West Seattle, Washington
27 Wednesday
After two Executive Committee meetings this month looking at a proposed revised plan, the full Sound Transit Board is scheduled to consider ST3’s future tomorrow afternoon, almost 10 years after voters passed the original plan. As previously reported, the revised plan as discussed so far would proceed with West Seattle light rail, running between SODO and The Junction with a new cross-Duwamish bridge and a Delridge stop along the way. Documents for tomorrow’s 1:30 to 5 pm meeting, including the agenda and board members’ proposed amendments, are all linked from this page, including the amendments as a single document. The meeting will start with a public-comment period; the agenda explains how to comment in person at the board room downtown or remotely.
Published earlier this afternoon on partner site White Center Now: Federal prosecutors have announced the conviction of a man in connection with regional robberies including what was called the “West Seattle Marijuana Store” at the time it was held up in 2022. (The shop is at 10825 Myers Way S. in unincorporated Top Hat and is now known as A Greener Today.) 36-year-old Shannon Hartfield of Kent also was convicted in connnection with other robberies, including banks, around the region and is now awaiting sentencing, as the feds’ announcement explains.
We just stopped by Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) to see how this afternoon’s device dropoff – your chance to recycle certain items, as listed here. Keely from PCs for People says it’s going well, with 45 people counted by 1:30 pm. The nonprofit has vans standing by to take away everything they collect.
They’re right outside the library bordering the sidewalk, so you can pull up along 35th SW if the space is open, or into the parking lot on the library’s north side. The dropoff event is scheduled to continue until 4 pm.
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s Log House Museum on Alki will be closed for about a month, after this weekend. But it’s a good thing – as previewed during the SWSHS’s recent gala (WSB coverage here), the museum’s overhauling its exhibition and will celebrate a grand reopening in early July. Here’s today’s announcement sent by executive director Elizabeth Rudrud:
The Log House Museum will be closed through June and into early July for planned museum exhibition overhaul. This two year planning process was supported by the Maritime Washington National Heritage Area.
This is your last week to visit the current exhibition, Seattle’s Forest: The West Duwamish Greenbelt, co-curated by the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group (the museum is open Thursday and Friday 12 noon-4 pm and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm).
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society, which owns and operates the Log House Museum, a city of Seattle landmark, will continue to operate programs throughout June.
These include Alki Beach and Admiral Neighborhood walking tours (including Admiral District and Admiral Neighborhood tours), a Riverside Memorial Park cleanup with A Cleaner Alki for National Day of Service (Saturday, June 13), and Seafair Pirates Landing Storytime with the Seattle Public Library. More information about those and other programs can be found at www.loghousemuseum.org.
The permanent exhibition is expected to open on July 4th weekend. The exhibit will highlight the significance of Alki Beach, share stories of placemaking by diverse communities, and describe how the waters surrounding the Duwamish Peninsula have served as a connector and barrier over time. The initiative also includes a revamp of the museum’s Native Plant Garden.
Questions? Contact museum@loghousemuseum.org
(WSB photos)
11:58 AM: Detroit Avenue SW in southeast West Seattle [map] is blocked off at both ends – north and south – this morning while city crews sweep an encampment area in the West Duwamish Greenbelt.
Most of the work was under way out of view from the street but city trucks were in sight. We didn’t see any of the posting notices but a nonprofit volunteer who told us about the sweep says they listed a wide area to be cleared, between SW Kenyon and SW Myrtle, adjacent to an area that holds a variety of mostly industrial businesses. We’ll be asking the city for post-sweep information including how many people were living there.
4:58 PM: Here’s the statement we obtained from the city’s Human Services Department: “The Unified Care Team (UCT) engaged with eight people at this site. No vehicles were found on site. UCT referred one family and two individuals to available shelter.” We also asked about how pets are handled in sweeps, having received a question about that: “Pets are considered when identifying appropriate shelter referrals. UCT Outreach also connects pet owners to support services that can provide supplies and medical care, as needed.”
Happy 5th West Seattle anniversary to Lake Washington Physical Therapy (1309 Harbor Avenue SW), a longtime WSB sponsor. They’ve got a lot going on, and LWPT’s Mark Bouma sent these updates and photos for us to share with you:
Lake Washington Physical Therapy Celebrates 5 Years in West Seattle!
This past week, Lake Washington Physical Therapy in West Seattle turned five years old! Thank you for supporting us over the last five years! We celebrated by holding a Patient Appreciation Week with raffle prizes that included LWPT golf balls, Yetis, and giveaways from two of our favorite local partners — Seattle Strength and Performance and West Seattle Runner. These are businesses we’ve worked alongside at community events for years, and we’re excited to give something back to the patients who’ve made all of this possible.
New Face at Fauntleroy — Meet Corwin Patis
We’re really excited to welcome Corwin Patis, PT, DPT. He’ll be joining Alison Read, PT DPT at our Fauntleroy clinic, located inside The Kenney. Corwin brings a strong clinical background and a wealth of patient experience to West Seattle. He specializes in working with older adults, brain health, Parkinson’s, and outpatient neurological care. He loves helping people feel more active, confident, and independent as they age. He’s now accepting new patients. Call our office at 206-906-9207 to be added to Corwin’s schedule.
Our Specialty Services Worth Knowing About
Beyond traditional PT, we’ve built out some services over the years that you may not find everywhere:
Running Injury & Performance Analysis — Whether you’re hurt or just want to run smarter, we dig into your mechanics and help you move better with Runeasi, dynamometry, and video analysis.
Bike Fitting — A proper bike fit by a physical therapist who is also professionally trained in bike fitting can make a huge difference in your comfort and performance. Schedule with Erin Heald.
Musculoskeletal Diagnostic Ultrasound — We can do real-time imaging right here in the clinic during your visit.
This specialty service is convenient, cost effective, and provides additional insight to make sure we develop an accurate plan of care for you. Schedule with Maxwell Ngo.
Dry Needling — A great tool for stubborn pain and muscle issues that aren’t responding to other forms of treatment. Schedule with Amanda Ford or Sarah Reisler.
Wellness Visits — Not hurt? Let’s keep it that way! These visits are for people who want to stay proactive about how their body is feeling and moving.
DailyDurability — A movement app to help you keep moving
Over the last year, Mark Bouma, co-owner of LWPT West Seattle, has been developing something he’s passionate about: DailyDurability, a movement app designed to help people stay motivated and consistent after physical therapy. It’s also a great tool for people not in physical therapy who are looking for simple daily routines that can help them stay physically capable and strong.
DailyDurability offers a skilled, approachable way to continue moving with purpose. Users can choose the body region or exercise type they want to focus on, and the app guides them from there with simple, targeted routines. No guessing or generic workout plans — just practical movement support designed by a doctor of physical therapy.
DailyDurability offers a 30-day free trial, making it easy to try and see whether it fits your routine. We offer monthly and annual subscriptions. Offered on the Apple App Store and Google Play platforms.
You’ll See Us at Junction FC and Rhodies FC
With the FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle this summer, soccer energy is at an all-time high! We’re proud to be out on the sidelines and at training sessions for Junction FC and Rhodies FC, West Seattle’s own pre-professional soccer teams.
(Dr. Peters Otlans with Proliance, LWPT athletic trainer Zach Lyons, physical therapist Jordan Samford, LWPT’s Mark Bouma, working the sidelines at recent Junction FC match)
This is high-level soccer right in our backyard.
Both teams are off to very successful starts and we hope to see you at the upcoming games. This is our third season supporting the club and its players. It’s one of our favorite parts of being plugged into this community, and the timing couldn’t be better.
Monthly Sports Medicine Talks at West Seattle Runner
On the 2nd Wednesday of every month at 6:00 PM, we’re at West Seattle Runner giving a free Sports Medicine talk. These are informative presentations on running related topics that cover injury prevention, performance, and anything else on people’s minds. Everyone’s welcome — bring your questions!
Loop the Lupe — June 6th
We’re proud to be supporting the Loop the ‘Lupe on June 6th and are looking forward to seeing everyone out there. Come find us at the event!
(Great Blue Heron photographed in Fauntleroy by Tom Trulin)
Lots happening on our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle – if you didn’t see this in the calendar in time to join, consider this your reminder for next week!
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Daily-splashing seasonn at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 pm.
DEVICE DROPOFF DAY: Noon-4 pm, bring your unwanted device(s) – go here to see what will and won’t be accepted – to the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
DINE OUT FOR ENDOLYNE CHILDREN’S CHOIR: The choir will benefit from part of the proceeds 3-9 pm at The Neighborhood (6503 California SW), which hosts a dine-out fundraiser on the last Wednesday of every month.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly gaming event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: The free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm workshop is back at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center), and the library is open for borrowing.
SOUTH PARK CONVERSATION WITH SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT: Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner will be at the South Park Community Center (8319 8th Ave. S.) tonight at 6 pm (new time) for a conversation with the South Park commmunity.
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: 6-8 pm, bring your project or get inspired at the studio! More info here. (3400 Harbor SW, east side of building)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Discuss Seattle’s growth, present and future, at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HPAC MEETS ONLINE: 6:30 pm monthly meeting of the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge – this time online – link and other details here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
BAND BUSKING: The band Better As Brass is prepping for Honk Fest West by busking near Seacrest tonight at 7 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues – Seaside Grill (2820 Alki SW) now has 7 pm trivia on Wednesdays … Admiral Pub trivia at 7:10 pm (2306 California SW) … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
‘MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM’ AT WSHS: The Westside Drama student production of Shakespeare‘s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” opens at 7:30 pm, performed in the school courtyard, as previewed here. (3000 California SW)
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SWING IT! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 9. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(File photo – Roxhill students at NatureBridge in 2022)
With less than a month left until summer break, it’s time for the school year’s final fundraisers. Roxhill Elementary‘s Move-a-Thon is coming up this Friday (May 29), raising money for outdoor education that is no longer covered by state funding. The money that’s raised will pay for Roxhill fifth-graders to go to “outdoor school” at NatureBridge this fall. You can donate per lap that students run, or at a flat rate to help them reach the $15,000 goal; here’s where to go to pledge/donate.
6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, May 27, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly sunny, high around 70. Sunrise was at 5:19 am; sunset will be at 8:54 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Thanks for the tip! The local Titans Lacrosse Club reported that two of its members, both residing in West Seattle, are part of off-peninsula high-school teams that recently won state championships! We were given permission to share this report from the Titans’ newsletter, plus photos of the champs, both of whom coach younger players too:
The Titans have something special with our high schoolers giving back to the youth lacrosse community. Not only is our group great with the kids, but they are excellent on the lacrosse field themselves. Special Shout Outs to two of our K/2 coaches; Leighton Wagner and Jasper Jacobs on being STATE CHAMPIONS!
Leighton and her Eastside Catholic teammates needed overtime to defeat Mercer Island on May 15th. Leighton, a junior, had the key assist on EC’s game-tying goal in the last 10 seconds of regulation that sent the game to OT.
Jasper and Seattle Prep also needed overtime to claim their State Championship on Saturday over Bellevue. Jasper, a freshman, started the game for the Panthers, tallied a goal in the second quarter, and re-started the play that resulted in Prep’s game-winning goal.
We’re told both players are Holy Rosary alums, too.
We obtained followup information today about two West Seattle incidents we reported last weekend:
SUNDAY FIRE: SFD firefighters extinguished a fire at a residence in the 3900 block of SW Holly on Sunday afternoon. Today SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB today, “The cause of the fire was determined accidental, likely caused by a charging electrical device overheating and igniting nearby combustible materials.”
SATURDAY OUTAGE: More than 200 customers in North Delridge were out for hours on Saturday, and it was mapped as two adjacent outages, one that started in the morning, one in the evening. City Light spokesperson Julie Moore tells WSB, “The initial outage was due to a line down at Puget Boulevard SW and SW Hudson Street. We don’t know what caused the line to fail. To safely make repairs, the crew had to de-energize a larger area, which appeared on the map as a separate event. All customers were restored around 9:20 p.m.”
4:59 PM: Thanks for the tip! A caller reported SFD at a fire in a ravine area of Admiral, with smoke visible. The log shows a one-engine “brush fire” response at Admiral and Walnut.
5:20 PM: SFD has cleared the scene and closed the call.
(Added Wednesday: WSF recording of meeting)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you’re interested in Washington State Ferries, you have another chance to join one of its systemwide online community meetings – tonight at 6 pm. We watched the first version of the meeting this afternoon – here’s how it unfolded:
WHO WAS THERE: Above is the slide identifying the system executives participated. As for those in attendance, 60 people were reported to have signed in as the meeting began. They were polled about their routes of interest; Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth came in at 19 percent.
UPDATES: Ferries boss Steve Nevey was first up. He started with the system’s 75th anniversary on June 1 – that date in 1951 is when, he said, “the state decided to take over the service.”
WSF has a variety of anniversary events planned including special flags to fly on the ferries and even one atop the Space Needle. Free small bags of popcorn and cups of coffee will be offered (with purchases) in the galleys on Monday, and various giveaways are planned throughout the month.
Next, he updated employment stats – deck and engine staffing are among the categories improving, Nevey said:
The percentage of “retirement risk” in key crew categories is down, too – among captains, from 53 percent to 40 percent; among chief engineers, from 34 percent to 20 percent. “We’re really encouraged by the way we’re trending in these areas. … I feel like we’re really getting our arms around our workforce issues.” Cancelled sailings because of short staffing are “way down,” he emphasized.
Next up, Jenna Forty on the updated Service Contingency Plan (read it here):
“With 21 vessels … we really don’t have a margin of error.” She didn’t get into specifics of the plan, just noting that it’s meant to help ensure riders know what to expect. She also had several notes from the Legislature’s session, including securing $2 million for a “rapid response” maintenance/repair team to get ferries fixed faster.
On to the World Cup plan, addressed by Forrest Nichols:
The summer schedule calls for 18 boats, so having 20 ready means they’ll have two on standby to quickly plug in, in case of unexpected trouble, Nichols said.
Next, David Sowers updated the system-electrification program, both terminals and vessels, stressing the need to push forward with what’s ultimately a system-modernization plan:
As for the new ferries being built in Florida, the next year will be spent finishing the design for the first vessel, and steel cutting will start in August 2027, with “that first boat arriving in Puget Sound in 2030.” WSF has issued a Request for Qualifications for its first terminal electrification projects, using the design-build process, and hopes to have one slip electrified as soon as 2029.
TERMINAL PROJECTS: Nicole McIntosh presented these updates. They included projects that were under way or recently completed. Only one Fauntleroy mention, and it was brief – she said the intersection project, where the dock meets Fauntleroy Way, is now advertising for bids and still expected to start work this fall.
OTHER UPDATES: The system’s second-in-command, John Vezina, recapped the recently finalized pet policy.
He also said – without accompanying slides – that WSF had made a wrong choice of vendors for a ticketing-system update, and spent a lot of money in the process; how much, he said, they’ll be disclosing (“it’s all public record,” he said more than once), but in the meantime, they’ll be seeking a new partner. “We stopped, we’re reassessing.” (This appears to be a reference to the situation detailed in reports including this one.)
He switched gears to the state of trying to get wi-fi on boats and at terminals. They’re testing it “with T-Mobile and another partner” on M/V Chimacum for starters and will soon have a test at the Bremerton terminal too; others will follow, after an evaluation period at year’s end.
Q&A: This was the second half of the meeting, starting at 12:39 pm. (We’ve noted the Triangle Route-related questions in bold type.) First question: “Could ferry system be split into two parts, the San Juans and (everywhere else)?” Forty replied: “In short, no.”
Second question had to do with the reservation system, which doesn’t involve this area … Third question, how long will M/V Puyallup be on Bremerton route? Answer, it’s filling in while M/V Kaleetan is out for work that may not be complete until fall, but it will likely move back to Edmonds-Kingston in late June … Fourth question involved how they’re planning to ensure charging systems for vessels will work with their vessels; answer was technical … Fifth question, how will service be disrupted during Fauntleroy terminal construction? McIntosh said they’re working on that, nothing to say yet … Sixth question, canceled sailings info has disappeared from weekly updates, when will it return? They’re working on a data issue, was the reply … Sixth question comes up every time – when will the route to Sidney B.C. be restored? Nevey said the answer remains 2030 … Seventh question, classification of new vessels – SOLAS-compatible? Not likely, was the reply; WSF has only one that is, M/V Chelan … Eighth question had to do about budgeting and money that has to be spent on the electrification program and cannot be diverted elsewhere; Forty noted that the Legislature sets a lot of parameters for what WSF gets/can spend … Ninth question, what will the Triangle Route run for the World Cup time? They expect to keep three Issaquah-class ferries on the route through July … Tenth question was about electrification on a north route …
Eleventh question was about battery-fire concerns aboard an electrified boat; a regulatory process oversees everything, was the reply, and they have sensors and systems that would address that – the technology is “well established” around the world so standards for construction and installation of batteries have been refined. They don’t believe a fire “would go beyond the individual cell” as a result … Twelfth question was about a Bainbridge roundabout … Thirteenth was about fares, with a reiteration that the state Transportation Commission makes those decisions … Fourteenth was about World Cup service; WSF believes the plan outlined earlier in the meeting allows “more resources” to reduce or eliminate service disruptions … Fifteenth question had to do with verifying people’s eligibility for certain fare levels and the fact some discounted levels are not available via kiosks … Sixteenth was a Lopez Island reservations question … Seventeenth also involved the San Juan Islands … Eighteenth question, why can’t residents be prioritized for service/fares? Vezina said the Legislature sets the revenue levels that WSF must bring in – right now customers pay what amounts to 55 percent of the costs, and the other 45 percent comes from taxpayers, so fares and service have to be equal for everyone … Nineteenth question, what about integrating Good to Go with WSF? Forty said they’re looking at it, and also at possible integration with ORCA … Twentieth question, signage/announcements on the boats regarding civility “We Sail Together”; Vezina said it’s important because employees have been targeted by abusive language. Yes, it’s frustrating when something isn’t working well, but there’s no reason to do that to employees. “Showing gratitude to the people who show up each day to get you where you need to go” is appreciated, he added.
Twenty-first question was about San Juans service … Twenty-second question had to do with legally required loading procedures … and the meeting wrapped at 1:15 pm. You can get the link for the 6 pm meeting here; that same page will eventually have video from the meetings.
One gunfire incident from the holiday weekend that we didn’t catch in real time is confirmed by SPD incident summaries from the long weekend that were released today, though the time frame is still not clear. This is described as a summary from Monday, incident 26-144638:
At 1129 hours, officers responded to the 6500 Block High Point Dr SW recovering multiple shell casings with three parked/unoccupied vehicles damaged from the shots. GVRU screened, casings were recovered/placed into evidence and photos of the scene were captured via AXON. Video was recovered of a dark sedan driving SB on Sylvan Wy SW prior to the report of shots; however, it is unknown if related at this time. Incident may have occurred on 5/22/26 around 2315 hours after patrol received a report of shots in the area.
The latest round of SPD incident summaries also includes this one from early Monday, incident 26-146501, which was initially on the data map as “disturbance”:
At 0200 hours, on Memorial Day, at about 0200 hours, two suspects attempted to break into a convenience store in the 1600 block of SW Holden St, by throwing fireplace logs through the window, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. The suspects in this instance appear to have been the same suspects in 2026-146168 and 2026-146355, which also occurred nearby earlier in the day. See those reports for descriptions. Surveillance footage may be available.
There was some radio traffic on this but it didn’t say which of the two convenience stores at that intersection; only one, Seamart, would have been closed at that time. We’re also looking into the other two incidents mentioned.
Readers are reporting brown water in Upper Gatewood and near Fairmount Park. They’ve also reported it to Seattle Public Utilities (206-386-1800 is the number to call any time). So far “probably hydrant testing” is the only explanation provided – the water-woes map doesn’t show any current or recent emergencies.
(Added: Seattle Channel video of today’s Public Safety Committee meeting, including Saka’s call)
11:48 AM: With the first FIFA World Cup match in Seattle now less than three weeks away, the city’s surveillance-camera policy is back in the spotlight. District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka wants Mayor Katie Wilson to change her mind about what to do, and not do, with cameras in the Stadium District as the matches approach, and has sent this news release:
Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee, called for Mayor Wilson to allow the Seattle Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center to turn on its closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Stadium District ahead of the World Cup. Councilmember Saka’s request comes after the Mayor’s announcement on March 19 to willingly not use the installed cameras unless there was a “credible threat.” The Stadium District is in Councilmember Saka’s district.
“Security cameras play a critical role in the investigation of crimes, including unthinkable mass casualty events. I know this firsthand as a runner in the 2013 Boston Marathon. I had just crossed the finish line waiting at the family meetup location two blocks away when the planted bombs exploded,” said Councilmember Saka. “Ultimately, it was security camera footage and the technology that allowed investigators to quickly trace the attackers’ movements and catch them before they could strike again with another mass casualty event.”
“We have this same technology available in Seattle today. In May, we were able to use cameras to arrest suspects in a savage beating of a 77-year-old man downtown – suspects who could’ve gotten away and done it again. I strongly urge Mayor Wilson to turn on existing cameras in the Stadium District for the upcoming World Cup events. Activating these cameras could help deter attackers by showing that Seattle Police Department can identify them, while empowering authorities to quickly investigate if an incident occurs. With Seattle on the world stage, lives are at stake. Our city should not vacillate over some murky and confusing “credible threat” standard, which could do more harm than good even if properly implemented. Mayor Wilson must do the reasonable thing and use this existing tool with robust safeguards and privacy controls that are among the best in the entire nation,” concluded Councilmember Saka. …
Here’s our report on what the mayor said about these cameras (and others) on May 19. After receiving Councilmember Saka’s news release today, we asked the mayor’s office for her response, and will add whatever we hear back. The first Seattle match is scheduled June 15th.
Also of note, safety/security during the World Cup events in Seattle is one of the topics announced for Thursday’s Southwest Precinct Advisory Council community meeting, 5 pm (May 28) at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
5:13 PM: For the record, the mayor’s office has acknowledged our request for comment, but hasn’t yet provided the response.
9 AM WEDNESDAY: The response came in this morning via mayor’s-office spokesperson Jonah Spangenthal-Lee:
Mayor Wilson continues to consult public safety officials regarding circumstances that might warrant use of the expanded set of cameras during the FIFA World Cup. We appreciate councilmembers’ perspectives, and those will be part of ongoing discussions.
With regard to credible threats: Identifying a credible threat involves multiple experts from federal, state, and local agencies monitoring and assessing various streams of information. In collaboration with one another, they weigh incoming intelligence and jointly recommend whether to elevate security operations. Mayor Wilson’s decision whether to activate the Stadium District cameras will be informed by this group’s recommendation.
No need to wait until summer to see outdoor Shakespeare. West Seattle High School students are about to take over the courtyard with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” starting Wednesday night. Here’s the announcement sent to us with the rehearsal photos you see above and below:
Journey with us to the forests of Athens for a timeless tale as it was originally told: outside, under the rising moon! Senior Nadya Pederson directs WSHS’s adaptation of the whimsical fantasy full of love, adventure, and the foolishness that often accompanies them both. This production will take place in the WSHS courtyard as the sun sets over the school building. Come enjoy the sites of the blooming trees, the flowering bushes, and the glimmer of shimmer of the setting sun off the historic brick facade as you are transported to the forest. You never know what you may find amongst the trees…
Be advised that it can get chilly once the sun goes down; please layer accordingly. Additionally, the seating area will be mostly shaded, but it could be wise to bring a hat or sunglasses just in case.
This is a family friendly show for all ages, and we encourage you to bring your young ones! (Run time ~1 hour) The production will take place May 27, 28, and 29th at 7:30 PM, in the WSHS Courtyard.Reservations can be made at westsidedramatickets.ludus.com/index.php; tickets are “pay what you will.”
The courtyard is on the southwest side of the school, at 3000 California SW.
Rosalie Miller‘s photo of a fine-striped sweat bee on a calendula in her garden reminds us the sun will be back, probably starting later today. So, shine or rain, here’s 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)
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.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ONLINE MEETINGS: You have two chances today, noon and 6 pm, to hear updates and ask questions of WSF senior management during the afternoon and evening editions of the periodic WSF online systemwide community meetings. Registration links for both are in our calendar listing.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course; today’s guest speaker: Todd Jones from the South Seattle College Automotive Technology Program. (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.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING TODAY: Regular weekly 2 pm meeting is canceled.
TALK WITH DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS REPS … without going downtown! 2-5 pm “office hours” at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Monthly online meeting, 4 pm, for updates and community Q&A about West Seattle’s only tiny-house village. Our calendar listing explains how to get the link.
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.
OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 7 pm at all-ages open mic hosted by Levi Said 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) have launched 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)
PRENATAL YOGA SERIES: First of five weekly classes, 6 pm at Sacred Growing Space (7358 35th SW), details in our calendar listing.
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 – email 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 places to play trivia 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!
(WSB photo from last year’s Paddle Battle)
Pickleball players still have time to sign up for the second annual West Seattle Paddle Battle, benefiting WSHS student-athletes via the WS Booster Club, now less than a week away, 8 am-5 pm Sunday, May 31, at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement:
The WS Booster Club invites the community to participate in the 2nd Annual Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament, presented by Murder Hornet Hot Sauce, benefiting student-athletes at WSHS.
This fun community event is a great opportunity to gather family, neighbors, and friends for a day of pickleball and support for WSHS student-athletes. Proceeds from the tournament will help strengthen programs and opportunities for local student-athletes.
Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up and join the fun. Join us for a great day of competition, community, and support for WSHS!
6:03 AM: Good morning! Back to work and back to school on this Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Clearing as the day goes on, low-60s high. Sunrise was at 5:20 am; sunset will be at 8:53 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
The state 2A track and field championships start this Thursday (May 28) in Tacoma and will include representation from Chief Sealth International High School – we received this photo and update to share with you:
Chief Sealth International High School‘s track & field team had a strong showing at last week’s SeaKing District Championship competition, with numerous podium finishes and several Seahawks advancing to this week’s WIAA 2A State Championships in Tacoma. Chief Sealth will send three individuals and two relay teams to compete across six events at the State meet: Remy Wittman (1600m & 800m), Forest Andrews Wehling (3200m) and Calvin Washington (Shot Put), as well as the Girls 4x400m Relay team (Doe Doe, Paige Dempsey, Elena Latterell, and Harper Gilbert) and the Unified 4x100m Relay team (Kelechi Olekanma, Cash Kochansky, Chloe Greenman, and Joey Snyder). The WIAA State Track & Field Championships will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma. The full schedule of events and participants is available on the WIAA’s website.
Thanks for the photos of what was a vivid but short-lived burst of color during tonight’s sunset! Above, Steve Heck‘s view from The Kenney; below, how Curry Gibson saw it:
(added) Bob Burns sent this as seen from Alki:
Tonight’s official sunset time was 8:52 pm; the latest sunset time of the year will be 9:11 pm, starting June 22 and continuing for a week.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
The rain did not deter a larger-than-usual turnout today for the traditional Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn in High Point, some with umbrellas, others under a canopy in view of the cemetery flagpole:
We recorded it all on video:
After Scouts from Troop 799 brought in the national and state flags, speakers expounded on the theme of gratitude.
Lou Vargas from Dignity Memorial, which owns Forest Lawn, welcomed attendees, and introduced the first guest speaker, Elizabeth Orvis of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations:
She spoke of the sacrifices made by many to protect our freedom, and the importance of supporting the families they left behind. Gratitude for Filipino Americans’ contributions was a theme for both this service and one that the Dignity team had led earlier in the day at another cemetery in Tukwila. The National Anthem singer was Sofia Nigro:
Dignity’s Carrie Burgess observed that Memorial Day is “a sacred time” for gratitude and remembrance.
And if you wonder whether it’s OK to say “Happy Memorial Day,” guest speaker West Seattle VFW Post 2713 Commander Steve Strand said yes:
The U.S. Army veteran explained that it’s important to enjoy life – including holidays – because of those who fought and died for our right to do that. Among them – the thousands of Filipino and American prisoners-of-war in World War Two forced by Japanese captors onto what became known as the Bataan Death March.
A flag was presented to Michael Hayes, descendant of a soldier forced onto the Bataan Death March:
In addition to that act of gratitude, another followed, with certificates of appreciation presented to many of those participating in the event:
The service concluded shortly thereafter, and as attendees headed out, flag-decorated graves throughout the ceremony underscored the words of many speakers:
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