PHOTOS BY DAVE GERSHGORN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG

The first Van Life Fest at new West Marginal Way SW business Castle Climbing Club turned out to be more of a mini-fest, with just a few van owners showing up. Jim Gruff was there showing off the new van he drove up recently from Louisiana, where it was built:

Kirk Hoppy takes his van to national parks for months at a time; he also volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization. He marks the disasters he’s responded to with stickers on his top cabinet – six hurricanes and five tornadoes, among others.

The vans weren’t the only attraction.

The Climbing Club also had some ~~bouncing~~jumping going on, with a giant inflatable landing pad of sorts:

We peeked inside too:

Castle also has a sauna.

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HOURS AWAY! West Seattle 5K along Alki tomorrow morning

May 16, 2026 8:56 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

One last quick reminder – the 2026 West Seattle 5K is tomorrow morning (Sunday, May 17)! Runners, walkers, and rollers will leave the start/finish line at 61st/Alki around 9:30 am, and head toward the turnaround point by Anchor/Luna Park on Duwamish Head. Alki and Harbor Avenues will be closed from approximately 8 am to 11 am for the race, which is organized by the West Seattle High School PTSA as a fundraiser to bring in $ for programs supporting WSHS students. You can still register here and be in the 5K tomorrow morning; even if you don’t want to, come down to the beach and cheer for everyone who does! The West Seattle 5K has been a springtime tradition since 2009, and WSB has been among the community co-sponsors every year. (We’ll just be roaming for coverage, but many other sponsors will have booths, so say hi to your supportive local businesses while you’re at Alki!) Weather looks dry but chilly. See you there!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Package thief; wrong-way prowlers

May 16, 2026 8:03 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch tonight:

PACKAGE THIEF: This report is from Ashley:

This package thief is operating near Alaska Junction. Porch is off of California and Genesee. Man wearing a North Face jacket and a SECURITY beanie.

WRONG-WAY PROWLERS: We’ve heard from multiple Brace Point neighbors about these two, including this report from Tiffany:

Last night right before 4 am at the dead-end street of 46th and Roxbury, two men prowled two neighbors’ cars and attempted to break into one neighbor’s garage. Nothing of value was taken. Our ring camera caught them attempting to leave our street through our backyard, they quickly realized there was no way out.

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No, that was NOT a stabbing

May 16, 2026 6:04 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

A few readers have asked about a “scenes of violence” response at Westwood Village just before 6 am today. Though it was dispatched as a possible stabbing, both police-radio traffic and information we got when following up directly from SPD say that’s not what it turned out to be. We contacted police after hearing in the archived radio communication an officer saying the situation might actually be a “medical issue.” Responding to our follow-up question via email, SPD spokesperson Det. Brian Pritchard confirmed that, telling us, “There was no stabbing, a 53-year-old man’s (PICC) line (peripherally inserted central catheter) was leaking. The subject was transported to Harborview Medical Center (HMC). Despite the medical staff’s efforts at HMC the man was pronounced deceased.”

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CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth IHS baseball headed to state tournament for second consecutive year

May 16, 2026 3:38 pm

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| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

3:38 PM: Thanks to Mel for the video (recorded by Bryson) and report – at Steve Cox Memorial Park, in the Metro League District 2 tournament, Chief Sealth International High School just beat Cedarcrest, 11-6, winning second place and a slot at the state 2A tournament! Mel reports that the Seahawks led the whole game; Cedarcrest scored 6 in the bottom of the 4th, bringing the score to 9-6 Sealth; they scored insurance runs on the way to their 11-6 victory. The state tournament starts one week from today in Bellingham.

3:51 PM: Of note, Sealth also went to state last year after finishing second place at districts – and at the time, head coach Ernest Policarpio said it was the Seahawks’ first trip to state in 40 years!

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PHOTOS: 2026 West Seattle Bee Festival

May 16, 2026 1:19 pm

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| Gardening | High Point | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

1:19 PM: Haven’t been to the Bee Festival yet? You have until 3 pm to get to the north side of High Point Commons Park (north of Neighborhood House at 6400 Sylvan Way SW), home to the West Seattle Bee Garden.

It’s a low-key festival but lots of opportunities to get info not only about bees, but about gardening in general.

5:04 PM: Adding more photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand – the rain and hail held off until right after the festival! Yes, of course there were bees at the festival, both around the hives:

And up close if you were interested:

Bee education, too, with the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association (who brought honey):

And the Washington Bee Atlas:

A chance to dance:

And/or to admire the Bee Garden:

We need bees – and they need us to help them thrive. The Bee Garden website has advice on how.

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VIDEO: Delridge Farmers’ Market opening day at new Highland Park site

May 16, 2026 12:26 pm

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| Highland Park | West Seattle news

SATURDAY REPORT: The new site of the Delridge Farmers’ Market is larger than it looks! In addition to the lot out front of the former Morning Star Mini-Mart building at 9th/Henderson, it stretches around the west and north sides.

All sides of the market were packed for the ribboncutting celebration including Mayor Katie Wilson and City Councilmember Rob Saka:

They had speeches, of course – noting the market is as much about community as it is about food – we’ll add video later. Also speaking was the CEO of market-presenting African Community Housing and Development, Hamdi Abdulle:

Vendors offered prepared food as well as fresh produce like this grown by Aash Farms:

Multiple coffee sellers including Daniel and Cat at Alchemy Harvest, based in West Seattle:

They sell coffee grown in Colombia, including the Yellow Bourbon roast from beans grown by Daniel’s dad. We also talked with returning vendor Kehau, whose Ono Grindz are what you might call Hawai’i fusion treats:

And you can get community info from Highland Park Improvement Club reps toward the south end of today’s market:

The market is open until 2 pm.

ADDED SUNDAY: As promised, video from Saturday’s ceremony – here are ACHD vice predident Bilan Aden and Councilmember Saka:

And Mayor Wilson followed by ACHD’s CEO Abdulle:

The market will be open every Saturday through the end of October.

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VIDEO: Big response for house/trailer fire on 26th SW in North Shorewood

May 16, 2026 11:16 am

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| Shorewood | West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)

11:16 AM: Thanks for the tips – house fire reported in the unincorporated area. More soon.

11:35 AM: Our crew has just arrived. The fire is close to 26th and 104th. They’re seeing damage to a house and RV trailer. Photos added.

11:43 AM: A PIO at the scene confirms to our crew that the fire is out – aside from a few hotspots – and no one was hurt. The fire is reported to have started in the trailer and spread to a house, damaging a second residential structure.

2:46 PM: Here’s everything that PIO Pat Pawlak, speaking today for Fire District 2 (North Highline/Burien), told us at the scene:

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: More than three dozen things to do, plus closure alerts

May 16, 2026 6:03 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Bob Burns – choppy Puget Sound off Cormorant Cove Park on Friday)

We start your Saturday list with two closure alerts:

BRIDGE CLOSURES THIS WEEKEND: The northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge is closed to all surface users, so that repair work can continue, and it’s expected to reopen early Monday; the West Seattle low bridge is expected to close to drivers starting at 7 am today and will also stay closed all weekend – though the foot/bike path remains open.

Now, here are our event-calendar highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE CLASSES FOR MOMS: Starting at 7:30 am, it’s FIT4MOM‘s annual Celebration of Moms with free classes on Alki.

RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) by 8 am for today’s free group run.

FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturday, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.

DELRIDGE TRIANGLE DROP-IN: 9:30-11:30 am at 18th/Delridge, SDOT plans a drop-in info session to discuss the newest idea for the area.

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: 9:30 am, guided hike through West Seattle’s forest – meet this time at the South Seattle College Arboretum entrance (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor).

DELRIDGE FARMERS’ MARKET: New season, new location! 10 am-2 pm, with an opening ceremony today featuring Mayor Katie Wilson and City Councilmember Rob Saka. Here’s a preview of today’s vendor lineup. (9th/Henderson)

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, with expanded Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)

PLOGGING: Clean up the neighborhood while you run! 10 am collab with Westies Run Club and A Cleaner Alki. Meet at Fresh Flours (9410 Delridge Way SW).

MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: They’re back, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)

SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)

OPEN HOUSE AT VILLAGE GREEN WEST SEATTLE SENIOR LIVING: 11 am-1 pm, come see “where community meets comfort” in senior living! (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor)

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am today – free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details including location are in our calendar listing.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.

WEST SEATTLE BEE FESTIVAL<: 11 am-3 pm - "Get an up-close view of honeybees and native bees, chat with garden and composting experts from Tilth and Master Gardeners, do some family-friendly arts and crafts with DNDA, and more. From 1-2 pm, get your buzz on with the Bee’s Knees Line Dance Party. The Bee Garden is at 3108 SW Graham St. in High Point.

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WHITE CENTER JOINER JAMBOREE: Get connected with people doing things! Dozens of White Center and West Seattle groups will be waiting to meet you. 11 am-3 pm at Evergreen High School (830 SW 116th).

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 11 am-4 pm for tool-borrowing!. Find the WSTL on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

COLMAN POOL’S SECOND WEEKEND: Noon-7 pm, second preseason weekend begins at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE MATH COMPETITION: Put together by middle-schoolers, for middle-schoolers! Noon-5 pm at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill), not open to public until final round and award ceremony around 4 pm.

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYOFFS: 1 pm, Chief Sealth IHS plays Cedarcrest at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, which is also where, at 7 pm, West Seattle HS plays Eastside Catholic – in both games, winner advances to state tournament.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

VAN LIFE FEST: Castle Climbing Club is hosting a celebration of all things van; your ticket includes use of their climbing gym and sauna. 2-7 pm. (6327 West Marginal Way SW)

FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) for “short, specific sessions.”

PEACE, LOVE, AND BINGO: 6 pm at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), it’s a rainbow-bingo fundraiser for the Rotary Club of West Seattle. Some tickets remained when we checked early this morning.

MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 7 pm, Royal Hair performs at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).

‘THE YEAR TO SAVE THE EARTH’: 7 pm musical and multimedia experience at Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Walmesley Center (35th SW and SW Myrtle) – details in our calendar listing.

BLEACHERS LISTENING PARTY: Hear the new music early, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).

JAMES LEE STANLEY AT KENYON HALL: 7:30 pm multi-talented musician and more at Kenyon Hall. (7904 35th SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Tax the Witch, A Long Driveway, Decidua – $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

MUSIC AT TIM’S: The Sinister Six, Desert Shame, Spiders from Uranus at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)

REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, Hot ‘n’ Spicy Disco. (4547 California SW)

SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Saturday night with Rone at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

If you’re planning a West Seattle event, and it’s open to the community, tell us about it; calendar listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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