Seattle Public Utilities “Where Does It Go?” lookup.
The sunshine reminds us that spring isn’t far. For many families, that means youth-sports seasons are approaching too. This year, two local lacrosse clubs are welcoming prospective players from kindergarten age to high-school age – and offering free drop-in sessions soon. Here’s the invitation sent to us to share with you:
Looking for a fast-paced, team-oriented sport for your child? Try lacrosse!
(Photo by Mike Jacobs)
There are two clubs that serve our area — the Southwest Lacrosse Club (a.k.a. SW Titans) and the West Seattle Lacrosse Club. We would love to meet your family and support your player this spring. Whether your child is brand new to lacrosse or has played before, our spring season is a great way to learn the game, stay active, and have fun with friends.
Our youth teams (K-8) welcome players from West Seattle, White Center, South Park, Burien, Tukwila, SeaTac, Normandy Park, and Des Moines. High school teams welcome any West Seattle High School, Chief Sealth International High School, or private high-school student who lives in the West Seattle or Highline School District reference area.
Registration for our co-ed player development program (K-2), girls and boys youth teams (3-8), and girls and boys high-school teams is open now! K-2 clinic starts in April (Sundays) with two weekend game jamborees planned in May. Grades 3-8 practices begin in February (two nights per week), and weekend games run from mid-March through the end of May.
Register for the K-2 Development team or Boys Youth Teams through the SW Titans: swlacrosseclub.org/registration
Register for Girls Youth Teams, Girls High School Team, or Boys High School Team through West Seattle Lacrosse: https://www.westseattlelaxclub.org/home
Interested in the sport, but want to try it out before you commit? We’ve got you covered! Join our FREE drop-in sessions for new players in 2nd to 8th grade. Saturday mornings (February 1, 8, and 22; March 1) from 9-10 am at Hiawatha Playfield. No RSVP or equipment necessary, just show up and play!
We believe lacrosse should be accessible to everyone. Both clubs offer full and partial scholarships, loaner equipment, and a great community of players and families. If you have questions, please email us at swlctitans@gmail.com or westseattlelax@gmail.com with any questions.
(Mount Baker, aka Kulshan, photographed by Kevin Freitas)
Happy Saturday! Yes, there’s more going on than just The Game. Here’s our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
FREE MEDITATION: Start the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3620 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile as a prelude to the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fauntleroy Way SW.
PLAY-TO-CONNECT + OPEN HOUSE: At The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW), come to play and to learn about the school.
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 free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL: Four varsity home games today/tonight – 11:30 am, Chief Sealth IHS boys host Cleveland (2600 SW Thistle); 1 pm, Chief Sealth girls host Cleveland; 4:30 pm, West Seattle HS girls host Bishop Blanchet (3000 California SW); 6 pm, WSHS boys host Blanchet.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm Saturdays, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Today, 12 percent off all bottle purchases in honor of the Seahawks‘ playoff game!
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 3 pm, listen to new music – NOT live (that’s later this month) – by The Format. (4559 California SW)
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
PLAYOFF GAME: Just a reminder – the Seahawks host the 49ers at 5 pm.
ASTRA LUMINA: Celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 5:15 pm. Tickets and info here; extended through February.
EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest & Friends at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Local live music at The Skylark, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, Soft Pass, Hard Softee, All Friends Here, $10, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, free in-store show by Katherine Van Bebber. (4556 California SW)
LIVE AT TIM’S TAVERN: Benefit for the venue, featuring Well Adjusted, MFD, Two Minute Hate, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
WINTER PARTY AT WOLFPACK CELLARS: 8 pm-midnight “aprés ski” party even if you haven’t been to the slopes! Ticketed event at Wolfpack Cellars (9617 16th SW; WSB sponsor).
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, DJ Buttnaked spins. (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 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 to a listing on our calendar, which is free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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