West Seattle, Washington

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Spotlight Stories


  • Orca

    NEW BABY ORCA: See who welcomed this calf

  • Sign

    FINALLY A SIGN: One year after our first story!

  • Registration

    WS GARAGE SALE DAY: Registration continues!

PREVIEW: Three don’t-miss things about tomorrow night’s West Seattle Art Walk
April 9, 2025 2:12 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news

Whatever the weather, tomorrow night brings April’s West Seattle Art Walk – always the second Thursday of the month – and here are three don’t-miss things:

STUDENT ART ON ALKI: Beach businesses are jumping back into the Art Walk in a big way! As summarized by the Alki Community Council, here’s the plan for 5-8 pm Thursday:

Come out and enjoy the West Seattle Art Walk with a special Alki twist! Don’t miss the debut of Alki Elementary 5th-grade masterpieces, proudly displayed at:

West Seattle Arcade
Gary’s Place
Alki Hair Design
Log House Museum
Blue Moon Burgers

ART WALK POSTER ARTIST RECEPTION: Every quarter, new art is featured on the official West Seattle Art Walk poster, and there’s a reception for the artist at one of the participating venues – this quarter’s poster artist – see her work above – is Bev Hill, who will be showing at NOR Design and Construction (5953 California Ave SW, Suite 100), 5-8 pm.

FOOD AND DRINK: As Art Walk director Molly Ryan points out, many Art Walk stops “serve snacks and drinks during Art Walk, which makes it an EXCELLENT activity for the whole family in addition to a date night idea!” You also can stop into the restaurants and bars that are officially participating by offering specials to Art Walk visitors – see the list above (and junction-by-junction here).

Preview more of what’s happening tomorrow night – venues, artists, reception hours – by scrolling through this update on the Art Walk website!

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Ex-Alki Cafe space now for lease
April 9, 2025 1:03 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Four months after eviction forced the sudden shutdown of Alki Café (2726 Alki Avenue SW), it’s finally posted for lease. Checking out the beach area this morning for the first time in several days, we noticed the window signage. So far, though, we haven’t found an online listing, so we have an inquiry out to the leasing entity, Pacific Crest Real Estate, in hopes of details.

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FOLLOWUP: Low-low tides on the way, and so is revised beach-naturalist schedule
April 9, 2025 11:25 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news

(2024 low-low tide photo from Tom Trulin at Lincoln Park)

With minus tides on the way next week, and very low tides expected at month’s end, we checked in with the Seattle Aquarium to find out if they have assembled a schedule for this year’s Beach Naturalist program. Aquarium spokesperson Tim Kuniholm says they are working toward a mid-April deadline and will be able to talk about the details of the program after that. As we’ve been reporting, after reader tips, the program is being reorganized after aquarium-staff layoffs earlier this year, and is expected to be significantly scaled back from its previous reach, with 300+ volunteers at beaches across the region, including Lincoln Park and Constellation Park. Last year, Aquarium-coordinated naturalists staffed 11 beaches, each with 22 low-tide events from May to July. We’ll have another update when the new plans are finalized.

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Theater, poetry, soccer, politics, much more for your West Seattle Wednesday
April 9, 2025 10:06 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Kevin Freitas, West Seattle as seen from above this morning)

Here’s what’s up for the rest of your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new location. (4522 California SW)

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: 3-3:30 pm, come enjoy story time with your toddler(s)! (9010 35th SW)

SPORTS: Two local soccer matches – West Seattle HS vs. Lincoln at 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin at 4:30 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm free drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER AT MARINATION: 5-8 pm, you can order from Marination ma kai (1660 Harbor SW) and if you mention the Alki Co-op Preschool fundraiser, part of the proceeds will go toward the school – more info in our calendar listing.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it instead of discarding it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Pre-meeting presentation starts at 6, meeting at 7, online this month – details in our calendar listing, including the link for registering to attend.

COFFEEHOUSE POETRY: 6-8 pm, it’s the monthly night for PoetryBridge at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Monthly event at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), 6 pm, all levels and ages, membership not required, coincides with Taco Night if you want to have dinner too!

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Open invitation to the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW)

FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are invited to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

MUSIC BINGO: Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

PREVIEW NIGHT AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), it’s discount preview night for the new production “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations on our West Seattle list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to step up to the mic? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Also off West Seattle this morning: Orcas
April 9, 2025 9:44 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

9:44 AM: If you’re in view of west-facing West Seattle shores, Kersti Muul tells us a “small group of orcas” is southbound, south of Alki Point, east side of the channel. Let us know if you see them!

10:18 AM: Update from Kersti – still southbound, now off Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz (4500 block Beach Drive SW), “east of mid-channel.”

11:02 AM: Kersti reports transient orca T65A5, “the guy who likes to be alone and play in fishing/crab gear,” is close in, approaching the Fauntleroy ferry lanes.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Cruise ship American Constitution
April 9, 2025 9:05 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Chris Frankovich for the photo! Northbound off West Seattle right now, that’s American Constitution, operated by American Cruise Lines, which trackers show headed out from Tacoma this morning. Looks like you’ll see it around our area for a while, as its upcoming schedule starts with a cruise around Puget Sound and the San Juans, round trip from Seattle starting Saturday.

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday info
April 9, 2025 6:03 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 9, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Your Wednesday forecast is for a partly sunny day, high expected in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:31 am and 7:51 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle servicen; spring/summer schedule, with later-in-the-evening sailings two nights a week, starts this Saturday.

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”.

ROAD WORK

-A reader says the 45th SW sinkhole near SW Edmunds finally has a metal plate over it (after they asked SDOT about its status).

NEXT WEEK

–Seattle Public Schools are out on spring break next week.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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 a problem 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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BIZNOTE: New name, owner for what was Fleurt in the West Seattle Junction
April 8, 2025 8:55 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Images courtesy Fleurt/Willow)

Big announcement from the shop at 4536 California SW in The Junction – a new name and new owner (who customers will already know well)

Hi friends,

We have some exciting news to bring to the neighborhood!

In 2010, Fleurt was founded in the heart of the West Seattle Junction as a small flower shop. Over the years, it grew into something more — a cozy, curated space filled with plants, home goods, accessories, and heartfelt community connections.

As we celebrate 15 wonderful years, we’re thrilled to share that Fleurt is now becoming Willow. While the name is changing, the spirit remains the same. We’re still a family-run business, and now, Keonii – daughter of original owner Sam — will be taking the reins as owner, continuing to lead day-to-day operations with the same love and care you’ve come to know.

At Willow, you’ll still find your favorite brands, along with fresh new finds in jewelry, accessories, clothing, wellness, plants, and home decor.

Join us to toast this exciting new adventure on Saturday, May 3rd from 5-8 PM — we’ll have bubbles, snacks, and lots of love to go around.

Thank you, West Seattle, for 15 amazing years of support. We’re so grateful, and we can’t wait to continue growing with you in this beautiful little corner of the world we all call home.

As our very first story about Fleurt, in 2010, reminds us, the shop originally was located at California/Oregon.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: From dark clouds to bright rainbow
April 8, 2025 5:45 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks for the photos capturing this multi-faceted stormy afternoon/evening! Above, Chris Frankovich photographed one of the approaching cloudbursts. Below, Wyatt was first to send a view of the full rainbow arch:

Next, Steve Pumphrey caught it from Duwamish Head:

Further west, Karen Carlson photographed it at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza:

More to come.

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YOU CAN HELP: April showers bring May flowers – in fundraising bouquets!
April 8, 2025 4:49 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

Some flowers are blooming and more are on the way! Here’s word of a citywide flower fundraiser for PTA/PTSA equity funds including West Seattle – and if you participate, there are pickup dates/places in West Seattle:

The SESEC (Southeast Seattle Education Coalition) Mother’s Day Flower Sale is open until May 2nd. Our West Seattle pickup locations are Gatewood Elementary, May 10th, from 10 am-12 pm, and Alki Elementary @ Schmitz Park from 1 pm-3 pm

This is the only fundraiser to do as a whole city, to support all 3 public school equity funds.

HOW IT WORKS

This year’s flower sale features an updated giving model.

By choosing one of the three Equity Funds that comprise 46 member schools, $20 of your checkout total will be donated.
The donation will be divided in half, with one portion going directly to the selected Equity Fund and the other portion being added to a Title 1 pool.

SESEC will then redistribute the pooled funds among the Equity Funds based on their Title 1 school count. The three Equity Funds will subsequently allocate their distributions to their member schools according to their own unique equity models.

FLOWERS

We’re pleased to announce that our commitment to supporting farmers with living wages remains strong. $30 per bouquet goes to the farmers. Friendly Johnson-Vang, the founder of this flower sale initiative launched in 2020, has partnered with the PNW BIPOC Farmland Trust, an organization led by BIPOC farmers to hold farmland and support services for BIPOC farmers. The remaining $10 from each bouquet sale will cover administrative costs associated with running the flower sale.

THREE EQUITY FUNDS

CANSSPA: Central and North Seattle Schools PTA Alliance has16 member schools, 50% Title 1: Adams, Bailey Gatzert, James Baldwin, John Rogers, Leschi, Licton Springs K-8, Lowell, Loyal Heights, McDonald, Olympic Hills, Sacajawea, Salmon Bay K-8, Stevens, Viewlands, Wedgwood, West Woodland.

SESSFA: SE Seattle Schools Fundraising Alliance has 17 member schools, 94% Title 1: Aki Kurose MS, Beacon Hill, Dearborn Park, Dunlap, Emerson, Graham Hill, Hawthorne, Kimball, John Muir, Maple, Mercer MS, MLK Jr, Orca K-8, Rainier View, Rising Star, South Shore K-8, Wing Luke.

WSPSEF: West Seattle Public School Equity Fund has 13 member schools, 38% Title 1: Alki, Arbor Heights, Concord, Gatewood, Genesee Hill, Highland Park, Lafayette, Pathfinder K-8, Roxhill, Sanislo, West Seattle, Louisa Boren STEM K-8, Fairmount Park.

Here is the website to order flowers – again, May 2 is the ordering deadline, May 10 (the day before Mother’s Day) is the pickup date.

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REMINDER: Parks Board hearing Thursday on newest summer-hours proposal for Alki Beach, Don Armeni, more
April 8, 2025 2:43 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

This Thursday (April 10), the city’s advisory Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners is holding a public hearing and possible vote on park-hours changes for this summer. Some of the proposals concern West Seattle parks, as we first reported last month.

If you’d like to attend the hearing or provide comments on the proposed changes, you can show up in-person or on Zoom, as explained on the agenda document. The meeting is at Parks HQ at 100 Dexter Ave. N. downtown and begins at 6:30 pm Thursday.

Key points of the proposal: Permanent seasonal changes that will apply every summer going forward are proposed for several parks, including Alki Beach.

The proposal basically would have parks closing one hour earlier. Here’s the slide used during last month’s briefing, which shows the proposed hourly changes for Alki and other parks.

“Seasonal” means Memorial Day to Labor Day, in this context.

Another West Seattle waterfront park, Don Armeni Boat Ramp on Harbor Avenue, also has a seasonal hour change proposal from 24 hours to 4 am to 10:30 pm, which is in alignment with the proposed hour changes for Alki and others.

One more West Seattle note – Hamilton Viewpoint Park has a proposed permanent hourly change from 4 am to 11:30 pm to 6 am to 10 pm.

As explained on the agenda document, if you want to comment during the hearing, sign up via email before 5 pm Thursday. The final decision is up to SPR Superintendent AP Diaz to make next month.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Child’s bike stolen
April 8, 2025 1:34 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Reader report from Ty:

Someone stole my daughter’s bike last night locked up in front of our house on Delridge Way near the Playfield.

I don’t have the heart to tell her yet but will shortly. I walked the block and no sign of it.:(

If you see it, let us know and we’ll connect you.

ADDED 2:27 PM: We asked Ty for the basic description – it’s a teal GT Stomper, 20″. A police report has been filed – temporary number T00027576.

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WHALES: New calf for Southern Residents’ J-Pod (photos added)
April 8, 2025 11:31 am
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Photo by Mark Malleson, Center for Whale Research. Taken under DFO SARA License XMMS 2 2023. Republished with permission)

A new Southern Resident orca calf! The Center for Whale Research just published this announcement:

The Center for Whale Research has some exciting news! We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new calf in J Pod!

On April 6, 2025, CWR Field Biologist Mark Malleson located J Pod as they traveled west past Victoria Harbour. During this encounter, he observed and documented a newborn calf swimming closely alongside J40. This is J40’s first known calf and the fourth born into the Southern Resident killer whale population in the past 12 months – a sign of hope for this endangered community.

(Added: Photo by Mark Malleson, Center for Whale Research. Taken under DFO SARA License XMMS 2 2023. Republished with permission)

Based on initial observations of the new calf, now designated J63, there are no immediate concerns. However, the first year of life is often a challenging time for young whales, particularly those born to first-time mothers.

We remain cautiously optimistic about J63’s survival and will conduct follow-up observations of the calf’s behavior and physical condition in the coming days and months, as opportunities allow. Each new calf is vitally important to this critically endangered population – every birth counts – and we’re hopeful that this young whale will continue to thrive.

More info to come.

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Still need to shred? John L. Scott Westwood announces your next chance!
April 8, 2025 11:24 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | West Seattle news | Westwood

(WSB photo, April 2024)

Last year, John L. Scott Westwood Real Estate/The Madrona Group (WSB sponsor) shredded almost two tons of paper during their free shredding event at Westwood Village. We just got word they’re offering free shredding again this year, and again it’ll be part of a donation drive for White Center Food Bank. Just bring your shredding – and a donation of nonperishable food and/or money – to the northwest area of the Westwood Village parking lot between 9 am and noon on Saturday, April 19. (And if you have friends in the north/east metro area, take note that – as also shown on this flyer – they’re presenting a 1-4 pm shredding event in Kenmore the same day.)

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Pizza fundraiser, Fauntleroy Community Association, swing dancing, trivia, more for your West Seattle Tuesday
April 8, 2025 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(North Admiral – photo by Don Brubeck)

Here’s what’s happening on your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: The West Seattle High School fastpitch-softball team benefits from part of the proceeds if you go to MOD Pizza at Westwood Village today/tonight and say you’re there for the fundraiser – 10:30 am to 10 pm – details, including the code, are in our calendar listing. (2800 SW Barton)

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-timer.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Weekly lunch meeting, noon at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW):

Program: Rotary Peace Fellow Linda Lo

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

SPORTS: Two softball games at 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Cleveland, West Seattle HS hosts Garfield.

HOMEWORK HELP: Students can drop in for free help, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW) – (update) here’s the agenda – community members welcome.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Lots of light in the evening as sunsets get later – 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

FREE DANCE LESSON: At the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), Westside Dance with Dean:

Tuesdays through April 15
Swing 1: Intro to East Coast Swing 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Swing 2: Dancing to the Blues (a traveling dance) 7:45 – 8:45 p.m.

Brush up on your dance skills with our next six-week dance series. Instructor Dean Paton leads these live partner-dance classes in Swing 1 & 2. No partner is necessary, both singles and couples are welcome. Join the fun and meet others in the community!
More information here.

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.

BINGO AT THE SKYLARK: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo hosted by Cookie Couture, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 6: If you’re a quiz whiz, tonight is your night – six trivia options for Tuesday night – 7 pm trivia with Amelia at Future Primitive‘s Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW) … The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) … and Trivia Tuesdays at Christos on Alki, 7:15 pm (2508 Alki SW).

Hosting an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Celebration of life planned Saturday for DeAnna Rose Piccini, 1971-2025
April 8, 2025 9:00 am
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather Saturday to celebrate the life of DeAnna Piccini. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:

DeAnna Piccini was born January 10, 1971, and unexpectedly passed away February 19, 2025.

Born and raised in Seattle, DeAnna’s greatest joy in life was her family. She leaves behind her beloved son Brandon and his wife Laura, along with her three beautiful grandchildren Gianna, Nico, and Demi, who were the light of her life. She is also survived by her loving mother Roberta; her sister Julie and her husband Tom; and her brother Steve and his wife Hettie. In addition, she will be deeply missed by the many family and friends whose lives she touched with her kindness and unwavering spirit.

In her remembrance, we will be hosting a celebration of life at Hope Lutheran in West Seattle on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 12 PM-3 PM, 4456 42nd Ave SW, Seattle.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

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TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday info
April 8, 2025 6:02 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Your Tuesday forecast is showery and breezy, possible thunder, high expected in the mid-50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:33 am and 7:49 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle servicen; spring/summer schedule, with later-in-the-evening sailings two nights a week, starts this Saturday.

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”.

ROAD WORK

-Delridge repaving work has wrapped up.

-Today in White Center, 7 am-3:30 pm, SW 100th will be closed between 15th and 16th for drainage work.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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 a problem 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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gun charge after 56 warrants; bag-toting bandit
April 7, 2025 11:58 pm
|      12 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two items in West Seattle Crime Watch:

GUN CHARGE: Those photos are from charging documents in a case stemming from an incident we noted three weeks ago. Police found three people inside a parked car on 35th SW that had been stolen in a carjacking on Airport Way three days earlier; our initial report focused on one of them, a man who was accused of violating an order to stay away from a woman who was one of the other two people in the car. Turns out that the most serious charge in the case so far was filed against the third person, a 52-year-old man with a significant criminal record, who police say was actually in the driver’s seat:. Jerry E. Legate (who’s described as having multiple aliases) is charged with first-degree unlawful gun possession because of what’s in the photo above. An excerpt from the charging papers filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:

A review of the defendant’s Judicial Access Browser System (JABS) page shows that he has had 31 misdemeanor warrants and 25 superior court warrants since 1992.

Despite the defendant’s most recent felony conviction being for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree in 2022, the defendant was found in possession of a rifle with what was ostensibly a home-made suppressor duct taped to end of the barrel. Of even greater concern than the defendant’s inability to abide the numerous orders prohibiting him from possessing firearms is the fact that this particular firearm matches the description of one used three days earlier to carjack the owner of the stolen vehicle of which the defendant was likewise found in possession.

As a result of all that, prosecutors asked for $150,000 bail, and that’s what’s listed on the docket for Legate, who was scheduled to be arraigned today.

BAG-TOTING BANDIT: One reader report – this video was recorded Sunday morning:

Please give folks the heads up that a porch pirate was caught on camera taking packages from our townhome complex on Admiral off Walnut. Fortunately, the items taken were of low value, but this person took things from 3 of 6 units. It happened April 6, just after 8:30 am. It’s likely that there were other victims in the area because the suspect had several bags with him.

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Pay-what-you-can spring break, summer camps & classes @ Mode Music and Performing Arts
April 7, 2025 8:47 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Spring break is close, and summer vacation isn’t all that far away. Fun, creative camps and classes await students at West Seattle’s own Mode Music and Performing Arts:

2025 spring break camps in songwriting and play creation are available for K-5 – go here to sign up.

For K-8, MMPA’s 2025 summer camps will run from June 23rd through August 29th. This year we are offering our standard Monday thru Friday week-long camps, with morning and afternoon options. We are also offering new camps for 6-8th graders this year! Middle school campers will meet two days a week in the afternoon for 4 weeks. Find out more here.

Tiny Modes (0-4) classes are in a new session now too!

As always, our programming is pay-what-you-can. Please take advantage of our 100% scholarships!

MMPA is sibling to Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), headquartered in North Delridge.

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ONE MONTH TO GO: Much-delayed deadline nears for REAL ID compliance
April 7, 2025 7:35 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Transportation | West Seattle news

(REAL ID reminder that arrived with a car-tab-renewal notice)

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

With just a month left, the scramble is on for appointments to get enhanced driver licenses and other IDs that meet REAL ID requirements. Starting May 7, you’ll need identification that meets those federal standards if you want to board a domestic commercial flight or visit some federal facilities. US Passports will be accepted, as will Washington State-issued Enhanced Driver Licenses (EDL) and Enhanced IDs, as well as Tribal IDs and other documents (see the list here), but a regular driver’s license or state ID will no longer be enough.

We checked around, and found that West Seattle’s semi-new driver-licensing location at 2420 SW Dakota is booked up for the next two months worth of appointments for enhanced documents. A few other locations in the metro area have some earlier appointment dates, but still well after the deadline. The enhanced cards take a couple of weeks to process after the appointment, in any case. There are some occasional cancelled appointments that become available day-of, so if you can’t wait until summer for your updated documents, checking the site regularly may yield an earlier appointment. The Department of Licensing website allows you to check by location on availability, but does not show the West Seattle office on its default map. You have to put in your zip code to see available appointments there: dol.wa.gov/id-cards/real-id

REAL ID’s goal is to make sure all states use the same kinds of standards to confirm identity and citizenship before issuing ID cards, in much the way US passport standards work. The Act, which was a Congressional response to security concerns after 9/11, was originally planned to take effect in 2008, but that deadline has been pushed back time and again, for a total of 20 years. The most recent delays in 2021 and 2023 were blamed in part on state licensing backlogs created by the pandemic. The Transportation Security Administration is sticking with the deadline this time, but is planning a “phased enforcement approach,” giving it some flexibility if passengers arrive at the airport with a regular ID instead of an enhanced one. Just how they will handle those situations when they happen is not yet clear, but they do expect it to be an issue because so many Americans have yet to upgrade their identification to meet the standards. While US passports are another option, only a little more than half of Americans — 170 million people — have those.

Despite the standardization the act is aiming for, some states, including Washington, are putting their own mark on the IDs–literally. To denote a compliant ID, the majority of states have added a star in the upper right corner of their IDs, but some are black, others gold, and California has their star on a grizzly bear. Washington state has eschewed the star in favor of an American flag that overlaps the photo on the ID.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Junction Hardware’s new sign finally up
April 7, 2025 5:26 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(Thanks to Clarence for the photo)

Half a year after Junction Hardware (44th/Edmunds) changed alliances and joined up with the Ace Hardware co-op, its biggest sign is finally reflecting the change! The new sign went up this afternoon, not long after the old one was taken down:

(Thanks to Greg for the photo)

In case you missed our earlier stories, this is NOT an ownership change – Junction Hardware is still West Seattle–owned, by Bruce Davis and family. We spoke to him for this update in February, at which time he explained that the sign installation was lagging while they waited months for a city permit; he also explained some other changes, additions, and improvements facilitated by the alliance with Ace. True Value had stopped being a co-op when it was sold to a private-equity firm, and Junction Hardware is glad to be part of one again.

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Coyotes seen at Riverview
April 7, 2025 4:09 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to the Highland Park-area neighbor who sent these photos and the brief report that they were seen at “Riverview Playfield by the tennis courts.”

We have published coyote sightings for 15+ years not for alarm, but for awareness. Learn how best to co-exist with them by following the links here.

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HAPPENING NOW: Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s online auction open to all, days ahead of gala
April 7, 2025 2:43 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle history | West Seattle news

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society launched its online auction today, and you don’t have to have a ticket for Friday’s gala to bid in this! Though the in-person auction will have some unique items/experiences, you’ll find cool stuff up for online bidding right now – here’s the announcement:

Bid to support local history! The Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s online auction is open now through Thursday, April 10.

The annual online auction is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year and brings in critical revenue for the historical society and museum to provide free museum admission and free public programming year round.

This year’s auction features vacations and staycations (once again you can bid on a three-day stay at the Lodge at Erik’s Ranch and Retreats outside Yellowstone National Park in Paradise Valley, a nonprofit vacation rental that provides employment opportunities for adults with autism living in rural areas, gift cards to local services and businesses, local art, and one-of-a-kind West Seattle experiences including coffee with local historians, guided tours of Schmitz Preserve Park, season tickets to WS Football Clubs, dinner for two at Il Nido, and much, much more.

This year’s live auction, held during Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s annual Spring Gala, includes priceless experiences. Select items only available in person include creating your own Husky Deli Ice Cream flavor; a private guided tour of the West Duwamish Greenbelt with Ken Workman, descendant of Chief Sealth; a private music tour of West Seattle music history (in a classic car); a private speakeasy/karaoke/pizza party; and a private wine tasting for six at photographer and conservationist Art Wolfe’s private garden.

The Southwest Seattle Historical Society owns and operates the Log House Museum at Alki Beach, cares for a unique collection of artifacts, provides free museum admission and public programming (like Alki History Walking Tours and Words, Writers, Southwest Stories), and relies on grants and contributions to keep its doors open. This year, the historical society is raising funds for its multi-year interpretive planning initiative supported by Maritime Washington National Heritage Area, which will result in a permanent, interactive exhibition that will transform how people experience the Log House Museum.

Organizations like the historical society are also reliant on support from partners like Humanities Washington, and others, who are experiencing direct cuts in federal funding and uncertain futures. Humanities Washington supports the historical society’s long running speaker series and allows the organization to bring in speakers on diverse topics, including last month’s talk on Black Women Civil Rights Workers in Washington State.

Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s annual Spring Gala will be held at Salty’s on Alki next Friday, April 11 from 6-8:30 pm. The event will also feature music from local band The Potholes, delicious food from Salty’s, and dessert from Bakery Nouveau.

Special guests include exhibit designer and contractor Chris Fiala Erlich, partners at Seattle Housing Authority whose youth Video Club is helping the historical society capture oral histories of High Point, and a high school intern who is researching Seattle Teriyaki for an upcoming pop-up exhibit at the museum.

The online auction closes at 8 pm on Thursday, April 10. Information and registration for both events is at loghousemuseum.org

WSB is media sponsor for this year’s auction.

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