West Seattle, Washington
30 Thursday
(WSB photos)
What a day for a field trip! More than 30 students from Pathfinder K-8 spent the morning at and near Longfellow Creek, starting from Dragonfly Pavilion in North Delridge.. They were split into groups for a variety of outdoor-learning activities, led by environmental educators from DNDA, and while the Salmon Bone Bridge (above) is the most scenic, that’s not where the major excitement was:
Another bridge a short distance south was set up with a sort of slide into which Pathfinder students released some of the coho they’ve been raising as part of the Salmon in the Schools program. That’s long been focused on Fauntleroy Creek, but as we’ve reported previously, culvert work starts this year so some of the release activities are moaving to Longfellow Creek instead. The release terrain isn’t conducive to getting close to the creek, so it’s down the chute with the fish:
At other stations along the creek, the students learned today about how to making the water safer for salmon – hearing about pollutants like tire dust and fertilizers. DNDA’s environmental-education coordinator Mikaela Ebbeson tells WSB this was the third of four field trips as part of their pilot program. partnering with Salmon in the Schools and Seattle Public Utilities.
Starting Monday, Seattle Public Schools will implement a new cell-phone policy for students. According to the announcement sent tonight, it boils down to:
Grade Span-Specific Rules
“Off and Away for the Day” Rule in Grades K–8: Phones are off and stored away for the full school day, with no access during instruction, passing periods, or lunch.
“No Cell Bell to Bell” Rule in Grades 9–12: Phones are off and away during all instructional time. Students may have limited access during lunch and passing periods, supporting responsible device use and digital citizenship while keeping phones out of the classroom.
Exceptions: Students who require access to personal devices for medical needs or as part of a documented IEP or Section 504 accommodation will continue to be supported.
The announcement notes some schools already have strict phone policies; Chief Sealth International High School launched one in 2023.
Washington State Ferries has been saying it expected the Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth run to return to three-boat service in “late April.” It’s missing that by just a couple days; WSF announced today that full service will resume on the route this Saturday, May 2.
That’s a screenshot from the charging documents we just received from the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which announced that the suspect in Saturday’s Gatewood kidnap attempt, 22-year-old Cristien X. Bugge-Marcum, is now charged:
This afternoon, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged a 22-year-old Seattle man with Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree following a West Seattle incident. The defendant remains in jail on the $750,000 bail set by a judge.
The defendant’s next court date is his arraignment, where an initial plea is entered. That’s scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Monday, May 4, in courtroom 1201 of the King County Courthouse. Defendants are innocent until proven guilty in court.
We’ll add narrative from the charging document shortly.
4:09 PM: Here’s the narrative, with redactions. It says Bugge-Marcum is originally from Sequim-Port Angeles, with a recent address in Northgate, but was in Gatewood last weekend staying with friends close to where this happened:
The juvenile victim is identified as (victim). The juvenile witness is identified as (witness). The following information is from the victim, witnesses, and from Cristien X. Bugge-Marcum.
On 4/25/2026 at approximately 1359 hours, officers were dispatched to (xxx) SW Othello St to investigate a report of an attempted kidnapping. The call notes read as follows:
“GROUP OF NEIGHBORHOOD CHILDREN PLAYING IN RP’S YARD, AND 8 YO FEMALE JUST TOLD RP A MALE SUSP TRIED TO GRAB HER ARM AND TAKE HER. SUSP LOCATION UNKNOWN.” (Third person) is the owner of the (XXX) SW Othello St residential home. He called 9-1-1. (Fourth person) lives at (another address on) SW Othello st. Her daughter is (friend, who) was at the neighbor’s house playing with other neighborhood kids. At 1343 hours, (xx) told (XX) to return home for lunch.She got this precise time by checking her doorbell camera which captured when she exited her front door. After going back into her home, she heard her dogs barking at someone walking eastbound past her house and on the south sidewalk. She looked outside and observed a white male carrying a skateboard walking past her house.
(Fifth person) lives at (XXX) SW Othello Way which is three houses east of the scene. (He) showed officers his surveillance footage. In the video, dogs are heard barking at 1:47:02 PM, a shrill scream is heard at 1:47:08 PM, a noise similar to skateboard wheels on a hard surface is heard at 1:47:29 PM, an object crashing on the ground is heard at 1:47:34 PM, a voice is heard yelling something unintelligible at 1:47:39 PM, a male enters the frame on the camera at 1:47:42 PM and is walking eastbound on the south sidewalk. The unknown male continued walking eastbound down the sidewalk and out of frame. In the footage, the only person observed was a white male with short hair wearing a white t-shirt, dark colored backpack, a skateboard in his left hand, black and white shoes, jean shorts that either sagged down near his ankles or were just long jean shorts.
(Victim) is eight years old and lives at (XXX) 36th Ave SW. On 4/25/26 she was playing with friends outside of (XXX) SW Othello st. At one point, she was outside alone and seated on a tree stump. The tree stump is about 35-40 feet away from the sidewalk and near the front of the house. She was looking into the open door of the home while waiting for her friend … to finish playing a game inside and join her outside.
During (victim)’s Child Forensic Interview (CFI) on 4/28/26, she stated the following:
While she was outside, a “guy” walked by with a skateboard and a backpack. She believed he was
wearing a black sweatshirt, but she thought nothing of it. She stated that 5 minutes later, that same
person grabbed her arm and tried to drag her away. (victim) stated that she screamed. When (Friend) came
to door after she heard her scream, the suspect ran behind the house and ran away.(victim) stated that she could not see the suspect’s hair and could not see if it was a male or a female but saw their blue/green eyes.
(victim) said that she could feel the suspect squeezing her arm and felt pressure. She saw the suspect’s skateboard and backpack on the ground when he was trying to drag her away. The suspect did not saying anything to her.
(victim) stated she was so scared her teeth were chattering and thought that she could have been killed. (friend) is 9-years old. (She) was inside the home when she heard (victim) scream. She looked outside and observed the unknown male pulling (victim) away. She described the male pulling (victim) with one hand while holding a knife in his other hand. (Friend) went inside and told another child what was happening who then relayed to an adult what was happening. When (friend) went back outside the unknown male was no longer in front of the home. She observed (victim) crying near the house.
Friend demonstrated the male pulling (victim) about 5-6 feet and away from the home.
On (Sunday) at approximately 1249 hours Bugge-Marcum was observed in the area of 36 Ave SW/SW Orchard St by officers. He matched the description of the surveillance footage seen by officers. Bugge-Marcum was contacted and taken into custody. He was transported to SPD Headquarters.
Bugge-Marcum was read his Miranda Rights and stated in a recorded interview that he has been living at the accessory dwelling unit at (XXX) SW Othello St for approximately one week with his friends … who he is in a “situationship” with. He is originally from Sequim/Port Angeles area.
Bugge-Marcum stated that on 4/25/26 he slept in and stayed …’s residence until approximately 1300 hours. He left to assist his mother with groceries and arrived at his parent’s house at approximately 1400 hours. He went shopping in Northgate at approximately 1600 hours. He returned to his parents’ house at approximately 1700 hours. He took a nap and left his parents’ house at approximately 2000 hours. He stated that he did not return to West Seattle until 0100
hours on 4/26/26.Bugge-Marcum stated that on 4/25/26 he was wearing jorts, a green zip up or a white Adidas zip up, a white t-shirt, and black and white sneakers, he was carrying a blue backpack and his skateboard. He had his cell phone on him and stated it was an android. Bugge-Marcum stated that the people in the neighborhood are uptight. He said he got in trouble
for smoking in the neighborhood and as a result, he walks eastbound on Othello St from …’s residence and then northbound on 36th Ave SW to the water towers to smoke. He thinks the neighbors might have pinned whatever happened on him.Bugge-Marcum provided an outline of his route on 4/25/26. He walked eastbound from ….’s to 36th Ave SW, then southbound to SW Webster St, then northbound on 35th Ave SW to the bus stop on the east side of 35th Ave SW. He stated that he did not see a single person when he was walking on SW Othello St. He said he went straight to the bus stop.
Bugge-Marcum denied touching anyone and said nothing out of the ordinary happened.
The updated police report included with the charging document says his “last known address” is in the Northgate area. The charging papers also confirm what we had noted in research, that he “no known WA criminal history.”
1:52 PM: Police have told dispatch that Delridge is currently blocked both ways at Henderson by the response for what was reported as a driver/scooter rider collision. The rider, described as in his mid-60s, was injured. No other details but avoid the area for a while.
2:01 PM: Short-lived closure – officers say Delridge is now open again both ways. We’ll check with SFD on the rider’s condition.
3:27 PM: SFD tells us the 64-year-old rider was taken to the hospital by AMR ambulance, in stable condition.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
Chief Sealth International High School senior baseball players Carmelo Dictado (manager), Mason Filitaula, Graham Hull, Sam Popelka, Nevin Pivar, and Julian Reinhardt (shown above) were celebrated at the Seahawks’ last regular-season home game Tuesday. But that wasn’t the team and supporters’ only reason to celebrate the game vs. Seattle Christian at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.
That’s the game-end jubilation after a walk-off win, 4-3 photojournalist Oliver Hamlin reports:
Chief Sealth won, 4-3. CSHS put up three runs in the second inning and held Seattle Christian scoreless until the 6th inning. Seattle Christian tied it up in the 6th before walking it off in the bottom of the 7th.
Nolan VanBuskirk (above) led off the 7th inning with a triple.
Seattle Christian intentionally walked the next two batters before unintentionally walking Oliver Clark (above with Coach Ernest Policarpio) for the walk-off.
Sam Popelka (above) pitched six innings, giving up three runs while striking out 10.
More photos from the game:
(Jaxton Daily gets a hit in the first inning)
(Bodhi Smith gets a hit in the second inning)
(Graham Hull slides into third base)
(Nevin Pivar gets a hit in the third inning)
(Julian Reinhardt throws to first base)
ADDED 3:37 PM: The Seahawks are 12-9, second in their division. Playoffs start next week.
Work on the trestle of the Fauntleroy ferry dock was scheduled for just this week, but Washington State Ferries sent word today that it’ll go through next week:
Thanks for your patience as we carry out the repair work on the transfer span at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. The repair work is going well, but it is expected to take a bit longer. Crews expect to wrap up on Friday, May 8. Work hours remain the same.
WSF says the work does not require a barge or crane.
A West Seattle woman’s grandson has been sentenced to prison for stealing half a million dollars from her. According to court documents, the thefts happened at multiple times and in multiple ways between 2020 and 2022. The convicted thief, 33-year-old Forrest W. Strong of Gold Bar, is the only grandson of the 90-year-old victim, an Alki resident. Here’s what the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced today about the case:
Forrest Strong has been sentenced for stealing $500,000+ from his grandmother. This followed a jury trial that ended in March of this year, in which he was convicted of 1 count of Theft 1 and 5 counts of Theft 2 (all counts with a Major Economic Offense aggravator).
Strong was charged with theft by deception, a unique and difficult charge to prove at trial. The victim’s dementia had progressed such that she was unable to testify, so we were left with statements she had made to her son about her finances, as well as her check registry and text messages between herself and the defendant for a few months of the charging period to establish what her intent had been as to her finances. The jury found that Strong deceived his grandmother both as to his need for money (he often had more in the bank than she did) and as to the uses of the money he was asking her for (he said he needed gas money or a car part but he really used it on other things).
Given that he had no previous criminal history, under the sentencing ranges set by state lawmakers, Strong faced facing 14-18 months on the underlying charges, as well as additional time on the aggravators. King County Prosecutors asked for the high end of 18 months, plus an additional 12 months on the aggravators for a total of 30 months, and the court sentenced him to 24 months.
According to court documents, Superior Court Judge Samuel Chung presided at Strong’s sentencing.
(SPD photo, November 2022)
Three and a half years after a deadly shooting at a house on Puget Ridge (here’s our report from the night it happened), investigators say they’ve solved it. Here’s the announcement we received this morning from the U.S. Attorney’s Office:
Two men who traveled to Seattle from Texas to rob a marijuana dealer in November 2022, were indicted this week by the federal grand jury for additional federal felonies connected to the robbery and fatal shooting in West Seattle, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd.
Carlton Pierre Mitchell, 30, and Aaron Thompson, 42, will be arraigned on the superseding indictment on May 7, 2026. The men are charged with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and crime of violence.
A third defendant, Samuel Solomon, was charged by Superseding Information with conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to commit robbery and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime. Solomon pleaded guilty to these crimes on April 27, 2026, and faces a mandatory minimum of five years in prison when sentenced.
According to records filed in the case, on November 2, 2022, Mitchell, Thompson, and Solomon, flew into Portland, Oregon, with a plan to rob the victim who had previously sold Solomon and Mitchell marijuana. The men rented cars and drove up to West Seattle where Mitchell had arranged for an Airbnb rental. At the Airbnb, all three men were armed with handguns. Thompson hid in one of the bedrooms so that the victim would not know he was there.
During the marijuana deal, Thompson came out of the bedroom with a firearm and told the victim not to move. Shots were fired and the victim was fatally injured. Solomon fled the house and caught a flight home. Mitchell and Thompson took the victim’s marijuana, fled the house, and drove home.
Seattle Police responded to 911 calls about the gunshots and found the victim lying injured and alone inside the Airbnb. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Solomon, Thompson, and Mitchell were originally indicted on March 12, 2025. Solomon and Thompson were arrested in March 2025. Mitchell made his initial appearance on the original indictment in September 2025.
Conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute and conspiracy to commit robbery are both punishable by up to five years in prison. Robbery is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Because the firearm was discharged, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking or a crime of violence is punishable by a mandatory minimum ten years in prison and up to life in prison.
The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations. A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The case was investigated by the Seattle Police Department and the FBI, with valuable assistance provided by the Washington State Patrol Crime Laboratory.
We’re following up on the suspects’ status as well as any other charges pending in the case
Thanks to Howard for the tip! Seattle firefighters are back today at soon-to-be-demolished residential buildings on Fauntleroy Way SW south of The Triangle – that’s Highland Park-based Engine 11 out front as of a short time ago.
Firefighters are training – particularly in techniques such as ventilation; we heard chainsaw roaring just as we walked up for a quick pic. We’re awaiting official info from SFD but from past coverage, we’re aware of this program through which you can offer a structure for practice like this before it’s torn down.
P.S. We wrote about redevelopment plans for thi site a year and a half ago.
(Photo by Bob Burns, sunny afternoon on Alki last week)
Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
REMINDER – WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar and missed it here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, join players at Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
DINE OUT FOR GATEWOOD ELEMENTARY: 3-9 pm at The Neighborhood (6503 California SW), the school benefits from part of tonight’s proceeds during the restaurant’s monthly fundraiser night (rotating beneficiaries).
LOOKING FOR WORK? “Create Video Resumes that Get You Hired,” 4 pm teens/young adults event at Southwest Library (9010 California SW)
ART WITH REC’N THE STREETS: 3-4:30 pm, free art activities at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Here’s what’s on the Metro League schedule today: Two boys-soccer matches. At 4 pm – West Seattle HS senior night at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle) vs. Nathan Hale; at 5 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. Roosevelt.
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.
OPEN STUDIO AT POTTERINGS: Bring your own project or get inspiration at the studio, 6-8 pm, details in our calendar listing. (3400 Harbor SW)
PAINT & SIP AT NEPENTHE: 6 pm, themed “Crazy for Crows.” (9447 35th SW)
HOW TO GET RAINWISE: 6 pm free webinar – our calendar listing has attendance links as well as quick ways to find out if you’re eligible for the program.
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Discuss our city’s growth, present and future, at the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
CRIBBAGE AT WEST SEATTLE EAGLES: 6 pm, all welcome to play, membership not required. (4426 California SW)
KUNDALINI YOGA: Do it at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Midweek movement – join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HUM-IN PROTEST: Protesting via sound vibration, 6:30-7 pm Wednesdays at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th 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 4: Four West Seattle trivia venues – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, cash prizes … 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).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: It’s your stage at 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 8:45 pm, after trivia. (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!
(Richard Reed’s winning art for this year’s WSGT)
In addition to celebrating local garden and gardeners, the West Seattle Garden Tour raises money to help local organizations grow. But to get it, you have to apply for it, and next year’s applications are being accepted right now – here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
Each year, the West Seattle Garden Tour, a 501(c)(3) organization, provides grants to other nonprofit organizations for projects that fit our mission — to promote horticulture, education and artistic endeavors within West Seattle and neighboring communities. The 2027 grant cycle is now open. Nonprofit organizations with eligible projects are invited to apply.
Our 2027 grant application form and guidelines are now available at https://www.westseattlegardentour.org/grants. Completed applications are due by midnight July 15, 2026. Grant requests are usually in the $2,000 to $6,000 range with some requests higher or lower.
Accepted projects would receive funds in March 2027.
ABOUT WEST SEATTLE GARDEN TOUR: Since its inception in 1995, West Seattle Garden Tour has been one of the premier garden tours in the Northwest, as well as a fundraiser for local nonprofits. The West Seattle Garden Tour donates approximately $50,000 each year to local grantees in support of their horticultural, educational and artistic missions. Over $600,000 in grants has been awarded since our inception.
The 2026 garden tour is on Sunday, June 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are now available for sale online and will also be sold in select retail outlets beginning in early May. More information can be found at westseattlegardentour.org.
8:35 AM: 2-vehicle collision reported southbound at 16th/Barton.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:55 am; sunset will be at 8:19 pm.
(Tuesday morning photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat, but was canceling some very early-am sailings today, so check WSF’s alert page for updates. That’s also where you’ll find a summary of fare changes starting Friday (May 1). And note work at the Fauntleroy dock this week could affect ferry users.
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!
On Monday we published a reader report about a garage break-in in Fauntleroy, and the victim’s discovery of someone else’s stuff dumped nearby. It appears some of that belonged to a nearby resident. Now we have two more Fauntleroy break-in reports:
STORE BURGLARY: Al sent this photo, taken at the gas-station mini-mart near the north end of Lincoln Park this morning:
Al says the person on duty would only say it happened around 3:30 am. We checked the police log and radio archives; there was a call about a burglary alarm at 3:30 am, then a call categorized “commercial burglary” just before 5. We’ve had a request out to SPD for the narrative since this morning; they’ve told us twice that it is awaiting a supervisor’s approval. If we get the report tomorrow, we’ll add information here.
ADDED WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the narrative, with redactions:
On 04/28/2026 at 0325 hours I was working uniformed patrol for the Seattle Police Department as unit 3W3 with my partner XXXX. I responded to an alarm call at 74XX Fauntleroy Wy Sw, Lincoln Food Mart. The call notes read as follows:
(OWNER REPORTS) AUDIBLE COMMERCIAL BURG, TRIP/0307, COV/ZONE 1 FRONT DOOR, VER/SPOKE WITH KEYHOLDER WITH VIDEO, DID NOT MENTION WHAT HE SAW ON CAMERAS, WILL BE RESPONDING TO LOCATION ETA 5 MINS
I arrived on scene and spoke to the keyholder XXXX. The involved business XXXX Mart had extensive damage to the door frame, windows, ice box and pillars. I captured multiple photos of the damage to the business and uploaded these photos to evidence.com.
XXXX was able to provide officers with video footage of the incident from within the store. Officers watched the video footage and the footage showed the following: At approximately, 02:50; what appeared to be a U-Haul was utilized to force entry into the business. Two subjects utilized a chain that latched to the door frame and the vehicle. The subject’s were able to open the XXXX. There was an inner gate inside of the business that the subject’s were unable to open. Due to this, the subjects backed their vehicle toward the business striking pillars and shattering windows in the business. The subjects were unable to successfully gain access to the building and drove away from the scene.
The estimate of damage that XXXX provided is roughly 20,000-25,000 thousand dollars. Due to damage to the pillars, door frame, glass and merchandise.
It should be noted that it is XXXX. However, it appears that the vehicle had XXXX.
The suspects can be described as follows: 2 Males, wearing dark clothing.
GARAGE BURGLARY: The video and report were sent late last night by Natalie near 45th SW and SW Director:
Just a heads up for Wildwood/Endolyne neighbors. We had 2 guys prowling around our apartment garage at 4 am (Monday) morning. They took a knife from the 4Runner and seemed to be casing the place. … Stay vigilant everyone!
We haven’t been through The Junction in a few days so we don’t know how long this has been up, but this mural on the east side of the California/Erskine 7-Eleven caught our eye this evening, so we pulled over for a quick through-the-windshield pic. It bears both the Coca-Cola and 7-Eleven logos, so we’re pretty sure it’s official, though probably not part of the major Seattle World Cup mural project. (Seen other signs of World Cup mania-to-come in West Seattle? Let us know – thank you!)
One week from Saturday – on May 9th – it’ll be this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, with another record number of sales registered, more than 660! WSCGSD – which we’ve coordinated since its fourth year in 2008 – is NOT one big sale, but instead, sales of all sizes, all types, all over West Seattle (and beyond, including White Center and South Park). We’re in the midst of making the map and list featuring those 660+ registered sales, as well as making notes for smaller lists that might be interest to shoppers looking for particular types of items … this info is based on the listing info that sellers included on their registration forms. Looking for baby gear? Kid stuff? Clothing? Camping gear? Fishing gear? Puzzles? Games? Plants? Cookware? Jewelry? Art? Pet stuff? Home-office stuff? Even … ephemera? (Five listings use that word!) All that and much more (also a popular listing phrase), waiting to be found, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9 – if you’re interested in shopping earlier, later, or adjacent days, there’ll be listings with that info too!
Now a question: It’s also a longstanding WSCGSD tradition to donate leftover stuff to nonprofits if you can. But first, we need a list of nonprofits who welcome post-WSCGSD donations (we’ve heard from one so far), so if you’re associated with one that would be, please email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com – let us know what you’d be interested in, and where/when people could drop it off.
And a reminder – the map and list will be available here on WSB by Saturday morning (May 2) – besides a story announcing it, we’ll also add it to the menu for that day and the ensuing week, so you’ll be able to find it more easily.
(Photos courtesy Denny-Sealth Performing Arts)
Turning now to good news: The jazz program at Chief Sealth International High School is growing, and student musicians brought home proof of that from a prestigious festival in Idaho. Here’s the report from Denny-Sealth Performing Arts president Jaeney Hoene:
The Chief Sealth International High School Jazz Program brought home honors from the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival this past weekend. Led by Director of Bands Joey Roberts (Jazz I and Jazz Combos) and Director Dave Niimi (Jazz II), the Chief Sealth Jazz Bands competed with high school jazz groups from the United States and Canada and earned these recognitions:
(From left: Theo McGaughey, Tito Puente, Jr., Ella Ward, Noah Kimball at the 59th Annual Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival)
Jazz Trio — Division II Winner, Senior Instrumental Combos (Theo McGaughey, Ari Peck, Ethan Faunce)
Jazz Combo I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Combos
Jazz Band I — Division II Runner Up, Senior Instrumental Large Ensembles
Theo McGaughey — Runner Up, Avista Scholarship Solo Instrumental AwardStudents attended workshops and performances and learned from jazz greats like Warren Wolf and various college faculty members. See all student performances at the Denny Sealth Performing Arts website: dspaboosters.org/programs/jazz-band.
Chief Sealth’s jazz program has grown by leaps and bounds this year, splitting into Jazz Bands I and II at a time when funding is scarce. Dave Niimi came out of retirement and donates most of his hours leading Jazz II. In addition to the two Jazz bands, Sealth boasts four individual student jazz combos. These combos self-select their individual music, allowing them to explore their interests and education within the field of Jazz music. Congratulations again, students, it is wonderful to see hard work and dedication pay off!
Want to have fun and support the program? Come to our first annual Rent Party on May 17 at Kenyon Hall, where the jazz bands will take the stage again along with local musicians for a rousing evening of jazz. Many thanks to the growing list of sponsors: Reubens Brews, Georgetown Brewery, The Locol Kitchen and Bar, West Seattle Thriftway, and especially Kenyon Hall Management for providing us an amazing space for our jazz party!
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2:28 PM: Avoid the area.
(Added: Texted photo)
2:39 PM: Original report was a sighting of someone who might have been involved in the South Delridge shooting from earlier.
Three Washington State Ferries notes:
TECH TROUBLE TODAY: WSF reports a “network outage” affecting ticket sales right now:
A network outage is affecting point-of-sale systems and the online ticket store. Fares are being processed offline at terminals. This may cause longer transaction times and delays through the tollbooths. Customers are encouraged to allow extra travel time.
2:59 PM UPDATE: WSF says this is fixed.
FARE, PASS CHANGES FRIDAY: Speaking of tickets, on Friday, May 1, WSF will implement these three changes:
-Passenger and vehicle ticket prices will increase by an average of 3%. The Washington State Transportation Commission approved these changes last summer.
-A 35% peak season surcharge for single-ride vehicle and motorcycle fares will begin May 1 and last through Sept. 30. It does not apply to passenger and multi-ride tickets.
-We’ll start a pilot to extend the expiration date for multi-ride passes. For multi-ride passes purchased on or after May 1, they will be valid for 120 days, up from the current 90 days.
PET POLICY UPDATE AND MORE AT SPRING ONLINE COMMUNITY MEETINGS: We’ve been tracking the pilot program to loosen pet policies aboard ferries, and WSF announced today it’ll update that policy at its spring community meetings, which are scheduled online at noon and 6 pm on Tuesday, May 26. You can register now for whichever time spot you prefer; both meetings routinely have lots of time for Q&A, submitted either in advance or during the meeting. Registration links are in our calendar listing.
(Added: Photo by Tim Durkan)
10:54 AM: Police are arriving in an alley in the 9200 block of 17th SW [map] for a report that a person has been shot. Updates to come.
10:56 AM: Officers have told dispatch that they’ve found the victim, a man in his 30s who has a gunshot wound “to his back.” One witness told them it happened in a tent in the alley between 17th and 18th.
11 AM: SFD has sent a “scenes of violence” response as is standard when an incident is reported to have involved a weapon. Police are bringing in a K9 team and they’re setting up “containment” for blocks around.
11:05 AM: The only descriptioh details so far is male, Black, “light-skinned,” short “balding” hair, black T-shirt that might have a Nike swoosh, dark blue shirt or jacket over it, blue jeans, last seen on foot eastbound from the scene. Possibly in his teens. …
(Added: Photo first posted in a comment by MJJJr, SFD medics wheeling gurney with victim)
SFD medics are taking the victim to Harborview Medical Center.
11:39 AM: Police say a business at or near the White Center side of 15th/Roxbury saw the likely suspect walking by half an hour or so ago, wearing a dark pulled-up hoodie, headed east.
(Added: Photo first posted in a comment by Todd, officers with K9)
12:40 PM: No arrest yet, but police believe they know who they’re looking for, and they’re still searching. Neighbors, meantime, say the encampment, on a vacant lot, has long been a problem; our archives show the site had an abandoned house that was the scene of multiple fires in the mid-teens until demolition.
1:35 PM: SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB that the victim, in his early 30s, was in critical condition when transported.
7:52 PM: Police published a summary on SPD Blotter tonight; the only information it includes besides what we’ve already reported is the reminder: “Anyone with information is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.”
Thanks to Sara Zailskas Walsh for sending the Monday photo! On with our Tuesday – here are event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE … open today, now through noon, drop in with your little one(s). (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
DRAG STORY TIME AT KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: Special event during today’s regular weekly gathering, 10 am through 11:30 am at The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW), just drop in!
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.
GROUNDED CONVERSATIONS: 10:45 am-noon every other Tuesday, free drop-in coaching at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today’s guest speaker: Chris Porter on beekeeping. (4470 35th SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome to play! 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.
OFFICE HOURS WITH DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS: 2-5 pm, drop in if you have questions or concerns for this city department – they’re hanging out at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) today.
CITY COUNCIL: At City Hall, at 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Free assistance for students, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Four home varsity games on the Metro League schedule for today/tonight, all at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – in softball, Chief Sealth IHS vs. Ingraham at 3 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Ingraham at 4 pm, Chief Sealth vs. Seattle Christian at 5 pm; in baseball, Chief Sealth vs. Seattle Christian at 4 pm,
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.
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)
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.
OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 6:30 pm signup, 7 pm start time, free open mic hosted by Levi Said at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
PAST, PRESENT, ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (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 you can 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 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!
14- to 24-year-olds are invited to this brand-new event:
Register for the First-Ever King County Youth Leadership Summit!
Designed by and for young people, this summit is a unique opportunity for leaders and aspiring changemakers (ages 14-24) to gather from across King County. Whether they are already active in the community or looking for a way to start, this event is built to amplify youth voice.
The Details:
What: King County Youth Leadership Summit
When: Saturday, May 30, 2026 | 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: The Museum of Flight (9404 East Marginal Way S, Tukwila)
Registration: https://beststartsblog.com/2026/04/15/register-for-the-first-ever-king-county-youth-leadership-summit/
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, April 28, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Cloudy, high near 60. Sunrise is now before 6 am – today, at 5:56 am; sunset will be at 8:17 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat. Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes plus a summary of fare changes starting Friday (May 1). And note work at the Fauntleroy dock this week could affect ferry users.
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!
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