VIDEO: Washington State Black Legacy Institute celebrates first year in Admiral District home

February 20, 2026 10:53 pm

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| West Seattle history | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The former church at 2656 42nd SW filled with spirit again Thursday night as gospel songs outnumbered speeches at the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first-anniversary celebration. WSBLI president Kateesha Atterberry introduced singer Dee Scott to open the program with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem:

Lifting the voices of the Black community, past, present, and future, is at the heart of the WSBLI’s mission, Atterberry explained:

The institute’s work for the “preservation, empowerment, and future of the Black legacy,” as Atterberry described it, was lauded by the guest speaker who preceded Atterberry, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, calling WSBLI “a unique community gem”:

The music, too, came with a history lesson. Before the Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir‘s first song, its director Kent Stevenson talked about how a cornerstone of gospel music came from a communication invention by enslaved people when their “overseers” tried to keep them from communicating – the spiritual:

The choir is less than a year old. A much deeper history in local gospel music belongs to Dr. Rose Wallace-Croone, who interspersed her first songs with historical reminiscences about how her family came to this state in the ’40s, drawn by the prospect for good jobs:

More celebration of Black achievement came in a preview of upcoming Impact Awards – Alvertis Brooks, Jr., of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, talked about recipients WSBLI and Percy The Barber from nearby Rain City Barbershop:

Brooks noted that the RVCDF will be active in helping West Seattle businesses not just survive, but thrive, with light rail (they’re hosting weekly drop-in sessions at WSBLI). Thriving through adversity was in the spirit of the choir’s performance of “The Storm Is Passing Over”:

And the program closed with both the choir and soloist Wallace-Croone:

While he wasn’t in the speaking lineup, WSBLI’s continuously on-site leader Roger Evans was praised by Atterberry, who also had a major announcement: For those who’ve tried to find out more online about WSBLI, it’s been a challenge until now, but that’s changed, because they’ve launched a website at wsbli.com. That’s where you can learn more about what WSBLI is doing and how to support it.

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FOLLOWUP: Why ‘March 6’ for 1st Avenue South Bridge update?

February 20, 2026 8:19 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news

(Reader-contributed file photo)

Since Wednesday night, we’ve been reporting on WSDOT‘s closure of two northbound lanes on the 1st Avenue South Bridge after inspectors found problems that need to be repaired. Thursday’s followup included a WSDOT promise of an update March 6. The question: Why not until then, and would the lanes remain closed until then? Here’s how spokesperson RB McKeon responded:

Our bridge engineers and inspectors need some time to analyze what they found in the field, develop recommendations, scope, timeline, source materials, etc… We believe that two weeks is a reasonable timeframe for us to be able to do that work and then come back to the public with additional information. To be clear, March 6 is the date we have indicated that we will come back to the public to share updates. We have not indicated that the lanes will reopen on March 6. As noted in yesterday’s updates, it is too early to outline a repair plan or timeline, but crews are actively working to determine next steps and will share updates by March 6. The lane closures are in place until bridge inspectors have determined the lanes are safe to reopen.

The bridge is two separate structures; the northbound side was built in 1956, 40 years before the southbound side. It served as a major detour route to get across the Duwamish River while the West Seattle Bridge was closed for two and a half years 2020-2022.

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Signs of change, ahead of Saturday’s Hiawatha Community Center reopening

February 20, 2026 5:51 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Even the signage on California SW got a refresh before Hiawatha Community Center‘s grand reopening tomorrow. The Seattle Parks “rainbow sign” might look similar to its predecessor, but the lettering style is different these days. One sign that’s not getting a refresh or replacement is this marquee-style sign that had stood on a pole nearby; a commenter noticed its absence and pulled this image from Google Maps Street View (showing the old rainbow sign, too):

We asked Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor about it; she replied, “The green sign near California was removed as it was in disrepair.” In addition to the rainbow-sign replacement, she said, Parks crews planned to “prun(e) the bushes back to improve visibility of that sign before the opening.” All are welcome at tomorrow’s celebration, starting at 10 am. The center is just north of West Seattle High School, at 2700 California SW, and has been closed since 2020.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Package thief north of The Junction

February 20, 2026 4:31 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

A package thief has been seen on multiple security cameras, according to the reader who sent these images:

I saw a post on the Ring app about a package thief. I saw and reported this same woman yesterday. 4300 block of California.

The police report filed by the reader is # 26-048420.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: First food truck arrives at ex-Walgreens

February 20, 2026 3:17 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

It took a bit longer than first promised, but a taco truck is now open at the ex-Walgreens in South Delridge. We first reported two and a half weeks ago that the site’s new owner was planning to bring in food trucks, starting with El Gran Taco, likely within days. We’ve been going by almost daily to see whether the truck had arrived yet, and just now spotted it for the first time. In a brief conversation, they told us it’s their second day there, and they plan to be open Mondays through Saturdays, 11 am to 8 pm. (El Gran Taco also has a bricks-and-mortar restaurant in White Center, 10230 16th SW.) A spokesperson for the 15th/16th/Roxbury site’s new owner James Tjoa told us their focus is on finding at least one new tenant for the site, as the building is relatively new and demolishing it for redevelopment wouldn’t likely make sense for another 10 years or so, but in the meantime, they’re hoping food trucks will help “activate” the site.

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Another chance to ride your bike on the West Seattle Bridge: Cascade’s Emerald City Ride returns this April

February 20, 2026 12:43 pm

| Comments Off on Another chance to ride your bike on the West Seattle Bridge: Cascade’s Emerald City Ride returns this April

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(May 2024 photo by Allyne Armitage)

Thanks for the tip! The Cascade Bicycle Club is bringing back the Emerald City Ride, and it again will briefly close the westbound West Seattle Bridge to motor-vehicle traffic. The ride is set for Saturday morning, April 25, with registration opening this Tuesday (February 24). Aside from the ride day being Saturday this time (it was Sunday last time), the plan is pretty much the same as two years ago (WSB coverage here), starting in the stadium zone, riding onto southbound 99 and onto the westbound bridge, then continuing on a route around West Seattle, then back downtown via the bike/foot path on the West Seattle low bridge. The route map and other details are here. Cascade spokesperson Paul Tolmé tells WSB that the bridge/highway closure is planned for 6 to 10 am (our as-it-happened coverage noted that it reopened earlier than planned last time), and again will only involve the westbound bridge/southbound 99, while the other directions stay open to regular traffic. Cascade says they’re hoping for 4,000 riders, which would be a third more than the 2024 turnout. Before that year, as recapped here, previous Emerald City Rides in the 2010s had routes including the 520 Bridge, Aurora Bridge, and even the old Alaskan Way Viaduct

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Questions about zoning changes? Get answers Tuesday

February 20, 2026 11:35 am

| 1 COMMENT

| Development | West Seattle housing | West Seattle news

As we’ve reported, zoning changes are leading to neighborhood changes, primarily more housing, as “single-family” zoning no longer exists. The city has incorporated zoning changes as required by the state, and more are on the way, with the recent introduction of what the city calls the the Centers and Corridors legislation. Whether or not you’re a current or aspiring property owner, you might be wondering how all this could affect where you live or where you’re hoping to live. At 6 pm Tuesday (February 24), West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor) in Amiral hosts a presentation and Q&A with longtime West Seattle architect Matt Hutchins, and all are welcome to come listen and/or ask questions. In addition to his work, Hutchins has also long been involved with community and civic projects, from Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza to the city-convened Design Review Board; he partnered with WS Realty in 2024 for a presentation on “middle housing,” which part of the newest zoning changes enables. It’s a free event; RSVP is requested at info@westseattlerealty.com – then on Tuesday night, go to the WSR offices and event space at 2715 California SW.

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Here’s our list for your West Seattle Friday!

February 20, 2026 9:45 am

| Comments Off on Here’s our list for your West Seattle Friday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

here’s what’s happening for the rest of today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

BOYS’ SWIM AND DIVE CHAMPIONSHIPS: State championships start today in Federal Way, and we’ve had reports on the local student-athletes who’ve qualified. Preparation doesn’t only happen in the pool! Last night a Chief Sealth International =High School team supporter sent us the pic of CSIHS athletes carb-loading in preparation. Good luck to all the local competitors! Ongoing results are linked here.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Spring gets ever closer; every dry day is another chance to get ready. The center is open today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).

STAY ‘N’ PLAY CANCELED: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers is canceled this week because of school break.

FREE TAX HELP: Drop in at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) 11 am-4 pm and get help with your taxes!

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about and enjoy local history – open noon-4 pm today.

ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: Winter session continues at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 12:30 pm-2 pm Fridays, no registration required.

TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy by the bottle.

RAINBOW BINGO: Center for Active Living reports tonight’s session is sold out.

COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: 6-8 pm, singer-songwriter J.R. Rhodes at C & P Coffee. (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

ASTRA LUMINA: Two more weekends for the celestially inspired lights-and-sound show at Seattle Chinese Garden on the north end of the South Seattle College campus (6000 16th SW); first admission at 6:15 pm, get tickets here.

KENYON HALL OPEN MIC: Signups at 6, performances at 6:30 pm, all-ages open mic is back at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW): “It’s free to play with some fun prizes. With Richard the sassiest host in Seattle.”

‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’: Third weekend for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm curtain, online tickets are sold out so check the box office.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Swinson and the Expedition, Lookout Mountain Lookout, doors at 7, show at 7:30. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), with DJ Peg, 9 pm.

‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to DJ Hershe on the floor, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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YOU CAN HELP: Volunteer at Margie’s Cafe as it serves up expanded hours

February 20, 2026 8:59 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news

Expanded service means an expanded need for volunteer help at Margie’s, the Center for Active Living café open to the community. Here’s the request we were asked to share with you:

Beginning in March, The Center for Active Living will offer extended programming each Wednesday afternoon, and The Center’s onsite cafe, Margie’s, will also be open between the hours of 3:00-5:30 PM. The cafe will offer wine and beer, light snacks, and baked goods for purchase.

To operate the cafe during these hours, The Center is looking for volunteers to cover the Wednesday shifts and is looking for individuals with a Washington state permit to serve alcohol (called a MAST permit) and/or a King County Food Worker permit. Both permits can be obtained via online learning, and any individual who takes these courses to become a volunteer at Margie’s can be reimbursed for each course.

The cafe is a vibrant place where people can gather to connect, share a meal or snacks, and is a great way to connect with West Seattle’s wonderful senior community.

For more information, please contact Danny Perez, Volunteer Coordinator, at dannyp@wscenter.org, or complete a volunteer application at the following link: https://sc-ws.my.salesforce-sites.com/VolunteerApplication/VOL_Application

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Friday notes

February 20, 2026 6:01 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, February 20, 2026, with schools’ mid-winter break ending after today.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Finally saw some light snow Thursday morning! It isn’t back in the forecast until tonight – mostly cloudy until then. High in the low 40s. Sunrise at 7:06 am; sunset at 5:40 pm.

(Thursday morning photo by James Bratsanos)

LANE-CLOSURE ALERTS

*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction.

*Survey crews on West Marginal and just to the northwest are scheduled to close lanes again tonight, as explained here.

*When work continues on the protected Admiral Way hill bike lane, look for closures of the outside driving lane.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.

Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge (see the update above):

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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