West Seattle, Washington
13 Monday
(File photo, by Holli Margell)
The Center for Active Living in The Junction is not just for seniors. Newly added later hours on Wednesdays have opened the gates for free all-ages events, “Late Wednesdays at The Center,” which will be open until 6 pm every Wednesday. From the center’s announcement:
… “The Center is officially extending our hours every Wednesday in response to your feedback,” said Amy Lee Derenthal, Executive Director. “We are excited to offer this extra time for people who prefer afternoon programming or are still working. Community members are welcome to come check us out, and we hope to see you at The Center!”
Here are some free events open to the community – all ages – 4-6 pm on Wednsdays in April:
First Wednesday Board Games at The Center
Enjoy a relaxed late afternoon of casual board game play and community. Margie’s Café will be open, serving wine, beer, non-alcoholic beverages and snacks.
Wednesday, April 1 (every first Wednesday)Second Wednesday Quiet Reading at The Center
Escape the noise and settle in for a peaceful afternoon of quiet reading every second Wednesday at The Center. Just bring your favorite book and grab a drink or snack at Margie’s Café.
Wednesday, April 8, (every second Wednesday)Trivia Time at The Center
Put your knowledge to the test! Whether you’re a history buff or a pop-culture pro, come join the friendly competition while enjoying a beverage and a snack from Margie’s Café.
Wednesday, April 29
More event info is on the calendar for the center (4217 SW Oregon).
Last week, we told you about “Ms. Dez,” the Sanislo Elementary social worker who won a statewide award. This week – an assembly with special guests celebrated her and the grand reopening of Ms. Dez’s Boutique. Jen from the Sanislo PTA sent the report:
(Photos courtesy Seattle Public Schools)
On Wednesday (March 18), Sanislo Elementary recognized school social worker Ms. Dezirae “Ms. Dez” Brown, who was named Washington State’s Distinguished Social Worker of the Year. The student-led celebration took place during a schoolwide assembly attended by Superintendent Ben Schuldiner, Seattle School Board Director for District 6 and board president Gina Topp, alongside Sanislo’s dedicated teachers, students, staff, and parents.
The event also marked the grand reopening of Ms. Dez’s Boutique — a vital, community-supported resource she created to support Sanislo families with food, clothing, and essential items.
Surrounded by her parents, intern, mentor, and Principal Erica Ayer, Ms. Dez was celebrated for both her statewide recognition and the continued impact of her work in the Sanislo community.
Student tributes were read, too:
“Ms. Dez helps with anything you want her to help you with, like math, reading, writing, and a lot of other things you want from her.”
“Ms. Dez is the kindness of kind and she is a great social worker; she helps everybody with anything.
“She always makes everyone feel loved and safe!”
“Ms. Dez does so many things. She is very kind and cares for all of our students. Ms. Dez does a lot for this school, and we are all grateful for it.”
“She also helps kids get over big emotions and organizes things that everyone can participate in. She also makes sure that every student feels welcome, loved, cared for, and important.”
Ms. Dez’s Boutique is made possible through generous community support, and donations are always welcome to help ensure families have access to the resources they need. Please contact the PTA to contribute: sanisloelementarypta@gmail.com
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
New event happening right now at Paper Boat Booksellers in The Junction (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor) – they’re launching a monthly Book Swap, with wine. Bring a gently used book and take a book.
That part’s free; if you’re interested in wine, Karin from Darby Winery is there tonight with $10 pours (she’s at left above with Kelly from Paper Boat). This is on till 7 pm tonight; you can just run in, swap, and run out if you want to, but Paper Boat says, “The goal of Book Swap is to meet other book lovers, discover new books, chat about books (if you want to!), enjoy a glass of wine and have fun!” If you miss this one, set your calendar for the next third Thursday (April 16).
Hundreds of Seattle Police vehicles are equipped with automated license-plate readers (ALPRs), and if you listen to police radio, you’ll hear multiple calls every day where officers turn up stolen cars because of an “ALPR hit.” It also turns out that’s how they were alerted to a Silver Alert subject’s presence in Admiral on Monday. But ALPRs also raise privacy concerns, as they routinely gather information potentially linking people to certain locations. So SPD cars won’t be using them for a while, as one of Mayor Katie Wilson‘s surveillance decisions announced this afternoon. She also announced:
-Expansion of surveillance pilot paused “until we have completed a privacy and data governance audit, and taken significant steps to strengthen those policies”
-SPD’s Real-Time Crime Center “will continue to operate and existing cameras will remain in place”
-Cameras planned for installation soon in the Stadium District will be installed “given the unique nature of the upcoming World Cup and the current geopolitical situation” but “they will not be turned on and will not be connected to the RTCC unless we are aware of a credible threat which warrants such action.”
-An installed camera that “has a view of a facility which provides reproductive health care and gender-affirming care” will be turned off “until we’ve completed a comprehensive security audit and have stronger safeguards in place”
-All cameras will be turned off “in the event of a surge of immigration enforcement similar to what was seen in Minneapolis”
Mayor Wilson’s announcement about the ALPRs noted that state legislators “recently added welcome new restrictions to limit the potential abuse of this technology” so she wants to pause their use “until we can ensure that our practices are consistent with the new state law and reflect the best safety and security policies.” The bill that passed the legislature is this one, awaiting the governor’s signature.
The mayor’s full speech about surveillance is in video above, and you can read it online here.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The newest proposal for Sound Transit light rail to West Seattle – dropping the Avalon station, which shifts the tunnel portal eastward – would dramatically cut the number of properties ST would have to acquire.
That was a headline from the “roundtable discussion” that took almost an hour and a half of this morning’s meeting of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee, chaired by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka.
ST’s West Seattle project executive Jason Hampton told the committee they’re now calculating that about 100 properties would be displaced by the Avalon-less alignment, which also would include a downsized, shallower Junction station. They don’t have the breakdown of exactly how many businesses and residences that would break down to, Hampton said, but it’s about a third of the 160 residences and 130 businesses the original plan would have displaced.
One thing that’s not changing, though, so far, is the Delridge station site, and two of the small-business proprietors facing almost certain displacement were among the guests for the discussion.
Ounces proprietor Laurel Trujillo said it’s great that ST is able to offer more compensation now but she still envisions a gap between what it really will cost to relocate, and what kind of compensation will be available. “Where does the money come from?”
Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and Mode Music and Performing Arts (nonprofit) proprietor Erin Rubin noted that it’s been a long process and she too remains worried about personal impact – like having to take out loans. She said she was happy to hear that some changes in the ST process mean they’ll be able to directly pay vendors involved in relocation, rather than having the businesses themselves cover everything up front and wait for reimbursement later.
Much of what was described as available to business owners involved consulting rather than cash: Representatives from various city teams, as well as the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, spoke about the ways in which they offer advice and information to help businesses get through the process. (More details are in the slide decks linked to the meeting agenda.)
Some suggestions came during a surprise appearance from County Councilmember and Sound Transit Board member Teresa Mosqueda, returning to the City Council chambers where she served on that body for years. She first recapped (as we reported here) her, and other North King County Sub-Area reps’, commitment to getting light rail to West Seattle and Ballard (plus finishing the Everett-to-Tacoma “spine”). Her suggestions for helping businesses included covering some of the rent that would enable them to stay in their current locations as long as possible, to minimize the number of boarded-up buildings pre-construction, and giving displaced businesses the “right of first (refusal)” to return to their old sites when the new station-area buildings are built there, even knowing that might be five years after a move.
There were no votes taken today; it was acknowledged that the uncertainty has somewhat intensified until the ST Board makes a decision – expected by mid-year – on what to go ahead with building, and how to pay for it.
SIDE NOTE: The issue of who’s involved in these discussions came up toward the start and end of the meeting. In public comment, Jordan Crawley of the Alki Beach Academy – another business that’ll be forced to move because of the Delridge station – accused committee chair Saka of excluding the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, on whose board Crawley serves. Later, there was mention of a letter to that effect that councilmembers had received from the Chamber. We just requested and obtained that letter – see it here – in which the Chamber’s executive director Rachel Porter asks that the organization be included in any future discussions on helping businesses.
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
“Wow, looks like we’re West Seattle’s hottest ticket tonight!” That’s how Alki Elementary principal Mason Skeffington kicked off Wednesday night’s open house that drew a crowd of almost two hundred people. The subject of the open house was the plan for Seattle Public Schools to expand the Highly Capable program to Alki and Rainier View elementaries for the 2026 to 2027 academic year. Many of those gathered were families who already had students at Alki or are interested in going there when the program is implemented.
The HC program, which seeks to offer advanced instruction in language arts and mathematics, is currently only available for elementary students at 3 schools in the district – Cascadia, Decatur, and Thurgood Marshall. Of these, Thurgood Marshall is the closest to West Seattle, meaning many families that want to seek the program have to commit to long bus rides. And, notably, West Seattle has a higher percentage of students interested in the program: “15% of kids in our city are being served by the Highly Capable program, of those, 20% are in West Seattle,” said Dr. Paula Montgomery, director of the HC program, who delivered part of the night’s presentation.
The main question remaining even after the presentation seemed to be how exactly this will be implemented at Alki. The Highly Capable program revolves around providing two types of advanced instruction, one track with giving students a year’s advanced learning in language-arts instruction, and another track giving students up to two years advanced learning in mathematics; both requiring separate instruction. To make matters more challenging, students may qualify for one and not the other. So the question is whether to create self-contained HC cohort classes, or to attempt to integrate the advanced curriculum in other ways. There’s no definitive answer yet. Principal Skeffington said, however, that they would announce their official plans on March 31st. “We want the data in hand, and we want to be respectful of the Alki community.” he said. One of his notes throughout the night was that no matter the size of the influx of students for the new program, or the ways it might change the school, he is dedicated to giving a personal feel to instruction at Alki. “Each and every one of your children is important to me, whether they have [Highly Capable] designation or not. They matter, and are important. And I hope they are seen every day for the brilliance that they bring – that is what I try to live through.”
The open house also marked a chance for the community to get a preview of the nearly finished new building for the school. Principal Skeffington placed an emphasis on how the new, more open building would provide many opportunities for the Highly Capable program to thrive. These included elements of the building such as new non-traditional, open floor classrooms (in addition to traditional closed door ones), and even using the building as a site for ecological learning. (The new building will feature three forms of eco-friendly energy in addition to standard ones – energy-efficient ventilation, geothermal energy, and solar energy. These, he said, could all be used to help instruct students.)
The night closed with a brief Q&A – including these:
Q: Are siblings of Highly Capable students welcome?
A: They are, said school officials, but the family needs to do an open enrollment form. However, the school has been working fast, they said, to get families enrolled.
Q: Is there on-site after-school care?
A: Yes, which will be available through the Alki Community Center once it reopens concurrently with the school.
Q: If we apply for the new Alki site, is it guaranteed, or still a lottery?
A: If you are living in West Seattle and your child has a Highly Capable qualification, they are guaranteed a spot. Siblings, if they don’t have that qualification, are not guaranteed. They said they will allow families with siblings to go back to their original school if they do not get in.
If you have further questions for Alki Elementary about the program, the organizers of the event have a web form available here. They said they are working to get back to people as fast as possible. They also noted that further information about the program will be posted in the form of an FAQ on the Alki Elementary website soon.
Here’s what’s ahead today/tonight, 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)
LIGHT RAIL BUSINESS DISPLACEMENT: That’s the topic at a roundtable discussion set for the City Council Transportation (etc.) Committee (chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka) meeting that’s under way now, as previewed here – watch live via Seattle Channel. Slide decks and guest list are on the agenda. (As of this list’s publication, the committee is just getting to the unrelated item preceding this one, so it’s not likely to start before 10:20 am.)
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: 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)
(Late-winter plants at South Seattle College Garden Center, photo sent by Margaret)
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).
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!)
REZONING REVIEW: As previewed again last night, the City Council starts its “Centers and Corridors” rezoning review at 2 pm; the agenda explains how to comment/watch.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Busy day for home games/matches. At Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), West Seattle High School plays softball vs. Ingraham at 4 pm, and Chief Sealth International HS has a boys-soccer match vs. Ingraham and a baseball game vs. Blanchet, both at 4:30 pm; WSHS boys’ soccer has a 4:30 pm match vs. Lakeside at 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
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 two 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 Levantine Cuisine.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
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!
WOMEN’S WORKSHOP AT WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Starting at 6 pm, a free event “for women who run and walk and work out to come together to learn more about ways to support our unique health needs,” as previewed here. (2743 California SW)
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, now starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If walking is more your speed, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT TIM’S: Doors 6, show 7 pm, with Eric Blu and the Soul Revue with special guests Bloodbelly Blues. no cover, all ages. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
BOOK SWAP WITH WINE: Bring a book to swap during this new monthly event at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor). Specially priced Darby Winery pours too. Drop in between 5:30 and 7 pm!
ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: 7 pm in-person meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – agenda toplines are in our calendar listing.
BALLOONS & BOOZE: Sizzle the Clown will teach you balloon art at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), 7 pm.
ADMIRAL PUB TRIVIA: Play at 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: A relatively new 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 Nate Thousand, 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!
(WSB file photo)
A spring tradition is just two days away – this year’s free dropoff recycle/reuse/shred event is Saturday, 9 am-noon, this time in the south parking lot of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) instead of the north as in past years. It’s presented by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce; WSJA provides this bring-and-don’t-bring list:
What Can You Bring?
We’re collecting hard-to-recycle and reusable household items, including:
Small, empty propane canisters
Fluorescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, 4 ft max)
Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
Clothing, bedding, and curtains in good condition
Small electronics (TVs, computers, cellphones)
Small appliances (non-freon only)
Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes)
Home goods and toysWhat We Can’t Accept
Furniture
Hazardous waste
Bicycles/tricycles
CRT tube TVs
Mattresses
AC units
Car seats
Stained, ripped, or worn-out fabrics
Automotive waste
Construction debris
Garbage, compost, or regular curbside recyclables
Mismatched items (like single shoes)
,
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, March 19, 2026. (Spring arrives tomorrow morning!)
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Same forecast as the past few days: Rainy, breezy, mid-50s high. Sunrise at 7:13 am; sunset at 7:20 pm.
(Wednesday photo by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule. Schedule changes starting Sunday – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth gets 3 boats on weekends too.
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 (fully open but 25 mph speed limit):
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 trouble 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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