West Seattle, Washington
17 Tuesday
(Full Seattle Channel video of this morning’s meeting)
Though the price-tag problem remains unresolved, planning for West Seattle’s Sound Transit light-rail project proceeds, and the City Council’s Transportation Committee got a status report of sorts this morning.
The city has to give its official blessing to the project’s current designated route, including “transit way” rights for Sound Transit to use it, and this briefing was the first step toward future committee and full-council votes granting those rights. (Just rights, not possession, it was made clear.)
The first “transit way” rights were granted in 2000, it was explained, and this will be the fourth time the agreement has been changed.) Here’s the full slide deck from the briefing, which included – in case you’ve forgotten or are just catching up – succinct descriptions of each segment of the West Seattle Link Extension, still projected to start running in 2032.
Two numbers of interest – Sound Transit says they’re currently projecting the West Seattle extension (SODO to The Junction) will force 150 residential households and 130 businesses to move. But they insist they’re trying to find ways to lower those numbers in the final design, which they said they’re starting on “soon.”
And what about that price tag, last estimated around $7 billion? “We do have significant cost pressures on all our projects,” the ST team acknowledged. “That’s a risk.”
District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who chairs the committee, asked when the agency might decide on scoping changes required by those pressures. The ST team said they’ll be talking about it at next week’s board meeting (Thursday, June 26) but not expecting any changes in the “near term.”
No vote followed today’s briefing – that’s expected to happen at committee and full-council meetings in July. (Other related documents are linked from the agenda for this morning’s meeting, including the resolutions that would put the city’s “approval” of the plan on the record too.)
(Seen on last year’s West Seattle Garden Tour)
If June showers enhance June flowers, then Sunday should be a spectacular edition of the annual West Seattle Garden Tour, as the forecast suggests some showers before then (though the current outlook for tour day is “partly sunny”). We checked in with the WSGT today to, for starters, see if any tickets are left. Answer: No – they sold out as of Sunday. So if you haven’t already bought a ticket, you’ll have to wait until next year. If you have – here’s an important reminder:
We’d like to remind folks who’ve purchased their tickets online for will-call that they will be available for pickup on Sunday only between 8:30 – 11 am at West Seattle Nursery at 5275 California Ave SW. This is a change from prior years where pickup was at Metropolitan Market. There will not be additional ticket books for sale at the West Seattle Nursery.
Tour hours on Sunday are 9 am to 5 pm – please be considerate of the garden hosts, no earlybirds, no late stragglers. And please follow tour etiquette:
-Stay on paths and be careful not to step on bordering plants
-Do not collect any plant material without the gardener’s permission
-Do not bring pets to the gardens (service animals are permitted)
-Please watch children closely
P.S. As we’ve reported before, Garden Tour proceeds go to grants for other nonprofits – here’s this year’s list of recipients – and applications are still open if your nonprofit is interested in next year’s grants.
The photo and report are from Karalyn, who’s hoping you might help find this car:
Early morning this last Saturday the 14th, my dad’s car was stolen on 18th and Henderson, just one block away from Boss Burger. My dad’s car is a black 2014 Lexus ES350 with a license plate of CKW4260. It was stolen between 2:42am-2:53am. It was targeted by a gray Lexus (unfortunately no license plate), with 3-4 men. On the right side, just behind the passenger seat, in green spray paint is the word “TAG.” We believe the person who stole the car was an Asian man with thick eyebrows, according to the photos we have.
(The spray-painting was done by the thief/thieves shortly before this screenshot.) We’ll add the SPD report # when we get it.
(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our reminder list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
CITY COUNCIL TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: The meeting that’s under way right now includes a discussion of West Seattle’s Sound Transit light rail and the city’s role in it, as well as a presentation about the state’s upcoming “Revive I-5” project. Here’s the agenda, which has all the document links. You can watch via Seattle Channel.
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Ready to follow up on “No Kings” participation? One way to do it is offered via this weekly advocacy gathering, until noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-time participant.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW).
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate.
HOMEWORK HELP: Done until next school year!
WEST SEATTLE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION: The Class of 2025 celebrates commencement at 5 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown. Allow extra time for beefed-up security screenings. (400 5th Ave. N.) P.S. If you’re not going downtown, you can watch the live stream on the district’s YouTube channel.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
EVENING UKULELE MEETUP: West Seattle ukulele players meet on third Tuesdays, 6 pm at Good Society (California/Lander).
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
TOASTMASTERS 832 HYBRID MEETING: 6:30 pm online and at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW), grow your leadership and communication skills!
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 4: Here’s the answer to the weekly question “where can you play trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights?” – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
MONTHLY PFLAG MEETING: 7:30 pm at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill).
Organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Just as summer vacation begins, it’s time for families to make some plans for fall – like sports! The West Seattle Soccer Club asked us to share this registration reminder with you:
Hey, West Seattle Families!
Founded in 1968, The West Seattle Soccer Club (WSSC) is a recreational soccer club for youth who reside in the southwest neighborhoods of Seattle. All youth ages 5-18 are eligible to play and experience is not required.
As we gear up for the Fall Soccer Season, excitement is booming with nearly a thousand players already registered! With the Spring Season wrapping soon, it’s time to ensure that you, your friends, and your neighbors join in too! Registration closes June 30th, so act fast. Whether your child is a seasoned player or just starting out, we’re excited to unveil our Fall Registration and anticipate the adventures ahead.
The Fall Season kicks off September 13th and 14th with seasons spanning 8, 10, or 12 games based on age division.
Secure your child’s spot or learn more at westseattlesoccer.org. Questions? Reach us at wsscboard@gmail.com.
Make this Fall Soccer season unforgettable! Enroll today to see your child thrive on the field, make friends, and create lasting memories. Financial assistance is available for qualified applicants. Don’t miss out – register now!
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, June 17, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets); sunset will be at 9:09 pm. (Summer officially arrives Friday evening!)
ROAD WORK
-Admiral Bridge work continues, with traffic routed to one lane each way on the north side of the bridge.
SCHOOL STATUS
Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is this Wednesday (June 18);Vashon Island gets out June 24; Highline Public Schools on June 25. Other schools are closed for the summer. … Also note, the West Seattle High School Class of 2025 graduates at 5 pm tonight at Memorial Stadium downtown.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and some other events). Speaking of which …
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home, facing Boston again tonight at 6:40 pm.
(added) Thanks for the reminder! Club World Cup game at Lumen Field at noon.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
ORIGINAL REPORT, 10:46 PM MONDAY: Police are investigating confirmed gunfire in High Point. Someone said they were shot at while driving home from High Point Library, and wasn’t sure where it had happened, but police told dispatch they have found both several bullet holes in the car and several casings on 35th near the library. No injuries reported so far.
ADDED 11:34 AM TUESDAY: We’ve just obtained the narrative from SPD (they are responsible for the XXX redactions):
Two different residents reported the sounds of the shooting, one resident in the 5900 block of 34 Av Sw, and another resident in the 3100 block of Sw Raymond St.
At approximately 2226 hours, I arrived in the area and began looking for signs of a shooting, when Radio advised that a new caller was reporting that their brother had been shot at. I responded to the caller’s residence (elsewhere in High Point). … XXXXX and his younger sister … were returning from a family member’s house in XXXXXX. XXXXX was unable to name the streets but was able to describe his route home once he exited SR-99.
XXXXX took the hill on Highland Park Wy Sw to Sw Holden St, and then up another hill on Sylvan Wy Sw, which turns into Sw Morgan St as it approaches Sw 35 St. XXXXX made a right-hand turn onto 35th St and had passed the Walgreens located at 6330 35 Av Sw. Prior to making a right-hand turn onto Sw Raymond St, XXXXX thought he heard fireworks. It wasn’t until he felt broken glass on his neck that he realized someone was shooting at his vehicle.
XXXXX told his sister to duck down in the front passenger seat while he quickly drove off eastbound on Raymond St. XXXXX has no idea why anyone would target him or his sister, and believes that it was a mistaken identity, possibly based on his vehicle … a 2022 green Dodge Charger with tinted windows. Neither XXXXX or XXXX were able to provide a suspect or vehicle description.
XXXXX returned home to their residence where he told his older sister, XXXXX XXXX, what had just occurred. Neither XXXXX or XXXX recall anything out of the ordinary on their drive home (and neither) have had any recent conflicts with anyone.
XXXXX and XXXX did not sustain any injuries from the shooting. XXXXX’s vehicle had numerous areas of damage from the shooting. The damage was mostly to the driver’s side of the vehicle, which appeared to have at least four points of entry: two on the driver’s side rear quarter panel and two on the driver’s rear passenger side window.
It appeared two of the rounds that entered the vehicle may have exited thru the front passenger side windshield.
Officer XXXXX took photographs of the vehicle and recovered a slug from the driver’s rear quarter panel and two fragments located just below the front passenger side windshield. Officer XXXXX also recovered three shell casings that had been located in the street near 35 Av Sw and Sw Raymond St. … It is unknown if anyone witnessed the shooting and no cameras were observed in the area.
In a comment during our power-outage coverage, someone wondered if the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 graduation ceremony would be affected. Turns out it was – but everybody adapted adeptly, says Amy, who sent the photo and report:
Just wanted to give a shout out to Boren STEM K-8 8th graders who had their 8th grade graduation this evening at the school with no power. They had to pivot with only an hour before the ceremony when the lights went out. They moved the event to the lunch room since it has windows and natural light, moved as many decorations as they could, and they had no mics or amplified music or slideshows as planned. The grads rolled with it all, gave their speeches, celebrated each other, and still had a great evening together. Congratulations to all the graduates!
(Added: Screenshot from City Light outage map)
4:59 PM: Thanks for the tips on the power outage. 911 log has a “wires down” call in 7000 block 18th SW. 6,300+ homes and businesses are out, per City Light, as far south as White Center. Updates to come.
5:08 PM UPDATE: A downed tree is to blame in the location above, per emergency radio.
5:22 PM UPDATE: Actually more than 7,300 customers out – the SCL outage map shows this as two outages with that total.
5:39 PM UPDATE: For those asking about restoration estimates, while the City Light map offers them, as we often caution people, don’t put much faith in those, as they’re not based on an actual assessment of the outage, so it could be much later – or much sooner (and they tend to change). Just remember two things: Don’t open your fridge/freezer (so the cool air lasts longer), and intersections with dark signals are all-way stops!
5:47 PM UPDATE: There’s the tree that’s to blame for this. Thanks to Michael for sending the photo!
6:35 PM: SCL’s map shows most customers now restored – down to fewer than 500 out, mostly in Highland Park/Riverview.
9:53 PM: As noted in comments, 438 are still out – for the record, here’s that map:
3:26 PM: Transient killer whales have entered the bay, southbound, “close to the Seattle side,” reports Kersti Muul. Let us know if you see them!
ADDED MONDAY NIGHT: They eventually left the bay and continued southbound in the Sound. Thanks to Madison Kirkman for sending these photos! Above, a view from the Fauntleroy ferry dock; below, looking toward the SW 97th street end:
2:54 PM: 13 hours after a crash brought down power lines, closing West Marginal Way SW just north of Highland Park Way, the street is finally reopening. The live SDOT camera has shown southbound traffic coming through, and it’s showing crews removing the “street closed” signage on the northbound side. That should alleviate traffic backups that had been growing on other routes – such as the low bridge – because of the closure.
3:06 PM: The last signs were removed and the last SDOT truck just left, so it’s fully open both ways.
9:44 PM: We asked police if the car whose driver started all this had turned out to be stolen. Not as far as they can tell, SPD says tonight – they asked King County Sheriff’s Deputies to try a “knock and talk” at the car owner’s residence but deputies couldn’t get past a locked gate. To date, apparently it hasn’t been reported stolen, so they’re concluding it wasn’t.
TUESDAY MORNING UPDATE: We asked City Light spokesperson Jenn Strang whether there was something unusual about the repairs that took so long. Her reply: “This incident on West Marginal Way involved telecommunications wires/pole not electrical equipment.”
If you’ve ever wanted Colman Pool all to yourself, the first session of the first day of this year’s 7-day-a-week season certainly offered something close to that – this was the scene about an hour ago; we stopped for a photo while walking on the Lincoln Park waterside path. Today through September 1, the outdoor heated salt-water pool is open daily, with this schedule:
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm…. Lap Swim (daily) and weekend Recreation Swim (Fri-Sun only)
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm…. Lap Swim and Recreation Swim
3:45 pm – 5:15 pm…. Lap Swim and Recreation Swim
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm…. Lap Swim and Recreation Swim
Note that it’ll be closed to the public five days this month and next for swim meets: June 26-28 and July 18-19. After Labor Day, two post-season weekends are planned, September 6-7 and 13-14. Fees are listed here. There’s a free aquatic opportunity in Lincoln Park too (for kids, anyway) – this Saturday (June 21) will be the first day of the 7-day-a-week season for the park’s wading pool, also open daily (weather permitting) through Labor Day.
Two business notes from our partner site White Center Now – we’re linking them here in case you haven’t seen them there:
ARCADE OPENING: We first reported on WCN four years ago that Southgate Roller Rink, on 17th SW just south of Roxbury, was taking over the former Bank of America next door. Now it’s announced a plan to open as an arcade. (1:44 PM UPDATE: We’ve talked to the owner since publishing this and added more info to our WCN item, including the plan to open July !!.)
RESTAURANT CLOSED: Less than two years after opening in the former Zippy’s Giant Burgers space on 14th SW just south of Roxbury, Burger Planet confirms it’s permanently closed.
(California Poppy, photographed by Rosalie Miller)
Here’s what’s on our highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (are we missing something? let us know!):
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 am story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caretakers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm for kids to keep cool! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
COLMAN POOL STARTS EVERY-DAY SCHEDULE: Starting today and continuing through Labor Day, the outdoor pool at Lincoln Park is open every day, noon-7 pm.
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: See city councilmembers look ahead to the rest of the week, 2 pm. The agenda explains how to watch.
HOMEWORK HELP: Done for the year.
WINE CLASS: 6 pm at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – get tickets here.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
LISTENING TO GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP: No need to grieve alone. 6:30 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio, join a group with Listening to Grief. Registration/fee info here. (4034A California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Four places you can play tonight! Every-other-week music quiz hosted by @pubquizdavid at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) has sessions at 6:30 and 7:30 pm … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, and the meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
LAUGHTER: The monthly Routine Killers comedy show – five comedians! – will bring you some, 7 pm at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way) – check for tickets here!
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starts at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music on Monday nights – jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE You can sing at 9 pm Monday nights – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(9:05 am screenshot of SDOT camera)
9:06 AM: West Marginal north of Front is still closed and apparently won’t reopen soon, as an officer just told dispatch that City Light is bringing in a new pole.
9:17 AM: As mentioned in comments, there’s also been tour-bus trouble at the top of the Highland Park Way hill. An officer just told dispatch that a tow truck has now arrived for the bus.
9:45 AM: Police say City Light tells them it’ll be “another two to three hours.”
Earlier:
6:10 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, June 16, 2025.
CLOSURE NOTE
As of right now, the West Marginal Way crash scene north of Highland Park Way hasn’t cleared yet, so avoid that route.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets, and staying there another week); sunset will be at 9:09 pm. (Summer officially arrives Friday evening!)
(Weekend sunset, photographed by Curry Gibson)
ROAD WORK
-Today’s the day that drilling is planned as part of advance work for the future Fauntleroy Way/ferry terminal traffic signal, and delays are expected in the area while work continues, as previewed here.
SCHOOL STATUS
-Public schools are pretty much the only ones that haven’t closed yet. Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is this Wednesday (June 18);Vashon Island gets out June 24; Highline Public Schools on June 25.
TRANSIT TODAY, + REROUTES SATURDAY
Metro buses – Regular schedule today.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and some other events). Speaking of which …
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are home, facing Boston at 6:40 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
2:07 AM: West Marginal Way is blocked by downed power lines near Front Street (just north of Highland Park Way). According to police, they came down when a driver flipped a Tesla, likely because of racing involving at least two other cars. Officers have told dispatch the Tesla was unoccupied when they arrived, but seriously damaged. They’ve summoned City Light to deal with the downed lines, and the closure might last for hours.
2:28 AM: The traffic-camera screenshot shows where the street is blocked. City Light isn’t on scene yet, police are telling dispatch.
9 AM NOTE: We’re updating the closure in our morning traffic report.
2:56 PM: West Marginal is finally reopening.
Two more West Seattle Crime Watch reports:
ABOUT THE 35TH/ROXBURY RESPONSE: If you noticed multiple police cars at the strip mall on the northeast corner of 35th/Roxbury this past hour, here’s what that was about: An officer’s Automated License Plate Reader detected what police call a “rolling stolen” – stolen car on the move, a red Acura. The officer first saw it southbound on 35th at Henderson just before 7 pm, briefly lost track of it, then saw it pulled into the strip mall, where the driver was reportedly seen going into the Global Smoke & Vape store. Backup arrived and officers took the driver into custody. According to dispatch, the car was reported stolen outside the city, somewhere in King County Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. We’ll follow up on what happened from there. … MONDAY UPDATE: The driver, a 39-year-old man, was arrested, and is in the King County Jail. Police say they found him inside the store, keys to the stolen car in hand, plus a credit card belonging to the vehicle’s registered owner. He claimed the Acura TL was a rental car he’d only been driving for a few hours, though he had no explanation for the credit card, per the police report. We’ll check back later on the suspect’s bail, assuming he had a hearing this afternoon as would be standard for the day after an arrest.
CAR CONSOLE STOLEN FROM ABOVE: Reader report from Andrew:
Heads up to those living on Fauntleroy near Lincoln Park. We used to see on our cameras people coming by about 3 in the morning testing car doors to see if they were open (driving slowly and reaching out to test). We always lock our car and never keep anything of value in the cars. So far so good for 8 years… until yesterday, thieves pried up the hard top on my Jeep Wrangler (after 2 years of parking this newish vehicle here) and stole the “uConnect” infotainment / navigation / stereo system, and damaged the roof, the door, the center dash is gashed up.
It’s been reported to police; the permanent report number is pending, but the tracking # is T00032361.
6:26 PM: Thanks for the tips. Power’s out for more than 200 homes in south Fauntleroy/Arbor Heights. One reader says an “explosion” preceded this; the SFD log shows a “wires down” call at 101st/Marine View Drive.
7:03 PM: One of our original tipsters, Andrew, says a tree fell on a line at that location; crews are there now. Here’s a neighbor’s photo, shared via Andrew:
7:35 PM: City Light now says 338 homes are out.
8:14 PM: Map is back to 204 homes. A note if you’re paying attention to the “estimated restoration time” – which has moved from 1 to 2 am – it’s not based on anything much, SCL has admitted in the past, so it could be back on much sooner … or later. Most important advice: Don’t open your fridge/freezer, so the cold air lasts longer.
9:22 PM: City Light says all but 28 homes have power back.
Some suggest Amazon customers use company lockers as a more-secure way to receive packages. That’s not necessarily 100 percent theft-proof, judging by what Jim reports happened to him:
Amazon Locker Flavius, located at 35th and Barton 7-Eleven, was either somehow electrically opened without triggering the “picked up” email, or the Amazon driver just dumped everything next to the box.
My locker was still in a “delivered” but “not picked up” status. But all the empty bags next to the locker had my name on them. So I suspected my locker would be empty, which it was. I did not open it till I had customer service on the phone.
No problem, everything will be replaced in a day or two, but it is worth putting out a word of caution.
On this day celebrating dads, we start our gallery of West Seattle bird photos – all but one sent by readers (thank you!) – with some family views – above, Stewart L. sent the photo of a Canada Goose family afloat. Below, Janelle Otterholt photographed an American Robin and nestlings:
Barred Owlets in Lincoln Park have drawn a lot of attention lately. This photo is from a reader who asked to be anonymous:
Closer-up views were provided by Jamie Kinney, including this one:
And the grownups are interesting too – WSB contributing photojournalist Oliver Hamlin snapped this one:
Also seen in Lincoln Park: Bald Eagles. Mara Jacroux shared this image:
Jerry Simmons saw a Juvenile Bald Eagle with a familiar green-and-white backdrop:
Also from Jerry, an American Goldfinch:
Even the ubiquitous Crow had its moments for photographers in recent weeks. Sarah saw a leucistic – “caramel” – crow in North Fauntleroy:
And Matt Baerwalde caught one posing with a sculpted relative at Cove Park (north of the Fauntleroy ferry dock):
Thanks to everyone who sends bird and other wildlife photos (as well as breaking news, interesting sights, etc.) – westseattleblog@gmail.com is the best mailbox if it’s not urgent!
Someone who stopped by our booth at Saturday’s Morgan Junction Community Festival asked when the Westwood Village J. Crew Factory store would be opening. We went to the center later in the afternoon to see if anything had changed physically with the space, and found the window wrap on the west side of the building, promising the clothing shop will open this fall. We first reported back in January that permit applications had revealed the plan for the space formerly occupied by Game Stop and tanning salons.
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.
A memorial service is planned Wednesday (June 18) for Jeannette Eshom. Here’s the remembrance her family is sharing:
Jeannette Eshom, 78, of Seattle and Mesa, Arizona, passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, lovingly surrounded by her children.
Born August 1, 1946, to Edward and Mae Hetrick, Jeannette grew up in West Seattle, fifth in the group of six siblings. She graduated from Chief Sealth High School in 1964.
Known for her warmth, quick laugh, and quiet strength, she touched the lives of everyone who knew her.
In 1967, she married John Eshom, and together they raised three children: Terrie, Roger, and Christina. Later, she met her beloved partner John Burmaz, where they have been a steady presence in the West Seattle community. Together, they shared more than 40 years of love, laughter, and adventure — traveling the world, building a beautiful life, and eventually spending their winters in Mesa, Arizona. There, they cultivated an additional community of friends, as well.Jeannette worked for many years at Thomas Jefferson High School in Federal Way, dedicating herself to the growth and well-being of students. After retiring, she fully embraced her passions: traveling, genealogy, crafts, ceramics, and bingo. She loved the joy of finding hidden treasures in thrift stores and delighted in collecting Disney figures, coins, and stamps.
Jeannette was generous with her time, always the first to help friends, neighbors, or family. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed and included, and she was the kind of person you could always count on. Her love for her family knew no bounds—she enjoyed many family events, grandkid activities, and milestones in the lives of her children and grandchildren. Family reunions were her favorite, and she was often the heart of every gathering. She was adored by her family and beloved by many friends across the country and beyond. Her kindness, humor, and steady presence made a lasting impact on all who knew her. Her friends continue to share how much she was loved and how much she meant to them.
Jeannette was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Jean and Sally, and her brother Ed. She is survived by her longtime partner John; brothers John and Mark; daughters Terrie (Sofiane) and Christina (Steve); son Roger, and grandchildren Ryan, Zachary, Alex, and Chloe, her partner’s sons Ken and Rick, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial service will be held at Fauntleroy Church, UCC in West Seattle on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM, with a Celebration of Her Life immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Heart Association (or other charity of your choice) in Jeannette’s memory.
Her generous spirit and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
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