West Seattle, Washington
05 Monday
(WSB photo. L-R, Bob Carrasca, Michael Todd Smith, Ryan Ames, Keith Creighton)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
There’s nothing like a bonk on a toddler’s head to get a parent’s attention. So how do you turn that bonk into a preventive product you can market nationally or internationally? The answer lies in a couple of businesses along a single block of California Ave SW in Morgan Junction.
For the West Seattle family who precipitated this collaboration, it was an unfortunate meeting of a coaxial cable connector and their infant son, who ran into the metal piece sticking out of the wall. Some blood was shed along with tears. But after the BandAids were applied, the dad went online, hoping to find a cover of some kind so that the cable connector would no longer be a danger.
The advice online: Duct tape.
“Shocked,” said Ryan Ames, after discovering that the thing he wanted did not seem to exist, not just in the US, but even on baby-proofing sites in Australia, the UK, and Canada. That’s when he started to think that he stumbled across an unexpected void in the arguably very full market of baby-proofing. “I had folks who worked with the big child-safety companies and I sat in their office and they couldn’t figure out why this hadn’t been done. There seemed to be a need, a market for it, and I would certainly want this product in my home.”
As Ames talked with more people, he realized he had an idea good enough that it should be patented. It’s easy to think big at this point: Big-box stores, celebrity endorsements, manufacturing numbers in the 6 figures. But where to start, how to plan and design and manufacture something like this? Ames is a banker by day, with no background in manufacturing or marketing. He did talk with some larger companies, but the team that he credits with getting his product to market was one he found behind a few storefronts in the 6000 block of California. “Does someone believe … in this product? And Bob [Carrasca] did.”
Tucked in between hair salons, financial investment offices, and attorneys are Carrasca’s Pillar Product Design, and a few doors down, Collective Seven, a branding and marketing firm headed up by founder Michael Todd Smith. After interviewing multiple firms, Ames chose both of them to help bring a product he now calls OutletGuard Solutions from concept to consumer. “I needed both of them for hand-holding, says Ames. “I knew they could get this out.”
All of this started to come together in the early 2020s, which was fortuitous from a “necessity is the mother of invention” perspective. “The timing on it was really interesting,” says Carrasca. “In the pandemic, the spare room becomes office space and a place your infant might be.” The consensus among the team was that covering the outlet would not just prevent injuries, but also ensure that dust and things like peanut butter wouldn’t get in, along with fingers that could cause expensive damage to components, “The product protects your kids from danger, but also protects the outlet, says Keith Creighton, a copywriter with Collective Seven.
With Carrasca designing the outlet covers, making them cost-effective, attractive, and UL-rated (for electrical compatibility), and Smith putting together everything branding — from logo and colors to SEO and website — Ames was ready to make the leap to initial production, working with a factory in China. “When we were working early on with Ryan, there are a million plugs out there [that could need a cover]. How do we differentiate this product from others? We don’t want this product to be 20 unique pieces. We want it to be 5 pieces.” And that is where the product has landed, in its initial production/marketing phase. Each piece can be rotated to be used in different orientations, and “fit tightly, but also match fluctuating tolerances,” since every outlet from every manufacturer is just a little bit different.
Ames has benefitted from the broad knowledge of his team, which includes background in the logistical and manufacturing challenges of large-scale production while also having sensible advice about how to bring a product to market without getting in over one’s head. “I lean more toward the safe side,” says Smith with Collective Seven. “I’d rather spend a little more—pay more for smaller order, go through the ordering process, a soft rollout. Businesses can blow up out of the gate because they’re not set up.” Carrasca added, “If you’re not fulfilling orders in 1-2 months, you’re out of business. Groups like us mitigate that risk, allow time to prototype, do market research … find the right target demographic. Then you’re ready to invest.”
Speaking of financing, before you think this sounds an awful lot like Shark Tank, there is no Mr. Wonderful on the team. Ames is funding the entire venture himself. The first run of OutletGuard parts were manufactured last year and are available now only on the myoutletguard.com website. Since August, several hundred have sold, shipping to 30+ states. The biggest surprise has been that most orders are for at least 2 packages. So far the team is pleased and optimistic, and fulfilling each order with a hand-written thank-you note. “They are in stock and tariff-free,” says Creighton.
Once they take the first baby steps of confirming there’s market demand, the next step will be to sell OutletGuard to retailers. Ames is excited to have a product with multiple free patents and a whole world of baby-proofing need. Asked if he can envision a time in the future when this might be his full-time work, he didn’t skip a beat. “I would love for it to be.”
They sauntered, rather than swaggered; moseyed, rather than marauded. Nonetheless, the Seafair Pirates made a grand entrance tonight at Mission Cantina in The Admiral District, the final special guests/event of Mission’s five-day Cinco de Mayo extravaganza. Arriving without their landlubbing vessel Moby Duck – and therefore without cannon fire – the Pirates walked up, offered a few “arr’s” for the patrons dining outdoors, and proceeded in, swordlessly:
They’ll be back in West Seattle at least twice this summer – the Seafair Pirates Landing on Alki Beach is set for Saturday, June 28, and the West Seattle Grand Parade rolls down California SW from Admiral to The Junction on Saturday, July 19.
Is jam your jam?
Sale #533 has it. Or maybe you love classic cars. We have two sales with those, including this one:
You’ll find that 1966 Mustang convertible at Sale #199. Those are just two of the photos we’ve received since inviting sellers to send us pics of their spotlight items for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, this Saturday, May 10, 9 am to 3 pm. If you haven’t seen the map yet, here’s the link for the interactive online version, and here’s the link for the printable guide (37 pages this year!), with all 570+ sale listings in numerical order. Some shoppers spend the whole day going from sale to sale; some just see what’s happening near their home and wander over. It’s the 20th anniversary edition of the biggest community-garage-sale-day in the city, coordinated by WSB since the fourth WSCGSD in 2008, and we’re looking forward to another awesome day of “person-to-person recycling” and meeting your neighbors. More previews ahead!i
(SDOT photo)
SDOT is still saying the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening work will continue into summer. But in the meantime, in case you’re wondering what crews are doing now, they offered an update today:
-Painting steel bridge components.
-Fixing sections of the bridge with cracked or broken concrete.
-Repairing corrosion damage on support structures under the bridge.
-Removing scaffolding on the north side of the bridge, and around support columns.In the coming weeks, crews will remove leftover concrete debris from recent repairs and place large rocks at the base of the bridge and along nearby slopes for added protection. They’ll also install drainage near the support columns to help manage rainwater.
SDOT says the work zone – determining which lanes are closed – could change “from time to time” on the bridge deck, but Fairmount beneath the bridge will remain fully closed until the project is complete. They say the timeline for completion stretched out because they decided to fully paint the bridge (which technically is two bridges).
3:30 PM: As we reported over the weekend, frustrated neighbors in North Delridge have organized a community meetup for tomorrow night (6 pm Tuesday, May 6, Cottage Grove Park) to talk about safety concerns, including multiple gunfire incidents. Now City Councilmember Rob Saka has just announced that he’s organizing a District 1 Community Safety Town Hall focused on that area among others, with Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes among the panelists. He made the announcement during the City Council’s weekly briefing, at which he’s still speaking as we type this; he said Wednesday, May 14, is the date, but did not announce a time or place, saying that’s forthcoming; we’re also inquiring. (Added) City Council President Sara Nelson just told Saka during the meeting that she’ll attend too.
5:09 PM: The council communications office tells WSB they don’t have any additional details yet.
ORIGINAL 1:54 PM REPORT: From Anne in Fauntleroy:
We’ve just discovered that our family’s green Chevy truck has been stolen overnight. It was parked across the street from our house (on SW Barton St) between 38th and 39th.
Here are the details:
2002 Chevy Silverado
Dark Green
License Plate: PK04773
It’s been reported to police; we’ll add the report number when we get it (update: 25-120597). Call 911 if you find it.
ADDED 3:15 PM: Also from Fauntleroy, just received word from Donald of a home burglary:
Our home was broken into late Fri night, early Saturday morning. Stole jewelry and prescription meds. Items easily identified are silver bracelet with ABH engraved and Tiffany’s charm bracelet.
We’ll add the incident # for reference when we get it.
Want to run for one of the offices up for election this November? The official week to file with King County Elections runs today through Friday. The full countywide list is here; here are the non-judicial seats voters in our area will vote on in the primary:
*King County Executive
*Seattle Mayor (incumbent Bruce Harrell filed this morning)
*Seattle City Attorney
*Seattle City Council citywide Positions 8 and 9
*34th District State Senator (appointed incumbent Emily Alvarado filed this morning)
*34th District State Representative Position 1
*Seattle Port Commission (countywide) Positions 1, 3, 4 (incumbent Toshiko Hasegawa filed this morning)
Interested in running for something? Info’s here. Meantime, you can watch this page for at least two daily updates on who has filed so far. The primary is August 5; the general election is November 4.
10:37 AM: SFD has extricated one person from what’s reported to be a car on its side in the 5900 block of 44th SW. Updates to come.
(WSB photo by Torin Record-Sand)
10:59 AM: One woman is being sent to Harborview. Our crew was told she was the driver of the car that went sideways. She is reported to have hit at least one parked car. This is on 44th just south of Juneau, obviously blocked until the wrecked vehicles can be cleared.
(WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli, who also shared video)
SPD told us there were no signs of driver impairment. Neighbors told us a second car was apparently damaged, in addition to the blue one shown in our first photo above.
11:58 AM: Officers just told dispatch the street has reopened.
(Seen during last week’s low-low tides. Photo by Rainer Klett)
Here’s our highlight list for your Monday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
BABY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s noon story time is back on the schedule today. (9010 35th SW)
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: See City Councilmembers preview what’s ahead for the week and get briefed on how the State Legislature’s session turned out, 2 pm. The agenda explains how to watch (no public-comment period at this meeting).
SPORTS: One high-school game on a local field – West Seattle HS boys’ soccer at 4 pm vs. Rainier Beach at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).
HOMEWORK HELP: K-12 students can get free drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
CINCO DE MAYO, WITH PIRATES: Mission Cantina (2325 California SW) says their Cinco de Mayo festivities today will include the Seafair Pirates visiting “around 6 pm.”
GET CREATIVE: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: Be seen and heard. 6:30 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio with Listening to Grief. Registration/fee info here. (4034A California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Four places you can play tonight! … Easy Street Records Music Quiz at 6:30 and 7:30 pm (4559 California SW) … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MEDITATION AT ALKI UCC: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: More Monday night calming – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: The Alley has live music on Monday nights – jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE 9 pm Monday nights, singers welcome for karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:14 AM: Thanks for the tip. 4th/Spokane (surface) is blocked while police investigate a deadly crash.
9:04 AM: Police have just published an update – they are looking for a hit-run driver who hit and killed an 83-year-old woman who was “walking westbound in the pedestrian crosswalk when an SUV ran her over when making a right turn onto Spokane from 4th.” The SPD update did not include a description of the SUV/driver. (update) Audio from the early dispatches, however, described it as a Jeep, possibly dark red/maroon. The first callout was at quarter till 8.
9:17 AM: Collision at Highland Park Way/West Marginal, but police report no injuries, so SFD is leaving that scene.
9:55 AM: 4th/Spokane has reopened. No word of an arrest yet.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, May 5, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and mid-60s expected today, mid-70s tomorrow! Today’s sunrise was at 5:45 am; sunset will be at 8:27 pm.
(Sunday sunset silhouette, photographed by Mike Burns)
ROAD WORK
-Street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project could start as soon as today on Beach Drive SW just south of 63rd – details and map here.
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.
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”. P.S. Next round of community meetings – online, systemwide – have been announced for later this month.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
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 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!
(Updated Monday with results)
(WSB photos/video unless otherwise credited)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The decor and attire were cheerful and bright.
But a darker note of urgency also ran through the West Seattle Food Bank‘s “Nourish & Flourish” fundraising dinner and auction last night.
Food, clothing, and housing insecurity are “injustices (that WSFB) addresses at their source,” observed board president Joe Everett, opening the program with short remarks to those gathered at West Seattleite-owned DSquared‘s 4105 event space in SODO. “That is our mission … we could not do it without you, especially right now, in this moment … There are signs that in the coming months and years more families are going to need help; sources (of funding) are dwindling … so much chaos.” Here’s everything he said:
The food bank’s executive director of 24 years, Fran Yeatts, echoed what Everett had said about “chaos (at this) point in history.” She said the state of things has left her “feeling nervous about the world” even as she experiences abundance and comfort in her own life, and with that in mind, she wondered aloud, what must it be like for neighbors experiencing need?
Hundreds were there to do what they could to answer the need, starting with their ticket purchase, continuing on with bidding in a silent auction and paying for pre-dinner games, then bidding in the live auction called by emcee Ian Lindsay, with items from exotic getaways to dinner and cocktail parties hosted by WSFB leaders (the margaritas-and-tacos party with Yeatts and Lester Yuh sold twice, for $2,000 each).
After the live auction, and StraightEIGHT Films‘ inspirational introduction to people WSFB has helped, a round of “raise the paddle” for monetary donations brought in more than $100,000.
But that is a fraction of the increasing cost of what the food bank does (distributing 2.6 million pounds of food last year was just the start).
As one of the easel-mounted boards on display at 4105 explained, WSFB “spends up to $1 million per year on emergency rent and utilities assistance,” to try to keep people from becoming unhoused. Its Clothesline clothing bank distributes more than 85,000 pieces of apparel each year. And you might not be aware that WSFB distributes pet food, too – thousands of pounds every year.
Generous eventgoers did their best to chip in. One table even marshaled up $5,000 for first choice from among a table of tasty treats (all donated) in the “Dessert Dash.”
Everything helps, said emcee Lindsay, with so many people “living right at the edge, where something small can push you off the edge.”
The generosity was also shown by numerous local businesses who donated auction items and/or served as event sponsors. The latter list included WSB again this year, and we also were honored to accept the WSFB’s annual Changemaker Award, accepted by your editor after joining Fran Yeatts on the room-center stage:
The award was for WSB but especially poignant in view of our loss of co-founder Patrick Sand half a year ago. Of Patrick, the award announcement in the event program said in part, “With his camera in hand and heart wide open, he made sure our work at the West Seattle Food Bank – and that of so many other organizations – was seen, supported, and celebrated.”
That’s always been the heart of our work (and that’s why we would have been covering the event, as we have in many years past, even if we hadn’t been there to accept the Changemaker Award).
(Photo courtesy Ben Viscon)
A final word about last night’s event: Attendees were exhorted to invite their friends, co-workers, and relatives to join them in supporting WSFB’s mission. You can do that with money by going here, donating food/clothing during distribution hours, or volunteering by going here.
ADDED MONDAY AFTERNOON: WSFB says the event set two records – $234,869 raised, and 256 in attendance. Meantime, they’re hoping to reach their spring fundraising goal of $265,000 with donations during GiveBIG tomorrow – maybe even surpass it – you can donate here immediately.
In case you missed it, here’s a quick reminder that we have published the map and sale list for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025 – just six days away, on Saturday, May 10. Here’s the link for the interactive online version, and here’s the link for the printable guide (37 pages this year!), with all 570+ sale listings in numerical order. And check back later in the week, as we’ll be updating the online map’s page with mini-lists, updates on any last-minute cancellations, and whatever else you might need to know. Official hours for the 20th anniversary WSCGSD are 9 am-3 pm Saturday, but check the listings to see who’s starting earlier, who’s ending later, and who’s adding extra days! From northernmost Sale #464 on Duwamish Head (where “small trees” are among the merchandise) to southernmost Sale #10 at Seola Beach (with “steampunk lighting fixtures” among other things), WSCGSD is all over the peninsula, this Saturday.
Dan Ciske sent that photo of a spyhopping orca in Elliott Bay before 10 am today, west of the 1500 block of Alki Avenue. They’re back in the bay now, according to Kersti Muul, who just texted us the news that orcas are off south-facing Magnolia, headed southeast.
Melissa in Gatewood is asking you to keep watch for her stolen car:
My 2012 silver Hyundai Elantra was stolen at home in West Seattle (near California and Kenyon St.) sometime between the hours of 10 pm May 3rd and 9 am May 4th. Plate: Washington CFU2478. Police report # 25-119386.
Call 911 if you find it.
5:07 PM: A water-rescue response has been sent to Alki Point via land and sea after 911 got a call from someone on a passing ferry who said they saw a windsurfer about 1,000 yards off the point, possibly in distress.
5:13 PM: Some SFD units are reported to be going to Seacrest in case a victim is found and needs to be transported to a land unit there. Meantime, no sign of the possibly-in-trouble person yet.
5:18 PM: One responding boat has made contact with a kitesurfer who’s not in trouble. Crews will continue standing by while boats search the area just to be sure there’s nobody else in the area who is in trouble.
5:22 PM: After talking to the aforementioned kitesurfer, and checking back with the original caller, they’re pretty sure the call ultimately was unfounded, so most responding units have been dismissed.
(Added: Reader photo)
4:47 PM: Emergency responders are on the way to a two-vehicle crash reported at Belvidere and Admiral [map], both SUVs, one (a CR-V) reported to be overturned. Updates to come.
4:52 PM: SFD crews on the scene report everyone got out of the vehicles OK, and confirm that one flipped.
(Reader photo from March, bullet hole in home’s siding)
More than a month has passed since a huge volley of gunfire hit homes and vehicles in North Delridge (WSB coverage here), and other gunfire incidents have followed, including three in two days in mid-April. No word of arrests so far, so neighbors are organizing a community-safety gathering this Tuesday (May 6). One of the organizers, Doug, says, “The goal is to give neighbors a chance to gather, share ideas for solutions, and hopefully be able to ask some questions of city officials.” As of last check, Doug says they hadn’t received city-official confirmation, aside from the likelihood that SPD will be able to attend; as we reported last week, police have been doing “emphasis patrols” in the area. They’ll be gathering at 6 pm Tuesday at Cottage Grove Park, on the paved circular area near the playground.
If you’re up for a little online shopping this afternoon/evening, local businesses’ gift cards and more are still up for grabs in the online auction to benefit two nonprofit preschools, SouthWest Early Learning and the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center. The auction links are here; bidding continues until 10 pm tonight (Sunday, May 4).
Friends, family, and others whose lives were touched by Dawn Leverett will gather May 18 to celebrate her life. Here’s the remembrance being shared with her community now:
Dawn Leverett, age 57, was released from her earthly burdens on May 3rd, following a courageous journey with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). She was at home in West Seattle, surrounded by family, friends, and her beloved terrier, Milo.
Born in San Angelo, Texas, Dawn grew up in the town of Grand Prairie, where she was raised by a loving extended family that included her parents, stepparents, and maternal grandparents. Kind, adventurous, and deeply empathetic, Dawn formed lasting bonds early in life — especially with her cousins Carla and Cori, who became like sisters. A spirited and involved student, Dawn was a Girl Scout, pianist, dancer, and active member of her church youth group. In junior high, she received the DAR Citizenship Award and was elected student council president. In 1988, she earned the cherished title of Miss Grand Prairie.
Professionally, Dawn lived two vibrant careers. She spent 14 years at American Airlines as a flight attendant, instructor, and leader. She loved the pace and purpose of flying, especially working the front of the plane, “where you were busy the whole time.” She relished the opportunity to travel the world and form lifelong friendships. She developed the people skills, resilience, and grace under pressure that became hallmarks of her life, and she received many well-earned awards for her contributions. Dawn’s time at American shaped her deeply, and it was there she met several of her dearest friends, including her best friend of 35 years, Danny Perez.
After flying, Dawn transitioned into real estate, where she thrived as a respected and successful broker for over two decades, first with Windermere in the West Seattle Junction and ultimately at Ensemble. She cherished the rhythm and variation of the work: every day was a new day and a new opportunity. Her passion was fueled by the value she felt in her roles as both guide and protector. She took pride in helping people find the right home, in every sense of the word, and she loved that real estate allowed her to define her own version of success.
Dawn gave freely of her time, energy, and resources —not for recognition, but because generosity was simply part of who she was.
She engaged with the community through the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, ArtsWest (where she was a longtime board member, board chair, and recipient of the Alhadeff-Consguard Volunteer Award), the Westside Professionals BNI Chapter (which she founded), and the Center for Active Living. She was also honored with the West Seattle Chamber Lifetime Achievement Award. Sunday afternoons were reserved for her Sit and Cackle social clutch.
Dawn lived with unmistakable style, deep integrity, and a demonstrated love for beauty, nature, and connection. Her travels took her all over the world and she delighted in visiting new places. In September, 18 friends joined her on a cruise to Alaska, leaving quite the impact on the small ship.
Life in the Pacific Northwest turned her into an outdoors enthusiast. She embraced cycling, golfing, scooting, running, paddleboarding, and exploring every corner of the region. Dawn savored good food and good company. She was famous for her dinner parties, Pride celebrations, and impeccable taste. Life, she often said, was too short to drink bad wine or bad coffee.
Dawn had many loves throughout her life, and she took commitment seriously. When she loved, she loved big — with her whole heart. Her capacity for connection was profound, and she brought intentionality and grace to every relationship she entered.
Dawn was loyal, quick-witted, and always there to support others through hard times. She had a gift for making people feel seen and accepted, and her sense of humor and compassion never left her — even in the most challenging stages of her illness. She still loved to laugh, play Skip-Bo, and maintain the perfect “buzz.”
And she never met a dog she didn’t like! Dawn had many of her own over the years, but Milo and Maddie held a special place in her heart. She once took selfies with 92 different dogs before deciding to stop — out of loyalty to Milo, who was the last and best of them all.
Dawn faced her MSA diagnosis with extraordinary courage. She was not interested in victimhood, and she never let the illness define her. Instead, she became even more intentional — turning anxiety into purpose, and limitation into clarity. Dawn never stopped worrying about the comfort of the people around her. She lived with elegance, presence, and joy, even when her body began to fail. She transformed the lives of those who loved her — not just in how she lived, but in how she let go.
She is survived by her parents, Jean Wilson Meyer (Jim Meyer) and Gary Leverett (Tanya Leverett); her extended family Mike Meyer (Nancy), Lisa Meyer, Lynda Leverett, June Leverett, Dan Carey, June and Glenn Zauber, Carla Brand (Barry), Cori Dossett; her chosen “framily” and Milo.
Dawn didn’t subscribe to that idea that things needed to be complicated to be special. She believed that life was best lived with a good book, a warm dog, and a full table.
In her final moments, she offered one salient piece of advice on living well:
“Be nice to each other.”
A Toast to a Life Well-Lived
You are invited to join us in a celebration of Dawn’s life and legacy on May 18th, 2025 at The Hall at Fauntleroy in West Seattle. Due to the magnitude of Dawn’s impact on her many communities, we kindly request that you indicate your intention to attend by confirming at this link: dawnleverett.com
(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)
(Fringecup, photographed by Rosalie Miller, who’s having a plant sale today – see below)
Here are options for your Sunday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and previously published previews:
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s Sunday Funday run leaves from Alki Coffee Co. (2742 Alki SW), 9 am.
MORNING MOVIE WITH WSHS BASEBALL: Step up to the plate for a special 10 am screening of “The Sandlot” at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW) to benefit West Seattle High School Baseball (current reigning state champions!).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
CINCO DE MAYO BRUNCH FIESTA: La Chingona Taqueria (2940 SW Avalon Way; WSB sponsor) invites you to celebrate again today with 10 am-2 pm brunch featuring food, drinks, and live music.
VASHON ISLAND SPRING STUDIO TOUR: Visit artists’ studios around the island 10 am-5 pm again today, and next weekend! Tour organizers are sponsoring WSB right now to amplify the free tour. Details in our calendar listing!
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with spring produce (lots of greens! asparagus too) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
MASTER GARDENERS: While you’re at the market, look for Master Gardeners, ready to answer your questions! Sundays this spring and summer, they’re back at the market, 10 am-2 pm.
KINDIE WEST: Brian Vogan and His Good Buddies perform in today’s installment of the family-music concert series at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), 10:30 am.
FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am Sundays, first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)
POP-UP PLANT SALE FUNDRAISER: 11 am-2 pm, Rosalie‘s selling a variety of plants, to benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. (4004 SW Stevens)
WEST SEATTLE BOAT SWAP, DAY 2: Shop for human-powered watercraft, 11 am-4 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESISTS: Sunday signholding in The Junction (California/Alaska), 11:30 am-1:30 pm.
CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND AT MISSION: Noon-2 pm, Brunch & Beats with Patriff. Also, 20 percent of today’s proceeds go to the Admiral Neighborhood Association. (2325 California SW)
‘THE IDOLATRY OF WHITENESS’: Six-week class begins at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), noon-1:15 pm. Details in our calendar listing.
BE READY! Free “Ready Freddy Prep Party“ to get you going on the road to preparedness.12:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), walk-ins welcome.
POETRY POTLUCK: At West Seattle (Admiral) Library, 2-3 pm:
Join an informal gathering to listen to and read poetry aloud. Inspired by this year’s Seattle Reads selection “You Are Here,” select two or three favorite poems related to the natural world and share them out loud with the group. This is a feast of words, rather than food.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ AT CHIEF SEALTH: Your last chance to enjoy this student production! 2 pm curtain at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle). Ticket info is in our calendar listing.
CRIBBAGE AT WEST SEATTLE EAGLES: 2 pm, for advanced players. You don’t have to be an Eagles member to come play. More info in our calendar listing. (4426 California SW)
HAND-BUILD A MUG: Workshop at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), 2-4 pm, $50. “Create a mug and add color with slip.” Text Frances at 206-330-7027 to sign up or for more information.
LIVE MUSIC AT C & P: Musicians for the West Seattle Food Bank at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. Possibly the last of the series, as explained here.
‘ATHENA’ CLOSING: Final performance at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) for its production “Athena“; our calendar listing has play info plus the ticket link for today’s 3 pm performance.
DINING DEAD AT EASY STREET: Album-release show, 5 pm. (4559 California SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: End your weekend with Sunday night music provided by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Thanks to Stewart L. for the three photos of signs sighted at Don Armeni Boat Ramp shortly after its repaired floating docks reopened this week. The one above doesn’t seem to convey anything particularly new, but then there are these:
And these …
As for the docks, they’ve indeed fully reopened – we took these photos on Friday:
The floating docks were removed last November, pronounced unsafe because of damage just months after they had been installed in a years-in-the-works project
West Seattle Blog/White Center Now photos/video by Dave Gershgorn
More than 150 runners and walkers were on the move this morning as part of the comeback edition of the White Center 5K, benefiting three nonprofits and returning after a pandemic-and-then-some hiatus. The participants – some costumed – started and finished at Steve Cox Memorial Park, traveling along White Center streets along the way:
Results are now browsable online; 42-year-old Joe Creighton was first finisher, chip time 17:59:
Rounding out the top ten finishers was 36-year-old Abby Polley, chip time 21:29:
Other finish-line sights included an entire family:
And more costumes:
Speaking of costumes, the DubSea Fish Sticks‘ mascot was there cheering finishers across the line:
Before the race, Tiltshift CrossFit from Top Hat led a warmup:
Race proceeds will benefit the White Center Food Bank, White Center Community Development Association, and the YES Foundation of White Center. (Added Sunday: Video of start and finish highlights!)
P.S. Another big benefit run/walk in our area is just two weeks away – the West Seattle 5K, presented by and benefiting the WSHS PTSA, is Sunday, May 18, on Alki; you can register here right now!
(WSB photos)
Though Nicole and Shaun Duff have been running West Seattle’s only comic-book store, Tails to Astonish, for almost four years, today brings a first – it’s the first nationwide Free Comic Book Day since they moved to 5633 California SW last June. They told us it’s going well – along with the freebies, they made dozens of sales in the first few hours!
Everybody who visits is welcome to one free comic book from the table shown in our photo above – and they have options for all ages. Spend at least $10 and you can get two more! If you’ve never been to Tails to Astonish, this is a great day to visit and see what they have to offer.
They also have a few classic video game and pinball machines! They’re open today until 5 pm.
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