West Seattle, Washington
08 Monday
(WSF file photo)
After a nine-month trial, Washington State Ferries‘ revised pet policy is about to be finalized. WSF announced the details and timeline today:
Updated pet policy
Just ahead of the holiday weekend, WSF will begin a six-week education and transition period to help people learn the new rules before they take effect on July 1. By that date, onboard signs will be installed showing where pets are allowed and not allowed. Pet waste stations also will be added, as owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
Under the updated policy, pets are allowed in three areas:
-On vehicle decks
-In outdoor passenger areas
-In marked areas inside cabins on the opposite end from the galleyPets are not allowed in the galley or on passenger seating and tables. They also cannot stay inside the cabin on the galley end of the vessel. Pet owners may pass through this restricted area but must take the most direct route and not stop.
If a pet is not under control or is not cleaned up after, a crew member may ask the owner to move the pet to the vehicle deck or an outdoor area. Service animals are allowed in all areas, as required by law. Livestock must stay in proper enclosures at all times.
“Our updated pet policy builds on a trial that began last summer, when pets were allowed in most passenger areas except galleys and on indoor seats,” said WSDOT Deputy Secretary for WSF Steve Nevey. “We heard from employees and customers. Some supported the trial, while others had concerns about cleanliness, safety and enforcement. This updated policy strikes a balance by allowing pets in certain areas while addressing those concerns.”
Got questions? The systemwide online community meetings next Tuesday would be a good time to ask.
Two theft reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:
STOLEN CLUSTER MAILBOX: Amy reports this happened Monday night: “Our cluster mailbox was ripped off its base and stolen. It was at the corner of Puget Way SW and West Marginal Way SW. I don’t know if any mail got stolen. Hopefully this is not part of a crime wave … We’ve contacted the postal inspector and gotten a case number.”
GAS THEFT: Nevin reports gas-tank drilling for fuel theft in the 3300 block of Admiral Way. Two vehicles were hit early Monday: “Thieves used an 11/16 drill bit.”
(Photo courtesy Hope School)
Need plants? You can help the Hope School Garden Club grow by shopping at their plant sale tomorrow (Thursday, May 21). Hope’s Sally Heit explains, “I and a teacher, Ms. Visser, have been leading a garden club after school once week (Thursdays) and teaching students from 14 2nd grade to middle school about seeds, planting techniques, water conservation (we have a rain barrel), worm composting (we have a worm bin) and planting seeds (we have a greenhouse) and so many other fun things. We did our first sale last year, so this will be our second sale which we will host on May 21st for our Grandparent and Special Person school event, as well as the West Seattle community.” The sale will run 9 am to 4 pm Thursday on the patio of Hope’s north campus (4100 SW Genesee), with “assorted veggie starts and flowers.” Proceeds will ” support the purchase of supplies for the club, activities, tools and the purchase of a raised bed container.” Adult volunteers will handle the sales until 11:30 am, then students will take over (it’s an early-dismissal day for Hope).
One more set of honors to tell you about. From the Alki Community Council:
A very special Alki Community Council meeting is coming up Thursday.
Three exceptional leaders who are all currently involved with their community will be honored.
Will Winter, current board trustee and past ACC president, Tony Fragada, current board trustee and past ACC president, and Kathy Olson, past ACC secretary/treasurer, will be honored.
Collective contributions range from helping to design the Alki Trail, helping to launch the Alki Art Fair and keep it going, launching Alki Emergency Preparedness, and keeping the ACC operating to get us to where we are today.
This will become a yearly tradition. We hope you all can join us!
Lots of other big items on the agenda too – see it here. All are welcome at the meeting, which starts at 7 pm Thursday at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce feted 2026’s Westside Awards recipients early this morning in a bustling banquet room. While each one has a different story and mission, they share a core value. “They are not just award winners,” said Chamber Board Secretary Jordan Crawley. “They are examples of what happens when people care deeply about their work and their community around them.”
That makes it no surprise that the dozens of nominees for the Westside Awards come from not just chamber members, but the larger community. Annually, the awards honor an established business, an emerging business, a not-for-profit organization, and an individual, the Westsider of the Year, all chosen from nominations detailing how they make a difference in West Seattle.
This year’s awards, presented by Nucor Steel Seattle (WSB sponsor) and a dozen-plus sponsors, were held at the The Hall at Fauntleroy, with colorful awards in the shape of a cresting wave created by Jen Austin with Green Fern Studio.
Chamber Executive Director Rachel Porter set the stage by pointing to West Seattle’s importance within the city – the oldest neighborhood, with 1/5 of the city population living on the peninsula — and chamber members within the context of the larger business landscape, where small businesses provide half of American jobs. “The work of building a community is too important to do alone,” she said. “You make West Seattle what it is.”
Next, it was award time. Chamber Vice Board Chair and emcee Brian Callanan provided introductions, along with a video featuring the award winner, followed by a few words from those accepting the awards.
The Center for Active Living was up first, with its Not-For-Profit of the Year award, and District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka introduced the video, mentioning funds he helped secure in the last round of budgeting to support senior centers citywide. “They do terrific work,” Saka said. “The center has been truly a cornerstone of this West Seattle community for decades.”
The center’s executive director Amy Lee Derenthal was featured in the video, talking about the ways The Center for Active Living, formerly the Senior Center of West Seattle, is working to make sure older community members don’t feel alone where they live. “Isolation is super real. … but we have something we can do about it here at The Center.” That includes more than 40 weekly classes, meals at Margie’s Cafe and special events. “It shows all the work the board and staff has done.”
Board Chair Kristine Milkovich accepted the award for the board and staff. “On behalf of the center, we are so grateful,“ she said. “I’m 55 years old and I’m the target audience. It doesn’t start at 85 to 90 or 100. It starts today.”
Fourth Emerald Games, which Callanan correctly guessed is a reference to the Shadow the Hedgehog game, opened in 2025 above Rush Hour (4517 California Ave SW, Suite D). A “retro video game lounge,” Fourth Emerald is place to buy, trade and play a wide variety of games in lounge areas, along with an event calendar that includes competitions.
In accepting the award, Joshua and Tiara Silas said they have felt warmly welcomed. “One way I always found to connect with people was through video games,” said Joshua. “West Seattle responded in kind.” He said the enthusiasm has been gratifying, and he sees Fourth Emerald filling a need in the community. “One of the hardest things to get now, and that’s a good time … a novel experience. Thanks to the best side of Seattle.”
The Westsider of the Year for 2026 is Jessica Pierce. If you don’t know her name right off, you likely do know West Seattle Junction FC and West Seattle Rhodies FC, the two semi-professional club soccer teams that call Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex their home pitch, thanks to team founder Pierce. “Two teams in two years,” Callanan exclaimed. “Amazing! She believes in professional soccer.”
In accepting the award, Pierce had news. “The Rhodies are # 1 in the entire country right now.” The loudest applause of the event followed. She also had enticements. “They play again this Sunday. They play the Ballard FC team, Salmon Bay. I hope that you can help join and break our attendance record. It was 1,600 last year.” Nino Cantu has a capacity of 3,500. “We have Ben with Viscon [Cellars] pouring wine, the (DubSea) Fish Sticks food truck. If you don’t love soccer, you will.” Pierce also might get an attendance boost from some free tickets being given out through the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) and West Seattle Food Bank. “I wanted to make sure that anyone can walk into our stadium on a Sunday afternoon.”
In the video, Pierce said she is grateful for the honor and the support. “We’re very fortunate to be in a community that embraces us. So many key people through the community; the connections have been incredible.” Pierce said she loves to sit in the stands, “and turn my head side to side, seeing my new friends and family.” Rhodies FC games run through the end of June, while Junction FC goes through the middle of July. “West Seattle can have its own little mini-FIFA,” Pierce smiled.
The final award of the morning went to Business of the Year West Seattle Bowl. Co-owner Jeff Swanson couldn’t resist the dad joke, despite the early hour. “We were bowled over,” he laughed. Swanson accepted the award on behalf of himself and the other two owners, Mike Gubsch and Andy Carl. Swanson has been there for 27 years, which is still just a fraction of the bowling alley’s history, which started in 1948. “We’re one of only two centers left in Seattle city limits,” he said. “There used to be 50. We continue to be independently owned. We’d like to thank the community for supporting us.”
Swanson says their family-friendly approach (offering birthday parties, fundraisers, and other celebrations) plus making the alley a “second home” to league bowlers has been a key to their continued success, along with a number of long-term employees. But he also says the sport provides a unique opportunity in a busy world. “Bowling is face-to-face, in person, no phone or distractions. You experience memories with family and friends right there.”
Swanson recounted that the West Seattle Bowl owners branched out last year to purchase Secoma Lanes in Federal Way when it went up for sale (as we reported here), noting that it could have been lost to redevelopment. Swanson says they’re encouraging the next generation of bowlers to get involved by participating in the Kids Bowl Free program again this summer, good for 2 free games a day for kids 17 and younger.
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce started their Business of the Year award in 2007, added the Westsider of the Year in 2010 and the other two awards in 2011. Past winners are listed on the chamber’s website.
Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Alki Masonic Lodge held their 47th annual School Awards Night on Monday, and 16 juniors from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School were honored for their achievements.
Each year, the lodge’s Education Council works with school counselors from WSHS and CSIHS to collect nominations for outstanding junior-class members from each school, as part of the Freemasons’ mission “to recognize and thus encourage participation in public-school education,” as its parent organization “has long supported the public-school system as one of the basic necessities in maintaining the American ideal of democracy.” Selection criteria for the award winners includes a holistic review beyond GPA, emphasizing character, leadership, community service, dedication to athletics/arts, and personal integrity.
The 2026 award winners are, from Sealth:
And from West Seattle:
All 16 students selected for 2026 awards were actually in attendance on Monday, which lodge leaders noted was a rare occurrence due to schedules, and they commended students and their families for making the time. Here’s the whole group, pictured after the ceremony:
Photo by Jason Grotelueschen:
Front Row: Takumi Momma, Phillip Nguyen, James DiPaolo, Brandon Hu, Ada Rutman, Stella Springwalter, Maninte Teshome, Katherine Ackers
Back Row: Jamesia Henderson, Nia King, Christiano Solis, Sofia Bertelli, Keira Collins, Brigham Stowell, Octavio Sanchez Seger, Kazune Hansell
Students on Monday night were presented with certificates and monetary gifts, and faculty members in attendance from each school were given an updated “perpetual plaque” containing names of annual honorees. Eight students from each school were selected, with two students from each school receiving special recognition as “top students.”
Martin Monk was emcee for the evening, and he noted that he was also recipient of one of the lodge’s student awards in 1979 which was the very first year of the 47-year-old program. He added that 2026 marks the group’s 120th year in West Seattle – founded in 1906 on California Avenue in the Admiral District, and moved in 1952 to the current building on 40th/Edmunds. The lodge’s leader, Worshipful Master Michael Riley, also provided remarks for attendees, thanking students and families for their dedication and hard work.
Pictured above (photo by WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen) from left to right are, from WSHS, assistant principal Tia Yarbrough and school counselor Christine Nutters, lodge leader Michael Riley and (at the podium) Martin Monk, and Chief Sealth school counselor Krista Rillo.
Why does the group honor juniors each year, in particular? Lodge leaders joked that “seniors already get lots of attention” and said that the organization has historically recognized that the junior year is particularly crucial for high schoolers, and thus is the ideal time to recognize high achievement and excellence.
Following the ceremony in the lodge’s upstairs room, attendees and their families enjoyed sandwiches and refreshments downstairs, courtesy of the lodge.
Four and a half months after announcing the new home of Thunder Road Guitars and co-housed The Bass Shop (both WSB sponsors), TRG proprietor Frank Gross has revealed the opening date – and he’s inviting you to the celebration:
We’re having a party and you’re all invited!
I am thrilled to announce the grand opening of the new Seattle Thunder Road Guitars. This new location is almost a year in the making and we are over the moon with how it has turned out. Join us for a weekend to remember and help us break in the new store the right way.
Lots of exciting details to come, so stay tuned!
Saturday June 6th & Sunday June 7th. Doors open at 10am. Store ribbon cutting at 9:45am
2611 California Ave SW
Thunder Road Guitars and The Bass Shop are currently at 6400 California SW; TRG was in The Junction and South Admiral before that. The new location was previously the home of Mud Bay, which moved kitty-corner to the northeast corner of the Admiral/California intersection.
The photo was sent by a resident at Maris (4722 Fauntleroy Way SW) showing damage done last night by what SPD says today was a fired shot and thrown rock. Here’s their summary:
At 1819 hours, witnesses heard glass breaking and then heard a gunshot in the area of 4700 block Fauntleroy Way SW, prompting several 911 calls. Officers responded and witnesses pointed out a broken second-story window of an apartment building. Officers also located a single cartridge casing and building bullet damage near the broken window. The occupant of the damaged apartment confirmed a rock had been thrown through the window but denied shots being fired. Evidence was collected and photos taken showing both a large rock and gun were used. Private video shows the suspect in the area just prior to the shot being fired and window damage.
Though the police summary does not include any descriptive information (we’re requesting the longer narrative), the resident who sent the photo describes the associated vehicle as “black, older-model Lexus.” If you have any information, the SPD incident number for this is 26-140365.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor from this week’s mega-low tides)
Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle – consider this your reminder for next week!
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
WESTSIDE SCHOOL ONLINE INFO SESSION: Want to know more about Westside School (WSB sponsor)? Connect at 11:15 am – here’s how.
MEET BUNNIES AT THE CENTER: 1-3 pm, Special Bunny brings rescue rabbits to the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), all welcome to meet them.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
LOW-LOW TIDE: 2:17 pm, out to -3.1 feet.
FREE MOVIE AT THE LIBRARY: “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” 2:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
ART WITH REC’N THE STREETS: 3-4:30 pm, free art activities at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly gaming event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is back at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.
CHIEF SEALTH IHS PTSA: Find out what’s up at the school! 6 pm, High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW) or online, details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Discuss our city’s growth, present and future, at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HUM-IN PROTEST: Tried [rotesting via sound vibration? Gather 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)
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Hear Kurt Vile‘s new music early, free, all ages. 7 pm. (4559 California SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
PIANO NIGHT AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: All requests! 7 pm. (2820 SW Admiral Way)
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) now has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays … 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: West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way 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 9. (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!
Summer registration is now under way for programs at Seattle Parks community centers in West Seattle and the rest of the city. All the info you need is here. One new option: A tap-dancing class at Hiawatha. The teacher, Liz, wanted to let you know about the opportunity:
I am a 60-something North Admiral resident, and semi-retired professional Actor/Singer/Dancer. I’ll be teaching Beginning Tap Dance for adults 18+ at the newly reopened Hiawatha Community Center this summer, beginning the week of June 15th. My goal is to share my lifelong love of Tap with folks who’ve always wanted to learn, and to help sow joy in some small way. (I started dancing at the Magnolia Community Center at the age of five.) I find that when one is focused on learning dance it is completely impossible to think of anything else, and I consider that a great gift in our challenging times.
P.S. Here is the list to the Seattle Parks & Rec registration and info listings for my classes if you’d like to check it out: anc.apm.activecommunities.com/seattle/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&site_ids=163&activity_keyword=beginning%20tap&viewMode=list
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly sunny, mid-60s high. Sunrise was at 5:25 am; sunset will be at 8:47 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners homestand closes out today, 1:10 pm game vs. the White Sox.
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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