On the Fourth of July, we chronicled some of the trouble caused by people shooting off illegal fireworks – and worse – around West Seattle; the clip above is the last one we added to the report, with the sender reporting they caught Alki gunfire in the first few seconds. The Alki Community Council is collecting video, photos, and stories from the holiday mayhem – here’s the message the ACC is circulating:

To all our community:

A lovely Alki 4th of July day turned into a late night of disturbing events. During the day, people enjoyed the beach, promenade, dining, salsa dancing, and other activities. What had been a peaceful celebratory day became something different in the evening.

Residents have shared stories with us regarding people misusing fireworks on the beach, on local streets, and on Alki Playfield. Mortar fireworks, roman candles, and other fireworks were thrown and aimed at buildings, cars, and people. There were several brush fires in the neighborhood, including near buildings, power poles, and electrical boxes, that locals and visitors put out.

We hear you. We understand that people are angry and upset. The violent behavior, which put lives and property at risk, is unacceptable. We believe and stand by the principle that the safety of our residents, businesses, and visitors is fundamental to a livable, thriving community.

We are working with other West Seattle community leaders to focus our efforts on ensuring the City acknowledges our experiences and concerns, and develops solutions.

Here’s what we are currently doing:

=Collecting evidence from residents and visitors – stories, videos, and photos from the 4th of July.
Our President, Charlotte, is requesting videos, photos, and stories (in Word or PDF form) that you are willing to share as documentation. Please upload the documents to (this Dropbox link) and let us know whether you are comfortable sharing your name or would prefer to remain anonymous.

You do not need to have an account to upload to Dropbox. We wish to respect privacy and will honor requests to remain anonymous.

*Encouraging residents to write directly to the City Council and the Mayor.

Additionally or instead of Dropbox, write directly to the city council and the Mayor about the evening events. We are only one voice representing the community. More people writing directly to City leaders will get us more attention.

You can email your story with a photo or video to:

council@seattle.gov (goes to all City Councilmembers)

info@wilsonforseattle.com (Mayor Wilson),

and cc us at hello@alkicommunitycouncil.org.

*Requesting an immediate meeting with City leaders.

Our President, Charlotte, has spoken with Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka about the evening chaos and has requested an immediate meeting. Rob Saka will help coordinate a meeting with other West Seattle leaders, the Mayor’s Office and Chief of Police Barnes, as soon as possible. …

The ACC message notes a town-hall-style meeting could be an option but would take longer to arrange. See the entire message on the ACC site here. Fireworks have been a problem for years – here’s a story from our archives in 2019, different councilmember, different mayor, different police chief, ultimately the same night of mayhem, although some readers have said this year seemed worse than ever.

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Last night’s Alki Community Council meeting had an agenda packed with public safety initiatives, briefings, and plans, along with the presentation of awards to three dedicated community members.

CRIME AND PUBLIC SAFETY: Lieutenant Pat Daly from the Southwest Precinct was invited up to give the community an overview of crime trends and plans that the department has as Alki starts the summer season. According to Daly, crime in the precinct jurisdiction – West Seattle and South Park – is down by 12% and down in Alki by 10% compared to 4% citywide. He emphasized, however, that these statistics don’t take into account what the department calls “quality of life issues” including minor traffic issues, noise ordinances, and street racing.

As for plans to address these issues in Alki, Daly recounted three initiatives. First, they are proactively closing the Don Armeni Boat Ramp earlier at night to prevent cars from showing up. The department is also emphasizing that officers carry out “directed patrols” along Alki for quality of life issues also including illegal drinking and parking violations. Lastly, the department is still working to finalize an agreement with Seattle Parks and Recreation to deploy officers on the beach on weekend nights to help “close out” the beach.

The lieutenant reiterated the importance of calling 911 about noise complaints, or at least making an online report or a phone report. Not only does this help the department to immediately address the issue, but these reports create data so that the department knows if they are “effectively and efficiently” deploying their resources.

NEW PUBLIC SAFETY TECHNOLOGY FOR LIME: Stefan Winkler with SDOT provided a presentation on their partnership with Lime eBike and scooters, including plans to update technology and an outline of plans for Alki. Through SDOT’s permit program, vendors pay fees to operate within the city. The program comes with vendor performance expectations, and as of now Lime is the only partner in the program. As of April 1, permit conditions were updated for Lime’s technology to include sidewalk-riding detection, rider-behavior detection, increased parking fines, increased insurance requirements, more than 50% seated devices, and increased equity deployment. Winkler also mentioned efforts to implement technology to detect and prevent tandem riding. (Added: Here’s the SDOT slide deck.)

On Alki, riding is currently allowed on the shared-use path next to the beach and vehicles must be parked at corrals. This spring, a geofence was put along the business side of Alki and Harbor.

NEW PEDESTRIAN SAFETY INITIATIVE: Next up was revealing a new safety initiative by SDOT, resulting from collaboration with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka. The proposed concept will cost roughly $254,000. The councilmember’s office sent over a statement regarding SDOT’s plans:

We reviewed a request for speed humps/cushions and curb bulbs on Alki Ave SW from 59th Ave SW to 63rd Ave SW to reduce driver speeds and enhanced pedestrian safety near Alki Beach. We recommend installing two new speed cushions between 59th Ave SW and 61st Ave SW and adding a vehicle lane edge line. To discourage drivers form bypassing the speed cushions and enhance safety for people biking and rolling, we recommend adding a hardened bike lane buffer between 59th Ave SW and 63rd Ave SW. We also recommend adding a paint and post curb bulb at both 61st Ave SW and 62nd Ave SW to encourage slower driver speeds and improve visibility for all users.

Plans for traffic calmin on 63rd between Alki and Admiral, as reported here recently, require more data collection this summer.

ALKI EMERGENCY HUB: Amy, the new co-captain of the Alki Emergency Hub, gave a quick briefing about the organization and urged neighbors to get involved. The hub stands as a resource for community members in the event of an emergency – a potential disaster or other loss of communication – to connect with operators who are in touch with emergency management systems. They are looking for more people to get involved, and for neighbors to come together in helping one another. If you’re interested, you can learn more at seattleemergencyhubs.org.

PICKLEBALL UPDATE: Seattle Metro Pickleball Association‘s Don Gouley addressed the council with an update on the organization’s petitioning against Seattle Parks and Recreation’s plan to turn some outdoor public courts throughout the city into tennis-only – including in Alki – resulting in the loss of 36 public courts at 7 locations. SMPA has collected more than 3,200 online signatures, which were sent to city council members as well as Mayor Wilson. The city has since revised their strategy to more equally favor pickleball and tennis in the city, with an update Parks plans to release next week, according to Gouley. He noted that the sport has the power to bring generations and communities together, and that taking away these public facilities is “just not right.”

AWARDS: Possibly the most anticipated agenda item was the presentation of three volunteer awards to longtime Alki Community Council members. These awards were given to Kathy Olson, Tony Fragada, and William Winter.

Olson was granted the Enduring Impact Award to commemorate the fact that the Alki Community Council “would not have made it through some of its toughest years without her.” She has spent more than a decade with the organization, and helped to establish and sustain its 501c3 nonprofit status. Aside from her assumption of multiple board leadership roles, she is known for being welcoming at the door, baking cookies for community members, and generally acting in kindness.

The next award recipient was Tony Fragada, who was granted the Leadership and Service Award. Fragada has been involved in the council since the 1990s, and was the president from 2011-2023 after a stint in the early 2000s. He contributed his “time, positive energy, manual labor, and ideas toward making Alki a better place to work and play.” Tony noted that his focus today is nature – encouraging future generation to live in respect of our ecosystems.

The final recipient was William Winter, who got the Alki Lifetime Service Award. Winter has been serving Alki for 38 years which began with his time at the Alki Community School. He started the fundraising effort for the community bathhouse called the Friends of the Alki Bathhouse, and helped start the Alki Art Fair.

The Alki Community Council typically meets on the third Thursday of every month. The council does not schedule meetings for June, August and December, so will presumably pick back up in July.

NOTE: Corrected post-publication – the titles of Tony Fragada’s and William Winter’s awards, and the spelling of the SDOT rep’s name.

(Low tide even brought out bunnies at Lincoln Park. Photo by Erin Jackson)

Here are the rest of our highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):

(Added plant-sale photo courtesy Hope School)

HOPE SCHOOL GARDEN CLUB PLANT SALE: As previewed last night, come buy plants until 4 pm today at the Hope School North Campus (4100 SW Genesee).

FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)

THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

OUTSMART THE SCAMMERS: Free 10:30 am presentation at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW).

UNDERSTANDING POTS: Online health information for patients and families, with Dr. Megan Taylor, ND, FABNG, from Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor), 12:30 pm live lunch-and-learn – here’s how to get the link.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)

LOW-LOW TIDE: Not mega-low but still a good day for sights on the beach, -2.0 feet at 3:11 pm.

DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Soul Fusion.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm, with a special guest tonight – info here.

HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!

RAT CITY ART WALK: South Delridge and White Center venues are participating in the monthly extravaganza, most starting at 5 pm. See the list and map here.

BOOK SWAP WITH WINE: The theme is “New Beginnings: at tonight’s Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor) monthly book swap, 5:30-7 pm – free to swap, optional $10 wine pours with West Seattle’s own Darby Winery in the house.

SOUTH PARK TINY-HOUSE VILLAGE MEETING: LIHI is holding a community meeting at South Park Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.) at 5:30 pm tonight to present information and answer questions about the planned 90-tiny-house village in SP to be called Cloverleaf Village.

POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Or – you can walk! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by The Evanstones, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Three longtime leaders will be honored during tonight’s 7 pm ACC meeting at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – all welcome.

TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).

CONSCIOUS CONNECTIONS: The world doesn’t have to be quite so lonely. See for yourself at 7:15 pm at Revitalize Spa (8142 15th Avenue SW).

WHITE CENTER CELEBRATION: Toward the end of the Art Walk, King County will gather people at 16th/98th to celebrate new lighting and traffic improvements, all welcome.

TRIVIA AT THE VOID: One of the newest West Seattle trivia nights! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).

AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features DJ B Max starting at 8 pm. 21+.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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).

The meeting starts at 7 pm; you can attend in person at Alki UCC. Here’s the agenda – note the special honors for three longtime volunteers:

Alki Community Council Meeting
Thursday, May 21 | 7:00–8:30 PM Alki UCC 6115 Hinds Street, Seattle
Get your ticket at the door for a chance to win the door prize, Salty’s Gift Card!

7:00 Welcome: Call to Order
Neighbor & Board & Chair Introductions – President Charlotte Starck, Vice President Zak Nyberg,
Treasurer Amy Anderson, Secretary Lynn Drake, Welcome Chair Mary Paynter. Trustees Tony Fragada & Wil
Winter.
 Vote Approve minutes from last meeting.
 Announce first business support member: Anthony’s Plumbing

7:05 Alki Crime & Public Safety Updates –SPD SW Precinct

7:10 –LIME eBike and scooter rentals with Guest Speaker–SDOT Mobility Mgr. Stefan Winkler sharing
new technology launching for public safety, goals citywide and what it means in Alki.

7:25 Good News from CM Rob Saka & SDOT on Alki Avenue & 63 rd Ave SW Pedestrian Safety

o Alki Avenue: Map of what and where (Charlotte)
o 63 rd Ave SW: New actions

7:30 HUB Announcement: Cindi Barker Alki citizen volunteer emergency preparedness events.

7:40 Alki Pickleball Update: Don Gouley Seattle Metro Pickleball Association

7:45 Alki Resident Recreational Interest Survey: Hoops? Art? Yoga? Update on ACC efforts to bring back
Alki recreational programs and return some access to community space. Link sent via newsletter:
https://forms.gle/LNEDGj52fJkRfcHv6

7:50 HONORING LEGACY ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL VOLUNTEERS
Presenting: Charlotte Starck, Past Board Officers Liesa Rose & Judy Townsend
1) Kathy Olson Current Member, Advisor, Past Treasurer/Secretary
2) Tony Fragada, Current Board Trustee, past President and Board officer
3) William Winter, Current Board Trustee, past board officer

8:10 Door Prize Drawing – Mary Paynter Welcome Chair

The meeting starts at 7 pm; you can attend in person at Alki UCC. Agenda includes how the city’s proposed “racquet sports strategy” would affect Alki. Here’s our preiew.

As we first reported last Monday, Seattle Parks is circulating a “draft racquet-sports strategy” that would split up tennis and pickleball sites, with an initial reduction in the number of outdoor courts for pickleball. It’s launching a round of feedback starting with a survey opening Thursday, and including community meetings. None of those meetings are planned for West Seattle. But this Thursday, the racquet-sports strategy on the agenda for the Alki Community Council meeting, since the courts on the north side of Alki Playfield are involved, proposed as tennis-only. The ACC meets in-person-only at 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) on Thursday (April 16) and the agenda also includes other Parks issues as well as public-safety updates.

On the last night of winter, talk about spring and summer with the Alki Community Council! You’re invited to the ACC’s in-person meeting Thursday (March 19), 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). Planned topics include crime prevention as the beach’s busy season approaches, rebooting the Block Watch Captain program, Schmitz Park Creek restoration, A Cleaner Alki volunteer work, and more. Door-prize giveaways as always. Check in on more of what’s up at alkicommunitycouncil.org.

Next Meeting

In-person

March19th, 7pm

Alki Unified Church of Christ

6115 SW Hinds St, Seattle

We’ve got a Pot o’ Gold in Neighorhood News.

Meaning. A. Lot.

So much good happening + volunteer opportunities.

💡 Alki Avenue — Real Progress & Visible Changes Coming

Hear about the Alki Avenue Crime Prevention Walk with multiple City Leaders including CM Rob Saka, Cpt. Krista Bair, ACC Pres. and Alki business owners.

🤝 Neighborhood Empowerment: Rebooting the Block Capt. Program

Neighbor connections & Alki crime stats with Matt Brown.

• Meet local Block Captains • Hear what’s working.

• Optional breakout workshop for anyone interested in learning more.

🌿 Caring for Alki’s Land & Shoreline

For neighbors who love Alki’s natural spaces:

• Model on Display: Presentation w/Brian Barilleaux, Schmitz Creek Park

• Updates from Erik Bell, A Cleaner Alki• Volunteer opportunities for both.

Community Announcements from Morgan Neighborhood Association President Deb Barker.

🍀 Bring forward (or fake) your luck of the Irish when you grab a door prize ticket

for a giveaway. Plus bring the answer to this question: What’s your favorite green thing?

For your calendars to inspire your block.

April 16th Alki Community Council Meeting (3rd Thursdays most months)

April 22nd Earth Day

April 25-26 Duwamish Longhouse Spring Art Mart

May 2nd Seattle Neighbor Day

All of us look forward to seeing you! Become a member to support Alki being the best it can be. It take all of us.

Though this week will bring the third Thursday of the month, it won’t bring an Alki Community Council meeting. ACC board members say they’re busy working on events for the year ahead, so they’ll reconvene community members at 7 pm Thursday, March 19, at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds)

This week brings the first community meetings of 2026. Among them: The Alki Community Council, 7 pm Thursday (January 15), at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds). After another year of events (did you get to Alki Holiday Lights?), they’re asking Alki residents about their neighborhood priorities, in advance of Thursday’s meeting. The questions are linked in the email update the ACC sent out today. As noted in that update, a member of Mayor Katie Wilson‘s transition team is coming to the meeting to listen to neighborhood priorities, too.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

“It’s been a busy month so far,” observed Alki Community Council president Charlotte Starck at the start of last night’s meeting. That was no exaggeration, given the major topics the meeting spanned in the course of just an hour and a half. They included:

REZONING VOTE: Starck mentioned the results of the Comprehensive Plan amendment votes hours earlier, including the rejection of citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck‘s Amendment 34 proposal to add an area of Alki to be designated as a Neighborhood Center. She had circulated word of the proposal, made in an amendment just a month ago, and said she and the ACC weren’t advocating for or against it, just saying that there wasn’t enough notification about it compared to the many months of lead time for other proposed Neighborhood Centers. One attendee was concerned about how they’ll get word if the Alki Neighborhood Center idea is revived again in the future. (And in fact, Starck tells WSB today that an expected proposal at the council’s 2 pm meeting today would call for spending a year studying Alki and the other seven potential Neighborhood Centers that were in Amendment 34 – see page 6 here.)

PARKS UPDATE INCLUDING BOAT RAMP CHANGE: Jon Jainga from Seattle Parks, who’s in charge of Park Rangers among other things, presented department updates from what was dubbed the “Summer of Safety” plan. He said one big lesson learned involved city-operated boat ramps including West Seattle’s Don Armeni Boat Ramp – they were going to go back to 24-hour operation but now the gates will be closed at Don Armeni and Golden Gardens at 11:30 pm until further notice. Private security will close the gates and a ranger will be on until 12:30 am to check on them, until Park Rangers’ shifts will move up to a 10:30 pm end. Jainga noted, though, that he still has 19 rangers for the entire city.

Stats included that rangers have visited Alki 168 times, performed 142 customer-service acts, educated people aboard littering and drinking, and that off-leash dogs have been an ongoing problem. “We’re not police officers, we’re more of a park ambassador,” aimed at getting voluntary compliance. But if they have to escalate, they can cite – and/or call police for no-trespassing orders.

At Alki, he said, rangers gave 2,075 liquor violence warnings, 515+ offleash animal warnings, 600+ for urinating in public, 220 for smoking, 110 for unpermitted vendors on park property (they’re working to get right to enforce on sidewalk), 104 for litter, 2 for vehicles parked in unauthorized times, 666 for fires in unpermitted areas, 45 911 calls for police assistance, 18 calls to SFD for help, 6 people referred to the Unified Care Team. Jainga said they’re still analyzing everything, because it was a first summer for many things – but he said the ongoing concerns are the same at other major city parks.

SEATTLE POLICE: Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair (photo above) and Officer German Barreto were there, as were Community Service Officers Jamie and Helene, as was Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown, who will add the Southwest Precinct to his South Precinct duties when SW CPC Jennifer Satterwhite goes on maternity leave next month.

Read More

The meeting starts at 7 pm; you can attend in person at Alki UCC:

Our Next Meeting: In person Only.

Thursday, September 18 | 7:00–8:15 PM

📍 Alki United Church of Christ (meeting room)

6115 SW Hinds

🍁 Fall into community this month! Come as you are—neighbors, families, and friends. Enjoy a sweet seasonal treat, grab a ticket for a door prize, and catch up on what’s happening in Alki. Every voice helps keep our neighborhood strong, welcoming, and vibrant. It is a 7 pm start.

What’s Happening

🛡️ Safety

Southwest Precinct Report on Alki crime trends
Reminder: SW Precinct Advisory Council meets Oct. 7 at Alki Masonic Center
🏙️ Alki Zoning: Comp Plan Update

Wednesday, Sept. 17th, 2pm – additional public comment is being heard in-person and remote. Agenda
Register online for remote comment.
In-person: sign up inside Council Chambers at City Hall
For Sept. 18, 19th, the committee continues accepting written comments leading up to those meetings.
Email: council@seattle.gov
🚩 Community Beautification

Parks Chair Robyn Fritz: Update on the Duwamish Point native plant project
🎉 Events & Arts

Elyssa Cichy (West Seattle Arcade): Alki Trick-or-Treat date + activities
Tayt Held: Alki Art Walk + music update
Stacy Bass-Walden: Other Alki Events to Know About + Alki Beach Pride Festival recap.
Door Prize Drawing, cookies, meet neighbors.

Reminder: This is an in-person only meeting. Hope to see you!

RESCHEDULED FOR 6/26 BECAUSE OF JUNETEENTH

The meeting starts at 7 pm; you can attend at Alki UCC – no Zoom option this month.

Yes, summer is busy, but if you can spare just an hour and a half for your neighborhood, the Alki Community Council would love to see you this month. But this month’s meeting date is shifting, so don’t show up this Thursday, which would be the regular third-Thursday date! This excerpt from the ACC newsletter explains:

In recognition of Juneteenth, a federal holiday that marks the end of slavery in our nation, we are shifting our next Alki Community Council meeting to the following Thursday night to allow our Black, Indigenous, and neighbors of all colors the space and opportunity to celebrate and reflect on this important day. Juneteenth recognizes the delayed liberation that followed the Emancipation Proclamation over 161 years ago. It remains a time to acknowledge the enduring impact of this history on our nation and local communities. …

Mark your Calendar: Our June meeting is Thursday, June 26 at 7:00 PM — stay tuned for Zoom details as we also lock in onsite details. You can look forward to Alki Holiday Lights and Alki Beach Pride Festival news + volunteer opportunities to start… Bring your Alki neighborhood concerns, ideas and we’ll do our best to connect you and your passion to make a difference.

Read the full newsletter here.

Last month, the Alki Community Council focused its gathering on summer safety at the beach (WSB coverage here). Some of the measures that we’d previously reported are about to kick in – earlier closing time at Alki starts a week from Friday,for one. But the April ACC discussion will have to stand as the group’s last pre-summer focus on this year’s plans, as the May ACC meeting planned for this Thursday (May 15) is canceled. The group’s leadership says, “We have several intiatives and activities this week and a shortage of folks available for the normal Thursday night meeting. However, we will see you at the West Seattle 5K,” happening on Alki this Sunday.

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Though Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting yielded no major revelations about the summer safety plan for the beach, the fact that the meeting happened at all, one month before the season’s traditional start, was a triumph.

ACC brought together reps from Seattle Police, Seattle Parks, and Seattle Public Utilities, with other guests and with the Alki Bathhouse serving as a symbolically important setting, just steps from the epicenter of summer activity at the beach – both good and bad. Last year, a multi-agency community meeting (WSB coverage here) happened after a still-unsolved murder on Duwamish Head in June.

As we’ve been reporting since last month, Parks plans to finally make earlier closing times at Alki (and elsewhere) permanent, after years of implementing them as a “pilot” (here’s our coverage of last week’s Parks Board meeting at which commissioners voted in favor of the change. So that means a 10:30 pm closing time for Alki. But closing times alone won’t solve everything. Other aspects of Alki summers were spotlighted at the meeting.

“We are really looking forward to the summer season,” opened Starck with optimism, even with the possibility that a small percentage of “bad actors” can cause trouble. The meeting was intended, she explained, to learn from city reps who are “guardians” of the area, and to learn how everyone can be a “guardian” in their own way.

Taking the concept of guardianship back a few centuries, the area’s First People were represented by Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman stood before the crowd to deliver a welcome in Lushootsheed, the Duwamish Tribe‘s language, which he said children are learning again. He spoke of his great-great-etc. grandfather welcoming the Denny Party in 1851. In the less than two centuries that have passed, he observed, “On this land, everything has changed. … this was all trees.” He wanted to come and “show you where you are.”

EXPLORER WEST MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS: Two guests whose stewardship of the land started far more recently spoke to the ACC next – Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) eighth-graders whose “Change the World” project is plastic pollution. They’re oganizing a beach-cleanup day – no date chosen yet – and will need help getting the word out. They haven’t set a date yet but will let the ACC know. Starck told them, “We’re super proud you’re taking control of what’s happening in your back yard.”

SUMMER-PREVIEW PANEL: Then it was on to the summer-preview panel – Seattle Police Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair, Jon Jainga from Seattle Parks’ security and emergency-management team, Tracy Cramer from Seattle Public Utilities‘ Clean City Initiative, and one more Parks rep, Brian Willis, Southwest District maintenance captain (handling 86 parks – with “not a lot” of staff, he said when Starck asked).

Read More

(Sun setting behind Mount Jupiter – photographed by Dan Ciske)

Another spectacular sunny spring day! Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

HOLY WEEK: Many of the churches that sent us their schedules have Maundy Thursday services tonight. Here’s the ongoing list.

GENE JUAREZ OPENS IN WEST SEATTLE: Today is the first day for the new Gene Juarez Salon & Spa (4730 California SW; WSB sponsor) in West Seattle, hours 9 am-7 pm.

FAUNTLEROY FERRY TERMINAL BRIEFING: WSF is making its presentation to the Seattle Design Commission right now – if you missed our preview and aren’t already watching, you’ll find the video link here.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring is now in its fourth week! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to get the latest on where they’re playing today.

SPORTS: – No local high-school games/matches on the schedule today.

DROP-IN CHESS: Spring-break event at High Point Library! 4-5:30 pm. All skill levels. (3411 SW Raymond)

POSTCARD HAPPY HOUR: Postcards 4 Democracy invites you to drop in at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) 5-7 pm for the monthly evening edition of this long-distance advocacy event.

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events tonight here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C. Davis Texas BBQ.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: This is also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: HPCS is also the starting point tonight for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

JAZZ & BLUES OPEN MIC: New 5-8 pm open mic at Northwest Wine Academy on the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) north side.

(added) RAT CITY ART AND FOOD WALK: Plenty to enjoy on this gorgeous night, all around White Center and South Delridge, 5-8 pm. See the venue and artist list here!

GET RAINWISE! Are you eligible for subsidized rain-garden or cistern improvements? Links are in our calendar listing for tonight’s 6 pm webinar.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).

PASSOVER: Sixth night. One local church is hosting a seder – look for Bethany Community Church on our list.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Should be another awesome night to walk – meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).

SUMMER SAFETY IN ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL’S SPOTLIGHT: 6:30 pm at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), guests from police to park rangers will be there for updates and Q&A. In-person only; details in our preview.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Single-release concert! Your Local Getaway Driver, Concrete Island, Carson Daniel, Chirality, doors at 6, music at 7. $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet, hosted by Good Old-Fashioned Local Trivia (9614 14th SW).

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts spinning early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tophone, starting at 7 pm.

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second week of the run begins, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

The meeting starts at 7 pm; you can attend in person at Alki UCC or via videoconference – the January 2024 agenda has information on how to access the latter.

Our First 2025 Meeting:
Growing Momentum & Impact through the Power of Community

Happy New Year to All!

Our first meeting is focused upon building upon organizational strength by leaders to broaden Alki Community Council advocacy and community engagement capabilities. While 2024 was the year to hit the refresh button, 2025 is the year to Grow Our Momentum. We have a number of new members adding fantastic value with skills, ideas and passion to make a difference in this neighborhood. From fighting crime, advocating for city funding and igniting new energy into Alki holidays, each person and each gift of time matters. That is perhaps never more clear when disaster strikes. We don’t get to choose when a crisis, whether personal, or regional natural or manmade disaster strikes. But when it does, it’s nice to know your neighbors. Here in Alki, we have joined arm in arm to battle crime and violence, and across the nation, we see how people come together in a fight to survive. Our thoughts are with all who have family and friends affected by the fires and previous hurricanes.

Given that we don’t have resources of other Seattle neighborhoods (such as Alki Chamber of Commerce, or a business improvement associations, or many programs or city department focuses, it is up to us all to continue to to advocate for this neighborhood and tourist destination, with our city leaders and businesses if we want to create the safest, cleanest, and most welcoming community possible. If this sounds like a passion to you, please join us in this next meeting when we will lay out roles, needs and budget.

7 pm-8:30 pm Thursday, January 16th

Hybrid meeting: in person or via Zoom

Alki UCC Church, 6115 SW Hinds Street, Seattle

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/96224175485

Meeting ID: 962 2417 5485

We meet every third Thursday of the month except in August and December.

Questions? Email us: hello@alkicommunitycouncil.org

(Wednesday photo of Elliott Bay by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

If you haven’t already checked the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are the highlights for the rest of today/tonight:

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Shop late-summer-and-beyond plants at the center, open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Annuals, perennials, sun, shade, natives, edibles, ground covers … wide variety!

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus. Food too – stop by to sip and nosh!

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: A presentation on the newly published West Seattle Link Final Environmental Impact Statement is on the agenda for the Sound Transit Board‘s Executive Committee meeting at 1:30 pm. Here’s the agenda, with info on how to comment and how to watch online.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm yoga class at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Tummy Yummy at HPCS.

DOG SWIMMING IN ARBOR HEIGHTS: Fifth of seven days during which your dog is welcome to swim in the Arbor Heights Swim and Tennis Club pool before it’s drained for the offseason. 4-7 pm, $5 per visit. More info in our calendar listing. (11003 31st SW)

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two home contests on the schedule – in girls’ soccer – the West Seattle High School Wildcats host Roosevelt, 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle), and in volleyball, Chief Sealth IHS hosts Seattle Academy,7 pm (2600 SW Thistle).

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle!

TASTE OF WEST SEATTLE: Some tickets are expected to be available at the door – 5:30 pm VIP entry, 6 pm general admission, almost 30 food and beverage purveyors offering tastes and sips at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) to raise money for the West Seattle Food Bank – here’s the newest info.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM EXHIBIT OPENS: 6-8 pm, first chance to see the new West Duwamish Greenbelt exhibit at the home of West Seattle’s history! RSVP and find out more by going here. (61st/Stevens)

PAINT AND SIP: Get creative, 6 pm at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) – registration link is in our calendar listing

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for a group walk in Lincoln Park – details in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm weekly run from The Good Society (California & Lander).

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday it’s blues night.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Half-hour general meeting before board working session, 7 pm, online. Agenda and connection info are in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Naima Bock performs free, all-ages in-store show, 7 pm. (4559 California SW)

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet (9614 14th SW).

‘GUARDS AT THE TAJ’: Second week for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm.

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

(WSB photo: SPD mobile precinct at Alki Beach Friday afternoon)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

At Thursday night’s Alki Community Council meeting, focused on city agencies’ plans for safety and cleanliness at the beach this summer, one attendee observed that past “pilots” for early closing times followed shootings.

“Maybe we can do this in advance of a shooting this year,” she said, with hope.

Maybe – but the closing-time decision has not yet been finalized, according to Katie Howard, one of the parks officials in attendance. Howard said the department is “still working out the details” and hopes they’ll have something to announce “within the next couple weeks … nothing is off the table right now.”

The meeting explored what’s planned for Alki Beach Park this spring/summer from several agencies’ perspective. One repeatedly mentioned theme: The city’s projected budget gap, and how that might affect staffing and services this summer; Howard said that will factor into the closing-time decision.

One new element: Seattle Park Rangers, with two representatives at the meeting.

Last year, the city had two rangers, and they were restricted to working at downtown parks. This year, they’ll have about 30 – though half of them are still at the academy until next month, at which time they’ll “go right into field training.”

Read More

(Rainbow photographed Tuesday morning by Erin O)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: Third week for the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays – now with classes (see the schedule here).

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Bai Tong on Wheels.

SOFTBALL: One high-school home game today – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lincoln, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle)

FREE CLASS: CommunityFlow at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), 4-5 pm – sign up here.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

BASQUE WINE AND VERMOUTH TASTING: 5-7 pm at Sebastiano’s (3278 California SW).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Parks and Police reps are among the guests to talk about plans for spring/summer at the park, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – attend in person or online; info’s in our preview.

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!

THIRD WEEK FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) takes the stage at 7:30 pm. See our calendar listing for info, including the ticket link.

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!