West Seattle, Washington
16 Tuesday
7:56 PM: Seattle Fire has a sizable response arriving in the 9000 block of 10th SW [vicinity map], for what’s described as a “brush fire” dangerously close to a residence. First units arriving say it’s 10′ by 20′ and they’re downsizing the initial callout.
8:49 PM: The fire was out and all units cleared within a half-hour.
(WSB file photo)
Thirteen years after the city bought that parcel on 40th SW to “landbank” it as a future park, it’s going out to bid, with a downscaled plan. Seattle Parks sent the announcement late today:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is soliciting construction bids on the City’s Procurement Portal for the future park at 4723 40th Ave SW, in the West Seattle Junction neighborhood. The park will provide a nature-themed play area, native plants and trees, a drinking fountain, leisurely walking paths, lawn area, a long shaded concrete seat wall and will seamlessly integrate into the neighborhood on the west side of 40th Ave SW. SPR anticipates the project will be in construction by this fall, and the new park will open in summer 2027.
SPR purchased this 0.38-acre property to provide additional open space for this high-density neighborhood. The public design process occurred in 2017-2018; however, the project was placed on hold during the COVID-19 pandemic as the City focused on essential services. In September 2022, the Seattle City Council, acting as the Park District Board, approved funding for the project as part of the 2023–2028 Park District cycle.
SPR planted grass and opened the area up for interim use by the community. We have secured all construction permits and updated the design to fit within the budget. The park design includes the top three park elements that came out of the public process and will provide native plantings, a drinking fountain, and natural play elements. There are two elements – the wooden boardwalk system and the seating stones – that will only be included if funding is available.
The city bought the park site in 2013 for $1.4 million, half what it’s currently listing as the total cost of planning, designing, and building the park. We haven’t found the bid-solicitation documents yet but will add to the story when we do.
That “ghost bike” memorial has just been installed along SW Wildwood in Fauntleroy, where a Vashon bicyclist died Monday morning after the driver of a box truck hit her (WSB coverage here). We learned more about her from a family spokesperson who was there with her friends from the Rainbow Riders bicycling group. The spokesperson told us,”this was a huge preventable loss” and that, “the street needs to be safer. When any bike rider dies, you know it could have been you.” We’re expecting to have more information soon. Also, the group Critical Mass is planning a memorial ride for her, to this ghost bike and another one for a rider killed in the Central District, starting at 6:30 pm Friday, June 26, from Westlake Park downtown.
3:38 PM: The King County Medical Examiner has just publicly identified the rider as 76-year-old Maridee Bonadea.
An SPD incident summary made public today reveals another police “operation” targeting retail theft at Westwood Village last Tuesday (June 9):
We’re following up with SPD to try to find out more.
(From recent photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
If you’re heading out to see this afternoon’s mega-low tide, don’t take your dog.
Not just because dogs are not allowed on city beaches, but also because it’s not good for the vulnerable sealife exposed when the tide goes so far out.
Despite all that, dogs on beaches – and in other Seattle parks – are the number one source of complaints that city Park Rangers deal with.
That’s according to a briefing the city Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners got at their most recent meeting, including this slide with the newest data on complaints, responses, and enforcement:
The head of the Park Rangers program, Jon Jainga, brought the board some stats – including that they’ve received more than 1,600 animal complaints this year (through May), and isued seven citations. That ratio is not just because the ranger program is lightly staffed – 28 rangers for more than 500 parks and other facilitie, plus 125+ of trails, as Jainga reminded the board – but also because they believe warnings and other forms of education are most effective. Promoting “voluntary compliance” is the rangers’ main role.
(We should note that the briefing just dealt with rangers; Seattle Animal Shelter officers’ role was not part of it.)
Thanks to Wendy and her kids for that photo from Monday’s mega-low tide. Below, you’ll find today’s mega-low tide time, plus what else is happening, on our list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE … open now through noon, drop in with your little one(s). (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
SPRAYPARK SEASON: Daily operations continue at the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale) – free, scheduled 11 am-8 pm daily.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today featuring a guest speaker from Express Credit Union. (4470 35th SW)
MEGA-LOW TIDE: Out to -4.3 feet at 12:21 pm – lowest daytime low tide of the year!
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: Regular weekly 2 pm meeting; here’s the agenda, which explains how to participate, in person or remotely.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: This library program is over until next school year!
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.
FUNDRAISER AT KENYON HALL: 5-10 pm, come to Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) to help support Cara, well-known in the local hospitality industry, as she fights her way back to health.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) are presenting this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL: Weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza candlelight vigil open to all. (61st SW and Alki SW)
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW: WSB sponsor), “Unplugged: A Musical Gathering.” No cover, all ages.
OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 6 pm signups, 7 pm music at all-ages open mic hosted at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you aren’t a Boeing employee – the link explains how to RSVP.
PFLAG MEETING IN WEST SEATTLE: 7 pm – info in our calendar listing.
PAST, PRESENT, & ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
NO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING TONIGHT: Skipping this week.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO! Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four trivia venues tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
KARAOKE AT POGGIE TAVERN: 9 pm Tuesdays, until 1:30 am, your turn to sing! (4717 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!
We’ve featured many fundraisers during the school year that’s about to end – here’s an unusual one we were asked to share with you on behalf of a West Seattle High School program:
Help Replace the Woodshop’s Planer
Donate to Woodshop for a New Planer
WSHS’s 26-year-old planer is broken and the District does not have the funds to repair or replace it. We are turning to the community to ask for support in raising $15,000 to replace the planer in time for the start of school next Fall.
A planer is an essential tool for woodworking because it transforms rough, uneven lumber into flat, uniform-thickness boards, allowing students to create professional-grade joints and furniture. It saves money by enabling the use of cheaper, rough-cut lumber and ensures safety by providing consistent, manageable material. A planer is important for students beginning to learn carpentry, but it also allows advanced students to take on complex woodworking projects. This year, woodshop students used the planer to transform reclaimed mahogany from Memorial Stadium into a beautiful Danish cabinet. A new planer would directly benefit over 200 students that take Woodshop each year.
We are grateful for all donations — no amount is too small. Thank you for supporting this essential (and fun) program at WSHS!
Questions? Contact Paul Bugala at president@wshsptsa.org
P.S. Here’s an example of what woodshop students have been doing.
9:07 AM: Texter reports a crash on NB 99 in the tunnel “blocking the right lane” and backing up traffic to the WS Bridge.
9:52 AM: Another texter, who like the first one was on a bus, says 99 still is at a standstill.
Earlier:
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, June 16, 2026. Next Seattle FIFA World Cup match is Friday.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Also over for now, the summery heat (record high again Monday, 91). Summer officially arrives early Sunday, so this is technically still spring. Today’s forecast is for increasing clouds, high in the low 70s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (earliest of the year, remaining there until June 23); sunset will be at 9:09 pm.
(Monday sunset, photographed by Carol Ann Joyce)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Back to normal.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Also back to normal today – Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Now on the summer sailing schedule. Otherwise, Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners are back home tonight, 6:40 pm vs. the Orioles.
SCHOOL’S OUT
Everyone who’s not out already will get out this week – Wednesday is the last day for Seattle and Highline districts, Thursday for Vashon (which has hundreds of West Seattle “commuter students”).
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature is still not working; we’ve reported it, still no ETA for restoration. In the meantime, you can check live video for any SDOT camera via the SDOT map. State cameras are working and we do have one in the regular lineup:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
(We’ll return the regular camera lineup when the city cams are fully working again.)
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Two notes in Crime Watch tonight:
STOLEN ‘RAT TRAP’: One of the three-dozen-plus area events we spotlighted this past Saturday was the annual Georgetown Carnival. During that big street party, says entrepreneur and preervationist John Bennett – who lives in West Seattle but has property in Georgetown – somebody stole the beloved “life-size” rat trap. “It was made by a Georgetown artit and we alway have it at our events a a photo op … I’ trying to get the word out and offer a reward to get it back.” If you can help, call or text 206-227-1950.
CAR BREAK-IN: The latest reader report comes from Mikayla:
I wanted to send a quick neighborhood tip that my car was broken into on Delridge between Cloverdale and Thistle. The burglar shattered the rear passenger-side back window and did take items from the vehicle.
I do not want to share the details of what was taken, but I thought the location and circumstances were relevant for neighbors to know. I have a newer electric vehicle and had assumed it was more secure than the average car. I had also used features like the child lock with the understanding that it would help prevent access to the cabin if a window was broken.
4:45 PM: Thanks to Rainer Klett for the view from today’s mega-low tide (-4.3 feet, repeating Tuesday at 12:21 pm. The shore is a good place to be this afternoon because we’ve hit a record high for the second consecutive day – 89 degrees at the airport, second consecutive record high. We’ve seen the online airport temp at 90 since then, so 89 might not be the final word on today’s high. But regardless of that, the National Weather Service says the cooldown remains on schedule, and the Heat Advisory alert is still expected to expire at 5 am tomorrow
9:10 PM: Final word on the day’s record-high temp – 91 degrees.
Next FIFA World Cup match in Seattle is USA vs. Australia at noon Friday. The day before that, different USA and Australia teams will meet on a West Seattle field! Just announced by the owners of West Seattle Rhodies FC and West Seattle Junction FC:
The road to the FIFA World Cup comes through West Seattle this Thursday. West Seattle Junction FC and Rhodies FC are proud to host a special international friendly. This unique soccer match will feature members of the Washington State Legislature and representatives from the Australian Parliament, celebrating the friendship between the United States and Australia through the world’s game. This free community event offers fans a rare opportunity to enjoy soccer in a fun, family-friendly atmosphere while welcoming international guests to our city.
Event Details
-Thursday, June 18
-Kickoff: 2:30 PM
-Gates Open: 2:00 PM
-Nino Cantu Athletic Complex
2801 SW Thistle Street🎟️ Admission is FREE and open to the public.
As Seattle plays a major role in the FIFA World Cup, this special match highlights the global connections that soccer creates and celebrates the longstanding friendship between the United States and Australia.
Bring your family, wear your national colors, and join us as the stars and stripes meet the green and gold for an afternoon of community, culture, and soccer.
Whether you’re cheering for Team USA, Team Australia, or simply the beautiful game, this is a unique event you won’t want to miss.
We look forward to welcoming our Australian guests and showcasing the passion, hospitality, and soccer culture of West Seattle.
See you at kickoff
ADDED TUESDAY: Here’s the roster so far, including at least four West Seattle elected officials.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
The FIFA World Cup Seattle matches aren’t the only reason to pay attention to soccer this week. The big week actually kicked off Sunday afternoon at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex with West Seattle Rhodies FC – currently ranked #2 nationally – stomping on Bigfoot FC, 4-0, led by three goals from Mariah Biegaj:
The fourth goal was by Nika Louchard, congratulated below by Biegaj:
Other scenes from the match:
Above, Jadyn Holdenreid runs down a ball; below, Maizy Kluksdal‘s shot is blocked by a Bigfoot FC’s goalkeeper:
Sophie Blake crosses the ball:
Andrea Leyva heads the ball:
Kunie Hirai‘s shot is blocked by a Bigfoot FC’s goalkeeper.
Olivia Shih goes up for a crossed ball:
Biegaj (below left) smiles after her header scores the opening goal off a corner kick.
The Rhodies will be at home next Sunday too, 2 pm June 21 vs. the Portland Cherry Bombs.
12:46 PM: The first of six FIFA World Cup 2026 matches in Seattle has just begun, and if you want to watch on a REALLY big screen, DNDA is hosting watch parties at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center in North Delridge (4408 Delridge Way SW) for all of them. The first one is under way now (only one person there when we stopped in toward the start). As for the official match venue, with Belgium facing Egypt at Lumen Field (“Seattle Stadium”) downtown, all seems to be well.
2:37 PM: The match is over – final score, 1-1.
(WSB photos)
8:09 AM: We’re separating this coverage from the morning traffic updates, as police are reporting this was fatal: A bicycle rider has died in what is reported as a collision with a truck at 47th SW and SW Wildwood in Fauntleroy, south of the ferry dock.
8:32 AM: The investigation will likely close Wildwood – the street between SW Fauntleroy and Barton/California – for quite some time. Our crew has just arrived in the area; adding photos.
8:48 AM: Police confirm to us that the truck above is the one involved. (WSB policy is that we do not show bodies, covered or otherwise; the victim and their bicycle remain in the street in front of by the truck.)
9 AM: This is the first West Seattle crash in which a bicycle rider died since the Arbor Heights collision that killed Steve Hulsman two and a half years ago. Not counting bridge incidents, the last fatal West Seattle crash of any kind was the one-car collision in Seaview in October 2024 that killed driver Riley Kestner.
9:50 AM: No additional information so far but we’ll be following up throughout the day. Note that the C Line is rerouted.
11:14 AM: Metro says that reroute has ended, which suggests the scene has cleared; we’ll go down the hill to check shortly.
NOON: Confirmed, reopened.
1:06 PM: We asked SPD for information a few hours ago. Here’s the summary that we just received:
At 7:59 a.m., dispatch received reports of a collision involving a bicyclist and a box truck near 47th Avenue and Southwest Wildwood Place. Officers and Seattle Fire Department medics arrived and found an adult female on the ground with injuries. Unfortunately, the woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Officers cordoned off the area and the Traffic Collision Investigation Squad (TCIS) arrived to investigate. The 60-year-old driver of the box truck remained on scene and cooperated with the investigators.
The investigation revealed the woman was traveling eastbound on Southwest Wildwood Place on her bike. She veered off and struck a parked car; she then corrected and turned into a box truck traveling east and was hit.
The truck driver was evaluated at the scene and showed no signs of impairment.
This continues to be an ongoing investigation.
We also have a witness account, from a nearby resident who CC’d us on a message to the city asking that parking on Wildwood be removed:
’m writing as a neighbor who witnessed the horrific and preventable killing of a community member biking on 47th and Wildwood this morning. I’m incredibly heartbroken, for them, their family, friends, and the entire community. To save future community members, please remove all street parking on Wildwood.
The bicyclist was trapped between the parked cars on Wildwood and the Vashon Trucking truck. They swerved into the parked cars to avoid the truck, but bounced off of them and were crushed by the truck.
This is a central thoroughfare that connects the WSDOT ferry system with SDOT Streets. I understand installing bike lanes, especially protected continuous bike lanes, is a long term project due to the funding and staffing priorities of the Mayor and City Council. In the short term, please remove all street parking on Wildwood SW to ensure no more community members are killed.
SDOT has told us in the past that they evaluate the locations of deadly incidents to see if there are any changes that would increase safety. So we’re asking them about any immediate plans to look at this location.
6:33 PM: SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson has replied to our question: “We were deeply saddened to learn that a woman died this morning while riding her bicycle. Seattle Police Department is currently leading the investigation into this death. SDOT’s standard practice is to conduct an initial site review shortly after fatal collisions.” He’s not sure yet how soon that will be but promises to let us know. Also tonight, we went back to the crash site to look for any roadside memorial and found these:
6:21 AM: Crash toward bottom of Highland Park Way hill, (update) just west of West Marginal. Live camera shows most lanes blocked, so avoid the hill. Police are on scene.
6:34 AM: That screenshot from one of the SDOT live feeds shows part of the scene. Police are calling for 3 tow trucks. No details on injuries yet but SFD was sent.
6:51 AM: Crash at California/102nd in Arbor Heights. Dispatcher says no one hurt “but it is blocking” at least part of that intersection.
7:03 AM: Texter reports signal trouble at 35th/Fauntleroy. … Police just told dispatch that all lanes are reopening at Highland Park Way/West Marginal.
7:28 AM: Just got another text about the 35th/Fauntleroy signal.
7:35 AM: Crash reported, officer to dispatcher, on eastbound West Seattle Bridge at Spokane on-ramp, involving a semi-truck.
8:01 AM: 47th/Wildwood, crash involving a truck and bicycle rider. Police and fire are on the way. (Note: We are covering this separately, as it is a fatal crash.)
9 AM: Another texter says the 35th/Fauntleroy signal is now fixed.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, June 15, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
The National Weather Service Heat Advisory alert continues until 5 am Tuesday, after a record high of 89 Sunday. Today’s forecast is for more sunshine and a high in the upper 80s. Sunrise was at 5:11 am (earliest of the year, remaining there until June 23); sunset will be at 9:09 pm.
SEATTLE WORLD CUP MATCH 1: Noon at Lumen Field (aka Seattle Stadium), Belgium vs. Egypt. Starting by 8 am, this area near the stadium will be off-limits to motor vehicles:
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – If your bus usually travels in the zone shown above, it’ll be rerouted. For West Seattle, that primarily means Route 21. Check Metro reroute details here.
(WSB photo, last Friday, Doc Maynard with new wrap)
West Seattle Water Taxi – Added runs today – 10 am from Pier 50, 10:15 am from Seacrest. Otherwise, Summer schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
Washington State Ferries – Now on the summer sailing schedule. Otherwise, Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for last-minute changes.
SCHOOL’S OUT
Everyone who’s not out already will get out later this week – Wednesday is the last day for Seattle and Highline districts, Thursday for Vashon (which has hundreds of West Seattle “commuter students”).
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
The city cameras’ updating-framegrab feature is still not working; we’ve reported it, still no ETA for restoration. In the meantime, you can check live video for any SDOT camera via the SDOT map. State cameras are working and we do have one in the regular lineup:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
(We’ll return the regular camera lineup when the city cams are fully working again.)
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
If you’re heading out earlier than usual for a walk or run because of the later heat, be mindful of wildlife!
UPHILL FROM BEACH DRIVE: Kris took that photo about 6:45 pm Sunday night, noting, “Coyote sighting. 6000 block of Atlas Place SW [map]. Coyote was not afraid and when confronted trotted into our neighbor’s yard. Another neighbor has lived here for decades and never seen one come down this far.”
FURTHER EAST: Laura saw this coyote around 8 pm Friday:
That was in the 6500 block of 49th SW [map].
Both those sightings were not far from greenbelts, but as evidenced by our archive of sightings, they might be living anywhere. Advice for ensuring a healthy distance between wildlife and humans – don’t leave food out (pet food, unsecured food waste, unattended small domestic animals) and haze them if you see them (wave your arms, etc.).
After years of planning and anticipation, tomorrow’s the big day – Seattle’s first FIFA World Cup match, Belgium vs. Egypt at noon, with five more matches to follow here over the next three weeks. Whether you’re going to the game or just going to, or near, SODO and/or downtown, the map above shows some key things you need to know – particularly the area that’ll be closed off to motor-vehicle traffic. Some buses will be rerouted as a result – including West Seattle’s Route 21; go here to get reroute details. You can also read more about the pedestrian zone on this SDOT page, which says the street closures should start about four hours before the matches and end
The West Seattle Water Taxi‘s schedule will be affected too – a round trip will be added on World Cup match days during what otherwise is a two-hour gap in the WSWT schedule – a 10 am departure from downtown’s Pier 50 to Seacrest, and a 10:15 am departure from West Seattle.
We’ll be watching traffic/transportation closely through the day, with updates as (if) events warrant! If you see something your neighbors should know about, on the roads/path/water (or at the stadium!), we’re at 206-293-6302, text or voice, any time.
Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch, both reminders that opportunistic thieves continue to circulate:
PACKAGE THEFTS: Just received from SC:
Just wanted to be a good neighbor and alert folks that this morning and (later)today I had Amazon packages stolen from outside my building on Avalon and Andover.
CAR PROWLERS: “A neighbor on 29th” reported this happened last Wednesday night:
There are car prowlers checking for unlocked doors in the Westwood, baseball fields/Trenton area. I guess I forgot to lock my car … and when I got up my car charger was missing and stuff from the middle console was on the driver seat. Registration and insurance cards were still there. Nothing of value was in the car. So we got lucky. But just a warning to others in the area to not leave anything of value in the car and lock the doors.
Congratulations to another volleyball team that won the district championship this weekend – Madison Middle School! Thanks to team supporter Matthew J. Clark for the photos and report:
Congratulations to the Madison Middle School Varsity Girls Volleyball team on winning the SPS District Championship on Saturday against Robert Eagle Staff!
The Bulldogs captured the title in commanding fashion, winning all three sets to cap off an incredible season. Not only did Madison go undefeated throughout the year, but the team also accomplished the remarkable feat of never dropping a single set all season long.
In front of a packed crowd at Chief Sealth International High School, the Bulldogs took control from the opening serve and never looked back. Their teamwork, determination, and consistent excellence were on full display as they closed out a truly special season.
As parents, families, and supporters, we couldn’t be prouder of this group of student-athletes. We’re also incredibly grateful for Head Coach Jennifer Marshall and the entire coaching staff, whose dedication, encouragement, and leadership helped guide the team through an unforgettable championship season.
Congratulations, Bulldogs, on an incredible accomplishment and a well-deserved district title!
Go Bulldogs!
Story and photos by Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Six years after its inception (and nearly five since our first coverage of it), the Heron’s Nest project has seen its culmination in the official return of its West Seattle site to the Duwamish Tribe.
During the Saturday afternoon ceremony and celebration, the official legal deed and title to the land were presented to the tribe. The rights represent 3.56 acres of land in the West Duwamish Greenbelt, less than a mile away from the longhouse itself [map].
Though the symbolism and intent are sizable, the size of the site itself is small in the context of the tribe’s 54,000 or so acres of ancestral lands lost during the colonization of the Northwest by settlers in the 19th century. Today the tribe owns less than 5 acres of land in Seattle city limits, comprising the longhouse and adjacent space mostly used as parking lots; outside the city, they bought a 33-acre plot near Renton last year.
“A long time ago the Duwamish people lived here, and then they were told they were not allowed. But now we are back.” said Ken Workman, Duwamish Tribal Council member and descendant of Chief Seattle. “To the Shared Spaces Foundation, the Real Rent Duwamish Campaign, the Duwamish Solidarity Group, we say with raised hands – thank you my friends for your hearts, for your big work, and just for your life.” He, along with longtime Duwamish chair Cecile Hansen, served as the formal recipients for the presentation on Saturday.
The project began informally in 2019, after one of the founding members of the Shared Spaces Foundation (the parent nonprofit behind Heron’s Nest), Lee, began to look after the property for the previous owner in exchange for using it for storage. At that point, the property was up for sale, having gone through several failed development projects that eventually fizzled out. Upon realizing its proximity to the Duwamish longhouse, Lee began discussions with the tribe on how they could mutually purchase and revitalize the land. In the spring and summer of 2020, the work formally began as the larger Heron’s Nest project, with active stewardship and restoration beginning to take place.
The larger narrative that formed around the Heron’s Nest focused around the pain the Duwamish tribe has felt from some of the worst consequences of the rapid industrialization that came with the Northwestern settlers. The Duwamish River has long represented one of the most severe areas of pollution in the Seattle area, having been designated an EPA ‘Superfund’ site in 2001 due to extreme contamination from industrial runoff. The parcel of land served as a symbol of the larger environmental neglect near the home of the Duwamish, having sat vacant since the 1990s, largely used as a dumping ground, also suffering vandalism.
“We worked in partnership with Duwamish Tribal Services to acquire this land, and helped to take care of it and remediate the damage that has been done. There have been hundreds of years of injustices to indigenous peoples, and they continually happen to this day with the destruction of indigenous people and indigenous knowledge. This has been an incredible gift in itself, in the power of community coming together; doing what’s right, acknowledging the harm that’s been done, and doing things every day to heal that harm.” said Lee.
After the handing over of the deed, the Duwamish presented their own gift. The core members who were there representing the Heron’s Nest received blankets made by Eighth Generation, adorned with the image of an orca.
“We blanket our friends. To us, the blanket is a miracle – it is useful as a mattress, a cover, a tent,” said Workman, as he put the blankets on their shoulders. “When we blanket our friends, we are sharing with them the bounty of this land.”
The land ceremony closed with the Quileute Healing Song, gifted to both the Duwamish and Snohomish people by Vince Penn.
Quileute Healing Song which was gifted to the Duwamish and Snohomish people by Vince Penn.
Beyond the ceremony, the celebration represented many indigenous ways of life, as fellow Salish Sea tribes came to support the Duwamish and exchange their culture with one another. Members from the Coeur d’Alene tribe came to teach people how to play the stick game, and members of the Snohomish came to share stories of tribal folklore and mythology on the central stage after the ceremony concluded. Other activities offered included the making of traditional medicine (such as herbal salves), and printmaking.
Lunch was also a centerpiece for the celebration, featuring traditional Salish Sea cuisine, with the classic open-fire smoked salmon as the central dish. The Lummi Nation provided more than 350 pounds of King salmon, purchased by the Duwamish for the occasion. The Heron’s Nest contributed by building the fire pit during the past few weeks, as well as providing seasoning for the fish, composed of herbs and flowers that had been grown at the Heron’s Nest itself.
Despite what this momentous occasion represented, the work is not done for both the group behind the Shared Spaces Foundation, the Duwamish Tribe, and for the Heron’s Nest itself. The Shared Spaces Foundation’s next large project is the restoration of a 3-acre parcel on the island of Hawai’i, where they have been doing work since January of this year. The Heron’s Nest will still also receive assistance from members who have worked on the project, with Joselynn Tokashiki assisting the Duwamish in further work at and planning for the site. And the Duwamish will continue with various forms of activism in their pursuit of federal recognition.
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo from today’s mega-low tide, saying they had “never seen so many people on the beach, and so much traffic backup on Beach Drive …” Tomorrow’s mega-low tide will be even further out than today: -4.3 feet at 11:32 am
We’ve heard from two people reporting brown water on Genesee Hill. No water breaks mapped currently, so chances are it’s Seattle Fire testing hydrant, which stirs up rust/sediment in the line. But i it happens at your residence, do report it to the Seattle Public Utilities 24/7 line – 206-386-1800.
(Saturday scene at Alki – photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
10:25 AM: After a couple days of advance notice, the Heat Advisory alert from the National Weather Service is about to take effect, starting at 11 this morning. The NWS isn’t expecting record temperatures, but hot enough:
Hot conditions with high temperatures up to 85 to 90 degrees and low temperatures down to 60 to 65 degrees expected. This will pose a moderate risk of heat-related illness.
This is just expected today and tomorrow, with the advisory currently set to expire at 5 am Tuesday (June 16).
COOLING CENTER AT THE Y: If it does heat up past 90, the YMCA (WSB sponsor) announced today that it’s offering cooling-center options:
During this heat wave, if temperatures exceed 90 degrees, YMCA of Greater Seattle branches will be open during their regular operating hours for all members of the community to enjoy as Cooling Centers — safe, welcoming spaces where everyone is invited (no membership needed).
Y members continue to have full access to all amenities throughout the day, including pools, workout equipment, and other services — even during Cooling Center hours.
The YMCA has long served as a trusted community hub, and during times of extreme weather, we are committed to being a resource for everyone — not just our members.
The Y’s hours in the West Seattle Triangle (3622 SW Snoqualmie) and Fauntleroy (9140 California SW) can be found here.
6:32 PM: Turned out to be record heat after all – new record for this date at the airport, 89 degrees. (Old record was 86.)
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