West Seattle, Washington
18 Monday
We promised the treat list before West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day arrived, including – for starters – the WSCGSD classic, lemonade, promised at more than 20 sales:
LEMONADE: #4, #22, #72, #92, #111, #126, #195, #227, #235, #258, #358, #366, #368, #400, #434, #451, #453, #525, #540, #567, #587, #593, #638
And for the hungry:
MUSUBI: #123, #266
EGG ROLLS: #46
PUPUSAS: #451
COTTON CANDY: #46, #79, #654
SHAVED ICE: #164
OTTER POPS: #267 (free)
BLUEBERRY POPSICLES: #426
COOKIES: #22, #235, #499 (free)
BAKED GOODS: #92, #179 (Verdant Crumb Bakery pop-up), #322 (Mr. Bun’s Bakery pop-up), #361, #420, #478 (The Kenney bake sale), #552, #563, #587, #598
HOT DOGS: #406
ITALIAN SODAS: #266
If we’re missing something, not too late to let us know (or comment below). As always, we’ll be covering WSCGSD all day tomorrow, starting right at the figurative opening bell at 9 am … good luck to all!
(Map here with links to speialty mini-lists, primtable sale list here)
Fires aren’t allowed on the beach at Lincoln Park, ever, so this one tonight on the park’s north-side shore brought out SFD.
The person who texted the photos described it originally as a “huge bonfire” apparently started by a man who appeared in crisis. Police are there now.
We hope sellers’ tables will be bare when their West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day sales are over. But if you have leftovers, there are community organizations interested in donations. The list is short now but we expect it’ll grow. So far:
WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK’S CLOTHESLINE
West Seattle Clothesline (a program of the West Seattle Food Bank) will accept new and gently used clothing – any gender, any size. No housewares please, other than household towels and linens.
Donors can drop off items:
West Seattle Clothesline @ 5444 Delridge Way SW, Suite 100: Saturday, May 9th from 10 am to 3 pm, or Tuesday/Thursday 10 am-3 pm.West Seattle Food Bank @ 3419 SW Morgan Street: Monday through Friday, 9 am-3 pm
WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD
Time to make room for more books? The White Center Library Guild accepts donations of books for our sale shelf.
If you need more space for your books or have left over books from your yard sale, please donate them to the White Center Library Guild. We accept old books, new books and everything in between.
Just take your donations to the library front desk. Contributions help fund children and adult programs at the White Center Library! Thank you!
GONE.COM
This local business says it’ll pick up unsold/unwanted furniture. You can request a pickup via its website.
GATEWOOD GATOR FAIR
I just want to put a shout out for our Gator Fair. We are looking for donations of tables, tent canopies and small toys/trinkets we can use for prizes. An email or text to me would be great. I can swing up and pick up. daniellematni (at) gmail.com
There are many other local nonprofits that accept donations, but none that have directly requested post-WSCGSD donations … yet. We’ll add anyone else we hear from (contact us at westseattleblog@gmail.com with what you will accept and how/where/when to donate it).
ADDED SUNDAY
Two others have come forward:
West Seattle Mutual Aid Party
We’re a group of neighbors that give supplies and form relationships with our unhoused neighbors. We’re looking for donations of sleeping bags, tarps, blankets, tents, and 20 lb propane tanks (the big kind that you use for your BBQ). Please email us at mutualaidparty@gmail.com and we’ll arrange for a pick up time with you!
For more information about us, visit our Patreon or NW Hospitality page
Sent by Luz:
I’m the art teacher at Hope School and wanted to put a call out for leftover art supplies. We’re always happy to receive art materials of all kind appropriate for grades K-8. People can email me lbratcher@hopeschool.org to coordinate drop off. Thanks!
The latest crash trouble at “the curve” toward the southwest end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge dates back some days now. But it led to questions about whether SDOT had decided what, if anything, further to do about the situation (which some claim is a pavement problem and others insist is a speeding-driver problem). So we asked for an update, and finally this week got the reply:
We’ve installed several safety treatments on the westbound West Seattle Bridge, including curve warning signs and enhanced pavement and reflective markings to improve visibility and driver awareness.
We’re also advancing additional improvements. Materials for the next set of treatments are expected to arrive later in May, and crews will move forward with installation once they’re on hand. With the upcoming FIFA-related construction pause in the public right-of-way, we’re prioritizing work that can be completed ahead of that window.
We’ll continue monitoring conditions and make further adjustments as needed to support safe travel along the corridor.
As for what the “next set of treatments” involves, that’s another followup.
We’re now hours away – less than 20, to be exact – from the biggest West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day ever, ~650 sales of all sizes, all kinds, all locations, all around the peninsula and a bit beyond! The map is here; the printable list is here (the former is updated, the latter is not so if you’re using it, cross-reference the list of last-minute cancellations on the map page).
Every year, West Seattle Commmunity Garage Sale Day draws hundreds of first-time sellers – and many repeat sellers. We don’t have exact numbers; in a data-laden world, we’ve chosen to keep running WSCGSD one of those rare almost-analog events. We know about the repeaters because when we review the registration forms, we recognize the names. And n some cases the addresses.
So we can tell you that the collectors/history fans – Mike and John (above) – who set up at the northeast corner of California/Genesee are back, a sale so big it’s registered twice, #184 and #302. (While you’re there, the multi-seller courtyard at Hotwire Coffeehouse, #155, is just to the south.) Another returnee is the big Art Glass Sale, #94, at 3241 47th SW. Here’s a pic they sent of a new item this year, glass bumblebees:
And the fundraising plant sale at 3703 SW 107th, Sale #656, is a multi-year returnee – benefiting a lung-cancer-fighting event in the past, now benefiting other causes that have affected her family. This sale is open extra days after WSCGSD. … Another benefit sale that’s a WSCGSD returnee is Sale 499, 5637 42nd Ave SW, open today too, raising money for a camp that serves kids with disabilities.
One more mention – unusual items! Nick has vintage electronics including arcade stuff from 1977, Sale #372:
We hope to add some more “unusual item” numbers here but have to move on and get this preview published – again, WSCGSD’s official hours are 9 am-3 pm tomorrow (Saturday, May 9), but some sellers start early and/or end late.
P.S. If you’re a seller and never got the “official sign” template from us, we may have missed some addresses in the group mail so you can email us – westseattleblog@gmail.com – to get it.
(WSB photo, April 25)
Imagine if we had some way to weigh the tonnage of items involved in West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! Currently we don’t … but we do have the total today from the most recent Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup, courtesy of Judy Pickens:
Recyclables collected during the spring Recycle Roundup hosted by Fauntleroy Church pushed total tonnage since these free community events began in 2010 to 400. During the April 25 event, just over 550 households and businesses brought 14.58 tons to be returned to the resource stream by zero-waste recycler 1 Green Planet. The fall roundup is set for Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 am-3 pm in the church parking lot (9140 California Ave. SW).
The roundup is a free dropoff event and the list of what they will and won’t accept will be out weeks in advance so you can plan.
(Added: WSB photo, white irises in a Gatewood planting strip)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always preview events days/weeks ahead):
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY EVE – SALES TODAY: Some of the sales on our map for tomorrow’s big event are starting today. We’ve listed those numbers here.
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 … weekly indoor playtime for preschool-age kids, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
NO STORY TIME TODAY … canceled @ Delridge Library again this week.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: For adult English-language learners, 12:30 pm-2 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One local game on the schedule today – 1:30 pm, WSHS vs. Seattle Prep at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
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.
SEATTLE BEER WEEK KICKOFF AT OUNCES: 5-9 pm “Kill the Keg” kickoff event (3809 Delridge Way SW).
LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALL: Hear from, and ask questions of, your 34th District state legislators tonight at 5:30 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC: Songwriters’ Showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm.
KENYON HALL CABARET: All-ages drag show at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 6:30 pm.
MUNA LISTENING PARTY: 7 pm, hear and buy the new recording at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) early. Free, all ages.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Fast Nasties, All The Rain, Roy & the Renegades
. Doors at 7, music at 8. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), spinning tonight with DJ Proh Mic, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to music with Halley Greg, Lindstrom & the Limit, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
NEW CLOSING TIME: “Summer” hours for Alki and Don Armeni start their second week tonight, with a 10:30 pm closing time. Beach-fire season does not start until May 22.
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!
… you’re might be interested in an Other’s Day brunch tomorrow at The Locöl Kitchen & Bar (7902 35th SW), which wanted to be sure you had advance heads-up, so in case you haven’t seen this in our calendar:
Other’s Day Brunch Seattle: A Gathering for Women Without Children
For women who feel like others on Mother’s Day. You don’t need another event where you feel like the only one without kids. You don’t need to explain your story. You don’t need to make it comfortable for anyone else. You just want to be in a room where you feel understood. This is Other’s Day!
Founded in Chicago in 2022, this year we are happy to have a Seattle gathering hosted by Other’s Day ambassador, Melissa Miller! This event takes place at The Locöl Kitchen & Bar from 11-2 pm on Saturday, May 9th.
Tickets are still available online here.
Tickets are $40 per person and include a bottomless Mimosa Bar and a giant build your own Waffle Charcuterie buffet!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, May 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Cloudy start and sun later, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:41 am; sunset will be at 8:31 pm.
(Photo by Bob Burns – Cormorant Cove)
CLOSURE ALERTS
-The second phase of 1st Avenue South Bridge northbound repairs – starting with a full NB closure this weekend, 10 pm tonight until 5 am Monday – is beginning.
-The Highway 99 tunnel is closing both ways overnight, 10 pm tonight to 6 am tomorrow morning, for maintenance, per WSDOT.
-Also, as announced last week, the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to drivers May 16-17.
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 expected to wrap up today.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays (tonight!) and Saturdays.
SATURDAY NOTE
It’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, with 650+ sales on the map, so expect busier streets in many neighborhoods.
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
About 30 people gathered at Southwest Library Wednesday night to talk about SDOT‘s plan for a new crossing at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose Street [map].
Most expressed the opinion that SDOT’s concept for the crossing – at the spot where the city removed a painted crosswalk 19 years ago – is overkill.
Most of the concerns centered on the raised median that is planned between the ferry holding lane alongside Lincoln Park and the southbound travel lane of Fauntleroy Way, though there was not a universal agreement on what might be better.
SDOT reps, including chief safety officer Venu Nemani, explained that this is a Transit Spot Improvement project, since the RapidRide C Line stops north of the intersection on the northbound side. They didn’t make a presentation, but rather talked to attendees, seated around the periphery of the room, until breaking into two groups to stand around tables with the sketched-out design, same one unveiled last fall:
At the start, Frank Immel of the Fauntleroy Community Association – which joined the Morgan Community Association in organizing the meeting – implored attendees not to “beat up” the SDOT reps, pointing out that while government is often criticized for “not doing anything,” this is a situation in which they responded to community concerns by “doing something.”
SDOT’s Ching Chan noted that this is a rare RapidRide stop without crossing improvements, and described this as a fairly simple project, “quick and low-cost,” and saying there hadn’t been “heavy engagement” with the community because this is about safety “and for SDOT safety is non-negotiable.”
Nemani said traffic data to help with decisionmaking about the intersection was gathered in fall of 2024. That became a point of criticism for some, saying that wouldn’t have been an accurate sampling of how busy the area can get with summertime ferry usage, park usage, etc.
Regardless of traffic-volume accuracy, Nemani noted that many drivers were going well over the 25 mph speed limit. Some area residents seized on that as a concern, worrying that some will zip right through what’s meant to be the holding lane when it’s not full, endangering the pedestrians on the new median, waiting to cross. “Ferry people” rushing to get to the dock were cited numerous times as a source of concern.
And that, Immel observed, is what makes this location different from other places in the city with raised-median crossings – this is the only residential neighborhood in the city with ferry traffic.
Some advocated for the other options Nemani said had been considered – a traffic signal activated by pedestrians, like the one a few blocks south on Fauntleroy, or flashing beacons without a median. He said analysis of the situation in light of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control suggested it didn’t rise to the need for one of those other options. Then why did other intersections on Fauntleroy have pedestrian-activated signals? he was asked. He said repeatedly that he couldn’t speak for why past SDOT employees made the decisions they did.
Another thing about the median, he noted – it’ll enable more poles to be mounted with the flashing beacons, so the intersection will have more of them. (And if you’re wondering about parking, he said it will lead to the loss of eight spots along Fauntleroy.) For those worried that some drivers would use side streets to avoid this area, Nemani said they could add traffic-calming features to side streets to dissuade or at least mitigate that.
The concerns kept coming: What about the ferry-bound drivers who approach from the south and make U-turns to get into the line? What if a broken-down vehicle blocks the lane between the curb and the median? One person insisted, “The median is not necessary at all.” The meeting ended without a summary, but those on hand had received an hour and a half – 50 percent longer than the meeting’s expected length – to air their fears.
WHAT’S NEXT? Chan told us the feedback will be considered in their final decisionmaking. As for who has the final say, she said Nemani’s input would certainly carry weight. The plan would likely be finalized by midsummer and they hope to start construction by year’s end. We also asked about the project budget; though the cost wouldn’t be clear until they know exactly what they’re building, SDOT’s Aidan Bernal told us that right now the budget is ~$250,000.
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