West Seattle, Washington
08 Friday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
About 30 people gathered at Southwest Library Wednesday night to talk about SDOT‘s plan for a new crossing at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose Street [map].
Most expressed the opinion that SDOT’s concept for the crossing – at the spot where the city removed a painted crosswalk 19 years ago – is overkill.
Most of the concerns centered on the raised median that is planned between the ferry holding lane alongside Lincoln Park and the southbound travel lane of Fauntleroy Way, though there was not a universal agreement on what might be better.
SDOT reps, including chief safety officer Venu Nemani, explained that this is a Transit Spot Improvement project, since the RapidRide C Line stops north of the intersection on the northbound side. They didn’t make a presentation, but rather talked to attendees, seated around the periphery of the room, until breaking into two groups to stand around tables with the sketched-out design, same one unveiled last fall:
At the start, Frank Immel of the Fauntleroy Community Association – which joined the Morgan Community Association> in organizing the meeting – implored attendees not to “beat up” the SDOT reps, pointing out that while government is often criticized for “not doing anything,” this is a situation in which they responded to community concerns by “doing something.”
SDOT’s Ching Chan noted that this is a rare RapidRide stop without crossing improvements, and described this as a fairly simple project, “quick and low-cost,” and saying there hadn’t been “heavy engagement” with the community because this is about safety “and for SDOT safety is non-negotiable.”
Nemani said traffic data to help with decisionmaking about the intersection was gathered i fall of 2024. That became a point of criticism for some, saying that wouldn’t have been an accurate sampling of how busy the area can get with summertime ferry usage, park usage, etc.
Regardless of traffic-volume accuracy, Nemani noted that many drivers were going well over the 25 mph speed limit. Some area residents seized on that as a concern, worrying that some will zip right through what’s meant to be the holding lane when it’s not full, endangering the pedestrians on the new median, waiting to cross. “Ferry people” rushing to get to the dock were cited numerous times as a source of concern.
And that, Immel observed, is what makes this location different from other places in the city with raised-median crossings – this is the only residential neighborhood in the city with ferry traffic.
Some advocated for the other options Nemani said had been considered – a traffic signal activated by pedestrians, like the one a few blocks south on Fauntleroy, or flashing beacons without a median. He said analysis of the situation in light of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control suggested it didn’t rise to the need for one of those other options. Then why did other intersections on Fauntleroy have pedestrian-activated signals? he was asked. He said repeatedly that he couldn’t speak for why past SDOT employees made the decisions they did.
Another thing about the median, he noted – it’ll enable more poles to be mounted with the flashing beacons, so the intersection will have more of them. (And if you’re wondering about parking, he said it will lead to the loss of eight spots along Fauntleroy.) For those worried that some drivers would use side streets to avoid this area, Nemani said they could add traffic-calming features to side streets to dissuade or at least mitigate that.
The concerns kept coming: What about the ferry-bound drivers who approach from the south and make U-turns to get into the line? What if a broken-down vehicle blocks the lane between the curb and the median? One person insisted, “The median is not necessary at all.” The meeting ended without a summary, but those on hand had received an hour and a half – 50 percent longer than the meeting’s expected length – to air their fears.
WHAT’S NEXT? Chan told us the feedback will be considered in their final decisionmaking. As for who has the final say, she said Nemani’s input would certainly carry weight. The plan would likely be finalized by midsummer and they hope to start construction by year’s end. We also asked about the project budget; though the cost wouldn’t be clear until they know exactly what they’re building, SDOT’s Aidan Bernal told us that right now the budget is ~$250,000.
9:34 PM: If you’re wondering about the sirens in Arbor Heights, especially given the search earlier, this isn’t related – a bicyclist was hit by a driver at 35th SW and SW 108th, according to the dispatch, and the driver is reported to have left the scene. The woman who was hit is not reported to have major injuries so the response is being downsized.
10:38 PM: We haven’t heard anything further such as a driver/vehicle description. A comment below says police are looking for video that may show what happened. Meantime, we’re checking with SFD medics re: the rider.
(WSB photo, February)
Back in February, we reported that Delphinium Delicatessen was on the way for 3902 California SW. We have an update tonight from proprietor Cindy Beaver:
My shop is an homage to a shop on Orcas Island that has since closed (the owners retired) called Roses. I will have fresh baked bread from Seawolf in Fremont/Wallingford, wine, cheese, charcuterie, a sandwich and soup of the day (vegetarian options always available) and kitchen goods/ other foodie items. I aim to carry items that aren’t readily available at Met Mkt, as well as some staples. I will be selling local goods (West Seattle) as well as national and international stuff. I’m currently waiting on plumbing to be completed and hope to get finished and open before June is over.
Once Delphinium is open, Cindy tells WSB, hours will be 11 am to 7 pm Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Mondays).
This morning, someone who works at a local bank mentioned customers visiting to get change for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day. Hadn’t occurred to us before, but it’s another way in which garage/yard/etc. sales evoke a bit of nostalgia – otherwise there’s limited use for cash any more. (Side note, you might have noticed while reading the sale list, some sellers take Venmo, and a few mention PayPal.) Whatever your plan is for shopping/selling, WSCGSD is just a day and a half away – and for those who want to start shopping sooner, remember our list of who’s planning to open Friday. A few more lists – first, a really short one. While several sellers are offering free coffee (food/beverage list later!), we have two coffee businesses with sales (repeat sale sites!): Sale #476 is C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), with multiple sellers offering handmade arts and crafts; Sale #155 is Hotwire Coffee (4410 California SW), where the courtyard will be full of sellers.
Now, a really long list – dozens of sales where you’ll find plants (among other things, in most cases)!
Sale #3 – Wanderlust Nursery
Sale #10 – owners of Terraplanted
Sale #26 – plants
Sale #38 – plants
Sale #41 – house plants
Sale #57 – plants
Sale #58 – plant starts
Sale #60 – plant starts
Sale #66 – plants
Sale #77 – “big plant sale”
Sale #90 – plants
Sale #109 – plants
Sale #112 – plants
Sale #123 – plants
Sale #157 – benefit for Beyers Bulldog Garden P-Patch
Sale #170 – plants
Sale #214 – plants
Sale #230 – plants
Sale 236 – plants
Sale 242 – plants
Sale 246 – plants
Sale 268 – plants
Sale 269 – plants
Sale 286 – plants
Sale 295 – plants
Sale 301 (landscaping rocks)
Sale 305 – plants
Sale 307 – plants
Sale 323 – plants
Sale 350 – plants
Sale 352 – plants
Sale 373 – plants
Sale 375 – plants
Sale 391 (“huge indoor plant sale”)
Sale 429 – plants
Sale 444 – plants
Sale 466 (“huge backyard plant sale”)
Sale 478 – plants
Sale 495 – plants
Sale 496 – plants
Sale 498 – plants
Sale 500 – plants
Sale 504 – plants
Sale 505 – plants
Sale 507 (dahlia sale)
Sale 510 (Solstice Park P-Patch Plant Sale)
Sale 516 – plants
Sale 517 – plants
Sale 530 – plants
Sale 532 – plants
Sale 535 (“garden sale”)
Sale 547 – plants
Sale 554 – plants
Sale 570 – plants
Sale 572 – plants
Sale 585 – plants
Sale 615 – plants
Sale 616 – plants
Sale 618 – plants
Sale 637 – plants
Sale 656 (annual plant sale raising money to fight diseases)
Sale 660 – plants
Sale 662 – plants
We’re aiming for another update tonight featuring unusual items. Again, the clickable map is here, and the printable list is here!
2:47 PM: Thanks for the tips. Multiple readers asked about a big King County Sheriff’s Office response in North Shorewood, near 26th/112th. Our photographer talked to a deputy at the scene who explained they were looking for someone who fled when they arrived to serve a “weapons warrant.”
They used K9 and drones to try to find the suspect but so far no luck.
No info on the suspect’s description; we’ll add anything else we find out.
5:40 PM: Noted in comments, a possible sighting in Seola, and the Guardian One helicopter is helping look now.
6:05 PM: He may have been seen near 39th/110th, and/or on Marine View Drive. Reportedly heading north, so Guardian One is heading north too.
Lots of coyote sightings, including three just this morning.
The photo above is from Brooke, who reports this sighting in her yard around 11 am:
I heard the birds going nuts, so I went to take a peek. Just a coyote passing on through in broad daylight! I live on the West end of Edmunds/51st Place.
After that report, we got this one from Jonathan nearby, 51st/Hudson, in the 8 am hour:
Was on my daily run this morning and this guy ran right in front of me. Definitely made the day special!
About that same time, a texter saw one running past houses at 36th and Andover, westbound. (They sent video which we’re hoping to be able to add.)
Earlier in the week, we received these reports – first, texted from Gatewood:
5/3/26, approx. 10:30 pm, while dog walking 6700 block of 39th Ave SW near Holly, two coyotes spotted. One moving south on 39th, the other at intersection with Holly. One ran back north on 39th after eye contact to meet the one standing at intersection 39th and Holly- both then fled west Holly on 39th.
And Melissa had this daytime sighting Monday:
Just wanted to share that my husband saw a coyote run into our front yard around 11 am today and chase our cats (they’re safe and inside now). We’re at 37th and Edmunds (right by the Mount). We’ve seen the coyotes in the evenings/night, but this was the first time I’ve heard of them in the neighborhood during the day!
Our standard disclaimer – we have published coyote sightings for 15+ years in the spirit of awareness, not alarm, so we always point to experts’ advice on safe co-existence.
12:23 PM: Ahead of a scheduled appearance this afternoon at an event celebrating the 750th tiny home built at Sound Foundations Northwest, Mayor Katie Wilson has announced another new site for some of those tiny homes – a location in South Park. From the announcement:
… (T)he City has executed a lease on a property in South Park which will become the site of a 90-unit Tiny House Village with wraparound services. Because of previous work to eliminate administrative barriers to accelerate shelter development, the site will be able to go through the development process and be open to bring people inside within the next few months. A community meeting will be held for neighbors in the next several weeks.
The announcement does not include the site’s address, so we followed up with mayoral spokesperson Sage Wilson. He replied, “Unfortunately as a term of the lease, we can’t immediately share the specific address. I can say that it should be able to open in the next few months, but can’t really be more precise than that at this point.” We observed that some are not clear about where West Seattle ends and South Park begins – we’ve even seen erroneous references to the future RV/tiny-house site Glassyard Commons as being SP instead of WS – but Wilson said the new village’s site “is firmly in South Park.” With Glassyard Commons (7201 2nd SW), that means two new sanctioned outdoor-shelter sites in City Council District 1, which already has the decade-old Camp Second Chance tiny-home village on Myers Way.
3:55 PM: Thanks to a commenter, and corroborating city records, we now know the site’s address: 9128 10th Avenue South. The Low-Income Housing Institute, which operates most other tiny-home villages in Seattle, applied for a permit for a 90-unit tiny-home village on the site more than a month ago.
Our letter carrier brought the familiar blue bag today – the one we can fill with nonperishable food to leave for pickup on Saturday (May 9) during Stamp Out Hunger. Along with West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, the second Saturday in May always brings this unique food drive by the National Association of Letter Carriers, so we always remind you to leave out your bag – if you can donate – before shopping and/or selling on Saturday! Put your donation bag by wherever you get your mail – box, door slot, etc. – and it’ll be collected and sorted for distribution to partners that serve food banks. If you don’t get the “official” bag, no worries, you can use any other bag you have (just be sure it’s sturdy since carriers have to tote the bags back to their vehicles). This has been a tradition since 1993!
(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
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!):
TWO DAYS TILL WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Find the sale map (and a link to the printable list) here.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB LAUNCHES: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!
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.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
MEDICARE INFORMATION: 11 am at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), get your questions answered.
ONLINE HEALTH INFO WITH LOCAL DOCTOR: “Simple Steps to Prevent and Reverse Prediabetes with Dr. Cheri Wood” at 12:30 pm – our calendar listing has info on how to get the link and/or watch later.
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!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: From the Metro League schedule for today – postseason baseball game for Chief Sealth International High School, 4 pm vs. Lindbergh at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center.
DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s C Davis Texas Barbecue.
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! On tonight’s West Seattle Book Club list, too, starting at 7.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB & WS RUNNER SHOPPING NIGHT: 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! After the run, nearby West Seattle Runner (2743 California; WSB sponsor) is opening the shop to Westies runners, with special discounts.
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Tom Hutyler & High Cheese, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: At these locations starting at 7 pm, all around West Seattle and White Center – bring your own book, read, then chat if you want to (or don’t if you don’t).
CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: 7 pm, the community coalition for White Center and vicinity meets at North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th), all welcome.
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: One of the newest West Seattle trivia nights! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7, music at 8 pm for Fire to Wolves, Harsh Reality (tribute to WEEN), $10 cover, all ages until 10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
COMEDY IN THE JUNCTION: Derek Steen is the headliner tonight at 8 pm at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) is BYO Vinyl Night 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!
Play bingo, support community work! The Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is offering you a chance to do both at once, and is sending out the last call for tickets:
There are still some seats available for Peace, Love & Bingo: Flower Power, an evening of rainbow bingo with Sylvia O’Stayformore, on Saturday 5/16. This West Seattle Rotary Club fundraising event supports the club’s humanitarian work in the community and internationally in the coming year. Advance registration is required. Buy your ticket(s) on Eventbrite, then pull out your tie-dye, bell bottoms, and daisies … or come as you are. Tune in and have a far-out time!
Far-out but not far … Peace, Love, and Bingo will be happening at the West Seattle Golf Course.
Family and friends will gather May 30 to celebrate the life of Mike Hugev. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:
Mike Nicholas Hugev, age 88, passed away on February 4, 2026.
Mike was born in Seattle to Nick and Matha Hugev. Growing up in a commercial fishing family, he followed in his father’s footsteps and started fishing at age 13. He continued his career in fishing as well as butchering in the off season for another 45 years.
In 1958 he married the love of his life, Donna Pannek, and they raised their five children in West Seattle. Later when Mike retired, he and Donna moved to Lake Chelan, “God’s Country” as he would describe it, and lived there for 25 years.
Mike loved sport fishing, cooking, spending time with his family at Lake Summit, traveling to Mexico, as well as all the Croatian get-togethers. He will be remembered for working hard for his family, a great sense of humor, storytelling, and being a really good dancer!
Mike is survived by his wife Donna, children Michelle Wood, Lisa Wolfskill, Michael Hugev, and Corrine Hugev. Grandchildren Nick Wood, Danielle Wood, Jon Wood, Trent Wood, T.J. Wolfskill, Nicco Wolfskill, and Cameron Hugev. Great-grandchildren Maddie and Sammie Patch, Carter and Camden Wood, Declan and Saylor Wood, Timothy Wolfskill and Ella Hugev. He was preceded in death by his daughter Nicole Hugev.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30, 2026, at the Walmesley Center Gym (across from Our Lady of Guadalupe Church), 3410 SW Myrtle ST, Seattle, at 11:00 am.
(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)
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, May 7, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Cloudy start and sun later, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:42 am; sunset will be at 8:30 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Also, work at the Fauntleroy dock trestle is not expected to wrap up until Friday.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
CLOSURE ALERTS
-The schedule for 1st Avenue South Bridge northbound repairs – starting with a full NB closure this weekend – is here, with some nighttime lane closures again tonight for preparation.
-Also, as announced last week, the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to drivers May 16-17.
-And the Highway 99 tunnel is closing both ways overnight, 10 pm Friday night to 6 am Saturday morning, for maintenance, per WSDOT.
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!
That’s the first sign for a Saturday sale that we’ve seen – and we’re pretty sure it’s for an official West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day sale, as Sale #117 is at 57th and Orleans. We saw the sign, however, in Gatewood, more than three miles from the sale location. Not too soon to put out signs if you feel like it, since we’re now just 60 hours away from the official start of WSCGSD at 9 am Saturday (May 9)! Even if you’ve already looked through the online map, remember to check back for updates including mini-lists and last-minute cancellations (we can’t drop sales from the printable list, just the clickable list, so we make notes on that page of which ones to scratch out). Now,our mini-lists tonight – music!
VINYL RECORDS
#40 (old record player), #122, #196, #395, #409, #428, #432, #454, #480, #554, #614, #653, #655
HUGE VINYL SALE
Sale #409 is Kenyon Hall‘s Vinyl Swap ‘n’ Spin at 7904 35th SW, “hosting vinyl sellers/collectors from the West Side and Greater Seattle – with Live DJs spinning all morning & afternoon.” Also collecting nonperishable food for the West Seattle Food Bank.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
#40 (guitar pedals), #76 (unspecified “musical instruments”), #87 (piano), #156 (keyboard), #159 (guitars), #206 (free piano), #244 (guitar. pedals), #256 (guitars), #302 (guitars), #363 (drum kit), #432 (guitar pedals), #448 (guitar), #534 (vintage alto saxophone)
HUGE GUITAR SALE
Sale #502 is Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor), which has a Garage Sale Day sale every year but this year is really doing it up big because – like many WSCGSD sellers – proprietor Frank Gross is having a Moving Sale, before TRG moves to its bigger new HQ in Admiral. If you want to see the full list of what TRG is selling on Saturday, you can email seattle@thunderroadguitars.com to ask for it.
QUIRKY MUSIC-RELATED ITEM
Sale #16 is offering “vintage rock-concert T-shirts.”
That’s it for tonight’s mini-lists but we’re working on multiple updates for tomorrow as time is flying. We’re also finalizing the list of who’s interested in donations post-sale, so if your nonprofit or other organization is looking for specific items, email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com ASAP – thank you! Again, the clickable map is here; the printable list (38 pages, PDF) is here!
P.S. WSCGSD Weather Watch: Mostly sunny, high of 72.
Kamala hopes somebody has seen items taken when her car was broken into:
My car was broken into today between 8am-1:30pm near 30th and Roxbury. A pink metallic bag was taken that contained a lot of personal dance items. I dance with Bailadores de Bronce, and a number of my dance shoes and specific headpieces and accessories are now gone. They won’t be worth anything to the taker, but it will be a large undertaking for me to replace everything. Hoping someone in West Seattle might find the contents dumped somewhere?
Here are photos Kamala sent of some of the stolen items:
(And others.) If you think you’ve found one or more of these items, please let us know and we’ll connect you.
(Google Maps image, looking north on 63rd from Admiral)
With all the traffic-calming features installed in the Alki area so far, including speed bumps across 60th, 61st, and 62nd, residents have asked why not 63rd too, given its use as a straightaway south of Alki Avenue. We asked SDOT again recently and got an answer today: It will get some too, though not any time soon. That answer came in connection with a package of other traffic calming, according to our response from SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson:
We’ve been focused on traffic calming in the Alki neighborhood and recently installed speed cushions on 60th Ave SW, 61st Ave SW, and 62nd Ave SW to help reduce speeding on nearby north-south streets.
We’re planning to extend similar treatments to 63rd Ave SW between SW Admiral Way and Alki Ave SW, with installation anticipated as early as next year.
Separately, additional traffic calming improvements are under consideration along Alki Ave SW between 58th Ave SW and 63rd Ave SW through the District Project Fund. These could include speed cushions, raised centerlines to encourage slower turns, and intersection visibility upgrades. These proposals are not yet finalized and will ultimately be decided by the City Council.
We also asked about the status of the flashing beacons at 63rd/Beach Drive, where the poles have been up, waiting the lights, for months now, and Bergerson says it could be months more: “We are still awaiting equipment and will move forward with installation once materials arrive, which we expect in the coming months.”
SIDE NOTE: District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka and his staff released a sheaf of updates on other transportation projects this afternoon; we’ll have a report on those later toight.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The Center for Active Living “wants to be your community gathering place,” even if you’re not a senior – yet.
So declared The Center’s executive director Amy Lee Derenthal as she spoke to supporters at Tuesday’s “The Center of It All” benefit breakfast, an event so big that it has a new home, Brockey Center at South Seattle College. Besides The Center’s own West Seattle Junction building being a “community gathering place,” she said while making the case for giving, it is also a home to services that you might not need when you first start visiting in your 50s or 60s, “but that eventually become absolutely essential.” Here’s everything Derenthal told the crowd:
A theme woven through the speakers was that The Center is more than it seems, in so many ways. Each week, myriad health and fitness classes are offered (you can see them on The Center’s calendar). Line-dance teacher Chris Banta noted that her specialty isn’t just performed to country music – she and her students have line-danced recently to decidedly not-country artists like Elvis Costello and The Spice Girls.
She didn’t lead a demonstration, but Tai Chi teacher Richard Lazeres did, saying he’d do his best to condense 30 years of teaching into five minutes:
(We also note, checking The Center’s calendar for this report, Lazeres is leading a birding class there as we write!) In a nod to the calendar date – May 5th – Cinco de Mayo music was provided by the mariachi musicians of Estrellas de México, before breakfast was served.
During breakfast, the most moving story came from Katy Aversenti Schumaker, a Center board member who talked about her mom’s time at The Center, while fighting eventually deadly cancer
For anyone in the crowd who wasn’t already a Center volunteer and/or member, a new “Day at The Center” video was shown to give them a taste of what happens there, day in and day out (and some nights too!)
As a fundraiser, this event was fairly simple – rather than auctions, there was a raffle, with tickets sold in the early going, and a monetary donation opportunity toward the end. Attendees had been reminded that memberships only cover 10 percent of The Center’s budget. Some of it comes from grants and government allocations – one elected official that got a shout-out for being there was District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka:
Now that the final totals are in today, Derenthal had this message for supporters:
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Annual Fundraising Breakfast, “The Center Of It All.” It was such a joy to see so many new and familiar faces celebrating together. I’m proud to share that we had 300 people in attendance, a new record for this event!
To our donors who couldn’t be there in person but still contributed to our campaign, thank you! Your support of our work means the world to me.
And a big thank you to Nucor, who surprised us again with a $12,000 matching gift, on top of their already generous sponsorship.
I’m excited to share that, thanks to you, we exceeded our $125,000 fundraising goal and raised more than $150,000! These funds will have a lasting impact on our organization, putting us in a great position to serve more community members in 2026.
Kudos to our peer-to-peer fundraisers, table captains, board members and volunteers for their help to make our event a success.
The message at the heart of it all is, as said at the event, “to meet the broad needs that come up as we all age as human beings.” You can support that any time by going here.
(WSB file photo of Lincoln Park wading pool)
Seattle Parks has just announced its summer aquatics hours. We’ve already reported on the Colman Pool schedule – what’s brand-new today is wading pool/spraypark hours. First to be open will be West Seattle’s lone spraypark, Highland Park (1100 SW Cloverdale), with daily operation 5/23 through 9/7, 11 am to 8 pm every day.
Then come the wading pools (a quick look at last year’s schedule shows they’re opening, and closing, later than last year):
Lincoln Park – 6/27-9/7, every day, noon-7 pm
E.C. Hughes Playground – 6/29-8/23, Mondays, Tuesdays, Sundays, noon-7 pm
Delridge Community Center – 7/1-8/21, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, noon-5:30 pm
Hiawatha Community Center – 7/2-8/22, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, noon-5:30 pm
We’ll link the full citywide announcement when it’s up on the city website. (UPDATE: Here it is.)
Back on April 30, we reported that the community group long working to get a “skate dot” into the Morgan Junction Park Addition project had word that Seattle Parks would present the newest design to the community on May 13. Now it’s official – Parks has sent this announcement about the gathering one week from tonight, which will start at 6 pm instead of the previously reported 5:30:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is hosting an Open House to share an update on the Morgan Junction Park Expansion Schematic Design. Join us on May 13, 2026 from 6 to 7:30 pm, at The Kenney, 7125 Fauntleroy Way SW in West Seattle.
The Open House will provide an opportunity for community members to view the updated schematic design, connect with the project team, and learn more about the current phase of the project.
The expansion area is now open to the public for interim use. The site will remain accessible until the start of Phase II construction, when the existing park, additional parcel, and the Eddy Street right-of-way will be closed off for construction.
Following more extensive than anticipated soil work, the project design has been value engineered to align with available funding and site conditions. Permit review and final design are anticipated to continue through fall 2026 with construction anticipated to begin by late summer 2027.
To view the schematic design, visit: Morgan Junction Park Addition | Engage Seattle Parks
Seattle Parks and Recreation purchased the 0.47-acre property [in the early 2010s] at 6317 California Ave SW, just north of Morgan Junction Park, to expand the park and provide additional open space for this high-density neighborhood. 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.
(Recent sunset, photographed by Curry Gibson)
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).
VR FOR TEEN WELL-BEING: 2:30 pm, explore it at Southwest Library. (9010 35th 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: One softball postseason game, West Seattle HS at 3:30 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), vs. Eastside Catholic.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
TALK ABOUT MENOPAUSE: 4:30 pm at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), “menopausal insomnia” is the topic – learn about solutions!
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly gaming event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
ALSO AT MR. B’S – HAPPY HOUR FOR SAD PEOPLE: 5-7 pm with Listening to Grief at Mr. B’s Mead Center.
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.
FAUNTLEROY/ROSE CROSSING MEETING: 5:30 pm, as previewed here, all are welcome at a community meeting with SDOT at Southwest Library to discuss the plan for this crossing. (9010 35th SW)
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Play at the West Seattle Eagles‘ HQ (4426 California SW), starting at 6 pm.
PIANO NIGHT AT UPWELL: 6 pm monthly piano night. (4811 California SW)
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).
CLASSIC SF BOOK CLUB: 6 pm, ‘The Centauri Device‘ is this month’s book – talk about it at Paper Boat Booksellers. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
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: Tried [rotesting via sound vibration? Gather 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)
‘WHAT IT TAKES’: Substance-abuse recovery is is detailed in this documentary having its West Coast premiere at 7 pm at The Admiral Theater (2343 California SW).
MAD CRAFTY: Bring your project to Revelry Room (4547 California SW), 7-9 pm.
PIANO NIGHT AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: All-request piano night, starting at 7 pm. (4210 SW Admiral Way)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia venues – 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 9. (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!
With the school year ending next month,it’s time to finalize where your child(ren) are going to school in the fall. For those still deciding, independent preK-8 Westside School in Arbor Heights (WSB sponsor) is offering online info sessions starting tomorrow:
Westside is hosting a series of Virtual Coffee sessions with our Head of School, Dr. Daryl Wright. These are short, informal Zoom gatherings designed to give prospective families a feel for our community, learn about our approach to joyful learning and high academic standards, and ask questions in a relaxed setting.
Upcoming sessions:
May 7 | 9:00–9:30 am
May 14 | 9:00–9:30 am
May 20 | 11:15–11:45 am
May 29 | 12:00–12:30 pmRegistration is required here, and families will receive the Zoom link after signing up.
9:08 AM: A vehicle is reported to be blocking northbound 35th SW at Barton. SPD is joining SFD at the scene.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the upper 60s. Sunrise was at 5:44 am; sunset will be at 8:28 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Also, work at the Fauntleroy dock trestle is not expected to wrap up until Friday.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
CLOSURE ALERTS
-The schedule for 1st Avenue South Bridge northbound repairs – starting with a full closure this weekend – is here, with some nighttime lane closures again tonight for preparation.
-Also, as announced last week, the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to drivers May 16-17.
-And the Highway 99 tunnel is closing both ways overnight late Friday night into early Saturday morning – here’s the WSDOT announcement:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, May 8, to 6 a.m. Saturday, May 9, for maintenance. Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 8:30 p.m. Friday, May 8, with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. People going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, while northbound SR 99 travelers must exit at Alaskan Way. The Sixth Avenue North and South Royal Brougham Way/Colorado Avenue South on-ramps also will close at 9 p.m.
STADIUM ZONE
Mariners have a day home game vs. Atlanta today, 1:10 pm.
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!
West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026 is just 84 hours away! At least, the official WSCGSD window – 9 am to 3 pm Saturday, May – is. But some sales will start on Friday, and some will continue on Sunday. So we’ve made lists of those (please let us know if we’ve missed your extra day/s sale, or if you’ve made a last-minute decision to add a day) – reminder, these are days IN ADDITION TO Saturday, not instead of:
ALSO OPEN FRIDAY
Sale #10
Sale #177
Sale #316
Sale #416
Sale #442
Sale #481
Sale #499
Sale #500
Sale #527
Sale #558
Sale #597
Sale #598
Sale #641
ALSO OPEN SUNDAY
Sale #6
Sale #10
Sale #35
Sale #54
Sale #141
Sale #158
Sale #203
Sale #269
Sale #324
Sale #350
Sale #378
Sale #441
Sale #455
Sale #466
Sale #558
Sale #656
If you haven’t explored the map and/or printable list yet, that’s where you’ll find the registered, numbered sales’ addresses, as well as the descriptions provided by sellers when they registered. You can search either one for the type of item that interests you most. Speaking of items, perhaps the most unusual we’ve seen listed is at #323 – “1974 women’s letter sweater.” Got something unusual at yours? Send a pic – westseattleblog@gmail.com – for a spotlight! Meantime, we’re counting down – WSCGSD Weather Watch remains mostly sunny, almost 70 – more previews/updates to come.
It’s often pointed out in comment discussions that many policies attributed to local leadership are actually state policies, and your state legislators are the ones with the power to change them.
(From 34th District Democrats’. promotional graphic)
This Friday (May 8). the three legislators who represent the 34th District – including West Seattle, White Center, amd Vashon/Maury Islands – will face constituents at an in-person Town Hall. The 34th District Democrats are presenting the event featuring Sen. Emily Alvarado and Reps. Joe Fitzgibbon and Brianna Thomas at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 5:30-7 pm Friday. The announcement says the event “will include 30 minutes of opening dialogue and prepared questions and 60 minutes of questions from our live audience.” You don’t have to RSVP but they’re hoping people will so they “have a general idea of how many people to expect.”
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