West Seattle, Washington
13 Monday
While continuing to raise money for the rebuild of their fire-gutted ex-HQ, Highland Park Improvement Club is also continuing to find creative ways to serve the community at its site. One way. – spring and summer “First Fridays“ – launched the 2026 season tonight.
The El Koreano food truck served up dinner, while DJs Mighty Moss and Rich served up music:
Environmental education and art was courtesy of DNDA:
And Linda Hornberg, with her book “Picture a Garden“:
Hanging out with neighbors was at the heart of it all:
Next First Friday – May 1st, 12th/Holden.
With major decisionmaking just months or maybe even weeks away, Sound Transit has just launched a survey asking for your priorities regarding what to do next as it tries to close a $34 billion shortfall while keeping promises. Here’s how its announcement explains the survey’s goals:
Sound Transit is working to reduce the impact of historic inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and other factors on its ability to plan, build and deliver transit to the region.
The agency currently estimates that it will need to close a $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years to deliver what’s outlined in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 program. ST3 includes light rail extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma, and Everett, South Kirkland and Issaquah, and much more.
Sound Transit’s Board of Directors and Sound Transit staff are taking proactive steps to address this long-term financial challenge through a comprehensive agencywide process known as the Enterprise Initiative (learn more about that initiative here). As part of this process, the agency is requesting feedback via a survey from those who live within the Sound Transit District.
This survey is available here.
To catch up on WSB coverage of the West Seattle light-rail plan, scroll this archive.
SIDE NOTE, ADDED SATURDAY: Possibly of historical interest: While reviewing long-ago coverage for a KUOW interview we recorded Friday, we happened onto these ST survey results from 2015, one year before ST3 went to voters.
If you live in the Fauntleroy-area neighborhood where Seattle City Light is working on long-needed underground repairs and updates, Brace Point, you’ve probably closely followed their progress. For those who haven’t, here’s the latest of SCL’s periodic updates:
Seattle City Light contractors continue to work on the underground electrical infrastructure serving the Brace Point neighborhood. They are installing new duct banks, conduits, cables, vaults, and streetlights. The new infrastructure will help reduce the risk of outages and improve service for residents.
Underground civil construction is approximately 32% complete. Our crews have installed 3,470 linear feet of conduit and 13 underground electrical vaults. We expect to finish most civil construction by the end of 2026. After that, crews will focus on cleaning staging areas and restoring the project area to the same, if not better, condition.
You can reach our team at bracepointcable@stephersonassociates.com or 206-312-0021.
If you would like to talk to a member of the project team in person, you can find us in the upstairs meeting room at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library on Wednesday, April 8 from 12-1 PM.
Current work areas:
Southwest Brace Point Drive: Crews are working near the intersection of 46th Ave. SW and SW Brace Point Drive.
47th Ave. Southwest: Crews are working north along 47th Ave. SW near the intersection of 46th Ave. SW and SW Roxbury St. Please drive carefully through this intersection and expect changing traffic patterns as the work progresses.
Longer than usual delays: Concrete pours are scheduled to occur on Wednesdays from 8 AM – 2 PM for the remainder of the project. Due to the narrow streets, trucks may have to park in the right-of-way. Please plan for longer than normal delays during these times.
Pedestrian trail: Crews are running new conduit and replacing the streetlight on the trail between 47th Ave.
Southwest to 48th Ave. Southwest. The trail is closed and expected to reopen in mid-April, once crews have finished the foundation for the new light pole. They will restore any areas disturbed by the project to City standards.Upcoming work areas
46th Ave. Southwest: After crews complete work on Brace Point Drive, they will start utility work on the segment of 46th Ave SW between Brace Point Drive and the intersection of SW Roxbury St and 47th Ave SW.
47th Ave. Southwest: This spring, crews will start working near the south end of 47th Ave. SW and work north towards the intersection of SW 98th St.
The work finally started last fall, five years after the originally projected start date.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A construction permit is now issued for a Starbird franchise in the Alaska Junction, which is likely to be among the first to open in Washington state. The franchisee, Oregon-based Mehta Investment Group, secured the former location of MOD Pizza in the Whittaker development (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) over the winter and then turned around a permit in a little more than 2 months. The other fried-chicken franchise slated for the Junction, Dave’s Hot Chicken, is still in the midst of permitting for their location at 4706 California Avenue SW in the former Haymaker space, where they are still expecting to open in mid-2026.
Starbird is primarily in California, where it’s grown to 17 locations over recent years with what its founder calls “high-quality, chef-driven fast food.” In addition to a different caliber of food, it also runs a little differently, with orders placed via their app or in-store kiosks, though it’s still possible to order from staff in their restaurants. Starbird had a lot of visibility recently with its locations in both San Francisco International Airport and Levi’s Stadium during the Super Bowl. For those boggled by all of the fried chicken options, Starbird differentiates itself with chicken that is never frozen and NAE (no antibiotics ever), and a menu that includes everything from chicken tenders to salads and sandwiches, fries and churros and so many sauces, plus fried veggie options made with Gardenbird plant-based protein.
When the franchise agreement was made with the Mehta group, it happened as franchise agreements were happening in other states, including Colorado, Illinois and Utah. A Denver location was the first to open outside of California in late 2025. The plan for Washington state, when announced in late 2024, was to start opening locations in 2025—a total of 15 in Seattle and 2 in Spokane planned in the coming years, but none so far. The Whittaker location is a little over 2500sf, and the city permit notes the intended installation of a new grease hood exhaust system. A sign permit has also been issued for two illuminated signs, one wall-mounted and one blade sign. Mehta Investment Group was founded by Vin Mehta and is family-run, with a mix of restaurants, hotels and apartments, including every Jack in the Box in Oregon.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
West Seattle High School faculty ran the bases at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Thursday after a big softball in – the Wildcats beat the crosstown competitors of Chief Sealth International High School in their annual faceoff. This time, it was a high-scoring slugfest – WSHS 22, CSIHS 9. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB – here are scenes from the game:
(WSHS’s Lila Whaley hits an RBI double in the first inning)
(Chief Sealth’s Ava Boisoneau throws a pitch)
(Chief Sealth’s Olivia Dunham fields a ball)
(WSHS’s Daeja Piggee high-fives after making it to first)
(WSHS’s Molly Lefkowitz celebrates on second base)
(WSHS’s Stella Eley gets a hit)
(WSHS’s Marina Strange gets a hit)
(Chief Sealth’s Dani Thach pitches)
(WSHS’s Julia Herron on second base)
(Chief Sealth’s Zayda Fischer avoids the tag to score)
(WSHS’s Kaila Ignacio heads home to score an inside the park home run)
(WSHS cheering Ignacio’s home run)
(Chief Sealth’s Triana Tuia fields a ball in play)
(WSHS’s Lucy Malloy pitching)
(Chief Sealth’s Elia Lopez celebrating after a steal)
Tonight the two schools’ baseball teams have their annual showdown, 7 pm, also at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
12:52 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big police response in Arbor Heights. They’ve converged on a home in the 10400 block of California SW. SFD has a “scenes of violence” response there. Updates to come.
12:56 PM: This was originally reported as a shooting but now confirmed that no one was shot. A person who was in possession of a gun, reported as “walking away,” is being questioned. SFD has been canceled.
MONDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the SPD summary of what police believe happened:
At 1239 hours, a caller reported he had located an unknown man in his house and had just shot him. Officers responded and located the caller outside with a revolver in his hand. Officers gave him commands to put the gun down and the caller followed the orders. The caller was placed into custody without incident. A search of the residence was conducted and did not locate anyone else inside. One shot had been fired (.22 cal.) inside the residence. The caller was sent to HMC [Harborview Medical Center] for an ITA [evaluation for involuntary treatment], the firearm was collected and placed into evidence.
(WSB photos)
A month and a half after Hiawatha Community Center reopened following a six-year shutdown, today you’re invited to visit for today’s “Housewarming,” happening right now. When WSB’s Torin Record-Sand stopped by a little while ago, pickleball play was under way:
The history display was set up:
And you can vote on a Hiawatha mascot:
This all continues into the evening, ending with a flashlight egg hunt for teens and tweens at 6:30 pm. (Hiawatha is at 2700 California SW.)
(WSB file photo)
After today, the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle will be closed for several weeks of work. That’s sooner than first announced, according to the announcement we received following a vote of the shelter’s board:
The shelter has moved its closure date to April 3 (instead of April 15 as previously scheduled). The Warm Up Center at the American Legion Hall is currently closed for several weeks of facility improvements such as bathroom remodeling (which has already begun), kitchen cleaning, door lock changes, and shelter policy development. During this time, no breakfast or other services will be available, and the grounds and building will be closed to the public. (Dinner and overnight stays ended for the season on March 31.)
The Warm Up Center will re-open for breakfast, showers, assistance with forms and housing, and clothing help on a date to be announced soon.Our Amazon wish list is still active for donations, which will be needed when the Warm Up Center re-opens. Thank you to our caring community for all the help we received this winter. See you in a few weeks!
We asked board member Laurie Utterback, who sent that announcement, why they decided to close early. Her reply:
A couple reasons. Our construction professional is donating his time, and these dates fit with his schedule. Also, given the recent incident of escalated violence in the encampment nearby, the board decided that we need more time to develop a stronger security protocol for staff and volunteers for the safety of everyone coming into the Legion Hall.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of what’s planned at local churches we’ve heard from.
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through Thursday (April 9).
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Spring is garden time! See what’s new at the center, open today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers is open at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), 10-11:30 am.
HIAWATHA HOUSEWARMING: Visit Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) today for a variety of activities, 11 am-8 pm, to reintroduce you to the reopened center.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
FREE TAX HELP: Free tax help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) 11 am-4 pm, registration required.
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: 12:30-2 pm, a chance to practice at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FISH STICK DAY: The DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team is celebrating with Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 4-8 pm, featuring their food truck, merch, and mascot!
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
FIRST FRIDAYS RETURN TO HPIC: 5:30 to 8:30 pm, this season’s first monthly community celebration at the once-and-future Highland Park Improvement Club site (12th/Holden) with music, food, beverages, art, more.
CROSSTOWN BASEBALL: Big baseball game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’: Opening weekend continues for the West Seattle High School production, 7 pm curtain. (3000 California SW)
BINGO! Play classic bingo at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Katzenväter, Hire Stranger, Belly Cats. Doors at 7, music at 8. 21+. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING AND CELEBRATING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), celebrating 3 years! with DJ Tony H, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to live music with Black Night Crash & Dead Spells, 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!
Those are bags of food awaiting home delivery to West Seattle Food Bank clients who can’t get to the WSFB in person. Right now there are two ways in particular you can support the WSFB – here’s their update:
PCC is currently hosting a weeklong food drive to benefit West Seattle Food Bank (through Tuesday, April 7), inviting shoppers to support neighbors by donating food during their regular grocery trips. WSFB representatives will be in-store Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm to provide information and answer questions, as well as sell tickets to Nourish & Flourish! WSFB’s spring fundraiser Nourish & Flourish is on May 2, with early-bird ticket pricing available through Sunday (April 5).
PCC’s food drive comes at a time when demand continues to grow, and community support makes it possible for WSFB to keep shelves stocked and programs running.
PCC Food Drive – April 1–7
Support West Seattle Food Bank while shopping at PCC Admiral this weekNourish & Flourish – May 2
Early-bird tickets available through April 5
Info and tickets: bit.ly/NAF2026 or visit westseattlefoodbank.org
8:49 AM: Thanks for the tip. 35th/Henderson traffic light is malfunctioning; texter says most drivers are, appropriately, treating it as an all-way stop.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, April 3, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the upper 50s. Sunrise at 6:43 am; sunset at 7:42 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
ROAD/TUNNEL WORK
-As noted Wednesday, the repaving work on eastbound SW Barton by Roxhill Park has begun.
-And again – WSDOT plans a tunnel closure overnight tonight:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, April 3, to 6 a.m. Saturday, April 4, for maintenance.
Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. People going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, while northbound SR 99 travelers must exit at Alaskan Way. The Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps also will close at 9 p.m.
Crews will perform several important tasks during the closure, including:
Testing fire suppression systems
Cleaning and marking drains
Fixing lights
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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