West Seattle, Washington
10 Sunday
First of two baking-related stories we have for you before the night’s out. This one was sent by proud mom Laurel Taylor:
Our daughter, Elspeth Stoner (WSHS grad), went off to Carleton College in MN last September, her dad’s alma mater.
She got work study and was one of only three first-year students chosen to work at Dacie Moses House, where a primary function is baking treats for anyone who stops into the house. We are pretty sure that the reason she was chosen is that she put on her resume that she had volunteered over the years for The Christmas People with her sister Gwendolyn and grandma Carol. They baked dozens of cookies and then also volunteered to pack them.
Fast forward to (Wednesday)’s paper New York Times, where Elspeth’s photo is on the front page of the food section! She is not mentioned by name in the article but she is there. In a fun follow-up, she was just offered and accepted a position as one of the residents for next year. She is the one wearing a green cardigan holding a plate of Cowboy Cookies — my recipe ;). It’s also on the NYT website
The Christmas People are a nonprofit that collects thousands of home-baked cookies in West Seattle and vicinity every holiday season to distribute to people in need. We asked Elspeth what she baked for those donations: Various types, he said, “like oatmeal raisin, cranberry cookies, and I believe the same recipe for Cowboy Cookies that I’m holding in the photo in the NYTimes. At Dacie’s, of course, I make all kinds of things depending on what we need each week.” We also asked what she’s majoring in: “At Carleton we aren’t allowed to declare a major until the end of sophomore year, but I’m fairly certain I’m going to be a Biology and English double major.”
With one day to go until summer hours officially begin at Alki Beach Park, the Statue of Liberty Plaza got some TLC today. The plaza was created after a community-fundraising campaign back in the 2000s, and the Alki Community Council oversees the fund that still pays for its maintenance. The photo above is from ACC president Charlotte Starck, who reports, ” Getting ready for the summer season – spring maintenance on the Statue of Liberty Plaza is underway. The benches are getting stained. They look fabulous!”
A statewide organization campaigning for universal health care is coming to West Seattle for its next major event.
The organization Whole Washington will gather supporters for a gala at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center on Saturday, May 16. Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson is scheduled to be one of the guest speakers, as is State Rep. Shaun Scott.
It’s expected to be an opportunity to learn more about the status of the campaign – actually campaigns, according to the Whole Washington website, including a push for a ballot initiative in 2028.
One of the supporters who told us about the event points out that ticket sales are closing this Saturday, so if you have interest, you’ll want to decide soon about whether to attend.
(WSB photo, entrance to Camp Second Chance as seen from other side of Myers Way)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The problem plaguing West Seattle’s decade-old tiny-home village Camp Second Chance is is exactly what neighbors of the future Glassyard Commons are worried about: Camping outside the fence.
Camp Second Chance is at the southeast edge of West Seattle, at 9701 Myers Way South, on the city-owned Myers Way Parcels, where it started as an unsanctioned encampment in 2016 and eventually got the city’s blessing, as well as a contract for the Low-Income Housing Institute to run it (and most of Seattle’s other tiny-home sites). That’s the same organization that’ll be running the Glassyard Commons tiny-home and RV-lot site once it opens, also in southeast West Seattle.
Residents and businesses are concerned about unsanctioned camping that could be drawn to the periphery, with some already happening in the nearby West Duwamish Greenbelt. There have been promises of monitoring and action to keep that from becoming a problem. But a longtime member of Camp Second Chance’s Community Advisory Committee – one of two who showed up for its monthly online meeting Tuesday – says it’s a chronic problem outside the camp’s fence. Grace Stiller leads a nonprofit that has long worked on restoration of the wetland-rich site surrounding the camp.
(WSB photo, unauthorized camp north of CSC, seen through fencing along Myers Way)
Now, she says, some unsanctioned campers are actually on and in the wetlands. They have a big “pile of bicycles,” she noted. And she said she has also seen people hauling food into the area, leading to concerns that food donated for the “enrolled” campers is winding up diverted to those outside.
LIHI staffers in attendance at the meeting said that’s against the rules and that the policy was reiterated at a camp-wide community gathering. But what the solution would be for the camping outside CSC was’t clear. Stiller wondered what the policy was for those who might be on the outside because they’ve been kicked out – aka “exited” – from CSC. The staffers said it would depend on what someone was “exited” for doing; in some cases they might be able to earn their way back in.
Also discussed at the meeting:
CURRENT CAMP POPULATION: 87 people, 26 pets, four empty tiny homes because of “abandonments” (people who left CSC and didn’t return). They expected to fill those vacancies soon. Nine people currently have housing possibilities, pending action they have to take to help make it happen; staffers said they are clear that they don’t just take all the steps necessary for a housing placement and deliver it on a silver platter. And some do participate, they also said, including looking for work so they’ll have rent money, for example.
CAMP MANAGEMENT: CSC hasn’t had a permanent operations manager for almost half a year, but LIHI staffers believe they’ve made a hire who should be on board soon. They’ve also up to full strength on shelter monitors with recent hires for weekend shifts.
NEXT COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING: 4 pm May 26, online. Email marta@lihi.org if you are interested in attending.
Just announced by SDOT, a two-day closure of the West Seattle “low bridge” – officially the Spokane Street Swing Bridge – to drivers during the weekend of May 16 and 17. Here’s the announcement we just received:
Starting Saturday, May 16 and continuing through Sunday, May 17, 2026, the South Spokane Swing Bridge (also called The Low Bridge) will be closed to all vehicle traffic for the weekend. However, people on bicycles and walking will still be able to use the bridge, with possible delays associated with bridge openings for boat passage and as part of the maintenance work. During this time, crews will replace the tail lock cylinder, motor, and hydraulic pump.
(SDOT photo: Tail lock shaft on the approach-bridge side that is extended into the swing span to lock the structure together)
What you need to know:
The bridge was built in 1991 and serves as a crucial link across the West Duwamish Waterway, especially for people walking, rolling, and biking.
Planning, design, and construction for the initial phase of the Spokane St Swing Bridge Rehabilitation Program took place from 2020 to 2022.
The work taking place May 2026 will be to replace the motor, pump, and tail lock cylinder on the west side of the bridge. … Work on this project, which includes other ongoing maintenance, is expected to continue throughout 2026.
We checked in with SDOT three weeks ago for an overview on work like this that’s still on the way.
(Photos courtesy Desmond Hansen)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One month after we reported on the paintout of the “West Side Wall” murals on the west and north sides of the CVS store lot south of The Junction, the art wall’s comeback is confirmed.
That’s the word this morning from West Seattle artist Desmond Hansen, who had overseen the project to permit artists – himself included – to use the extensive retaining wall as a canvas. This was all approved by the lot’s previous tenant, Rite Aid, as we reported in 2023. Since then, the store has been taken over by CVS, to whom somebody complained to the city, which told CVS it had to go, and since CVS had no knowledge of the artist’s agreement with Rite Aid – it wasn’t in writing – away it went.
Once Hansen found out, as he told us when we talked for the March 31 WSB story, he vowed to do whatever it took to bring back the “West Side Wall.” He said CVS was supportive, and they indicated the same thing when we contacted a corporate spokesperson. Now, it’s official: “We have official permission to continue painting at the ‘West Side Wall’ now. So we are planning a painting mini-festival for mid to late May to reboot and kick it off officially.”
Hansen is also hoping to crowdfund for more signs like this:
And he told us via email that he’s already done preparation work
“We are very excited that the city and CVS have been so apologetic and supportive. Any comments, questions or concerns can be emailed to westsidewall26@gmail.com
Soon we will organize a gofundme campaign to cover the costs of making more signage and if we raise enough we will possibly be able to establish a couple garbage cans for repeat disposal of any paint cans and litter. I personally spent 3 days down there revitalizing the wall [top photo], pulling weeds and landscaping. I filled 27 bags with yard waste and rented a U-haul to take it all to the dump.”
(We also noticed while passing through the area that some advance art is already painted halfway down the alley.)
FRIDAY 12:37 PM: Just got the crowdfunding link from Desmond Hansen.
(Added: Photo courtesy Deb Barker)
The arrival of warm weather means the start of construction season for utility and street projects. King County Wastewater Treatment just reminded us that work starts tomorrow on the next phase of a repair project involving the underground pump station at Lowman Beach and adjacent pipes. If you’ve been to the Lowman Beach area lately, you might have noticed crews staging:
King County is rebuilding a damaged sewer pipe to maintain reliable sewer service for West Seattle residents near Lowman Beach Park and protect public health and Puget Sound.
The Murray Pump Station has two pressurized sewer pipes, also known as force mains. These pipes run parallel under Beach Drive Southwest and help move sewage to West Point Treatment Plant, where it is cleaned and safely discharged into Puget Sound. In March 2022, one of the pressurized pipes broke due to severe corrosion. King County repaired about 800 feet of the damaged pipe at that time. This project will repair the remaining 350 feet of damaged pipe and install two air valves to help reduce pipe corrosion in the repaired pipe.
This work needs to occur during the dry season when wastewater flows are lower. Road and park restoration will occur in fall 2026 after the pipe is rebuilt.
What to expect during construction:
-No interruption to wastewater service.
-One-lane alternating traffic on Beach Drive SW, with steel plates in the road. Bicyclists should use extreme caution passing through the work area.
-Lowman Beach Park playground, beach and sidewalks will remain open during construction
KCWTD spokesperson Akiko Oda also tells us, “Starting in June, crews will also repair sewer pipeline on Beach Drive SW. During this work, signs will be posted indicating that some street parking will be reserved for construction use. We’ll share more details as we get closer.”
(WSB’s Anne Higuera photographed West Seattle from the sky on Wednesday)
Here are highlights for 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 share!):
FOOD CELEBRATION AT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE: Happening now! But you can still get there for the 10:30 am-12:30 pm food-for-sale pop-up, and the 12:30 pm baking competition – details in our preview.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
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..
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!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One big game on the Metro League schedule today. At 4 pm, Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS face off in softball at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
PRIDE FAMILY BOOK CLUB: 4:30 pm at White Center Library (1409 SW 107th)
MAY DAY EVE DEMONSTRATION: West Seattle Indivisible members will be out at Fauntleroy/Alaska 4:30-6 pm.
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 El Gran Taco.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
‘THE LION KING’ AT OLG: Two performances of this year’s musical, 5 and 7:30 pm, community invited to the student show! At the Walmesley Center (35th/Myrtle).
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
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!
TOAST TO TR: 5:30 pm fundraiser for Transitional Resources, at The Georgetown Stables (98 S. Nebraska).
LISTENING PARTIES AT EASY STREET: Two tonight in-store – Kacey Musgraves at 5:30 pm, Kneecap at 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
SINGING RESISTANCE ON MAY DAY EVE: Potluck and park sing – gather at 6 pm at Elizabeth House (3201 SW Graham).
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, 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 you’d rather walk, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Evan Wallace, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW), discussing “Madame Restell.”
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Monthly pinball tournament tonight tonight at 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: One of the newest West Seattle trivia nights! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: Closing week begins at 7:30 pm for ArtsWest‘s current play. (4711 California SW)
AT REVELRY ROOM: Music happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) – it’s BYO Vinyl Night 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!
The future Morgan Junction Park Addition site – north of the current park – is now open to the community as an open grassy spot, after Seattle Parks removed the fencing that’s been protecting the site while the grass grew. Meantime the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association, which has been advocating for a “skatedot” – sort of a mini skatepark – at the site is gathering support to ensure it stays in the project. Here’s the design – with the “skatedot” actually incorporated into the original park site – as shown at the Morgan Community Association gathering two weeks ago:
Next step, according to MJAWA, is a community meeting to present the current design, and though it hasn’t yet been formally announced by Seattle Parks, they’re asking supporters to save the date for 5:30 pm May 13 at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, April 30, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Increasing clouds, high near 70. Sunrise was at 5:53 am; sunset will be at 8:20 pm.
(Wednesday photo by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat, until this Saturday, per WSF’s alert page. That’s also where you’ll find a summary of fare changes starting tomorrow (Friday, May 1). And note work at the Fauntleroy dock this week is now expected to continue into next week.
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 (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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