West Seattle, Washington
03 Friday
While continuing to raise money for the rebuild of their fire-gutted ex-HQ, Highland Park Improvement Club is also continuing to find creative ways to serve the community at its site. One way. – spring and summer “First Fridays“ – launched the 2026 season tonight.
The El Koreano food truck served up dinner, while DJs Mighty Moss and Rich served up music:
Environmental education and art was courtesy of DNDA:
And Linda Hornberg, with her book “Picture a Garden“:
Hanging out with neighbors was at the heart of it all:
Next First Friday – May 1st, 12th/Holden.
With major decisionmaking just months or maybe even weeks away, Sound Transit has just launched a survey asking for your priorities regarding what to do next as it tries to close a $34 billion shortfall while keeping promises. Here’s how its announcement explains the survey’s goals:
Sound Transit is working to reduce the impact of historic inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and other factors on its ability to plan, build and deliver transit to the region.
The agency currently estimates that it will need to close a $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years to deliver what’s outlined in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 program. ST3 includes light rail extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma, and Everett, South Kirkland and Issaquah, and much more.
Sound Transit’s Board of Directors and Sound Transit staff are taking proactive steps to address this long-term financial challenge through a comprehensive agencywide process known as the Enterprise Initiative (learn more about that initiative here). As part of this process, the agency is requesting feedback via a survey from those who live within the Sound Transit District.
This survey is available here.
To catch up on WSB coverage of the West Seattle light-rail plan, scroll this archive.
If you live in the Fauntleroy-area neighborhood where Seattle City Light is working on long-needed underground repairs and updates, Brace Point, you’ve probably closely followed their progress. For those who haven’t, here’s the latest of SCL’s periodic updates:
Seattle City Light contractors continue to work on the underground electrical infrastructure serving the Brace Point neighborhood. They are installing new duct banks, conduits, cables, vaults, and streetlights. The new infrastructure will help reduce the risk of outages and improve service for residents.
Underground civil construction is approximately 32% complete. Our crews have installed 3,470 linear feet of conduit and 13 underground electrical vaults. We expect to finish most civil construction by the end of 2026. After that, crews will focus on cleaning staging areas and restoring the project area to the same, if not better, condition.
You can reach our team at bracepointcable@stephersonassociates.com or 206-312-0021.
If you would like to talk to a member of the project team in person, you can find us in the upstairs meeting room at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library on Wednesday, April 8 from 12-1 PM.
Current work areas:
Southwest Brace Point Drive: Crews are working near the intersection of 46th Ave. SW and SW Brace Point Drive.
47th Ave. Southwest: Crews are working north along 47th Ave. SW near the intersection of 46th Ave. SW and SW Roxbury St. Please drive carefully through this intersection and expect changing traffic patterns as the work progresses.
Longer than usual delays: Concrete pours are scheduled to occur on Wednesdays from 8 AM – 2 PM for the remainder of the project. Due to the narrow streets, trucks may have to park in the right-of-way. Please plan for longer than normal delays during these times.
Pedestrian trail: Crews are running new conduit and replacing the streetlight on the trail between 47th Ave.
Southwest to 48th Ave. Southwest. The trail is closed and expected to reopen in mid-April, once crews have finished the foundation for the new light pole. They will restore any areas disturbed by the project to City standards.Upcoming work areas
46th Ave. Southwest: After crews complete work on Brace Point Drive, they will start utility work on the segment of 46th Ave SW between Brace Point Drive and the intersection of SW Roxbury St and 47th Ave SW.
47th Ave. Southwest: This spring, crews will start working near the south end of 47th Ave. SW and work north towards the intersection of SW 98th St.
The work finally started last fall, five years after the originally projected start date.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
West Seattle High School faculty ran the bases at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Thursday after a big softball in – the Wildcats beat the crosstown competitors of Chief Sealth International High School in their annual faceoff. This time, it was a high-scoring slugfest – WSHS 22, CSIHS 9. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB – here are scenes from the game:
(WSHS’s Lila Whaley hits an RBI double in the first inning)
(Chief Sealth’s Ava Boisoneau throws a pitch)
(Chief Sealth’s Olivia Dunham fields a ball)
(WSHS’s Daeja Piggee high-fives after making it to first)
(WSHS’s Molly Lefkowitz celebrates on second base)
(WSHS’s Stella Eley gets a hit)
(WSHS’s Marina Strange gets a hit)
(Chief Sealth’s Dani Thach pitches)
(WSHS’s Julia Herron on second base)
(Chief Sealth’s Zayda Fischer avoids the tag to score)
(WSHS’s Kaila Ignacio heads home to score an inside the park home run)
(WSHS cheering Ignacio’s home run)
(Chief Sealth’s Triana Tuia fields a ball in play)
(WSHS’s Lucy Malloy pitching)
(Chief Sealth’s Elia Lopez celebrating after a steal)
Tonight the two schools’ baseball teams have their annual showdown, 7 pm, also at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
12:52 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big police response in Arbor Heights. They’ve converged on a home in the 10400 block of California SW. SFD has a “scenes of violence” response there. Updates to come.
12:56 PM: This was originally reported as a shooting but now confirmed that no one was shot. A person who was in possession of a gun, reported as “walking away,” is being questioned. SFD has been canceled.
(WSB photos)
A month and a half after Hiawatha Community Center reopened following a six-year shutdown, today you’re invited to visit for today’s “Housewarming,” happening right now. When WSB’s Torin Record-Sand stopped by a little while ago, pickleball play was under way:
The history display was set up:
And you can vote on a Hiawatha mascot:
This all continues into the evening, ending with a flashlight egg hunt for teens and tweens at 6:30 pm. (Hiawatha is at 2700 California SW.)
(WSB file photo)
After today, the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle will be closed for several weeks of work. That’s sooner than first announced, according to the announcement we received following a vote of the shelter’s board:
The shelter has moved its closure date to April 3 (instead of April 15 as previously scheduled). The Warm Up Center at the American Legion Hall is currently closed for several weeks of facility improvements such as bathroom remodeling (which has already begun), kitchen cleaning, door lock changes, and shelter policy development. During this time, no breakfast or other services will be available, and the grounds and building will be closed to the public. (Dinner and overnight stays ended for the season on March 31.)
The Warm Up Center will re-open for breakfast, showers, assistance with forms and housing, and clothing help on a date to be announced soon.Our Amazon wish list is still active for donations, which will be needed when the Warm Up Center re-opens. Thank you to our caring community for all the help we received this winter. See you in a few weeks!
We asked board member Laurie Utterback, who sent that announcement, why they decided to close early. Her reply:
A couple reasons. Our construction professional is donating his time, and these dates fit with his schedule. Also, given the recent incident of escalated violence in the encampment nearby, the board decided that we need more time to develop a stronger security protocol for staff and volunteers for the safety of everyone coming into the Legion Hall.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of what’s planned at local churches we’ve heard from.
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through Thursday (April 9).
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Spring is garden time! See what’s new at the center, open today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW).
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers is open at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), 10-11:30 am.
HIAWATHA HOUSEWARMING: Visit Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) today for a variety of activities, 11 am-8 pm, to reintroduce you to the reopened center.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
FREE TAX HELP: Free tax help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) 11 am-4 pm, registration required.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about and enjoy local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: 12:30-2 pm, a chance to practice at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FISH STICK DAY: The DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team is celebrating with Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 4-8 pm, featuring their food truck, merch, and mascot!
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
FIRST FRIDAYS RETURN TO HPIC: 5:30 to 8:30 pm, this season’s first monthly community celebration at the once-and-future Highland Park Improvement Club site (12th/Holden) with music, food, beverages, art, more.
CROSSTOWN BASEBALL: Big baseball game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’: Opening weekend continues for the West Seattle High School production, 7 pm curtain. (3000 California SW)
BINGO! Play classic bingo at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Katzenväter, Hire Stranger, Belly Cats. Doors at 7, music at 8. 21+. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING AND CELEBRATING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), celebrating 3 years! with DJ Tony H, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to live music with Black Night Crash & Dead Spells, 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Those are bags of food awaiting home delivery to West Seattle Food Bank clients who can’t get to the WSFB in person. Right now there are two ways in particular you can support the WSFB – here’s their update:
PCC is currently hosting a weeklong food drive to benefit West Seattle Food Bank (through Tuesday, April 7), inviting shoppers to support neighbors by donating food during their regular grocery trips. WSFB representatives will be in-store Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm to provide information and answer questions, as well as sell tickets to Nourish & Flourish! WSFB’s spring fundraiser Nourish & Flourish is on May 2, with early-bird ticket pricing available through Sunday (April 5).
PCC’s food drive comes at a time when demand continues to grow, and community support makes it possible for WSFB to keep shelves stocked and programs running.
PCC Food Drive – April 1–7
Support West Seattle Food Bank while shopping at PCC Admiral this weekNourish & Flourish – May 2
Early-bird tickets available through April 5
Info and tickets: bit.ly/NAF2026 or visit westseattlefoodbank.org
8:49 AM: Thanks for the tip. 35th/Henderson traffic light is malfunctioning; texter says most drivers are, appropriately, treating it as an all-way stop.
Earliier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, April 3, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the upper 50s. Sunrise at 6:43 am; sunset at 7:42 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
ROAD/TUNNEL WORK
-As noted Wednesday, the repaving work on eastbound SW Barton by Roxhill Park has begun.
-And again – WSDOT plans a tunnel closure overnight tonight:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, April 3, to 6 a.m. Saturday, April 4, for maintenance.
Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. People going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, while northbound SR 99 travelers must exit at Alaskan Way. The Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps also will close at 9 p.m.
Crews will perform several important tasks during the closure, including:
Testing fire suppression systems
Cleaning and marking drains
Fixing lights
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 (fully open but 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!
(Photos by Chi Krneta unless otherwise credited)
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Tuesday night brought new Seattle Public Schools superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, to West Seattle for the second to last meeting of his community engagement tour, a major opportunity to hear the voices of local SPS parents. The meeting was held at West Seattle elementary in High Point.
As a recent arrival in the district, Shuldiner is looking to get a better grasp of the district’s needs. In his own words, “Building trust is central to the work ahead, and I believe the best ideas come from listening to you and learning from your experiences in our schools.” The meeting series is meant to bridge that gap; especially key in times when budget-balancing has become a defining issue for the district.
(Photo by Torin Record-Sand)
Around 140 attendees were at the meeting, representing students and families from all schools across West Seattle, as well as members of West Seattle Elementary and general SPS staff. Superintendent Shuldiner was also accompanied by Bev Redmond, SPS chief of staff and public affairs, and school board president Gina Topp, the director of SPS District 6, which includes West Seattle, most of South Park, and Georgetown.
After a brief introduction by Redmond and Topp, Shuldiner quickly introduced the agenda for the evening. Much of the time was spent on small-group discussions at tables of approximately eight people each, with three simple questions: 1. What is going well? [for the district], 2. What is not going well?, and 3. What can SPS do to make things better? The audience was given 30 minutes to discuss, with around 10 minutes for each question, and then they were asked to choose a leader from their table to report back their consensus on each question to the whole of the audience.
On the side of the good, many in the audience highlighted the strength of teaching at schools throughout the district. “We have excellent teaching, and when the teaching is fantastic – it’s really fantastic.” said one of the communiry discussion leaders. Others pointed to the district having strengths in diversity and culture, especially in terms of access to dual language instruction programs. Many also said they were happy with the quality of after-school programs.
The negative side of things was more varied. The most consistent theme was the possibility of further funding cuts for the district, and how they could impact schools, as well as how they’ve impacted schools in the past. Some said they felt the district had so far preferred to cut school staff rather than administrators, while others were worried about whether extracurricular funding would remain the same. A large portion of parents were also concerned about technology use in classrooms, saying that policies against phone or tablet use in schools had not gone far enough. Finally, there were concerns related towards racial justice: one woman in the audience, who self-identified as Latina, said that there was not a good path for the Latino community to be represented in district meetings with the ever-present threat of immigration authorities. Another individual pointed at Shuldiner’s comments in an email to parents from a few days ago as insensitive; in particular, his use of the phrase “the soft bigotry of low expectations” referring to systemic issues BIPOC students encounter in the schools.
Suggestions from the community also featured a large amount of agreement. Many said they were happy with the interest the superintendent was showing in community outreach; and were hoping for even more opportunities for communication with the district. The technology issue was raised again, with many highlighting that they were hoping the district would make a stronger policy on both phones and tablets in schools, as well as the usage of AI. And, as also mentioned above, many hoped that if there were future cuts due to the budget deficit, these would be aimed more at administrators or district positions than staff members directly in the schools.
The superintendent’s tour concluded with an online sessioh tonight. Officials from the school district also said that, for anyone who was present at the West Seattle meeting, if they submitted comments via the digital form available to attendees, district staff will be working on taking in the feedback and making sure that every voice is heard.
On night two of registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026, we are already up to 100 sales – a bit ahead of the pace from last year, when the 100th sale was registered at the start of day three. So far we have a variety of sizes and types, including the return of some past favorites like the Art Glass Sale and the Solstice Park P-Patch plant sale, and sales in neighborhoods from North Admiral to Greenbridge, Alki to South Delridge, plus sales whose hosts are moved to describe them with adjectives such as “ephemeral,” “whimsical,” even “designy.” Sale day is always the second Saturday in May, 9 am to 3 pm, so that’s May 9 this year; if you’re planning a sale, go here to register before end-of-night April 22; that’s when we get busy making the map and listing guide so it’s available for previewing one week before sale day! (And be sure to have your up-to-20-words sale description ready when you register, too.)
West Seattle High School baseball supporters want to be sure you know Saturday (April 4) is your annual chance to see the team play at T-Mobile Park in the Mariners Classic – this year vs. Issaquah HS, at noon. Admission is free – just show up to cheer the Wildcats. They will be coming off a big night Friday – it’s the annual “West Cup” games with crosstown competitors Chief Sealth IHS and WSHS facing off at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 3:30 pm Friday for JV, 7 pm Friday for varsity. (This afternoon the two schools’ softball teams played each other – we’ll have coverage of that game later.)
Thanks for the tips. An arrest involving SWAT officers in Highland Park this afternoon turns out to be this arrest announced late today by the Washington State Patrol:
On April 2, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) detectives arrested a longtime fugitive in West Seattle.
Jerry C. Denson, 36, was placed on the WSP Most Wanted list in 2017 after failing to appear in court on a vehicular homicide charge. The charge stems from a DUI-related collision on Interstate 5 in Kent, in which Joy Marie Brannon, a 28-year-old passenger in Denson’s vehicle, was tragically killed.
Over the past several months, WSP detectives and the Organized Crime Intel Unit developed credible information regarding Denson’s whereabouts and worked in close coordination with members of the U.S.
Marshals Violent Offender Task Force to safely apprehend him.Denson was taken into custody without incident and booked into the King County Jail, where he will face proceedings related to the original vehicular homicide charge.
“No matter how much time passes, we will continue to pursue those who evade accountability for serious crimes,” said Trisena Sharff, Captain of the Washington State Patrol’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s arrest is the result of relentless investigative work and strong partnerships, and we hope it brings some measure of justice to the Brannon family.”
“This tragic crash was not forgotten, and I appreciate the work between the State Patrol and our Special Operations Unit to find and safely apprehend this defendant,” King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and this vehicular homicide case will move forward in the courts with our Felony Traffic Unit.”
The Washington State Patrol thanks the King County Prosecutor’s Office and U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force for their assistance in apprehending Denson and helping bring a measure of justice to the Brannon family.
The King County Jail roster shows he was booked about two and a half hours ago, with bail set at $100,000.
(February WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn)
Hiawatha Community Center has been ramping up operations since it reopened a month and a half ago, and now it’s ready to welcome the community to a bigger celebration. Tomorrow (Friday, April 3) you’re invited to the free “Hiawatha Housewarming,” and Seattle Parks says plenty of activities are planned:
Hiawatha Community Center welcomes you to its Community Housewarming!
Crafts, food, games, raffles, giveaways, and various drop-in activities for all ages in the building alongside Recreation staff and community members.
Come view the “115 years of Hiawatha Community Center and Playfield History” exhibit
Your vote will help select the new Hiawatha mascot!
Some Activities:
Morning coffee and tour 11 am
Pickleball 11 am-1 pm
Tot Gym 1:15 pm-3:00 pm
Tot Dance with Teacher Marika 3:15-4 pm
Under 18 Basketball 4:15-5:30 pm
Adult Basketball 5:30 pm-8 pm
Historic Tree walks
Craft projects
Come knit with Hanan
Ping Pong, Corn Hole and table games
A Disco themed photobooth and all-day dance party
The evening culminates with a Tween and Teen Flashlight Egg hunt from 6:30-7 pm
Hiawatha is in The Admiral District at 2700 California SW.
That’s video from this morning’s meeting of the Transportation (etc.) Committee chaired by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, including a briefing on what’s next for repairs to the state-owned 1st Avenue South Bridge.
Brian Nielsen of WSDOT told the committee that they’re still on for the next repair phase to start later this month, but didn’t have an exact start date.
He said the northbound full-deck replacement is likely to happen next year, and it’s not unexpected as that bridge deck was replaced in 1999 and it was expected to last 20 to 25 years. The work starting later this month, Nielsen said, will include removing and replacing 10 deck panels that were temporarily repaired in March. When they start the work, it should last about a month, and they’re working hard to be sure that can be completed before the FIFA World Cup soccer matches in Seattle. He said bridge users should also plan for lane closures in the week before and after the construction to set up and remove scaffolding. For the repairs, they expect to use a combination of weekend and weeknight full closures. Extended weekend closures would span Thursday nights through Monday mornings. “Our goal is to identify a strategy that balances the speed of construction with the impact to the community,” said Nielsen, adding that WSDOT is planning an intensive campaign to inform those affected (freight haulers, commuters, port partners, transit operators).
(2025 WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
Another huge spring event is headed our way – this year’s West Seattle 5K! It’s presented every year by the West Seattle High School PTSA, and they’ve sent word that registration is open:
Lace Up and Join Us at the West Seattle 5K on May 17
This spring, neighbors, families, students, and friends will come together in one of West Seattle’s most iconic locations. The West Seattle 5K, presented by Georgetown Brewing, is happening on May 17 on Alki. This is more than just a run or walk—it’s a celebration of community and a powerful way to support West Seattle High School.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Alki, this annual event brings together runners, walkers, and cheer squads of all ages. Whether you’re chasing a personal best, strolling with friends, or supporting from the sidelines, the West Seattle 5K is fun for everyone!
All proceeds from the event directly benefit WSHS students and programs, helping to strengthen academics, athletics, arts, and enrichment opportunities that make our school community thrive. When you participate, you’re investing in local students and the future of West Seattle.
Registration is open now, so grab your spot, invite a friend, and mark your calendar for May 17. Rain or shine, we’ll be there to celebrate everything that makes West Seattle special.
Register today and be part of it: westseattle5k.com
WSB is a sponsor of the West Seattle 5K again this year, as we’ve been every year since it launched more than a decade and a half ago!
(1:32 pm note – sorry about the technical trouble that led to an old list being displayed with the new one – fixed now!)
(Rhododendrons, photographed by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s what’s ahead today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of what’s planned at local churches we’ve heard from.
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through April 9.
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is hosting playspace today until noon. (42nd SW & SW Juneau)
GIVE THE GIFT OF LIFE: 10 am-3 pm today, blood drive at Bethany Community Church (8600 9th SW).
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: Free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2 – so if you didn’t see it in our calendar in time, make a note on yours for next week! (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: 10:30 am at West Seattle Library (2306 42nd SW).
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
CROSSTOWN SOFTBALL: Big softball game today – Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS at 4 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Anthony’s “Finn.”
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!
LISTENING PARTY: Be one of the first to hear new music by Good Kid, 5 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 California SW), April’s first class, all levels welcome.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If walking is more your speed, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: 7 pm, it’s that magical night each month that various venues open up to let you in to read and chat – or don’t chat! See this month’s list on the WSBC website.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’ OPENING NIGHT: First night for West Seattle High School‘s production of the classic musical, 7 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Mason Derleth, Alter Expressions, Lucas Simonton, 7 pm, $10 cover, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm, Eric Blu & the Soul Revue with Michael Pearsall and Friends, all ages, no cover. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: A relatively new West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Tomås, starting at 8 pm. 21+.
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW), the best of the Washington’s Funniest Mammal competition.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather April 18 to celebrate the life of Darlene Wyosnick, and are sharing this remembrance with her community:
Darlene Wyosnick (née Streeter) passed away peacefully on the morning of March 21, 2026. She bravely battled cancer, ultimately succumbing to complications from a fall that occurred on December 30, 2025.
Darlene was born on October 13, 1938, on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. Her father, Clarence (Doc), and mother, Ruth, were wonderful parents, and she and her brother, Edward (Ed), were raised in a loving family. Clarence was a shoe salesman with a store in Oak Lawn, Illinois, and Ruth was an executive secretary. Darlene looked back fondly on these early days in their Englewood neighborhood, recalling nights filled with the sound of kids playing and a neighbor practicing violin. She also inherited from her dad a lifelong love for her favorite baseball team, the Chicago Cubs.
Music and athletics were a prominent part of Darlene’s childhood, especially at Harper High School. She studied classical piano, played the timpani in the concert band, and competed in volleyball and baseball. She talked often about the mischief she would get into, referring to herself as a rascal who got into a lot of trouble. Most of this was innocent fun, but she knew she frequently tested the patience of her parents. She also established a strong faith in God, with church remaining a prominent part of the rest of her life.
In 1957, Darlene took an office job at a sheet metal company. It was there that she met her first husband, Richard Kirk. Richard’s first wife had died of polio, so Darlene became the mother of his two sons, Phil and Brian Kirk. Together, she and Richard had three more children: Sherri, Richard (Jr.), and Eric Kirk.
Darlene married her second husband, David Wyosnick, in 1978. They started a family in the Chicago suburb of Oak Park and had their son, Ian Wyosnick. They later moved to Lombard, Illinois, where they lived for over 40 years. During this time, she worked at the College of DuPage and became deeply involved with their church, St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lombard. A particular highlight of her time there was volunteering with Team Eve, where she would bring Eve, a golden retriever, to visit people in need of support. She remained deeply devoted to her autistic son, Eric, faithfully spending nearly every weekend with him and becoming an advocate for autistic people.
In 2021, Dave and Darlene moved to Seattle to be near family. They had always loved visiting the beauty of the Pacific Northwest and quickly ingrained themselves into the West Seattle community. They became active members of Hope Lutheran Church, and Darlene continued her lifelong love of animals by volunteering at the Burien Animal Shelter.
Darlene lived a life guided by love, faith, and kindness. She judged people by the content of their character and would gladly invite anyone over for a meal, where she would treat them as a member of her own family. She was a wonderful person who will be missed by many. Her legacy of love lives on through all of those she touched.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence (Doc) and Ruth Streeter; her brother, Ed Streeter; her first husband, Richard Kirk; and her grandchildren, Matthew Kirk and Jared Kirk.
Darlene is survived by her husband, David Wyosnick; her children, Phil (Lesia) Kirk, Brian (Marie) Kirk, Sherri (John) Daedelow, Richard (Katherine) Kirk, Eric Kirk, and Ian (Elizabeth) Wyosnick; and her grandchildren, Misty Navarro, Jeff Kirk, Nathan Daedelow, Jacob Kirk, Natalie Wyosnick, and Holly Wyosnick.
Celebration of life ceremonies will be held on April 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church (4456 42nd Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116), and on July 18, 2026, at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church (215 S Lincoln Ave, Lombard, IL 60148).
In lieu of flowers, please donate online to Oak-Leyden Developmental Services to support the autistic adult community.
(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)
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, April 2, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Mostly cloudy, chance of rain, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:45 am; sunset at 7:40 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
ROAD/TUNNEL WORK
-As noted Wednesday, the repaving work on eastbound SW Barton by Roxhill Park has begun.
-WSDOT plans a tunnel closure overnight Friday night:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, April 3, to 6 a.m. Saturday, April 4, for maintenance.
Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. People going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, while northbound SR 99 travelers must exit at Alaskan Way. The Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps also will close at 9 p.m.
Crews will perform several important tasks during the closure, including:
Testing fire suppression systems
Cleaning and marking drains
Fixing lights
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 (fully open but 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!
(WSB photos and video)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The atmosphere was relentlessly upbeat at tonight’s overflow-crowd West Seattle light-rail forum, organized by King County Councilmember, Sound Transit Board member, and North Delridge resident Teresa Mosqueda as a sequel to the one she presented last November.
Last time, the beef was that there wasn’t enough time for Q&A, so she promised at the outset tonight that her two-hour event would allot fully half the time to that – and that’s exactly what happened.
No major new information was presented, but some takeaways of note did emerge. Mosqueda declared that “this is a critical moment” for the West Seattle light-rail plan, which doesn’t yet have a full-speed-ahead commitment from the ST Board, while ST staff keeps trying to close multi-billion-dollar budget gaps. We recorded the full meeting on video in four sections – here are the introductions, which also included welcomes from Rachel Porter of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Shannon Woodard of DNDA (which owns the venue):
Youngstown Cultural Arts Center brimmed with people – including an overflow area (where Zumba would usually be happening this time). West Seattle Urbanism members were out in force, sitting together in the audience in special T-shirts, holding signs, and spiritedly applauding many of the points made.
Along with Councilmember Mosqueda, other elected officials on hand included Mayor Katie Wilson – who spoke – and City Councilmember Rob Saka – who did not, as well as State Representative Brianna Thomas and School Board president Gina Topp. Mosqueda did much of the talking and had enough ebullience for a trainload of supporters, stressing that the West Seattle project is “shovel ready” (that was explained later) and recapping some points of ST’s latest proposal, as well as two things she hopes to get the agency to do – give displaced businesses the right of first refusal for the new spaces in stations on their old sites, and partly offset their rent before they have to vacate, so they can stay as long as possible. Meantime, she handed the mic to Mayor Wilson, who’s also a new ST Board member, and spoke enthusiastically of ST’s big event last Saturday, opening the cross-Lake Washington line, and elaborated on the “shovel-ready” term, saying she expects “shovels in the ground this year.”
Mayor Wilson said West Seattle light rail is a “historic opportunity we need to seize.” She expressed confidence that the ST Board would come up with a plan to deliver light rail, and vowed that as a “lifelong transit rider and longtime transit organizer,” she would ensure it happens. She wasn’t around for questions later because she left after speaking, saying her “little orange tornado” – aka daughter, who had accompanied her – had to get to bed.
Councilmember Mosqueda then introduced the Sound Transit team – CEO Dow Constantine (who noted he started the job almost exactly a year ago) and executives Brad Owen and Jason Hampton.
Constantine, like Wilson, noted the cross-lake service launch and said the fulfillment of a decades-long dream was proof “we have the expertise, creativity, resolve,” to get ST3 done. And he specifically promised: “We will get to Tacoma, we will get to Everett, we will get to Issaquah and other points on the Eastside, believe me, we will get to Ballard, and we are going to get to West Seattle. It won’t be easy – nothing worth doing ever is.” The latter declarations were tonight’s only allusions to potential “approaches” shown to the board during its recent retreat, potentially cutting out Ballard and in one case deferring West Seattle. The “approaches” weren’t mentioned in the presentation by Owen and Hampton at all:
What they did focus on, as the video shows, is the proposal we reported three weeks ago, when it was first presented to an ST Board committee – dropping the Avalon station, shifting part of the Delridge alignment north and relocating the tunnel portal, and shrinking the Junction station.
This is all part of a plan that could cut the cost by up to two and a half billion dollars.
Some of the notable points:
-The presentation (here’s the full slide deck) included a look at the rendering of the new cross-Duwamish bridge that would be built for light rail – which they also noted would not put any supports in the water.
-Not only would the Junction station be shallower (35 feet instead of up to 70), the Delridge station would be “brought up” so escalators and stairs would be shorter
-They’d said previously that dropping the Avalon station would have little impact on ridership; tonight, we learned how little – 200 riders
-The “crossover” area that would be dropped from the Junction plan would have been up to 130 feet deep
-The new plan “does not preclude extending (light rail) to the south
“We believe there’s a lot of opportunity,” they concluded.
Then, the hour of Q&A, with some comments thrown in:
First and most recognizably was Chris Mackay of the West Seattle Junction Association, saying that while it’s not perfect, this just needs to get done.
Takeaways (including some clarifications, and some reiterations of long-made points) from the rest of Q&A
*No, WS is not a dead end – it will connect to the “spine” and take people all the way to the Everett end eventually
*How does projected ridership compare to the rest of the system? The ST execs said they didn’t have comparison numbers but Delridge was projected around 5,800 daily and The Junction aroud 7,600, while SODO would be an increasingly important transfer spot.
*It was clarified that no grocery stores will be affected by the revamped Junction plan
*The fact that Jefferson Square will be spared – yes, even Nikko Teriyaki! – was reiterated
*This has been said time and again but it was said again tonight – Metro won’t change bus routing until Ballard light rail opens, so the downtown lines will remain in service at least until then (separate from the “approaches,” Ballard still is officially expected to be running in 2039).
Two Metro reps indicated extensive planning continues for bus routes’ future
*Speaking of buses, someone asked, how many light rail riders would have been bus riders instead? The ST duo didn’t really have an answer for that.
*They’re expecting “lots of good union jobs” in constructing the West Seattle Link Extension, confirmed Katie Garrow of MLK Labor, who had spoken briefly earlier in the evening. And she and Councilmember Mosqueda promised those would be available widely.
*What does “shovel-ready” really mean? Owen replied that it means early work paving the way for construction – first acquiring needed property, then drlling test holes, and working with SDOT to see what could be done in the right of way. “It’s not like we hit the ground running and the whole area’s torn up on day one.” A bit later, he said they’re working on contracts now so that if and when the official green light is given, they’d be ready to “push them out” and start getting contractors on board.
*Couldn’t the second downtown tunnel be dropped to save billions? Owen said it would be “incredibly complicated” to try to operate the expanded system without a secod tunnel.
*Would both West Seattle stations open at the same time? Yes.
*Will special efforts be made to ensure people from Alki and Beach Drive can get to Link, since they’ve lost bus service over the years? The Metro team said there’s an effort under way to study long-suspended service, and that there would be community involvement.
One of the last questions – when will a decision be made? End of the second quarter, Owen said. Mosqueda, though, said she hoped sooner, like May.
10:44 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a “full response” for a possible fire in the 6500 block of 34th SW. Updates to come.
10:47 PM: SFD believes this was a false alarm, so they’re dismissing all but one unit.
(WSB file photo)
In two and a half weeks, if you can spare just a few hours, Seattle’s only river – much of which runs along our peninsula – needs you. April 18 brings the spring “Duwamish Alive!” multi-site work party – here’s the announcement from the Duwamish Alive! Coalition:
Duwamish Alive! Celebrate Earth Month by Caring for Our Duwamish River
Volunteer on Saturday, April 18, 10 am-2 pmJoin us in celebrating the 20th anniversary of Duwamish Alive! while caring for Seattle’s only RIVER — the Duwamish, as we work together to improve its health. Volunteers will be restoring native habitat on in multiple urban parks and open spaces from Seattle to Kent in the ongoing effort to keep our river alive and healthy for our communities, salmon and the Puget Sound. Proving that by working together, we can make a substantial difference in improving the health of our region. We be working at sites, from Kent to Seattle to restore and preserve our areas of native habitat in the river’s watershed.
The river’s watershed includes forested areas such as the Duwamish Greenbelt, one of the largest in the lower section of the river, provides important air and water filtration of pollution, especially storm runoff one of the major sources polluting our waters. Tree canopy cover also reduces our summer heat domes, unequally affecting low income, communities of color to a greater degree. The river’s ecosystem supports 5 salmon species including the threatened Chinook salmon which is a critical food source for our Southern Resident Orcas; along with wildlife that includes river otters, beavers, bald eagles, and blue herons. Each of our habitat sites supports this web of life while providing important environmental benefits to our communities – we are all connected.
We are honored to help steward these locations which are the ancestral lands and waters of the Duwamish Peoples who have been here for thousands of years. Join us in caring for these special places. Family friendly, ALL are welcome. Tools and instruction are provided.
To volunteer, visit DuwamishAlive.org to see the different volunteer opportunities and register for the site of your choice.
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