West Seattle, Washington
21 Tuesday
City Councilmembers, meeting today as the Select Committee on the Library Levy, added almost $70 million to the $410 million library levy expansion/renewal proposal received from Mayor Katie Wilson. The levy that’ll go up for a final council vote next Tuesday (April 14) is now $480 million. Councilmembers approved this list of 11 amendments, including two by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who was not at the meeting; his amendments support “digital skilling” for teens at High Point and South Park libraries and encourage the library system to work with the Admiral-based Washington State Black Legacy Institute. After the amendment votes, the councilmembers spent a relatively lengthy amount of time saying they realize it’s a lot to ask property taxpayers to keep shouldering, and then clarifying that the acknowledgment didn’t mean any of them were anti-library. Ultimately, all seven councilmembers in attendance – Bob Kettle was absent too- voted to advance the amended levy plan to a final council vote next Tuesday; if councilmembers approve it then too, it would go to voters this August.
We’ve been reporting on the impending defunding of local cooperative preschools as parent-education programs in the community-college system, including the co-ops in West Seattle and elsewhere in the city. Above is a photo from a briefing in North Seattle over the weekend; the next step for supporters is happening tomorrow (Thursday, April 9) morning at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). At 8 am tomorrow, they’re rallying at Cascade Hall on the northwest side of the campus, because the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will be meeting at SSC. That’s the board that made a change in funding allocation that the preschool program says blindsided them – as explained in this WSB story – with just a few months to figure out another way to get funded and avoid having to close. So as part of advocacy efforts, they’re rallying tomorrow morning as a show of support before the board meeting, which (updated) has a public-comment period at 8:45 am. They’ve also been pursuing other advocacy channels mentioned here.
A texter saw that coyote on West Seattle Golf Course on Tuesday and sent the pic, one of three recent reports to share. Another report came in without a pic:
I am not sure that reporting a coyote has been around for a few days is blogworthy but sharing if so. It’s been trotting in and out of the yard for a few days; seen all hours of the day. We abut a city greenbelt so we believe that maybe its set up a HQ/den.
Its not causing any nuisance to us and it trots away when we have gone out to back yard to work on the garden. Looks and watches from a distance of 50-60′. And then leaves. Location is between 16th and 12th and Othello and Webster.
Last but certainly not least, Aaron sent this video from his neighborhood south of West Seattle:
Readers may enjoy this video of a coyote that has frequented our backyard several times, this time on Thursday morning. Thinking maybe there is a den near. Unfortunately it took our three chickens, though I don’t fault it for that. Our kids have surprised it once in broad daylight in the morning before school.
Now our standard reminder – we have shared coyote reports for 15+ years in the spirit of awareness, not alarm, and you can learn about coexisting with them via wildlife experts’ advice.
(Southwest Seattle Historical Society photo)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is expanding days/hours you can visit the Log House Museum on Alki. That’s one of four reasons the next three days are big for SWSHS – and you, if you’re intrigued by local history. The museum is now open on Thursdays as well as Fridays and Saturdays, and Saturday hours are extended to 10 am to 4 pm (Thursdays and Fridays will be noon-4 pm). This Friday, though, the LHM is closed because of the organization’s gala that night, 6 pm at Salty’s – you can still get your ticket(s) by going here. The other two reasons the days ahead are big for SWSHS – first, its online auction continues through tomorrow night; our story from Monday explains how to bid. Also on Thursday night, you can learn about the stories behind area names with historian Feliks Banel as the guest speaker for this month’s online Words, Writers, Southwest Stories event (6 pm – register here for the link). There’s even more going on with the home of West Seattle’s history – browse the latest here.
Regional publications are reporting the death of mountaineering legend and former West Seattleite Jim Whittaker at age 97. We met him more than a decade ago, when the West Seattle mixed-use megadevelopment The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, anchored by Whole Foods) was named for him.
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB – Jim Whittaker at The Whittaker’s dedication in 2016)
Mr. Whittaker was the first American to summit Mount Everest, in 1963. He and his wife Dianne Roberts, a photographer, were living in Port Townsend by the time the building-naming happened in 2014, but in an interview, Mr. Whittaker told us, “West Seattle is home … I went to Fauntleroy grade school, James Madison Middle School, West Seattle High School … That’s where I got my hiking and climbing inspiration. My parents loved nature and the outdoors – we would go to the beach in Lincoln Park. And then starting in grade school, I would walk up the Fauntleroy hill to Arbor Heights [where his family lived], even at lunchtime, so I got a lot of exercise.” You can read more about his storied life in this Cascadia Daily News obituary, which says plans have not yet been announced for a Celebration of Life.
(WSB photo: Spirit of Kingston at Seacrest at midday today)
Metro has gone public this afternoon with the summer sailing schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi, which starts this Saturday (April 11), as we’ve been noting in our morning traffic/transit roundups.
In addition to bringing back the extra night sailings on Fridays and Saturdays between Seacrest and Pier 50 downtown, the West Seattle Water Taxi also will have “new additional sailings on Saturdays and Sundays” on the schedule that runs through October 9. WT spokesperson Al Sanders explains, “There are six extra runs on Saturday and five on Sunday. (The) Marine (division) re-wrote their whole schedule to shrink the 1-hour dwell times at each dock down to 40 minutes.”
Here are the schedules starting this Saturday:
The West Seattle Water Taxi’s sibling route between Vashon Island and downtown is expanding for summer too, with Sunday service starting April 12, in addition to already-added Saturdays.
You can see the entire summer plan – plus reminders about fares, pets, shuttles, etc., – by going here.
David first reported this theft in the WSB Community Forums – in case you haven’t seen it there, here’s his report, with photo and SPD report # added:
Hey neighbors,
Unfortunately, a couple of my bonsai went missing from our yard, likely in the very early morning, last Friday (4/03).These were very special and sentimental to me, and it’s a big loss.
I accept that I will likely never see them again, but wanted to post this in the hopes that if anyone sees them or hears of them, to please let me know. I’m sad that they will likely not receive the proper care they need and may die unnecessarily. They meant a lot to me and any help here would be appreciated.
SPD report # 2026-906095.
(From Alki this morning – photo by James Bratsanos)
A bit of a delay because of this morning’s bridge-watching, but here’s our busy Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through tomorrow.
REMINDER – WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar and missed it because of our late list today, here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY: Free online info session at 12:30 pm – “Top 5 Things to Do for Preconception Planning: A Naturopathic Approach to Preparing for Pregnancy” with Dr. Emily Lesnak from Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has details of how to attend as well as how to watch later.
WHERE DOES IT GO? 2-4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about reducing waste.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two local home baseball games on the Metro League schedule today, both at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), West Seattle HS vs. Rainier Beach at 2:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS vs. Garfield at 5 pm.
ART WORKSHOP: 3-4:30 pm, teen program at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm drop-in session to get creative – bring your own project or get a suggestion! (3400 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Want to talk about our city’s growth, present and future, as the City Council reviews round 2 of rezoning? You’re invited to the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Our area’s largest political organization starts its meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) with civic-minded organizations there to meet attendees thanks to West Seattle Joiners, and then a business meeting at 7 pm – details on the 34th DD website.
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), non-members welcome too.
KUNDALINI YOGA: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving at midweek – go on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HUM-IN PROTEST: This gathering is for protesting via sound vibration, 6:30-7 pm Wednesdays at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’ AT WSHS: 7 pm, West Seattle HS production of the classic musical – ticket info’s in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia venues – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, cash prizes … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The stage is yours at West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘WALDEN’ PREVIEW NIGHT AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm preview of ArtsWest‘s new play; online tickets are sold out, but you can check at the box office for changes. (4711 California SW)
SWING IT! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Bob Mahn and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Mahn, 87
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Mahn, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was born on November 7, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho. He was a proud 60-year resident of West Seattle, where he built a life centered around family and hard work.
He is survived by the love of his life of over 62 years, his wife Patricia; his sons, Brian (Deena) and Kevin; his grandchildren, Zachary (Miranda) and Zoe; and his great-grandchild, Aela. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Pam) and Mike (Nancy), and his sister, Karen (John), along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1967. He was known for his incredible dedication and strong work ethic, spending 30 years as a Civil Engineer for the City of Seattle from 1960 to 1990. He then worked as a civil engineer with the City of Renton from 1990 until his retirement in 2020.
Above all, Bob treasured time with his family. He was a reserved man, deeply devoted to those he loved, and he enjoyed many years of adventures traveling with Pat and family. He was a devoted grandfather to Zach and Zoe, faithfully attending every game, function, and milestone in their lives. He also found great joy in what he fondly called “the family business” — trips to the casino shared with those closest to him.
The family would like to thank the caregiving team from CareBuilders at Home and Kline Galland Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to Medic One.
(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)
6:55 AM: The northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge is stuck in the “open” position. That’s backing up traffic on routes leading to it.
7:23 AM: WSDOT says crews are troubleshooting but no estimate for fix.
7:58 AM: Still closed (stuck open) but WSP says troopers are working to clear the backup.
8:46 AM: Still stuck due to what WSDOT describes only as an “unknown mechanical issue.” WSP still working to get drivers off the approaches. Other routes are backed up too – one texter says Delridge “is backed up as far as the eye can see.”
9:17 AM: No fix yet. We’re continuing to monitor and will update this story through the morning, launching a new separate one if it’s not resolved by noontime.
9:53 AM: WSDOT says the bridge is running normally again. We’ll follow up on what the problem turned out to be.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the upper 50s! Sunrise at 6:33 am; sunset at 7:49 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, last days of winter schedule, which changes to spring/summer schedule this weekend.
Washington State Ferries – Continuing today, the Triangle Route has a schedule change:
As of Saturday, April 4, the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is running a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat for about two weeks. The Salish is running as the third, unscheduled vessel to help move additional traffic and keep the #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet on schedule. The route will return to its regular three-boat schedule by late April, when we have another vessel repaired and returned to service.
Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
SCHOOLS
After Friday, Seattle Public Schools will be closed for a week of spring break.
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 see 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 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!
| 36 COMMENTS