day : 03/03/2026 10 results

(Hiawatha Play Area, as seen when project first surfaced in 2019)

As reported here a month ago, the Hiawatha Play Area moving-and-renovating project has gone out to bid; now that the community center has reopened, the playground project is in the spotlight. Tomorrow (Wednesday, March 4) is the deadline for interested contractors to submit bids. The contract is estimated at $600,000 to $700,000, according to this brief description on the city’s bid site:

Project Description: This project relocates and replaces the play area at Hiawatha Playfield. Additives are Accessible Asphalt Paving, Site Furnishings, and Play Equipment; and Alternate is Synthetic Safety Surfacing and We-Go-Round.

Engineer’s Estimate: $574,916, Additive#1: $16,729, Additive#2: $15,700, Additive#3: $13,077, Alternate#4: $118,617.

Seattle Parks says it expects construction to start in “late summer/early fall.” The play area will move to a site south of the wading pool, as shown when the design was finalized five-plus years ago.

VIDEO: West Seattle coyote’s daylight visit

March 3, 2026 7:42 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Coyotes | West Seattle news

After our last reader-reported coyote visit, Amy in High Point sent that video of a coyote that “wandered up from the greenway … around 7:40 am.” As shown in the clip, it briefly stopped to make its mark on the spot, so to speak. Here’s a closer look:

As always, we note that we publish sightings for awareness, not alarm. Here’s an info-sheet about them, including (pages 4, 5, 6) how to prevent conflicts

HAPPENING NOW: Planter auction to support Highland Park Improvement Club’s rebuild

March 3, 2026 6:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Highland Park | How to help | West Seattle news

(Photos courtesy HPIC)

In Saturday’s sunshine, during the Highland Park Improvement Club compost giveaway and plant/seed swap, folks got their first chance to browse the 70 planters donated to HPIC for an online fundraising auction that’s continuing right now. They’re all from one generous donor who was making some landscaping changes.

They’re unique and up for grabs to the highest bidders.

HPIC explains:

These are salvaged architectural quality pieces, most of vitrified stoneware type clay, there are some small dings from use, but their overall quality is excellent, and will be a great addition to any garden or deck. Planters range from midsized, suitable for seasonal accent planting, to large enough to be able to hold a small tree or shrub. Your purchase supports the rebuild and will be an excellent addition to your garden as well.

That of course is the rebuild of HPIC’s HQ, gutted by fire almost five years ago. To browse and bid, start here!

CONGRATULATIONS! West Seattle Elementary staffer wins school district All-Star Award

March 3, 2026 3:28 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| High Point | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Thanks for the tip! A reader points out that this recent announcement of Seattle Public Schools All-Star “Beacon of Hope” awards includes a West Seattle Elementary staff member:

Maryan Khalif, Instructional Assistant – West Seattle Elementary

Maryan Khalif is an extraordinary instructional assistant whose presence strengthens every part of the West Seattle Elementary community. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, building deep, trusting relationships with students through compassion, patience, and a culturally responsive approach that ensures every child feels seen and valued.

Maryan’s ability to connect with students is evident in her day‑to‑day actions. She pays close attention to students’ emotional needs and often notices when a child needs extra care or encouragement before anyone else does.

A native Somali speaker, Maryan plays a vital role in bridging communication between the school and families. She frequently welcomes Somali‑speaking families in their primary language, helping them navigate school routines, building strong partnerships, and ensuring parents feel genuinely connected to their child’s learning.

“Each day is meaningful, and I value the positive relationships I have built with students, families, and colleagues. I believe in fostering positive vibes in the workplace, and that sense of respect, support, and collaboration is what makes my work truly fulfilling,” Maryan said.

Maryan is also known for stepping in wherever help is needed, even without being asked. Whether it’s assisting a teacher who suddenly needs coverage, supporting new students as they adjust to school routines, or noticing a logistical need and solving it on the spot, she brings initiative, reliability, and a truly team‑centered spirit. Her work ethic and genuine care make her an irreplaceable part of the school family.

See all the “Beacon of Hope” winners here.

FOLLOWUP: West Marginal Way site swept because of ‘suspected criminal activity,’ WSDOT says (updated Wednesday)

March 3, 2026 1:37 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Crime | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Monday)

Monday after a reader tip, we reported on a sweep at the state-owned lot in the 7100 block of West Marginal Way SW, west of – though not adjacent to – the future Glassyard Commons RV/tiny-house site. We asked WSDOT for more information and the first response we got was “routine maintenance.” Given the stack of items we photographed, the presence of State Patrol, and having glimpsed the encampment that was there previously, we suggested this didn’t look so “routine.” Spokesperson James Poling said he’d check further with the crew and subsequently told us today:

Our crews posted this site Thursday, February 26 because of suspected criminal activity, specifically stolen vehicles, in coordination with the Washington State Patrol. WSDOT crews coordinated with our WSP partners and secured the site Monday.

The site is a 13,000-square-foot paved lot buffered from the future Glassyard Commons by a parcel of city-owned land to the northeast and a privately owned site to the southeast. We are now following up with WSP to see if they can tell us how many stolen vehicles they found there.

ADDED WEDNESDAY: WSP spokesperson Trooper Rick Johnson replied to us: “There were no individuals present when we arrived to assist at this location. We removed 5 vehicles, one of which was confirmed stolen. There most likely will be others, and that is still under investigation, as the vehicles were stripped of identifying numbers.”

From one WSB reader who did see the lunar eclipse

March 3, 2026 12:56 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Not WS but we're mentioning it anyway | West Seattle news

WSB reader Chris sent that phone photo, explaining, “Saw the bloody red moon on the beach in Vietnam … amazing.” Back here in West Seattle, we would have had live updates if not for the fact that, according to our designated eclipse spotter, the sky had fully clouded over by 2 am, though the moon had been in view just a few hours earlier; totality was supposed to be in the 3-4 am vicinity. Here’s the Space.com collection of views from elsewhere.

SIGNUP TIME: Spring registration opens today for Seattle Parks and Rec programs

March 3, 2026 11:19 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Today’s the first day you can sign up for Seattle Parks and Rec programs announced inn the spring brochures. Here’s the main brochure; here’s the brochure for Lifelong programs (focused on people 50+). This includes child care and sports programs.

From 4 special food events to 5 trivia options, here’s the list for your West Seattle Tuesday

March 3, 2026 9:40 am

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(March showers bring April flowers! Crocuses, photographed by Janelle Otterholt)

Here are today’s event notes/reminders/listings, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ALKI CO-OP PRESCHOOL DINE-OUT. BENEFIT: The Westy will donate part of its proceeds today and the next two days. (7908 35th SW)

FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: Open until noon for little ones and their caregivers. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)

KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: This weekly event at at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is happening today, 10 am-noon. (10300 28th SW)

SUPPORT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE CULINARY STUDENTS: Two ways today:

Otter’s Den Pop-Up (10:30 am–12:30 pm)

Join us in the cafeteria when our students learn Chinese Cuisine. Culinary Arts Building (CAB) Cafeteria

Also:

Otter’s Den Food Truck (10:30 am–12:30 pm) – Clock Tower main campus square

(6000 16th SW)

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today with the Student of the Month celebration. (4470 35th SW)

CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome to play! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.

OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.

CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.

RESTAURANT POP-UP: Crave is at The Neighborhood, now every Tuesday (6503 California SW), 4-8 pm or until sold out.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

PRAYER VIGIL AT ALKI STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAZA: Nondenominational gathering, 5:30-6:30 pm, as previewed here. (61st SW and Alki SW)

TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you don’t work for Boeing – email in advance to RSVP.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.

BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 5: Five places where you can play trivia on Tuesdays – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.

If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Two early-morning armed robberies (updated)

March 3, 2026 8:26 am

| 10 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

8:26 AM: The (corrected) Shell station at 4580 Fauntleroy Way SW was held up early today, according to a police summary:

At 2:20 a.m., patrol officers responded to reports of a robbery in the 4500 block of Fauntleroy Way Southwest. There, police determined that four masked men, driving a stolen Hyundai Sonata, robbed a gas station clerk at gunpoint, stealing between $500-600 cash. The suspects fled the scene in the car before officers arrived. Police searched the area, but they could not find the suspects, and no arrests were made. Officers collected evidence and processed the scene. The clerk did not report any injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to call the violent crimes tip line at 206-233-5000.

Incident Number: 2026-59491

In archived police-radio audio, the car was described further only as “dark” and the robbers were described further only as “wearing dark clothing.”

5:41 PM: Turns out a second armed robbery happened minutes later – called in at 2:23 am – likely the same robbers, at the California/Erskine 7-11. Thanks to commenter MercyMoi for pointing this out; we listened back to audio archives, and the radio traffic was co-mingled with radio traffic on the Shell station holdup, and SPD has not posted a summary yet about this one, but the robbers – also described only as masked, in dark clothing – were last seen “southbound on California.”

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: March’s first Tuesday

March 3, 2026 6:01 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

8:07 PM: Texter reports a stopped truck is partly blocking the eastbound West Seattle Bridge exit to NB I-5.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

A chance of rain is in the forecast – breezy, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:45 am; sunset at 5:57 pm. (Sunday, those times will change dramatically after we spring forward an hour!)

(Monday’s subtle sunset colors- photo by Bob Burns)

1ST AVENUE S. BRIDGE ALERT

Two lanes are still closed on the NB bridge, and the speed limit remains 25 mph.

TRANSIT TODAY

West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, 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 WSDOT alert 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!