West Seattle, Washington
10 Wednesday
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (earliest of the year, staying there until June 23); sunset will be at 9:06 pm.
(Alki photo, Tuesday evening, by Bob Burns)
ROAD WORK
The first Seattle World Cup match isn’t until next Monday but the “pause” for work in the right-of-way along certain Seattle routes has begun – this map shows where. Projects continue on other streets, though, including utility projects toward both ends of Beach Drive – near Constellation and Lowman Beach parks.
SCHOOL’S OUT
As noted on our West Seattle-wide list, four local schools are now out, with more having their last day of classes tomorrow, Friday, and next week.
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TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; the Kitsap has replaced the Sealth as #3 boat, as the latter is out for work until August. Check the alert page for last-minute changes. Also note the summer sailing schedule start Wednesday.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updated-framegrab feature is not working; we’ve reported it, no ETA yet for restoration. In the meantime, you can check live video for any SDOT camera via their map. State cameras are working and we do have one in the regular lineup:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
(We’ll return the regular camera lineup when the city cams are fully working again.)
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
For a second year, performers spanning generations will take the stage together in BAYFEST’s Intergenerational Theater Project show this Friday and Saturday in West Seattle. We attended one of the final rehearsals to get to know the cast and learn about the age-defying connections that have blossomed since the group began rehearsing in February.
Unique to this program is the intentional age differences between cast members – six high-school students and six older adults. The spring show, titled “Verses, Voices, and Visions,” works to explore collective experience across generational lines through poetry and personal testimony.
“I’ve always been interested in this intergenerational connection, and noticing more and more that young people are disconnected from older people and vice versa,” said Robert Shampain, the founder and executive director of BAYFEST Youth Theater program. Shampain has been directing this specific project since he introduced it in West Seattle last year.
The poetry selections featured in the show were hand-selected by cast members, who work to deliver vivid, engaging recitations.
“We are doing acting, but at the same time analyzing poems,” explained Lucy Hostetter, a member of the teen cohort. “It also kind of feels like an English class.”
Shampain began Saturday’s rehearsal with a group working on a performance of “Filling My Purse with Commas” by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer. He directed the mixed-age group with a certain passion and sincerity – tweaking details as the rehearsal ran, to align the cadence of the spoken word with the actors’ movements.
“Robert is very intuitive, and he’s very good at what he does. It is amazing to see what he sees, what he decides works, what doesn’t, and how beautifully he expresses it,” said Virginia Pellegrino, a member of the senior cohort.
When rehearsing “Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein, Robert urged the cast to take the poem line by line. They considered which words Silverstein intended to lay emphasis on, and how this could be conveyed through performance. He read a line aloud, “What does this suggest to you?” he asked the actors.
“I’m giving them feedback like I would when I direct a professional production, and they respond. You don’t need to be a professional actor to really respond to the idea of what it means to perform honestly,” Shampain said.
A real sense of connection develops through the later half of the show, titled “The Personal Writings.” Cast members were each asked to describe an experience that any part of the poem selection invoked. The accounts will be read in the first-person by a member of the opposite cohort, oftentimes with teens reading of circumstances that they wouldn’t otherwise relate to.
“There’s a real magic in saying somebody else’s words as if they are yours in the first person. It sort of automatically makes you honor them,” Shampain explained.
While this sense of connection will unfold for audiences watching the performances next weekend, what they won’t see is the behind the scenes camaraderie that develops as a cast works towards their common goal.
“We are all working on the same thing and are being asked to be vulnerable in the same way,” Pellegrino reasoned. “My preconceived notion was that they (teens) wouldn’t really show up and want to engage, and that was not the case. I found it really joyful.”
“We don’t have the ‘teenage audacity’,” Lucy explained. “We’re not always on our phones,” her friend Sloane Pothier added. “I kind of expected there to be a cutoff dynamic between the older generation and the younger generation. We have definitely become more of a community than I thought we would,” Sloane continued.
“Half of them ride motorcycles!” Lucy exclaimed jokingly.
The two students were joined by fellow cohort member Eve LeBlanc, who explained that she was participating alongside her grandparents. Not only will she be bridging a generational gap, but doing so with members of her own family.
Shampain emphasized his intention at keeping the program small as it develops. Specifically, keeping it local to West Seattle. “It’s not something that we want to expand too much. Keeping this community based in West Seattle really, it feels right.”
“Verses, Voices, and Visions” will be performed, free admission, this Friday and Saturday (June 12-13) at three different locations. Friday’s show will be at 4 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Saturday’s shows will be at 2 pm in the Fellowship Hall at Fauntleroy Church, and 7 pm at the West Seattle Golf Course Clubhouse Banquet Room (4470 35th SW).
6:47 PM: Yet more downed trees on this windswept Tuesday.
Thanks to the reader who texted those photos from north of Westwood Village: “Trees down on 26th SW between SW Trenton and SW Henderson.”
7:38 PM: The photo above is from the 7100 block of Beach Drive; the texter says it’s been cleared so that cars can get through on that already-narrow stretch south of Lowman Beach.
Police have blocked off a section of High Point Drive SW, near the 6300 block, while they investigate gunfire. No one’s been hurt but the victim called police to report a bullet came through the windshield of their pickup truck. No description of the shooter or the circumstances, so far.
(WSB file photo of shelter/American Legion building at 3618 SW Alaska)
After two months of closure for what was initially described as repairs and renovations, the Westside Neighbors Network has decided that its shelter in The Triangle will remain closed until further notice. Founder/manager Keith Hughes made that announcement today. Here’s the full text of what he said at a gathering today, as forwarded to us:
After seven years of service to the South West community, sharing our love made tangible through the Morning Warm-Up Center and the Winter Cold Weather Shelter, Westside Neighbors Network has made the difficult decision to temporarily close both operations and enter into a time of discernment, strategic planning, and administrative reorganization.
Through these past years we have funded the operations with an all-volunteer staff, and donations from individuals and organizations in the community. However, with the political and socio-economic time creating an ever increasing need, this model is no longer sustainable.
We have long sought sustainable funding through government and non-government partners and have not found it there – and so we are stepping back to do the careful work of building something lasting: a model rooted in the community we serve.
We don’t yet know the shape of what’s coming. But we know this: the next chapter must be written by us, supported by us, and embodied by us. The relationships, the trust, the deep roots of care – that social capital is real, and it is not going anywhere.
We are deeply grateful for every resource, every relationship, and every act of kindness and faithfulness that has carried us here – including many of you here in this room. We know that you are with us in the knowledge that West Seattle deserves a welcoming place where neighbors can rest and be restored. That conviction has not wavered.
The work of designing our new future has begun, and though we can’t give you a time line at this point, We will be back and we will keep in touch as we move through this process.
Continue to take care of one another, West Seattle.
The building that has housed the shelter and warm-up center is also the local American Legion Post 160 headquarters and West Seattle Veterans Center. Though, as the statement above notes, it’s never been officially funded or sanctioned, it’s long served as West Seattle’s only building-based emergency shelter, and at times provided space for more than 40 people to sleep, along with breakfast for more than 80. Some community members blamed its presence for increased violent street disorder in the Triangle area, which also has had an unsanctioned encampment on city-owned parkland a few blocks east. We’re following up with some questions and will add whatever more we find out.
(WSB photo from 2025 Taste of West Seattle)
Set your post-summer calendar for September 24, the date set for the Taste of West Seattle, a food-and-drink-sampling extravaganza benefiting and organized by the West Seattle Food Bank, which is still recruiting participating providers – with food trucks welcome this year too!
The West Seattle Food Bank is gearing up for the return of one of the community’s favorite culinary traditions: The Taste of West Seattle, happening September 24th at the Hall at Fauntleroy.
For two decades, this event has brought together local restaurants, breweries, wineries, and neighbors for an evening that celebrates West Seattle’s food scene while raising critical funds to help ensure everyone in our community has access to food and basic necessities.
This year, organizers are expanding the event by welcoming local food trucks to participate alongside traditional restaurant partners, giving guests even more incredible flavors to experience while creating new opportunities for passionate local chefs and business owners to showcase what makes them unique.
“We know how much pride local businesses take in feeding this community,” said Robbin Peterson, Development Director for the West Seattle Food Bank. “The Taste is a chance to introduce yourself to hundreds of potential new customers while also supporting your neighbors facing food insecurity.”
Participating businesses donate approximately 300 tasting portions of a featured menu item. Guests sample offerings from around West Seattle before voting for their favorites in several categories, with Best Taste awards presented at the end of the evening.
Restaurants, breweries, wineries, and food trucks interested in participating still have time to sign up.
Businesses interested in joining or sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Robbin at West Seattle Food Bank (robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org) as soon as possible or visit The Taste of West Seattle.Confirmed participants to date include:
A Butter Place
Baker’s Dozen Catering (operates out of Distinguished Foods)
Dolcetta Artisan Sweets
Elliott Bay Brewing Co.
Ghostfish Brewing Co.
Ku Mana’s (operates out of Distinguished Foods)
Locol
Metropolitan Market
Mission Cantina
Mom’s Micro Garden
Peninsula Soul Food (operates out of Distinguished Foods)
Phoenecia
RINGA Beverages
Spruce Hill Winery
The Neighborhood
Viscon Cellars
West Seattle GroundsAnd introducing our first food trucks:
Dolce Vita PNW
El Koreano
Additional participants will be announced throughout the summer.For food lovers eager to attend, tickets for the 2026 Taste of West Seattle will go on sale June 26. As in previous years, proceeds from the event directly support the West Seattle Food Bank’s mission of providing food, emergency assistance, and hope to thousands of local households.
More tree trouble on this blustery Tuesday. Thanks to “Commuter Paul” for the photo and report:
FYI: Tree down obstructing the path at the north end of 22nd SW at the merge onto the WS Bridge Trail.
Paul has reported it to SDOT (206-684-ROAD during weekday business hours, 206-386-1218 during off-hours, 911 when a road or path problem is a major life-safety risk).
11:05 AM: Thanks to Sarah for the photo and report:
=FYI, Lincoln Park north playground is cordoned off this morning. Looks like Parks folks are dealing with wind damage to a maple tree, I don’t see obvious damage to the play structure, so I think this is just to secure the area while they do work. But usually there are several families here so wanted to share!
(On a windy morning like this, it’s good to stay out of forested areas anyway, but nicer weather is on the way.) We have an inquiry out to Seattle Parks to see what thire plan is for addressing this, and will update here when we hear back.
1:59 PM: Just in, info from Parks spokesperson Christina Hirsch:
Our Urban Forestry crew was working today on addressing an issue with a tree near the play area. The tree has mushrooms that can rot and impact the tree, so crews were working on proactively removing the mushrooms. The play area is open and was not impacted (nothing fell on the play area).
However, a branch did fall near the playfield, and the crew put caution tape around that area, and it will be cleaned up tomorrow.
The crew will also be back at the play area (probably tomorrow) to continue working on the tree with the mushroom/potential future rot issues. When the crew returns to complete this work, they will likely need to tape off a segment of the play area.
10:39 AM: SPD and SFD responders are arriving at a crash scene by the Admiral Way exit from the westbound West Seattle Bridge and are reported to be blocking off at least one lane. So far it’s reported as a single vehicle hitting a median/barrier, blocking that exit. No word yet on injuries.
11:45 AM: SDOT, which provided the image above, says the crash cleared after about half an hour. We’re checking with SFD regarding whether the driver was hurt.
Thanks to Margaret for the photo from the Rose Garden at the South Seattle College Arboretum. Below, you’ll find what else is blossoming on our list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE … open now through noon, drop in with your little one(s). (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE: This meeting started at 9:30 am and is in the public-comment period as we publish this list – the agenda (which explains how to watch) includes the police staffing/response we previewed Monday.
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: 10 am-11:30 am drop-in program for ages 0-5 and their caregivers at The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW; WSB sponsor).
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily operations continue at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) – free, scheduled 11 am-8 pm daily.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today featuring a guest speaker from Heifer International. (4470 35th SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly 2 pm meeting; here’s the agenda.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Free assistance for students, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 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 have your own.
IMPROV AT KENYON HALL: 6:30 pm new monthly improv-theater jam session at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
MODE MUSIC ALL-AGES OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 5 pm signups, 6 pm music at all-ages open mic hosted by Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) are presenting this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL: Weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza candlelight vigil open to all. (61st SW and Alki SW)
RAINWISE WALKING TOUR: Interested in a rain garden or cistern? Eligible for RainWise subsidies but have questions? This walking tour is for you! RSVP here, then meet up at A.T. Milo Park (8402 30th SW), northwest corner, at 6 pm.
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: Monthly board meeting, community members always welcome, 6 pm in conference room at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you aren’t a Boeing employee – the link explains how to RSVP.
PAST, PRESENT, & ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue tonight, 7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia venues tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, 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, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(Photo courtesy Ryan O’Donnell)
One more week until Seattle Public Schools get out for summer – but next year’s already in the thoughts of some students – for example, the West Seattle High School girls’ swim and dive team will take some time tomorrow to visit Madison Middle School to meet potential future recruits. The team’s new head coach Ryan O’Donnell sent us this announcement to share with you:
The WSHS Girls Swim and Dive Team is having a “Meet & Greet” on Wednesday at Madison Middle School during lunch. Members of the team and the coach will be in the cafeteria during lunch to talk about the swim team, answer questions. and meet interested Madison students. Interested swimmers and divers of ALL skill levels are encouraged to meet the team. We are a Varsity, no-cut sport looking for students to join our fun, growing team.
7:21 AM: Thanks for the tips. Crash on bridge ramp to 99. Tow truck reported there now.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Some sun, some rain, some wind, high in the low 60s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (as early as it gets, staying there until June 23); sunset will be at 9:05 pm.
ROAD-WORK PAUSE
The first Seattle World Cup match isn’t until next Monday but the “pause” for work in the right-of-way along certain Seattle routes has begun – this map shows where.
SCHOOL’S OUT
As noted on our West Seattle-wide list, today is the last day of classes for two more local schools – Explorer West Middle School (WSB sponsor) amd Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School.
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TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule; the Kitsap has replaced the Sealth as #3 boat, as the latter is out for work until August. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updated-framegrab feature is not working; we’ve reported it. In the meantime, you can check live video for any SDOT camera via their map. State cameras are working and we do have one in the regular lineup:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
(We’ll return the regular camera lineup when the city cams are fully working again.)
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB file photo – RainWise cisterns at Peace Lutheran Church)
Perhaps you’re listening to tonight’s rain coursing through a downspout and wondering if there’s something better to do with all that water than let it run into a side sewer or the street (eventually polluting local waterways). There might be, especially if you’re eligible for RainWise. The program offering subsidized features such as cisterns to store rainwater, or raingardens to filter it, is still going strong, and tomorrow night (Tuesday, June 9) is offering a short walking tour in West Seattle to show off possibilities and answer questions. It’s a free tour leaving from, and returning to, the northwest corner of AT Milo Park at 8402 30th SW (the long-ago Denny International Middle School site), 6 pm Tuesday. They’re requesting you RSVP by registering here.
(Photo courtesy Randy Winn)
6:01 PM: Thanks for the photo. Local activists gathered at 35th/Edmunds this afternoon for a protest that also served as a memorial. They’re carrying the torch lit by Marjorie Prince, who demonstrated at that corner for months – daily, while others joined her weekly for “Mondays with Marjorie” – until her recent death. Ms. Prince’s activism was lifelong, dating back into the ’60s. Her compatriots plan to continue gathering at this corner at 3 pm Mondays TFN.
ADDED 7:10 PM: Randy Winn, who sent the photo, adds these details:
More than fifty people gathered this afternoon at 35th & Edmunds to honor and remember Marjorie Prince, whose presence has anchored “Mondays With Marjorie” for so long. MJ created a beautiful display inside the little shelter on the corner, laying out a collection of Marjorie’s handmade protest signs along with small memory cards people could take home.
We stood with her signs (and many others) supporting the causes she championed week after week. Someone placed her walker in her usual spot, a quiet reminder of her steadiness and resolve. For an hour, people waved signs, shared stories, and held space together. It was a community showing up the way Marjorie always did.
Some sang (“Give Peace A Chance”), and we all talked about Marjorie and how her example inspires us. As she said, “One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.”
ADDED EARLY TUESDAY: Thanks to Lupe Carlos III for additional photos:
(WSB photo: Councilmember Dan Strauss with Council President Joy Hollingsworth at this morning’s Q&A)
Also in attendance at today’s informal periodic city councilmember Q&A session with reporters (earlier coverage here) was Councilmember Dan Strauss, who is the lone Seattle councilmember also on the Sound Transit Board. After the board vote a week and a half ago to approve a revised ST3 plan that does not include funding to get light rail to Ballard – which was part of what voters passed a decade ago – there were suggestions that Seattle voters who wanted more than the new plan might want to consider raising the needed money themselves. We asked Strauss his thoughts on the idea. “Inappropriate at best,” he replied, considering Seattle residents have been paying for a “Sound Transit project already promised.” He said he continues to believe that the second downtown tunnel could be dropped from the plan to clear enough funding to build all the way to Ballard. “We need to have a deeper conversation about that,” he said, adding that he considers the tunnel a regional amenity for ST, not a feature necessary to complete light rail in Seattle.
SIDE NOTE: Strauss and Council President Joy Hollingsworth also were asked about another transit-funding issue, Mayor Katie Wilson‘s proposed doubling of the sales tax that buys more Metro service for Seattle. Both said they have “concerns” about how the revenue would be apportioned.
Two years after opening in The Junction, which was a year-plus after the longtime Alki location’s closure, Pegasus Pizza and Pasta has just announced new owners. Via email, here’s the announcement and photo we received today:
After more than 30 years as the head chefs and culinary backbone of Pegasus Pizza and Pasta, Gabriel Castro and Isidro Ocampo have acquired the popular West Seattle restaurant, promising continuity and fresh energy for the neighborhood favorite. Gabe and Isidro have been with Pegasus Pizza and Pasta since 1996 said the transition feels like a natural next step.
“We have poured my heart into this kitchen since day one,” Gabe said. “We have cooked for generations of West Seattle families, celebrated milestones with our guests, and built a team that truly cares. Now, as owner, we are excited to carry this restaurant forward while making it even better for our West Seattle community.”
Gabe continues, “Pegasus Pizza has always been special to me, I even met my wife here at Pegasus.” The previous owner has semi-retired and moving on, passing the torch to Gabe and Isidro. “I am incredibly grateful to Ted (the previous owner) for mentoring us and making Pegasus Pizza and Pasta what it is today.”, said Gabe.
Customers can expect the same beloved menu favorites and familiar warm hospitality that have defined Pegasus Pizza and Pasta for years. At the same time, their new ownership brings several enhancements, including offering a full breakfast menu (8 am-2 pm), in-house delivery (coming soon), 14 new flavors of fried jumbo wings and other expanded menu options. The new team has been focused on updating some kitchen equipment as well to enable faster and more reliable food
production. …
The announcement also says they’re planning a “Grand Reopening Weekend” Friday through Sunday (June 12-14).
The first of two Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement projects, under 45th SW north of SW Wildwood, will move into “early work” later this month, according to a Seattle Public Utilities announcement today, but the major work – which will close part of 45th SW for up to two years – isn’t set to start early next year. Here’s today’s announcement:
Construction is expected to start late June 2026 for the 45th Ave SW Culvert Replacement Project! This project is part of Seattle Public Utilities’ Fauntleroy Creek Culverts Replacement Program.
The primary goal of this project is to reduce the risk of culvert failure and impacts to public safety and the environment. The project will also provide fish passage through the culvert.
Early work for this project will begin in late June 2026, and continue into September 2026, when crews start relocating overhead power lines along 45th Ave SW. Starting early in 2027 and continuing through 2028, the culvert replacement under 45th Ave SW will have a greater impact on the community as crews remove the existing culvert and replace it with a larger, fish-passable culvert.
Here are some construction impacts to expect:
-There will be temporary parking restrictions near the project site for the duration of construction along 45th Ave SW.
-Pedestrian access will be maintained when it is safe to do so; at other times, detours will be required.
-Noise, vibrations, dust, and lights typical of construction workProject duration and working hours:
-Approximately 2 years from 2026 to 2028
-Construction and maintenance hours
In general, you can expect construction work: 7 AM – 10 PM on weekdays and 9 AM – 10 PM on weekends and holidays
For more information about noise, see Seattle Noise Ordinances
-Temporary road closure of 45th Ave SW between SW Wildwood Pl and SW Director Pl for up to 2 years starting in early 2027.
The second project, replacing the California SW culvert (see map above), isn’t set to start before 2028. If you’re in the area and missed the Q/A meetings that have been held, here’s our coverage of one from last fall.
12:39 PM: In advance of tomorrow morning’s City Council Public Safety Committee meeting, the presentation is posted for a major agenda item, the quarterly update on Seattle Police staffing, hiring, overtime, and performance. One key point: Fewer officers are leaving than expected. As a result, the presentation prepared by council staff suggests in its summary:
SPD is separating fewer officers than it has in past years. This change may affect the department’s ability to hire new recruits and translate into a slower expansion of the force. It is possible that SPD may need to slow its hiring to meet budgetary restrictions.
To that last point, committee chair Councilmember Bob Kettle said, “Absolutely not!” That comment was in response to our question about it at a wide-ranging council-and-reporters conversation we just attended ta City Hall (with other participants including Council President Joy Hollingsworth, also in our photo above). Kettle says he remains adamant that the department needs to continue building to 1,258 officers (the presentation notes that “if current projections hold true, SPD will have reached an annual average of 1,192 FTE at year-end 2026” – eight more than the department is budgeted for). Lots more to note about the latest info when we get back to HQ; you can see the full presentation deck here.
7:59 PM: A few more points of note in advance of tomorrow morning’s 9:30 am committee meeting (the meeting agenda explains how to attend, comment, and/or watch):
-The slightly-higher-than-expected officer staffing is because of 13 fewer departures and five fewer hires in the last two quarters, which means salary costs could total $1.7 million more than budgeted
-The new hires are still overwhelmingly male – 90 percent – and that’s higher than the national rate of 80 percent
-Overtime costs are trending close to what’s budgeted
-The Super Bowl parade cost SPD $849,000 but the NFL is reimbursing for expenses
-Training costs related to the World Cup may be partly reimbursed by FIFA
The briefing also looks at response times; citywide they’re close to the 7-minute goal – the Southwest Precinct’s response times have risen slightly, according to this slide:
TUESDAY NOTE: This wasn’t discussed at today’s committee meeting after all – they ran out of time. We’re awaiting word on when/if it’ll be rescheduled.
(Photo by Bob Burns)
Here’s your Monday list of highlights, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily splashing continues at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Weekly 2 pm meeting is canceled today.
PROTEST IN TRIBUTE TO MARJORIE: 3-4 pm at 35th/Edmunds, weekly protest will this time be in tribute to Marjorie Prince, who protested at that corner daily for months before her recent death.
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond)
COMMUNITY DIALOGUE WITH POLICE: Focusing on the Southwest Precinct, online, all community members welcome. Details and link are in our calendar listing.
CRAFTY NIGHT: 6-9 pm at Tim’s (16th/98th), no cover, bring your own project.
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues offer you the opportunity for trivia tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
PINBALL TOURNAMENT: Pinball players can enter Admiral Pub‘s 3-Strike Tournamment starting at 7 pm, with play beginning at 7:30. (2306 California SW)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! Enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
ALKI MEDITATION: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Monday with a song – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Got a musical instrument you don’t need any more? A local student is organizing a donation drive, and asked us to share the request with you:
My name is Julian, a 7th grader who lives in West Seattle, and I have a Bar Mitzvah coming up on June 20th. As part of that, I am doing a Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World) Project. It is a project where you give back to the community in a way that is meaningful to you.
I am helping organize an Instrument drive to Ted Brown Music Outreach, because they give a lot of instruments to people who can’t afford them, and I want everyone to have the opportunity to play music…. I think it would really help if the West Seattle community got involved.
If anyone has instruments to donate, they can drop them off at the School of Rock West Seattle (4701 41st Ave SW) or any Ted Brown Music location. Those without instruments can also donate money toward instrument repair and distribution.
Here are details of what can and can’t be donated:
What can you donate?
-Funds to support the program and repair instruments
-Working/salvagable band and orchestra instruments
-Playable/needing minor adjustments guitars
-Functional amps, pedals and other electronic equipment
-Professional keyboards and synthesizers
-Weighted-key fully functional digital pianos
-Complete name brand drum sets in good conditionPlease do not donate:
-Student instruments needing major repairs
-Acoustic pianos or organs
-Pianos built into furniture
-Keyboards with visible damage
-Sheet music or method books
-Non-functional electronic gear
-Empty cases
-Benches and stools
-Music StandsYou can donate funds at this link. Have questions or need us to pick up an instrument? Email my dad at chad.young@gmail.com
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, June 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rain likely later today, high in the low 60s. Sunrise was at 5:12 am; sunset will be at 9:05 pm.
ROAD-WORK PAUSE
Today marks the start of the “pause” for work in the right-of-way along certain Seattle routes to lessen the chance of traffic trouble during the World Cup matches; this map shows where.
SCHOOL’S OUT
As noted on our West Seattle-wide list, this week brings the last day of classes for several more local schools.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Juneau), cameras are also at Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and (go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB/WCN photos by Torin Record-Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
WestSide Baby‘s 25th birthday bash Friday night was held not in a fancy banquet venue, but in the heart of the White Center warehouse where the nonprofit stores and sorts supplies for the babies and children it assists.
For “A Night Out with WestSide Baby,” the warehouse was temporarily decked as a cheery space where serious work is done the other 364 days of the year – with stuffies in party hats tucked into car seats awaiting recipients, and diaper-bundle basket-tossing for guests in the mood for games:
History was honored, also cheerily, with garlands of past event invitations, stacks of cupcakes as a throwback to the days of the most-famous of those vents (WS Baby’s annual fundraising Tea), and the school bus that had been the centerpiece of many years’ “Stuff the Bus” diaper-donation drives, parked just outside the party:
But the most memorable throwback of the night was the appearance of WestSide Baby founder Donna Pierce.
Pierce was a West Seattle-residing new mom herself when she started the nonprofit – something she admits she had no experience doing – because while she had no trouble filling her child’s needs, like diapers, she became painfully aware there were other families who did.
She marveled at the magnitude of what that work has totaled so far – more than half a million kids helped – “this is what you and we together have built.” She was one of four speakers; the others included WS Baby’s current executive director Ally Lindsay Johnson, who said Pierce’s act of giving was proof that one person can make a difference; she was introduced by co-emcee and WS Baby board chair Nicole DeCario:
And partygoers heard from two people now working to help families, after rising from childhood challenges like the ones WestSide Baby helps with – one was WS Baby’s own distribution manager Manuel Duron, whose family immigrated from México two years before WS Baby was founded:
The final speaker was Rachel McKnight from one of WestSide Baby’s partners, Open Arms Perinatal Services, where she had been a client who rose to management:
Despite the unconventional surroundings, the program did have traditional nonprofit-gala features – a silent aucion, a raise-the-paddle challenge during the program also emceed by WS Baby board member Amy Biancofior.
But the program was fairly short and sweet, with that key point repeated – half a million kids helped, despite the White Center-headquartered nonprofit remaining relatively lean, with a staff of 10.
Donation amounts were framed with descriptions of what they’d enable – $2,500, for example, is what WestSide Baby had to pay to cover freight costs for a donation of $63,000 worth of car seats, $500 trains a car-seat mechanic who can help them prepare donated car seats for reuse, $250 would cover “emergency diaper bundles for 28 families,” and on down the line.
You can help WestSide Baby any time, incidentally – donate money here, or donate items to their hub (the party site) at 10003 14th SW (most needed, it was mentioned Friday night, are size 6 diapers and diaper cream). Volunteers welcome too!
Thanks to everyone who’s sent bird photos – and a bit of video too; the clip above is from Chris, showing a Hummingbird that appears quite happy with a bloom-laden bush. The two photos. below are from Lynn, a bright yellow Western Tanager followed by a Spotted Towhee:
Erin sent the next two, a Downy Woodpecker and Steller’s Jay:
Jerry Simmons caught this scene with a nesting box serving a Bewick’s Wren family well:
And here’s his photo of a Black-capped Chickadee peeking out of a birdhouse:
Lots of Great Blue Heron sightings lately – Bob Burns sent this one:
Thanks again to everyone for sharing photos, from wildlife to scenery to breaking news – westseattleblog@gmail.com or text 206-293-6302!
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