West Seattle, Washington
09 Thursday
What was dispatched as an overdose response at the encampment stretching from Rotary Viewpoint Park to West Seattle Stadium has turned fatal; SPD has been dispatched, after SFD reported that the patient, a man in his mid-40s, has died.
Side note, numerous readers have asked recently what the city’s plan is for addressing this encampment, especially in light of the recent assaults; we’ve been trying to find out but haven’t gotten an answer yet, as the mayor’s office pointed us to the Human Services Department, which then pointed us back to the mayor’s office.
(Tuesday morning WSDOT camera image of stuck-open NB 1st Avenue S. Bridge)
And now we have followup information on Wednesday morning’s two-hour-plus northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge stuck-open problem. WSDOT spokesperson RB McKeon tells us it was electrical trouble, “fixed after an electrical engineer with advance knowledge of the electrical systems of the bridge arrived on site and was able to troubleshoot and repair the issue.” So that’s separate from the cracking that led to the need for repairs last month. Speaking of which, we also asked if the date is set yet for Phase 2 of those repairs – since it wasn’t when we published this report last week following a briefing given to a City Council committee. McKeon’s reply: “We do not yet have a start date for the Phase 2 repairs, but we are still tracking sometime at the end of April/beginning of May.”
With the recent troubles for the state-owned 1st Avenue South Bridge – the bridge-decking cracks, then the mechanical trouble this week (still pursuing followup questions about that) – we wondered about the city-owned West Seattle low bridge’s status. It’s had various maintenance projects in the past few years, but still has periodic problems with the gates, among other things. So we asked SDOT if anything else was on the horizon for the low bridge (officially, the Spokane Street Swing Bridge). Short answer, yes. Long answer:
Our work to maintain and upgrade the West Seattle Low Bridge is ongoing. We have completed several major improvements over the past few years and are planning to continue working on additional upgrades to improve the bridge’s reliability and operations.
Over the past few years, we have completed several improvement projects including bridge strengthening work, earthquake safety upgrades, replaced and refurbished key mechanical components including the turn cylinders, upgraded the bridge’s control system, and installed an intelligent remote monitoring system.
In the near future, we plan to replace both vehicle barrier gates. We are waiting to receive the components for this project and do not yet have an exact estimate for when this work will occur. We will share more details about the schedule when we know more.
Other future projects in the coming years will likely include additional work on the bridge’s hydraulic systems and lock mechanisms and further improvements to the machinery that operates the bridge. We are in the process of designing this work and have not determined the exact timeline.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
While this morning’s West Seattle rally to save state-funded cooperative-preschool/parent education programs started gently – above, a “fund our schools” singalong to the tune of “Wheels on the Bus” – the message grew fiery, thanks to two locals.
We’ve been covering the situation, which involves the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges changing funding allocation in a way that would in essence defund the program, contending it’s not a workforce pathway. The board rotates meeting locations and was at South Seattle College (local program site and WSB sponsor) on Puget Ridge this morning, so that’s how the rally site was chosen.
The first West Seattleite to speak passionately about saving the program was Chris Lampkin, himself a co-op alum and dad, as well as deputy chief of staff for King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda:
Speeches were interspersed with signwaving and chants.
The other West Seattleite presenting an energetic defense of the parent-education program was State Senator Emily Alvarado, who’s also a mom of a tween and teen; she urged the board to “slow down” the process in hopes something can be worked out to save the program:
The crowd also heard from co-op program reps including educators who said the program was their pathway into the system, countering the contention that it’s not a workforce pathway. If something doesn’t change, the program could shut down as soon as this summer, unless $2 million in funding is found – and that’s a high bar for crowdfunding to clear. They’re trying other forms of advocacy too. We’ll continue following up.
After eight days of registration, more than 250 sales are signed up for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026 – which is exactly one month away. Saturday, May 9, is this year’s date for what we call “person-to-person recycling,” all over the peninsula – from Alki to The Arroyos, Fauntleroy to Highland Park, plus some White Center and South Park sales too. WSCGSD is the second Saturday in May as usual, 9 am-3 pm (you can start earlier and/or end later if you choose to). Along with all the individual residential sales signed up, we have school groups, nonprofit benefits, businesses, block sales, even a P-Patch sale (the return of the Solstice Park P-Patch Plant Sale, one of several plant sales registered so far). We have been reviewing listings and making promotional notes as always; eye-catchers include the “Granola Moms Sale,” “Designer Deals on the Lawn,” a sale with a musubi pop-up, one with arcade games to play while you’re there … and of course, tchotchkes, bric-a-brac, and knickknacks promised by various sales too.
So if you’re planning a sale but haven’t signed up yet, you have until Wednesday, April 22 to do it, so when you’re ready (be sure you have your up-to-20-words listing ready), go here to register! (Also as usual, the WSCGSD map will be available online – in interactive and printable-list formats – one week before sale day.)
(In case you weren’t awake early today, photographer Theresa Arbow-O’Connor was)
Here are highlights for 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!):
PASSOVER … concludes today.
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is hosting playspace today until noon. (42nd SW & SW Juneau)
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!) Probably C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Boys’ soccer with West Seattle HS vs. Rainier Beach at 4 pm at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle); softball with Chief Sealth IHS vs. Franklin 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)
WEST SEATTLE ART WALK! Second Thursday means a celebration of art all around the peninsula, with most receptions running 5-8 pm. Here’s the venue list:
For highlights including which artists you’ll find showing their work tonight, at venues from Alki in the north to Gatewood in the south, browse this update!
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 Pizza Maniac.”
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! Tonight, it’s also a stop on the West Seattle Art Walk, as with every second Thursday.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
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.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online – find out the history behind names, with historian Feliks Banel. Here’s how to get the link.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’: Another chance to see West Seattle High School‘s production of the classic musical, 7 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: TIGERS EYE, Ladyfingers, Summer Schoo, 7 pm, 21+, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
’90s TRIVIA: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm, Eric Blu & the Soul Revue, 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).
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm opening performance of ArtsWest‘s new play. (4711 California SW)
DJ AT REVELRY ROOM: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock starting at 8 pm. 21+.
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!
Here in the heart of baseball season, Chief Sealth International High School‘s program is hoping the community will step up to the plate for them. Here’s the pitch:
Baseball isn’t just a sport at Chief Sealth High School – it’s a source of pride, teamwork, and opportunity for our students. But right now, our teams are facing a serious challenge.
Many talented young athletes in our community simply can’t afford to play.
The cost of gear—gloves, bats, cleats, and protective equipment—is too high for some families.
Field maintenance and facility upgrades are desperately needed.
Without proper funding, fewer students are able to participate, threatening the future of these programs.
We refuse to let financial barriers stop our students from stepping up to the plate.
With your support, we can provide:
* Scholarships for student-athletes who can’t afford fees
* New equipment to ensure every player has what they need
* Team building activities to create a safe and welcoming space
* Coaching and mentorship to inspire and grow our programEvery dollar makes a difference. Whether you’re a proud alumni, a local business, or a fan of the game, you have the power to keep baseball alive at Chief Sealth.
Contribute today and help our student-athletes continue playing the game they love!
https://chiefsealthptsa.schoolauction.net/sealthbaseball/homepages/show
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, April , 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the low 60s! Sunrise at 6:31 am; sunset at 7:50 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, until the schedule switch Saturday – details here.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat, possibly into late April. Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
SCHOOLS
Friday is the last day of classes before Seattle Public Schools close for a week of spring break.
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!
12:31 AM: Multiple 911 calls about possible gunfire about 10 minutes ago, and dispatch has told officers one caller has reported a bullet through his window on 35th north of Roxbury. Police are en route to verify. No injuries reported so far.
12:33 AM: Police have not only confirmed the window damage, but also have reported finding casings at 35th SW and SW Cambridge. [map]
(Roadblock just south of shooting intersection, as seen from 35th/Roxbury traffic camera pointed north)
Officers are closing 35th both ways while they look for more evidence.
1:35 AM: Police just announced they’re reopening 35th in a few minutes. And they’ve found bullet damage to at least two cars.
2:26 PM: The photo above is from a comment below. And SPD just sent this in response to our request for followup info:
On April 9, just before 12:30 a.m., patrol officers responded to reports of gunfire near 35th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Cambridge Street. There, officers found a shooting scene that stretched across the intersection. Three residences and three unoccupied vehicles were struck by the gunfire. Police did not find any witnesses, suspects, or victims with injuries. Investigators recovered dozens of spent shell casings in the roadway.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are unknown and under investigation. Detectives in the Gun Violence Reduction Unit are assigned to this case. Anyone with information is asked to call the violent crimes tip line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted.
The SPD incident # is (updated) 26-96582.
City Councilmembers, meeting today as the Select Committee on the Library Levy, added almost $70 million to the $410 million library levy expansion/renewal proposal received from Mayor Katie Wilson. The levy that’ll go up for a final council vote next Tuesday (April 14) is now $480 million. Councilmembers approved this list of 11 amendments, including two by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who was not at the meeting; his amendments support “digital skilling” for teens at High Point and South Park libraries and encourage the library system to work with the Admiral-based Washington State Black Legacy Institute. After the amendment votes, the councilmembers spent a relatively lengthy amount of time saying they realize it’s a lot to ask property taxpayers to keep shouldering, and then clarifying that the acknowledgment didn’t mean any of them were anti-library. Ultimately, all seven councilmembers in attendance – Bob Kettle was absent too- voted to advance the amended levy plan to a final council vote next Tuesday; if councilmembers approve it then too, it would go to voters this August.
We’ve been reporting on the impending defunding of local cooperative preschools as parent-education programs in the community-college system, including the co-ops in West Seattle and elsewhere in the city. Above is a photo from a briefing in North Seattle over the weekend; the next step for supporters is happening tomorrow (Thursday, April 9) morning at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). At 8 am tomorrow, they’re rallying at Cascade Hall on the northwest side of the campus, because the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will be meeting at SSC. That’s the board that made a change in funding allocation that the preschool program says blindsided them – as explained in this WSB story – with just a few months to figure out another way to get funded and avoid having to close. So as part of advocacy efforts, they’re rallying tomorrow morning as a show of support before the board meeting, which (updated) has a public-comment period at 8:45 am. They’ve also been pursuing other advocacy channels mentioned here.
A texter saw that coyote on West Seattle Golf Course on Tuesday and sent the pic, one of three recent reports to share. Another report came in without a pic:
I am not sure that reporting a coyote has been around for a few days is blogworthy but sharing if so. It’s been trotting in and out of the yard for a few days; seen all hours of the day. We abut a city greenbelt so we believe that maybe its set up a HQ/den.
Its not causing any nuisance to us and it trots away when we have gone out to back yard to work on the garden. Looks and watches from a distance of 50-60′. And then leaves. Location is between 16th and 12th and Othello and Webster.
Last but certainly not least, Aaron sent this video from his neighborhood south of West Seattle:
Readers may enjoy this video of a coyote that has frequented our backyard several times, this time on Thursday morning. Thinking maybe there is a den near. Unfortunately it took our three chickens, though I don’t fault it for that. Our kids have surprised it once in broad daylight in the morning before school.
Now our standard reminder – we have shared coyote reports for 15+ years in the spirit of awareness, not alarm, and you can learn about coexisting with them via wildlife experts’ advice.
(Southwest Seattle Historical Society photo)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is expanding days/hours you can visit the Log House Museum on Alki. That’s one of four reasons the next three days are big for SWSHS – and you, if you’re intrigued by local history. The museum is now open on Thursdays as well as Fridays and Saturdays, and Saturday hours are extended to 10 am to 4 pm (Thursdays and Fridays will be noon-4 pm). This Friday, though, the LHM is closed because of the organization’s gala that night, 6 pm at Salty’s – you can still get your ticket(s) by going here. The other two reasons the days ahead are big for SWSHS – first, its online auction continues through tomorrow night; our story from Monday explains how to bid. Also on Thursday night, you can learn about the stories behind area names with historian Feliks Banel as the guest speaker for this month’s online Words, Writers, Southwest Stories event (6 pm – register here for the link). There’s even more going on with the home of West Seattle’s history – browse the latest here.
Regional publications are reporting the death of mountaineering legend and former West Seattleite Jim Whittaker at age 97. We met him more than a decade ago, when the West Seattle mixed-use megadevelopment The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, anchored by Whole Foods) was named for him.
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB – Jim Whittaker at The Whittaker’s dedication in 2016)
Mr. Whittaker was the first American to summit Mount Everest, in 1963. He and his wife Dianne Roberts, a photographer, were living in Port Townsend by the time the building-naming happened in 2014, but in an interview, Mr. Whittaker told us, “West Seattle is home … I went to Fauntleroy grade school, James Madison Middle School, West Seattle High School … That’s where I got my hiking and climbing inspiration. My parents loved nature and the outdoors – we would go to the beach in Lincoln Park. And then starting in grade school, I would walk up the Fauntleroy hill to Arbor Heights [where his family lived], even at lunchtime, so I got a lot of exercise.” You can read more about his storied life in this Cascadia Daily News obituary, which says plans have not yet been announced for a Celebration of Life.
(WSB photo: Spirit of Kingston at Seacrest at midday today)
Metro has gone public this afternoon with the summer sailing schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi, which starts this Saturday (April 11), as we’ve been noting in our morning traffic/transit roundups.
In addition to bringing back the extra night sailings on Fridays and Saturdays between Seacrest and Pier 50 downtown, the West Seattle Water Taxi also will have “new additional sailings on Saturdays and Sundays” on the schedule that runs through October 9. WT spokesperson Al Sanders explains, “There are six extra runs on Saturday and five on Sunday. (The) Marine (division) re-wrote their whole schedule to shrink the 1-hour dwell times at each dock down to 40 minutes.”
Here are the schedules starting this Saturday:
The West Seattle Water Taxi’s sibling route between Vashon Island and downtown is expanding for summer too, with Sunday service starting April 12, in addition to already-added Saturdays.
You can see the entire summer plan – plus reminders about fares, pets, shuttles, etc., – by going here.
David first reported this theft in the WSB Community Forums – in case you haven’t seen it there, here’s his report, with photo and SPD report # added:
Hey neighbors,
Unfortunately, a couple of my bonsai went missing from our yard, likely in the very early morning, last Friday (4/03).These were very special and sentimental to me, and it’s a big loss.
I accept that I will likely never see them again, but wanted to post this in the hopes that if anyone sees them or hears of them, to please let me know. I’m sad that they will likely not receive the proper care they need and may die unnecessarily. They meant a lot to me and any help here would be appreciated.
SPD report # 2026-906095.
(From Alki this morning – photo by James Bratsanos)
A bit of a delay because of this morning’s bridge-watching, but here’s our busy Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through tomorrow.
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 because of our late list today, here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY: Free online info session at 12:30 pm – “Top 5 Things to Do for Preconception Planning: A Naturopathic Approach to Preparing for Pregnancy” with Dr. Emily Lesnak from Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has details of how to attend as well as how to watch later.
WHERE DOES IT GO? 2-4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about reducing waste.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two local home baseball games on the Metro League schedule today, both at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), West Seattle HS vs. Rainier Beach at 2:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS vs. Garfield at 5 pm.
ART WORKSHOP: 3-4:30 pm, teen program at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm drop-in session to get creative – bring your own project or get a suggestion! (3400 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Want to talk about our city’s growth, present and future, as the City Council reviews round 2 of rezoning? You’re invited to the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Our area’s largest political organization starts its meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) with civic-minded organizations there to meet attendees thanks to West Seattle Joiners, and then a business meeting at 7 pm – details on the 34th DD website.
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), non-members welcome too.
KUNDALINI YOGA: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving at midweek – go on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HUM-IN PROTEST: This gathering is for 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)
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’ AT WSHS: 7 pm, West Seattle HS production of the classic musical – ticket info’s in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
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: The stage is yours at West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘WALDEN’ PREVIEW NIGHT AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm preview of ArtsWest‘s new play; online tickets are sold out, but you can check at the box office for changes. (4711 California 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!
Family and friends are remembering Bob Mahn and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Mahn, 87
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Mahn, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was born on November 7, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho. He was a proud 60-year resident of West Seattle, where he built a life centered around family and hard work.
He is survived by the love of his life of over 62 years, his wife Patricia; his sons, Brian (Deena) and Kevin; his grandchildren, Zachary (Miranda) and Zoe; and his great-grandchild, Aela. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Pam) and Mike (Nancy), and his sister, Karen (John), along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1967. He was known for his incredible dedication and strong work ethic, spending 30 years as a Civil Engineer for the City of Seattle from 1960 to 1990. He then worked as a civil engineer with the City of Renton from 1990 until his retirement in 2020.
Above all, Bob treasured time with his family. He was a reserved man, deeply devoted to those he loved, and he enjoyed many years of adventures traveling with Pat and family. He was a devoted grandfather to Zach and Zoe, faithfully attending every game, function, and milestone in their lives. He also found great joy in what he fondly called “the family business” — trips to the casino shared with those closest to him.
The family would like to thank the caregiving team from CareBuilders at Home and Kline Galland Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to Medic One.
(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)
6:55 AM: The northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge is stuck in the “open” position. That’s backing up traffic on routes leading to it.
7:23 AM: WSDOT says crews are troubleshooting but no estimate for fix.
7:58 AM: Still closed (stuck open) but WSP says troopers are working to clear the backup.
8:46 AM: Still stuck due to what WSDOT describes only as an “unknown mechanical issue.” WSP still working to get drivers off the approaches. Other routes are backed up too – one texter says Delridge “is backed up as far as the eye can see.”
9:17 AM: No fix yet. We’re continuing to monitor and will update this story through the morning, launching a new separate one if it’s not resolved by noontime.
9:53 AM: WSDOT says the bridge is running normally again. We’ll follow up on what the problem turned out to be.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the upper 50s! Sunrise at 6:33 am; sunset at 7:49 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, last days of winter schedule, which changes to spring/summer schedule this weekend.
Washington State Ferries – Continuing today, the Triangle Route has a schedule change:
As of Saturday, April 4, the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is running a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat for about two weeks. The Salish is running as the third, unscheduled vessel to help move additional traffic and keep the #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet on schedule. The route will return to its regular three-boat schedule by late April, when we have another vessel repaired and returned to service.
Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
SCHOOLS
After Friday, Seattle Public Schools will be closed for a week of spring break.
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 see above):
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!
Seattle Fire has dispatched four units to the 4000 block of 22nd SW on Pigeon Point to deal with a reported natural-gas line break. They’re checking to see if nearby residences should evacuate too until it’s fixed.
9 PM: SFD has cleared.
A longtime West Seattle retail shop is closing. Willow, formerly Fleurt, at 4536 California SW, announced today that it’s planning to close. The name change happened exactly a year ago, when longtime owner Sam, who founded Fleurt in 2010, turned over the shop to daughter Keonii. Here’s Keonii’s closure announcement:
All good things must come to an end. After 16 wonderful years in the West Seattle Junction, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our shop. This was not an easy choice, but it feels like the right time for us – both as a family and as small business owners – to begin our next chapter.
As for what’s next: I (Keonii) will continue offering flowers and gifts through my online delivery service throughout Seattle. You can find me on Instagram @thedarlingacre and www.thedarlingacre.com.
We are deeply grateful to the many people who have supported us over the years – our West Seattle friends and customers, our incredible vendors (makers, artists, crafters, manufacturers, suppliers, flower and plant growers), fellow Junction business owners, the Junction Association, and so many others beyond the neighborhood. A special heartfelt thank you to the Menashe family for their continued support and encouragement through both the good times and the challenges.
To celebrate our time here, we’ll be holding a massive sale starting on Thursday, April 9th.
It’s been a great run, and we’re truly thankful – but now it’s time for something new.
-Keonii
When Willow’s predecessor Fleurt opened in 2010, it was on the northwest corner of California/Oregon, moving to its current location in 2012.
ADDED: No firm closing date yet, Keonii says, but before month’s end, depending on how the sale oes.
(WSB file photo)
The Delridge Farmers’ Market is moving this year, and opening a bit later than in previous years. The market’s new manager Indra Budiman with market organizer African Community Housing Development says it’s moving to 8855 9th SW – the former Morning Star Market site – right across the street from the site of ACHD’s future Seattle International Public Market. Budiman tells WSB that the market’s grand opening will be Saturday, May 16. We’ll be following up soon for more details on this year’s Delridge Farmers’ Market plan and vendors!
2:56 PM: Seattle Parks sent this news release about Seacrest today, and it immediately raised questions, so we sought answers. First, the news release:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified operator for the Seacrest Boathouse in West Seattle. SPR is seeking to partner with an operator who can keep the park activated and engaged year-round.
The selected party will be responsible for operating the restaurant and retail spaces within the boathouse, providing a healthy and reasonably priced menu, and offering or coordinating watercraft-related activities such as kayaking or rentals. The operator will also oversee routine maintenance and custodial care of the facility and patio, and maintain strong partnerships with other park users, including the King County Water Taxi, watercraft and diving groups, and SPR staff.
Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on May 15, 2026. Late applications are not accepted. All RFP proposals must be emailed to: Joann.gunter@seattle.gov
For more information or to download a copy of the RFP packet, please visit: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/contracts-and-partnerships/partnership-opportunities/seacrest-boathouse-rfp
Taking it on face value, you might wonder where the current longtime tenants at Seacrest – Marination ma kai and Alki Kayak Tours – are going. So we checked with both of them. Both are planning on staying. So far as we’ve learned – pending confirmation with Parks (we’ll update when we hear from them) – the RFP is just something the city has to do every so often. (If you’re a longtime reader, you might remember a bit of a stir almost a decade and a half ago when Marination became the official Seacrest operator.)
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Here’s how Parks spokesperson Kasey Smith replied – “This is a routine process done with concession locations when contracts are expiring. Current operators are welcome to apply, along with other businesses who meet the RFP requirements.”
| 4 COMMENTS