West Seattle, Washington
23 Thursday
Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There was a lot to celebrate at Chief Sealth International High School on Wednesday night, as student-athletes, coaches, and family members gathered for the school’s winter sports awards banquet.
Honorees included not one but two state wrestling champions, two all-league basketball players, and several other deserving award winners from across the various winter sports.Â
The evening began with a dinner in the Sealth IHS / Denny International Middle School galleria area:
Sealth principal Hope Perry welcomed guests and thanked everyone for attending and supporting the student-athletes:Â
CSIHS athletic director Ernest Policarpio (aka “Coach P”) kicked off the awards ceremony with some brief remarks and staff shout-outs:
Policarpio recognized Sealth parent Chatrice Young (at left, below) for stepping in to lead the “CheerHawks” cheerleading squad for a couple of months until a new head coach was found: That new coach is Dejanna Rhodes (at right):Â
Young thanked the Sealth staff for the support and pledged to help Rhodes however she can. Rhodes thanked Young for her efforts, and expressed excitement to lead the CheerHawks.
Policarpio brought all of his coaches to the front of the galleria, and passed the microphone around for updates about all of the winter sports.Â
As we reported last week, it was a particularly epic season for Sealth’s boys and girls wrestling teams, with coach Maurice Dolberry (six-time Metro League coach of the year, including this season) at the helm:Â
Both the boys and girls teams were conference champions and district champions, with 17 total state qualifiers as follows:
Boys
120lbs Senior Stevens Nguyen (2nd in Metro, 4th in Districts)
120lbs Senior Lucas Jones (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
126lbs Senior Jonnathen Seng (Metro Champ, District Champ)
132lb Junior Xander Gomez (Metro Champ and District Champ)
138lb Junior Jumpy Kamili (2nd in Metro and District Champ)
144lb Sophomore Seneca Nguyen (3rd in Metro, 2nd in Districts)
144lb Sophomore Abdi Abdi (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
150lb Senior Vlad Ponce Ramos (2nd in Metro, 3rd in Districts)
190lbs Senior Jessie Gilmore (Metro Champ and District Champ)
215lb Junior Eli Policarpio (Metro Champ and District Champ)
285lb Senior Shane Allen Tino (2nd in Metro and 4th in Districts)
285lb Junior Yusuf Donzo (Metro Champ and District Champ)
Girls
110lbs sophomore Nicole Ork (Metro and District Champ)
120lbs Senior Petra Sheppard (Metro and District Champ)
140lbs Senior Lucy Self (Metro and District Champ)
145lbs Senior Lanu Amituanai (Metro and District Champ)
155lb Senior Nyko Herndon (Metro and District Champ)
Dolberry noted that the boys went undefeated in conference and won 17 dual meets, and notched Sealth’s first known win over O’Dea High School in any sport, on O’Dea’s home floor by a convincing score of 70-12.Â
Lanu Amituanai (in the middle of the photo below, in the flowers, with her extended family) was state champion in the 2A 145lb bracket, and was the first female state champ from Seattle Public Schools. At state, she pinned every opponent including the final match, and during the season defeated eight other state placewinners.
Eli Policarpio (second from left below, with his family including proud dad Coach P) was state champion in the 2A 215lb bracket, and set a Metro Conference record with a 53-1 season. He “tech-falled” through the state tournament until the final, where he was injured but still finished and won.
Sealth was the first Metro Conference team to have two state wrestling champions in one year. Also at state, Lucy Self took 3rd place at 140lb and Yusuf Donzo took 6th at 285lb.Â
In basketball, the Seahawks had two all-league players this past season, including Alysse Bland, pictured here with coach Will Pablo:
And Adnaan Mohamed, pictured with coach Ja’Lyn Combs:
Pablo noted that the girls’ season started strong, then hit rough patches with injuries, with the team playing some games with only 1-2 subs, but that the team finished strong with a couple of playoff wins. Combs said the boys team won six games and has 7 returning players next year, and has a goal to double their wins next season and make it to state.Â
Notes from other sports:
Sealth also honored 9 athletes with “Jersey Mike’s Player of the Week” awards, announced by coach Kyler Gaither. From left to right below they were Elizabeth Andrews (bowling), Isabella Dilley (gymnastics), Harper Gilbert (cheer), Dez Masters (wrestling), Calvin Washington (basketball), Xander Gomez (wrestling) and Dajah Johnson (basketball). Not pictured: David Bye III (swimming) and Triana Tuia (flag football):
Next up were the presentation of the “2026 Seahawk Awards,” honoring exemplary student-athletes and leaders. Pictured from left to right below, they were Cole Peloza (swimming), Clair Chao (bowling), Harlee Wahl (flag football), Naomi Kindem (gymnastics), Alysse Bland (basketball), Judah Doucettperry (basketball), Nyko Herndon (wrestling), Jessie Gilmore (wrestling). Not pictured: Bella Rhodes (cheer):
To close out the awards presentation, Sealth’s cheer squad gave a rousing performance before the crowd broke up into individual per-sport meetups for each team:
That’s an aerial view of the trouble zone on the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge, where the discovery of cracks in the bridge deck’s steel grates led to a 2-lane closure two weeks ago and, as announced Wednesday, will require a full replacement of the deck next year. In the meantime, a three-day northbound closure for stabilization work is planned next week, and we asked some followup questions today. The bridge is state-owned, so the Washington State Department of Transportation is responsible for it, and WSDOT spokesperson RB McKeon handled our questions.
The state inspects its bridges at least every two years, and this one would have had its regular 2-year checkup later this year, after a “fair” rating in 2024. But a crew was out looking at it in mid-February and discovered the cracks, making the decision to remove traffic from the two right lanes.
How will traffic be routed away from the NB bridge for next week’s Monday through Wednesday closure? McKeon replied:
During next week’s closure, all northbound SR 99 traffic will exit at South Cloverdale Street, cross the Duwamish River on 14th Avenue South and then travel north on East Marginal Way South, which reconnects with SR 99 north of the bridge closure.
The following on-ramps also will close from 3 a.m. Monday, March 9, through 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11:
-First Avenue South to northbound SR 509
-West Marginal Way South to northbound SR 99
-Occidental Avenue South to northbound SR 99The First Avenue South Bridge Trail also will close from 5 a.m. Monday, March 9, through 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11, for bridge repairs. Cyclists and pedestrians must follow a signed detour using the Duwamish Trail to the 14th Avenue South Bridge, where they can cross the Duwamish River then head north on East Marginal Way South to reconnect with SR 99.
Next week’s work will be one by WSDOT bridge-maintenance crews; the April work to replace 9 panels will be done by a contractor who hasn’t yet been chosen. The replacement panels are being made by Mission Critical Solutions in Pennsylvania, as part of Phase 2 repairs projected to cost $1.7 million. The timeline for that work is expected to be available in early April, McKeon told us, and they’ll be looking at the possibility of working during full weekend closures and/or nights to “minimize impact to travelers.” How Phase 2 will affect maritime use of the Duwamish River in that spot isn’t yet settled; WSDOT will talk with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Phase 3 – the full northbound deck replacement – is still in planning, but WSDOT expects to send it out for bidding in December. In the meantime, again, next week’s full northbound closure is from 5 a.m. Monday, March 9, through 8 p.m. Wednesday, March 11.
Just out of the inbox … the announcement of another West Seattle light-rail forum, on April 1st. The invitation comes from County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, currently the only West Seattleite on the Sound Transit Board.
I’m pleased to invite you to join me on April 1st at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center for a spring West Seattle Light Rail Forum. This West Seattle Forum will be an opportunity to get more detailed information and analyses on potential cost-savings and service delivery updates to West Seattle. This event is intended to follow-up on last year’s November forum where I committed to gathering this spring to get greater details on cost-reductions and design efficiency. This April 1st forum will discuss options for cost-savings and continuing momentum on the West Seattle light rail expansion. I hope you can join us for this important discussion on April 1st!
West Seattle Light Rail Forum: Momentum and Updates
Date: Wednesday, April 1st
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 6:00 PM)
Location: Youngstown Cultural Arts Center
4408 Delridge Way SWPlease join me and Sound Transit Boardmember Mayor Katie Wilson, Sound Transit CEO Dow Constantine, Capital Delivery ED Brad Owen, and guest district City Councilmember Rob Saka. Thanks to our community partners elevating this forum, including the West Seattle Chamber, West Seattle Junction Association, MLK Labor and the 34th Legislative District.
Thanks also for your patience as Sound Transit worked to develop responses to the questions submitted at last year’s November West Seattle Forum. Sound Transit team has organized and consolidated related questions thematically and worked to provide direct, complete, and concise answers in an accessible format. The goal in the attachment is to create a digestible document that reflects the full range of questions and feedback we heard from the community. At the upcoming April 1st forum we will have more time for questions and answers, both on note cards and at roaming microphones.
I will continue working with Sound Transit staff to help facilitate clearer, more consistent, and up-to-date information for the West Seattle community throughout this year as the Sound Transit Board is poised to make critical decisions about how to move forward with the promised ST3 light rail expansion across the region.
At least one key date will precede this – ST Board members are supposed to have cost-cutting “scenarios” before their retreat on March 18th, which will be two weeks before the forum. (Here’s our coverage of the November event.)
3:36 PM: Seattle Fire has just upgraded a response at 42nd and 109th [map] to a “rope rescue.” The situation is described as “two large dogs down an embankment.” It’s apparently a 30-foot embankment. More info to come.
3:39 PM: After checking a map we’ve changed this to The Arroyos.
3:44 PM: At least one dog is reported secured in a harness.
3:55 PM: That dog’s been brought all the way up the slope to safety, firefighters just told dispatch.
4:02 PM: And they’ve just declared the second dog successfully rescued. … And “all rescuers on flat land” too.
4:09 PM: The responders are starting to leave.
With the Seattle FIFA Wprld Cup matches now a little more than three months away, readiness was part of the focus of this morning’s meeting of what’s become known as the City Council’s STEPS Committee, chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka. You can see the full video above; we tuned in for the meeting’s final scheduled briefing, about transit access. While no specifics were offered, a Metro rep confirmed that West Seattle Water Taxi service would be beefed up, not just on match days but throughout the entire World Cup period in June and July.
They’re also planning to add service on many Metro bus routes, though no specifics were cited there either. Other transit services gave toplines on their plans too, as you can see in the video and briefing slide deck if interested.
Speaking of big sporting events and transit, Metro was asked about bus ridership on Super Bowl parade day last month. No, it didn’t set a record, was the response.
(WSB photo, Seacrest, Super Bowl parade day last month)
Coincidentally, though this wasn’t part of today’s meeting, we have finally received the numbers for Water Taxi ridership on parade day, in a request we’ve had out since shortly after the parade. It didn’t set a record either, says Metro’s Jeff Switzer, providing these stats: “5,435 boardings on West Seattle water taxi (second highest ever, compared to 7,721 for the Sub Pop Festival, Aug. 11, 2018. There were 4,592 riders on Super Bowl parade day on Feb. 4, 2014.)”
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
SDOT has made another change in its plan for replacing a downhill driving lane on the Highland Park Way hill with a biking/walking/rolling lane.
Now, instead of separating the lane from motor-vehicle traffic with curbing, SDOT reps told an online community meeting last night, they’ll separate it with jersey barriers.
That makes the lane separation removable if the hill needs to be restored to four driving lanes – a “break glass in case of emergency” type of failsafe, as it was described at one point.
That wasn’t much consolation to project opponents among the attendees, who continued to express concern about backups even in routine times.
Also last night, co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick of the neighborhood coalition HPAC secured a commitment from SDOT communicator Dan Anderson to bring project-team reps to this month’s HPAC meeting – something she’s been requesting for many months. The online meeting format last night was also somewhat awkward; of note, though SDOT had a seven-person team available live, the narrated presentation toward the start was pre-recorded (they promised it would be added to the website “after the meeting” though as of this writing, it’s not there yet. We did obtain the full slide deck, from which most of the visuals in this report were taken – see that here.)
The proposal is not new, though one attendee lambasted SDOT for not getting the word out as thoroughly as befits a project that will affect road users who come from far beyond Highland Park to travel toward West Marginal Way, the 1st Avenue South Bridge, South Park, and elsewhere. From the slide deck, here’s the latest “early design” version of the “typical” crossection that would result:
The slide deck also focused on the plan for access to the hill from both residential streets and the near-the-hill-bottom Pioneer Industries, including:
And two options were offered for the bottom of the hill, where it meets West Marginal Way:
Another point of contention during the meeting, besides general opposition to the lane conversion, was the rationale for it. SDOT reps insisted that this is not a “bicycle project” but rather a “safety project,” that in its current configuration, two lanes each way, the road cannot be made safe enough for city standards, so it has to be redesigned. And, the questions continued, why does this seem to be so high up on the priority list when other seemingly more urgent matters – like the crash-prone section of the westbound West Seattle Bridge by “the curve” – have not had this kind of attention? Bicycling came more into play in the answer to this – that it was identified as a “gap” in the city bike network, to connect to the Duwamish River Trail, “part of a regional gap to fill,” said SDOT’s Christiana Farrell, who works on the city’s Bicycle Master Plan. As it has in many previous discussions, the point was made that few people currently walk/bike on the hill. And the answer as always could be distilled to (as the old movie quote goes) “if you build it, they will come.”
Speaking of low usage, all current bus stops on the hill will remain though they currently are experiencing that, according to SDOT. The low bus-stop usage was also cited in response to a question about what happens if a bike rider is headed downhill at the time a stopped bus is blocking the lane
What about emergency responders – have they been asked about how the loss of a driving lane might affect them? asked another attendee. Anderson said SFD and SPD had been consulted and had “no major concerns,” adding that other similar (unnamed) projects in the city had not resulted in problems; three lanes on the hill should provide them a way to get around if they need to, he said,
Still, meeting participants’ concerns were not quelled. One cited traumatic experiences from past backup problems, and working for years just to get the Highland Park Way/Holden intersection’s challenges addressed – something that had dragged on for years, and suddenly was addressed in a matter of days after the West Seattle Bridge closure in 2020 turned Holden into a major detour route. Another participant, observing that the situation was “miserable” during the 2 1/2-year bridge closure, said, “We care about safety, but we care about our mental health” – she and others contended that the hill’s vast majority of users are drivers and their concerns and opinions should get the most attention. “I’m astonished this idea has advanced to this point,” said yet another attendee.
SDOT stuck to its contention, however, that “even (significant opposition) doesn’t mean we don’t have a duty to safer streets.”
The meeting ran almost two hours, longer than planned. Assuming SDOT does indeed attend the next HPAC meeting, that would be March 25, time and location TBA. Here, meantime, is the project timeline presented last night:
BACKSTORY: In 2020, SDOT had a plan for a bike lane on the Highland Park Way hill, but put it on hold. The concept re-emerged in a 2022 application for federal funding. Then in May 2024, SDOT formally announced a plan for a downhill bike lane and/or expanded path along about half a mile of the hill.
11:33 AM: Thanks to Kersti for the tip and photo. SFD and SPD crews are at California/Graham right now for what’s logged as a gas-leak response.
11:49 AM: The response, logged for a residential address just west of the intersection, is wrapping up. We’re following up with SFD.
12:51 PM: Here’s SFD’s wrapup, via spokesperson Kaila Lafferty: “At 10:50 a.m., crews were dispatched to a report of a natural gas leak on the exterior of a residence at 44th Ave SW & SW Graham St. Crews arrived and detected levels of natural gas. Puget Sound Energy responded and secured the leak. Crews returned to service by 12:02 p.m. No injuries reported.”
(Cormorants afloat – photographed by Rainer Klett)
So many possibilities on our list for the hours ahead! Most are from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to list!):
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is hosting playspace today until noon. (42nd SW & SW Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Escape your home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Thursdays. (5048 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2 – so if you didn’t see it in our calendar in time, make a note on yours for next week! (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Cut through the confusion with this 11 am presentation, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS CONTINUE: Look for nearby booth locations and times here. (And scroll down for the time/location of one we’ve heard about directly, in Highland Park.)
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Spice on Curve .
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
ALSO AT HPCS AT 4 PM: Girl Scout Cookies!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT GLASSYARD COMMONS RV/TINY-HOUSE SITE: Prospective operator LIHI holds a community meeting at 5:30 pm with information and Q&A about the Highland Park Way/2nd SW site planned for 72 RVs and 20 tiny houses. It’s at New Direction Missionary Baptist Church (755 S. Homer) in Georgetown.
YMCA FUND DRIVE KICKOFF: The season of support for the West Seattle and Fauntleroy Y (WSB sponsor) begins with the annual fund-drive dinner at 6 pm at Fauntleroy Church/Y (9140 California SW). Our calendar listing has the RSVP form.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
TEEN MENTAL HEALTH: If there’s a teenager in your life, this is potentially lifesaving information. Be at the West Seattle HS Library (3000 California SW) for the presentation at 6 pm, regardless of where your teen goes to school.
LIVE AT TIM’S: Doors 6, show 7 pm, with Fast Nasties & Tyler McGinnis. no cover, all ages. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: The monthly night to pick a venue, bring your choice of books, read, then chat – or don’t! 7 pm; our calendar listing includes this month’s venues, in West Seattle, White Center, and South Park.
COMEDY IN THE JUNCTION: 8 pm at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW), with headliner Rodger Lizaola, and up to 4 guest comedians! Get tickets here.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: Newest West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ B Max, starting at 8 pm. 21+.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Spring is near and so are baseball and softball. You can support West Seattle Little League and its hundreds of players via this year’s silent auction. Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
West Seattle Little League’s Silent Auction
Step up to the plate for West Seattle Little League’s Silent Auction Your bids help keep our fields safe, our equipment ready, and our teams welcoming for every kid who wants to play.
Every item you win supports youth baseball and softball — from uniforms and gear to field maintenance and training. Thank you for backing our players, their coaches, and the community that cheers them on.
West Seattle Little League proudly serves more than 800 local youth through our baseball and softball programs — including our new Softball Division and Challenger Program for children with additional needs.
We focus on sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and fun, right alongside teaching baseball and softball fundamentals.
Our league is 100% volunteer-operated, and thanks to the generous support of sponsors and donors, our Board of Directors can continue improving the experience for every player and family we serve.
Your contributions directly support our mission by helping us:
-Continuously enhance and maintain the Bar-S fields to the highest standards.
-Provide scholarships and equipment to ensure every child can play.
-Support our mentorship programs and community events.
-Cover team gear, field rentals, and league expenses.
-Fund important capital improvement projects that keep WSLL growing strong.
You can browse and bid here, through Saturday, March 14.
8:50 AM: Texter reports major backups on routes to the eastbound bridge such as Admiral and Delridge. No alerts that we can find.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, March 5, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
More rain possible says the forecast – high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:41 am; sunset at 6:00 pm. (Starting this Sunday, sunsets will move to after 7 pm following the time change to “spring forward” an hour!)
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
1ST AVENUE S. BRIDGE ALERT UPDATE
Two lanes are still closed on the NB side of this bridge, and the speed limit remains 25 mph. WSDOT delivered its update Wednesday with three main points: #1, the northbound bridge will be closed next Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday for temporary repairs; #2, starting sometime in the second half of April, a longer NB closure for the second phase of repairs; next year, full replacement of the NB bridge deck. We’re pursuing followup questions toay.
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 expanded 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!
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