West Seattle, Washington
19 Tuesday
Story by Tracy Record
Photos by Torin Record-Sand
For West Seattle Blog
West Seattle Food Bank executive director Fran Yeatts took the stage during the nonprofit’s “Nourish and Flourish” gala Saturday night and recalled her uncertainty a year earlier about what was ahead.
And while the past year was most of what she feared it would be – rising costs, loosening safety nets – she also voiced appreciation for “the one shining light of this past year … the support we get from this community.”
There they were, surrounding her in the 4105 event venue‘s in-the-round space, the people who stepped up so many times, during the SNAP benefits crisis, for one, and in the need that has brought more people in for the non-food assistance that WSFB provides – emergency rent and utilities assistance, clothes from its Clothesline. Here’s everything Yeatts told the crowd:
Yeatts also recounted The Clothesline’s move to a new home months ago; the day it reopened in its new Delridge location, she recalled, was its busiest day ever, with 72 shoppers.
Other notable numbers from the past year were featured in this video, departing from the usual nonprofit-gala tradition of showing a video featuring clients’ testimonials. This one featured behind-the-scenes images of WSFB staff, and emcee/auctioneer Ian Lindsay invited attendees to cheer for them:
Another round of big cheers was bestowed on this year’s recipients of the food bank’s Nourishing Neighbors Award, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (WSB sponsor), which Yeatts presented to church representatives including pastor Rev. Bryon Hansen:
First Lutheran Church always has been a strong supporter of the Food Bank, and of the West Seattle Helpline before its merger with WSFB.
In particular, Rev. Hansen’s predecessor, the late Rev. Ron Marshalll, was a deeply devoted supporter, and even wrote a book about the WSFB. The FLCWS contingent accepting the award said it should be an honor for him too.
No doubt he would have agreed with WSFB board president Joe Everett, who called it “more than a food bank,” powered by a “small army of volunteers” as well as the staff and community.
One other person who spent more than a few minutes at the mic was comedian Scott Losse – who brought some laughs to a night that at its heart was about very serious work and what it takes to support it.
Emcee Lindsay, of course, kept things lively.
He called the live auction, which as usual for WSFB events was centered on experiences – like the taco and margarita party with Yeatts and WSFB staffers, with three parties sold for $1,200 each, and getaways to both Northwest and tropical locales. Another gala component boosting the benefit was the Dessert Dash, which Lindsay said brought in about $25,000 from tables vying to get their choice of the desserts that awaited.
And there was a chance to simply commit to a cash donation; one generous donor started with a $10,000 commitment, and from there, a variety of four-, three-, and two-digit sums were promised too.
Today – first weekday after the gala – it was time for some number-crunching. We checked in with development director Robbin Peterson this afternoon, and got this update:
Thanks to our community, Nourish & Flourish raised $202,300 toward our $250,000 spring goal. We’re so close – but not quite there yet. As GiveBIG starts tomorrow, we’re inviting our community to help close that final gap. Give through GiveBIG or our website and help make sure neighbors have what they need to stay nourished and stable.
Saturday (May 9) is rolling up fast – and the 650+ sales on the map for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day are getting ready for a fun day of person-to-person recycling. Forecast watch: Sunny, high near 70, says the National Weather Service. Tonight, nonprofit and nonprofit-benefiting sales (from the list we made while reviewing registrations – please let us know if your benefit sale isn’t on the list and we’ll add you to the list!).
West Emerald Cohousing – Sale #2
The Kenney – Sale #478
Kenyon Hall’s Swap & Spin – Sale #409
West Seattle Indivisible – Sale #223
Admiral HUB – Sale #87
Rain City Ropeworks – Sale #501
Solstice Park P-Patch Plant Sale – Sale #510
Chief Sealth IHS Gymnastics – Sale #518
Benefitting Salvadorean family – Sale #182
Fred Hutch cancer research – Sale #230
West Seattle Timebank – Sale #539
Mount Hood Kiwanis Camp – Sale #499
Beyers’ Bulldog Garden P-Patch – Sale #157
Maarten Park – Sale #587
Community School of West Seattle – Sale #68
Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby – Sale #82
Montlake Rowing Club – Sale #152
Rainier Roller Riot – Sale #237
Alki Co-op Preschool – Sale #343
United Friends Group Homes – Sale #495
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project – Sale #62
Holy Rosary School – Sale #207
Alki UCC – Sale #188
Komen 3-Day – Sale #508
Doctors without Borders – Sale #322
Breast Cancer Bake Sale – Sale #85
Benefit for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s – Sale #656
Washington Bus – Sale #487
West Seattle Food Bank – Sale #193
Suicide Prevention – Sale #531
Tilden School – Sale #263
Tibbetts UMC – Sale #262
WestSide Baby – Sale #485
Burien Cares – Sale #214
Kitsap Humane – Sale #580
Again, we’ll add any registered sale we missed that is by, or benefiting, a nonprofit/school group/etc. – just email or text us with the sale # and who you’re benefiting. For the donation-minded, also please remember that WSCGSD coincides with the Stamp Out Hunger letter carriers’ food drive every year, so if you can, leave a bag of food by your mail delivery spot (mailbox, door slot, etc.) before you head out Saturday to shop and/or sell. (Again, if you haven’t seen the yet, the map is here, the printable list is here.)
People caught in the throes of drug addiction can recover. So says Jeff Shulman, a local educator and filmmaker who’s made a movie called “What It Takes“ about a recovery program. The clip above is about its premiere a few days ago (this page has a trailer for the movie itself), and this Wednesday night, there’s (updated) a screening at The Admiral Theater in West Seattle (2343 California SW). He told us via email, “I can promise laughter, tears, and cheers as people share their traumas and their triumphs after the movie. Addiction is devastating people from all walks of life and I am excited to show that recovery is possible.” He added: “More than a screening, the Admiral Theater will host a night of hope, healing, and community connection. Audience members will be invited to share how the film relates to their own journeys and ask questions of me and Sound Health’s Lisa Rogers. We will bring this conversation out of the shadows so people know they are not alone and help is available.” The event at The Admiral starts at 7 pm Wednesday (May 6).
UPDATED TUESDAY: We’ve removed the references to “free” as this is a ticketed event – you can get tickets via The Admiral’s website, or at the door if still available by then.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch followups:
KIDNAP-ATTEMPT SUSPECT ARRAIGNED: 22-year-old Cristien Bugge-Marcum, charged with attempted kidnapping for allegedly grabbing an 8-year-old girl in Gatewood nine days ago, was arraigned today. That’s the hearing at which a defendant enters a plea and other early motions in the case, such as bail review, are argued. According to documents we downloaded from the King County Superior Court system, Bugge-Marcum pleaded not guilty, and Judge Nelson Lee rejected the defense motion to reduce his $750,000 bail. Court documents also say the victim’s parents both spoke at the hearing. Bugge-Marcum is due back in court in two weeks for what’s called an “omnibus” hearing, which among other things is a check-in regarding trial readiness, though trials seldom happen that fast.
SATURDAY MORNING CARJACKING: Early Saturday, we reported on a Harbor Avenue carjacking. We received the police-report narrative today. It doesn’t shine much additional light, except to say that the carjacking happened after the victim pulled over at the scene of a crash that preceded it because they were worried a person from that crash was hurt. We’ve added the narrative to the original report here.
5:04 PM: SPD and SFD are responding to a reported two-vehicle crash at 45th/Admiral Way. At least one person, a man in his 30s, is reported to be hurt. Some lanes are reported to be blocked, so avoid the area if you can.
5:25 PM: Thanks to David French for the photo. He reports eastbound traffic is/was being diverted. SFD has already cleared the scene, so apparently not life-threatening injuries.
6:11 PM: Police told dispatch they were reopening the street.
4:07 PM: The West Seattle Junction space formerly occupied by Willow, preceded by Fleurt, will not be empty for long. A familiar Junction fashion entrepreneur is moving into 4536 California SW – here’s the announcement:
Well-known West Seattle staple Carmilia’s announced today that it will open a new store in the Alaska Junction, offering everything from skincare products to fashion accessories. The new store, located at 4536 California Ave SW, formerly home to Fleurt and Willow, will do a soft opening on Art Walk Night, May 14, 2026. Carmilia’s owner, Linda Walsh, is at the helm of the project.
The store will be filled with all of Walsh’s favorite things: shoes, accessories, and gifts, at a variety of price points. It’s the perfect place to find unique and playful items for your next celebration or shopping spree. The store’s scheduled hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11 am-6 pm, and Sunday 10 am-4 pm.
Walsh told us she hasn’t yet settled on a name, so if you pass the future shop’s windows you will probably see “Watch This Space” as a placeholder!
ADDED 5:39 PM: “Watch This Space” photo added above. And it reminds us – that’s what Walsh put in the window at the former location of her original shop Clementine, on the west side of California just north of Oregon, before it opened, as we noted in this brief blurb 20 years ago!
Thanks for the tip. Demolition crews are at work today at the Fauntleroy Way site north of Fairmount Park where SFD was training last week. As noted then, we had reported a year and a half ago that multiple residential structures (most if not all duplexes) would be coming down here to make way for more than two dozen new housing units. The properties from 5021 Fauntleroy through 5045 Fauntleroy sold in two deals, totaling $4.3 million, according to county property records.
Seattle City Light wants to ensure you know its new voluntary option for how you’re billed for electricity at home, the “Time of Use Rate,” is available, and it’s launched an online tool to help you evaluate it. Here’s how the rate is explained by SCL:
With TOU, when you use electricity affects how much you pay. Electricity costs more during peak hours (from 5 to 9 PM), when demand is highest, but it will cost less during other times.
By shifting some of your electricity use to off-peak hours, you can reduce your bill. Plus, you’ll help make our power grid more efficient.
Our TOU rate has three pricing periods:
-Peak hours (most expensive): 5 to 9 PM, Monday through Saturday (excluding observed holidays).
-Mid-peak hours (moderate pricing): 6 AM to 5PM and 9 PM to midnight, Monday through Saturday. On Sundays and holidays, mid-peak pricing lasts all day (6 AM to midnight).
-Off-peak hours (least expensive): Midnight to 6 AM, every day.Learn more about TOU rates on our Residential Rates page.
City Light’s announcement today explains how to access the new online tool that can help you figure out whether changing to this kind of rate would save money.
(WSB photo from 2025 Admiral Block Party)
On a day like today, who can resist thinking about summer? The Admiral Neighborhood Association is looking ahead too and has opened vendor applications for this year’s Admiral Block Party. The date is Saturday, August 22, and the location is California SW north of Admiral Way. ANA’s Dan Jacobs tells WSB, “Our application for Vendors is open and beginning to fill up. Space is limited so jump in as soon as you can so you don’t miss out.” You’ll find the form on the Block Party’s main page on the ANA website.
(Seen in Gatewood, relatively recent addition to street-sign pole)
Here’s your Monday list of highlights, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
FIVE DAYS TILL WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Seen the map yet?
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). For up-to-18-month-olds. Free.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Regular 2 pm meeting; no public-comment period at this meeting but the agenda has information on how to watch.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: In boys-soccer playoffs, West Seattle HS faces Ingraham at 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle); in softball, also at 4 pm, WSHS plays Rainier Beach at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond)
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 4 pm and 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues offer you the opportunity for trivia tonight! Music Quiz Monday at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! Enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
ALKI MEDITATION: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION 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 jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Monday with a song (or two) – 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!
In 2007, SDOT removed a marked crosswalk on Fauntleroy Way at SW Rose Street, mid-Lincoln Park.
Community members long lobbied to bring back a safer crossing, and SDOT long said they couldn’t/wouldn’t.
Then the department relented, and last year unveiled a design that was far more complex than a crosswalk, including a raised median between the ferry holding (outside southbound) lane and travel lanes. Here’s what they showed at the time:
(SDOT-provided 2025 renderings above and below; see PDF versions here)
The Fauntleroy Community Association and Morgan Community Association have voiced concerns about the design, a regular discussion topic at recent meetings, and want to know what you think, so they have just announced a community forum with SDOT for this Wednesday (May 6), 5:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
9:36 AM: Crash reported at 8th/Thistle.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, May 4, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny and warm, high in the mid-to-upper 70s. Sunrise was at 5:47 am; sunset will be at 8:25 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Also, work at the Fauntleroy dock trestle is now expected to continue this week.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home for a 6:40 pm game vs. Atlanta tonight.
ADVANCE CLOSURE ALERTS
As announced Thursday, the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to drivers May 16-17. The schedule for 1st Avenue South Bridge northbound repairs – starting with a full closure this weekend – has been announced too, with some lane closures this week for preparation.
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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