West Seattle, Washington
13 Monday
The seasons have changed and Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle is about to change too. The shelter at 3618 SW Alaska ha sent a mult-part update with that news and more:
(Photo courtesy Westside Neighbors Shelter)
Spring is here, which means the Westside Neighbors Shelter cold-weather emergency overnight shelter is about to close for the 2025-26 season. And some big changes are in the works!
–The last night for dinner and overnight stays at Westside Neighbors Shelter is March 31. The cots will be dismantled and stored until next winter. After March 31, the shelter will be open only for Warm-Up Center from 7 to 11 am, and closed the rest of the day.
–The Warm-Up Center will continue each day until April 15. Then, the shelter will close completely for several weeks of facility improvements such as bathroom remodeling, kitchen cleaning, door lock changes, and shelter policy development. No meals or services will be provided during this temporary closure.
–After improvements are made, the Warm-Up Center will RE-OPEN 7 to 11 am daily for breakfast, showers, assistance with forms and housing, and clothing help, on a date to be announced soon.
–Dinner Church will continue at the Legion Hall Fridays at 5 pm throughout the year (except during the operational shutdown in April). This is the only night an evening meal will be served.
Thanks to all the volunteers who worked to provide the evening meal for our clients. The West Seattle faith community especially stepped forward and played a crucial role in getting people fed!
More info about the shelter, including volunteering and donating, is on its website.
As announced by Seattle Parks, West Seattle’s only dog park is closed this week for work. That work at Westcrest Park Off-Leash Area involves bringing in new wood chips for the “terraced area,” but leaving the small/shy-dog area open this week for all dogs to use.
Reopening is expected by Friday. Meantime, what will be West Seattle’s second off-leash area, south of West Seattle Stadium, is in the planning phase; we’re following up with Parks on the latest construction timeline.
Madison Middle School‘s interim principal will become its permanent principal. Seattle Public Schools superintendent Ben Shuldiner made that announcement today, as published on the Madison website:
I am pleased to announce that Dr. Scott Pierce has been selected as the new principal for Madison Middle School.
Since October, Dr. Pierce has been serving as the interim principal at Madison. In this time, he has worked to build strong relationships and effectively lead and support the range of programs at Madison. Prior to this experience, Dr. Pierce served as assistant principal at Rainier Beach High School. Dr. Pierce has extensive experience as a Principal and Curriculum and Professional Development Specialist with the Tulare County Office of Education in California. Across these roles, he has led curriculum development, supported teacher growth, managed budgets and school operations, and implemented data-driven, equity-centered instructional practices. Together, his education and professional experiences demonstrate a sustained dedication to literacy, instructional leadership, and systemic school improvement.
Dr. Pierce earned his Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California (2019), where his dissertation evaluated the impact of quality literacy instruction in juvenile court schools, reflecting his commitment to advancing equitable outcomes for underserved student populations. He also earned a Master of Arts in Reading with Distinction from California State University, Fresno (2013), focusing on strategies to close the achievement gap for struggling adolescent learners, and a Bachelor of Arts in English (Literature) from Sonoma State University (2002).
Dr. Pierce is committed to building on the strengths of the Madison community and is looking forward to working with Madison students, staff, families and community members to make a difference for each student, every day. Dr. Pierce will continue in his current leadership role the remainder of this school year with his official start date as the permanent principal beginning on July 1, 2026.
Please join me in welcoming Dr. Pierce to the Madison Middle School community.
The announcement did not mention Madison’s previous principal Dr. Robert Gary Jr., who had led the school for 12 years when he departed on what was announced as “health leave” six months ago.
A happier anniversary is days away – Arthur’s in Admiral celebrates nine years in business this Saturday. Leading up to the celebration, Arthur’s proprietor Rebecca Rice has brought back $5 draft beers, “a throwback to pricing back in 2017 when we opened!” That’s continuing until month’s end, but Saturday, March 28, is the big celebration day, with “a few additional throwbacks and celebratory bits, nothing overly formal, just hoping to provide a great excuse for people to come by, grab a drink, and celebrate with us.” Arthur’s (2311 California SW) will be open for its weekend brunch, 9 am to 3 pm, that day.
(WSB photo, March 2020),
March 23 is a day not to be forgotten by West Seattleites – the day in 2020 that we suddenly lost access to the high bridge, not to be reopened for two and a half years. When it closed with only hours’ notice because of concerns over cracks that SDOT said had been developing for years, city leaders had no idea how long it would stay closed, nor even – initially – what it would take to enable reopening. Ultimately, reinforcement work was done to address concerns that the bridge might even fall apart; then-Mayor Jenny Durkan subsequently had to decide whether to pursue replacing or repairing the bridge, and ultimately settled on the latter, at a cost of $67 million.
(2022 WSB photo)
The bridge reopened on September 17, 2022, so it’s been open 3 1/2 years since that 2 1/2-year closure. As we have done in advance of past closure anniversaries, we checked in with SDOT. First, here’s their general confirmation of how the bridge is going, in response to our inquiry:
The West Seattle Bridge remains safe and strong. We are still performing regular inspections of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge and continuously observe the bridge remotely with an intelligent monitoring system of sensors installed at key locations which detect different kinds of movement.
(2021 photo from then-advisory committee member Anne Higuera)
Neither the in-person inspections or the remote sensors have identified any unexpected issues or cause for concern.
You might recall that preliminary work was done toward a potential replacement, for a jump-start in case the mayor had decided to go that way. We asked if that’s been revisited lately.
The West Seattle Bridge Replacement Study provided valuable insight into the complexity of potentially replacing the structure. It was important to create this contingency plan to make sure we were prepared to pivot quickly if the repair effort had not gone according to plan, which we were fortunate did not occur. We have no immediate plans to update this study because the bridge is now in stable condition and all evidence indicates that the repaired bridge will stand strong for decades to come.
Specifically, it remains projected that the high bridge will last at least until 2060. Meantime, the low bridge has had sporadic trouble, even after maintenance and upgrades in the past few years, and we have an inquiry out to SDOT regarding what’s ahead for that bridge.
Bidding has just begun in the online component of this year’s Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA fundraising auction – with a goal to “Bring Back to Music“! In harmony with the theme, this year’s online and in-person auction offerings include two items signed by members of Pearl Jam, donated by its frontman – including the guitar shown above. Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you today:
Arbor Heights Elementary School is rallying community support to help bring music back to its students.
Due to district budget cuts, the school had to make difficult decisions for the 2025–2026 school year, including eliminating its music program. For Arbor Heights students, families, and staff, that loss has been deeply felt. Music is more than enrichment — it builds confidence, fosters connection, sparks joy, and supports learning across subjects.
That is the inspiration behind this year’s Arbor Heights PTSA auction theme: Bring Back the Music! The PTSA is working to raise as much money as possible to help reinstate the school’s music program.
The annual auction will be held on March 28, 2026, at The Hall at Fauntleroy and will include dinner, games, a live auction, an online silent auction, and a raise-the-paddle fundraiser.
The effort has even caught the attention of a famous neighbor. Musician Eddie Vedder has generously donated a Fender electric guitar signed by all five members of Pearl Jam (photo above), along with a poster also signed by the band (photo below). The signed guitar will be featured in the live auction on March 28.
While the event is currently sold out, there are still ways to support the cause. Arbor Heights is offering proxy/remote bidding for the live auction, including the signed guitar. Those interested in proxy bidding can contact ahptatreasurer1@gmail.com.
Community members can also support Arbor Heights by making a monetary donation through the Arbor Heights PTSA or by participating in the online silent auction. Your support is appreciated!
11:29 AM: If you’ve got eyes on Elliott Bay, you might see a gray whale again today, five days after one was sighted (last Wednesday). Kersti Muul tells us the gray whale is headed toward Elliott Bay Marina on the north side of the bay. Let us know if you see it!
9:59 PM: Thanks for sending photos! The one above is from James Tilley; these are from Steven Rice:
(Photo by Bucky Hayes-McQueen)
Here’s what’s on our list for your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (but not all, so check this list daily too, even if you’ve previewed the calendar):
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm drop-in help at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Free.
‘SOLUTIONS, NOT RESOLUTIONS’: Weekly speaker series continues with 1 pm presentation on “Sharing Your Stories” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW). Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: During today’s 2 pm City Council briefing meeting, a post-Legislature briefing is planned as well as councilmembers’ regular weekly individual updates. The agenda explains how to watch.
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
CHALK, LIVE AT EASY STREET: 7 pm free, all-ages in-store concert by Chalk at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) – buy the LP and get into the meet-and-greet too.
DATE CHANGE FOR EASY STREET MUSIC QUIZ: Because of the in-store show at the record store tonight, the every-other-week Music Quiz will be on Wednesday (March 25) this week, 6:30 and 7:30 that night instead.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: But there are two other venues for trivia/quiz tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: Home game for West Seattle HS vs. Garfield, 7 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
CHESS NIGHT AT MISSION CANTINA: 7 pm upstairs: “All levels of chess players welcome. 5- and 10-minute games, over the board chess. Order food and drink at the bar.” (2325 California SW)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! Enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
MEDITATE IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 9 pm Mondays, karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
The man known to so many people as “Santa Al” has died. A memorial service is planned May 2 for Alan Edwin Vinson, Jr., whose family shares this remembrance:
Alan Edwin Vinson, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, after a lengthy battle with Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH). He was surrounded by loved ones at the VA Hospital in Seattle as he transitioned peacefully.
Al was born on April 30, 1948, in Jackson, Minnesota, to Alan Edwin Vinson, Sr. and Virginia Rose (Hepp) Vinson. As a child in a military family, he moved around quite a bit and finally settled down in Seattle, where he attended West Seattle High School. It was there that he met his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Granquist after he asked her brothers to set them up for a date to the dance. Their love story began in those halls and grew into a marriage that spanned 56 devoted years.
A talented athlete, Al played baseball at the University of Washington before enlisting in the United States Army. Over the years, he worked in several industries before finding his stride at KAR Products, where he built a successful career as a salesman known for his automotive expertise, work ethic, and ability to connect with people.
Al spent his time outside of work at the Washington Athletic Club, playing handball, flying kites, or swinging a stick at any golf course he could find. He volunteered for years with the West Seattle Garden Tour, bringing color and joy to the community. He was also a notorious whiskey drinker, cigar enthusiast, and loved spending time with his beloved Mary Ellen, family, and friends in their West Seattle home – usually on the back deck or playing games.
Following retirement, Al embraced what many would call his true calling as a professional Santa Claus. Santa Al started this role as a hobby for the Holy Rosary Seattle Christmas tree lot due to his big, beautiful white beard. With his genuine warmth, booming laugh, and unmistakable beard, he became the best Santa Claus anyone could hope to meet and made people believe all over the Pacific Northwest. Bringing joy to children and families became one of the great pleasures of his later years.
Al was a committed and proud father to his four children: Kristi (Mike) Waugh, Mark, Jessie (Gerald) Beltran, and Heather (Mike) Smith. He was also a loving grandfather to Izzy, McKenna, and Jayden, who brought him immeasurable joy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Tom, sister Pat, and son Mark. Al leaves behind his wife, daughters, grandchildren, sisters Mary and Barb (Bob) Wilzen, and brother Jack (Johnna).
Al will be remembered for his kindness, humor, generosity of spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and community. His presence brought warmth to every room he entered, and his legacy of love and laughter will live on in all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held on May 2 at 11:00AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (4102 SW Genesee St).
To read his full obituary and share memories visit www.EmmickFunerals.com/obituaries/Alan-Vinson-JrThe family asks that donations be made in Al’s honor to West Seattle Garden Tour, and the Seattle Santa Heartcloud Foundation.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, March 23, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 7:05 am; sunset at 7:26 pm.
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. The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth route is now on its spring/summer schedule, with 3 boats on weekends as well as weekdays.
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!
We’ve received several texts about this, and dispatch indicates many 911 calls, so we’re mentioning that what may have sounded like gunfire in the Beach Drive/Alki area, wasn’t. Seattle Police sent to check out the reports told dispatch that they’ve talked to people – including a parked ambulance crew – who saw fireworks.
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