West Seattle, Washington
11 Thursday
That’s the start of the first wave of the first event in today’s record-setting 10th annual Loop the ‘Lupe at Walt Hundley Playfield – the “Elite Wave” taking on the only obstacle-course 5K in Seattle city limits, with bonus obstacles. The “Family Wave” of the obstacle course featured high-profile participants – here are two of them:
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
Mayor Katie Wilson and her daughter Josie joined in. City Councilmember Rob Saka told us he had invited her – we photographed him with Loop the ‘Lupe director Brian Callanan:
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
One more elected official ran in Loop the ‘Lupe – state Attorney General Nick Brown (unfortunately no photo). In all, 781 people were registered for today’s event, the most ever. Now some scenes from the main event, the obstacle course itself:
(OBSTACLE COURSE PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN)
Also along the way – runners got squirted by Scouts:
Top two Elite Wave finishers were 17-year-old Lute Williams and 18-year-old Blake Thomas:
Loop the ‘Lupe features two non-5K events – a short walking course geared toward seniors, the Silver Saunter:
(PHOTOS FROM HERE BY TORIN RECORD-SAND)
And the events concluded with the Kids’ Dash:
Medal presentations, too – including this team whose name got a callout from emcee Seaver Radovich earlier, as the first team name in which he’d ever encoutered alliteration with the letter “U” – the Uterus Unicorns:
(They’re in women’s medicine, you might have guessed.) You can see all the results here. One more note – as always, Loop the ‘Lupe was one big party, and that included a barbecue, reason enough to have come to the field even if you weren’t running:
Loop the ‘Lupe benefits community and social work done by Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is just west of the field where all the fun unfolded today. WSB was media sponsor again this year; you can see all the sponsors here, including four that are also WSB sponsors (West Seattle YMCA, The Mount, Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle, and O’Neill Plumbing).
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
The rain did not deter a larger-than-usual turnout today for the traditional Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn in High Point, some with umbrellas, others under a canopy in view of the cemetery flagpole:
We recorded it all on video:
After Scouts from Troop 799 brought in the national and state flags, speakers expounded on the theme of gratitude.
Lou Vargas from Dignity Memorial, which owns Forest Lawn, welcomed attendees, and introduced the first guest speaker, Elizabeth Orvis of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations:
She spoke of the sacrifices made by many to protect our freedom, and the importance of supporting the families they left behind. Gratitude for Filipino Americans’ contributions was a theme for both this service and one that the Dignity team had led earlier in the day at another cemetery in Tukwila. The National Anthem singer was Sofia Nigro:
Dignity’s Carrie Burgess observed that Memorial Day is “a sacred time” for gratitude and remembrance.
And if you wonder whether it’s OK to say “Happy Memorial Day,” guest speaker West Seattle VFW Post 2713 Commander Steve Strand said yes:
The U.S. Army veteran explained that it’s important to enjoy life – including holidays – because of those who fought and died for our right to do that. Among them – the thousands of Filipino and American prisoners-of-war in World War Two forced by Japanese captors onto what became known as the Bataan Death March.
A flag was presented to Michael Hayes, descendant of a soldier forced onto the Bataan Death March:
In addition to that act of gratitude, another followed, with certificates of appreciation presented to many of those participating in the event:
The service concluded shortly thereafter, and as attendees headed out, flag-decorated graves throughout the ceremony underscored the words of many speakers:
Kim is hoping for help solving this hit-run:
(The) hit-and-run occurred early Saturday the 23rd at Midnight (3300 block of SW Morgan).
I was asleep during the time that this incident occurred, and my neighbor had expressed to me that he heard a loud crash around midnight and saw that a dark gray Prius hit my car (which inherently hit his) and drove off. I’m assuming based on the impact the Prius has a badly dinged up passenger side and their headlight must be smushed in.
My main goal is to locate any kind of camera footage that can help identify the car or license plate for the police report. Any kind of information or video helps!!
If you have any info or video, email us and we’ll connect you.
(WSB file photo)
Before we get to today’s full list of what’s happening, one spotlight for families who have yet to register incoming kindergarteners and preschoolers for next school year. A registration/information event is happening at West Seattle Elementary (6760 34th SW), 4-6 pm today. This flyer (PDF) explains what you need to bring if you want to register.
1:19 PM: Haven’t been to the Bee Festival yet? You have until 3 pm to get to the north side of High Point Commons Park (north of Neighborhood House at 6400 Sylvan Way SW), home to the West Seattle Bee Garden.
It’s a low-key festival but lots of opportunities to get info not only about bees, but about gardening in general.
5:04 PM: Adding more photos by WSB’s Torin Record-Sand – the rain and hail held off until right after the festival! Yes, of course there were bees at the festival, both around the hives:
And up close if you were interested:
Bee education, too, with the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association (who brought honey):
And the Washington Bee Atlas:
A chance to dance:
And/or to admire the Bee Garden:
We need bees – and they need us to help them thrive. The Bee Garden website has advice on how.
You can’t have a “bee garden” without bees. So these bees showed up just in time for the heart of spring, and beyond, at the West Seattle Bee Garden in High Point. Thanks to Amy for this update (with video and photo):
Meet the new neighbors!
We’ve recently installed new honeybee hives at West Seattle Bee Garden. The bees are settling in to their new home, and the garden is starting to come alive for spring.
We are also gearing up for the annual Bee Fest, May 16th from 12-3 pm, where the community can come for some bee demos, local honey, enjoy some family friendly activities, and get some gardening advice.
For anyone interested in volunteering, please contact wsbeefest@gmail.com.
It’s been 13 years since the West Seattle Bee Garden was launched on the north side of High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham).
For those asking – the SFD/SPD response on 31st SW in High Point is for a person in crisis reported to have injured themselves. SFD categorizes calls as “scenes of violence” when they are suspected to involve a weapon (a label that in turn can apply to many things, not just guns or knives). Remember that if you or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of self-harm, help is available at all times via the 988 hotline.
If you couldn’t get to yesterday’s free shredding event at Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – good news – there’s another one coming up this weekend, this time at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). Between 10 am amd 1 pm Sunday (April 26), you can bring up to four boxes of personal shreddables to the library.
P.S. And if you have other recyclables, remember the Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy on Saturday!
After multiple 911 callers reported what sounded like gunfire, police have found shell casings in a High Point alley. The location so far sounds like the alley between 34th and 35th, north of Morgan. No report of injuries; the dispatcher told officers that some of the callers reported seeing someone running in the alley after they heard the shots.
Late last night, 911 reported “a lot of calls” about possible gunshots in the High Point area. They dispatched officers to look around the areas the calls came from. One officer radioed in that he found “evidence of fireworks.” We don’t usually report on “possible gunfire” reports that aren’t verified, unless we get questions about it; multiple people have asked us about it this morning, so in case you wondered too – that’s what they found. (Police consider gunfire verified if they find a victim, shell casings, property damage such as bullet hole(s), and/or if someone actually saw a person firing a gun.)
Thanks for the tip! A reader points out that this recent announcement of Seattle Public Schools All-Star “Beacon of Hope” awards includes a West Seattle Elementary staff member:
Maryan Khalif, Instructional Assistant – West Seattle Elementary
Maryan Khalif is an extraordinary instructional assistant whose presence strengthens every part of the West Seattle Elementary community. She consistently goes above and beyond her role, building deep, trusting relationships with students through compassion, patience, and a culturally responsive approach that ensures every child feels seen and valued.
Maryan’s ability to connect with students is evident in her day‑to‑day actions. She pays close attention to students’ emotional needs and often notices when a child needs extra care or encouragement before anyone else does.
A native Somali speaker, Maryan plays a vital role in bridging communication between the school and families. She frequently welcomes Somali‑speaking families in their primary language, helping them navigate school routines, building strong partnerships, and ensuring parents feel genuinely connected to their child’s learning.
“Each day is meaningful, and I value the positive relationships I have built with students, families, and colleagues. I believe in fostering positive vibes in the workplace, and that sense of respect, support, and collaboration is what makes my work truly fulfilling,” Maryan said.
Maryan is also known for stepping in wherever help is needed, even without being asked. Whether it’s assisting a teacher who suddenly needs coverage, supporting new students as they adjust to school routines, or noticing a logistical need and solving it on the spot, she brings initiative, reliability, and a truly team‑centered spirit. Her work ethic and genuine care make her an irreplaceable part of the school family.
See all the “Beacon of Hope” winners here.
Stefanie reports finding stolen mail, some opened and some not, dumped in her trash bin – just before it was scheduled for pickup today. At least some of it was from the north side of High Point, not far from her neighborhood. So if you’re in that area, be aware a mail thief has been busy.
11:21 PM: Police and fire are on their way to the 6500 block of High Point Drive, where at least one shooting victim is reported after word of gunfire. The shots may have been fired from a “dark SUV.” Updates to come.
11:27 PM: Updated location is the 6500 block of Sylvan Way, where the westbound lanes are being blocked for the investigation. Initial assessment of the person shot is that their wound(s) are serious but not life-threatening.
(Reader photo, from comments)
11:35 PM: Officers told dispatch that witnesses say the vehicle might have been a Highlander, with five people inside, teens to early 20s, black clothing, black face masks. Meantime, officers are finding some bullet damage to parked vehicles.
1 AM: Sylvan Way has reopened.
ADDED 8:56 AM: Here’s what SPD has released:
Seattle police detectives are investigating a shooting that injured a 42-year-old woman in the High Point neighborhood last night.
On Jan. 14 about 11:15 p.m., patrol officers responded to a shooting in the 6500 block of Sylvan Way Southwest. There, officers found a victim shot in her arm. Police and firefighters treated the woman and medics took her to the Harborview Medical Center in stable condition.
Detectives in the Gun Violence Reduction Unit (GVRU) responded to process the scene and interview the victim. Police determined that multiple suspects shot at the victim’s vehicle, striking her inside of it. Multiple vehicles and at least one occupied home were also struck by gunfire. Approximately 60 rounds were fired.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting are under investigation. The suspects fled the area in a vehicle before police arrived and officers did not make any arrests.
This is an open and active case assigned to GVRU. Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. Anonymous tips are accepted. Incident Number: 2026-13556
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
This year, Nucor Steel (WSB sponsor) and its workers literally outdid themselves with their annual holiday-season gifts for the West Seattle Food Bank, delivered this morning to WSFB HQ in High Point.
A truck from Certified Hydraulics served as Santa’s sleigh to transport the nearly three tons of donated food from Nucor’s mill next to the West Seattle Bridge:
From cans of Ensure to flats of Sriracha, cases of soup cans and mac-and-cheese boxes, WSFB says all this will help them provide a variety of food to the growing number of people in need of their services.
WSFB’s development director Robbin Peterson explains that this is Nucor’s biggest gift yet: “This year they looked up what every department had raised in the past and found the highest for each department and requested they beat that number” – and, she says, they did! 5,900 pounds of food, and $31,201 worth of cash, checks, and gift cards:
That includes a company match of $1 for every pound of food and dollar donated – here’s a closer look at the ceremonial check, with WSFB’s Robbin and executive director Fran Yeatts:
We asked them what the WSFB is most in need of right now, if you’re able to give. Obviously money remains big – they can buy more food with your dollar – but they also need baby essentials like diapers, wipes, and formula. Many places have WSFB bins this season; more donation information is on their website. Also note that the WSFB clothing bank Clothesline is the beneficiary from the Cocoa and Coat Drive coming up Sunday (December 14) at the south end of the WS Farmers Market (California/Alaska, 10 am-2 pm).
Windy night for a Christmas tree lighting, but Our Lady of Guadalupe went on with the show tonight. Brian Callanan emceed the festive “Light Up the Night“ ceremony in which OLG lit the city’s highest-elevation Christmas tree, as you can see and hear:
OLG student singers and The Starry Crowns led caroling before and after the tree went on, with classic carols including “Joy to the World,” “Carol of the Bells,” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”:
(photos added) Another favorite, “Jingle Bells” with participants invited to jingle their keys:
(This photo, next 2, and tree above – WSB photos by Oliver Hamlin)
The tree lighting and caroling were just part of OLG’s annual community celebration:
Indoors, it was story time with Santa, and the fill-the-sleigh food drive for St. Vincent de Paul:
West Seattle’s other big tree lighting is at 6 pm tonight in The Junction.
Now that December has begun, January is in view, and it’s not too soon to think about resolutions for 2026. If you’re thinking about volunteering, here’s an option: Volunteer to talk with adult English-language learners who want to practice conversation skills.
A new conversation circle is starting up at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), Friday afternoons, 12:30 pm to 2 pm, January 9 through March 13, in partnership with Literacy Source. If you’re interested in volunteering, email carolines@literacysource.org (and if you’re a beginning/intermediate English-language learner interested in participating, just show up on January 9).
You’ve seen them on Duwamish Head in Alki, and now they’re on the east edge of High Point too: Bollards atop a raised concrete median on Sylvan Way. After a reader tip about the installation, we asked SDOT for the official explanation, and finally got it today from spokesperson Amy Abdelsayed:
SDOT identified Sylvan Way SW between High Point Dr SW and SW Sylvan Heights Dr as a high collision location last year due to the frequency of crashes that occurred at the intersection involving drivers crossing the roadway centerline and running off road. To address these crashes, SDOT’s Vision Zero program recently added raised pavement markers and centerline curbing in areas along Sylvan Way SW to improve visibility of lane lines and approaching roadway curves.
The SDOT collision map is not particularly conclusive, but we searched our archives for and came up with 74 results mentioning Sylvan Way and crash.
(WSB photos/video)
Some students walked into West Seattle Elementary this morning; some ran; one boy even danced his way through the doors.
All crossed a red carpet lined with staff, parents, and community members cheering and offering high-fives – one student even reached out with both hands:
It was also the first day of Ritchie Garcia‘s first full year leading WSE, and he welcomed the students before the doors opened, telling them this was more than simply “the first day of school”:
Those on hand to welcome the students also included West Seattle’s school board rep Gina Topp, who is the board’s president (she’s toward the right edge of the clip below).
The red-carpet tradition at WSES dates back to 2016!
(WSB photo, September 2024: WSES staffer Akim Finch welcoming students)
Again this year, the first day of school will begin with the exuberant tradition of a red-carpet welcome for students at West Seattle Elementary. You’re invited to join other community members and WSES staff for the welcome. Just be at the school’s main entrance (on the north side of the campus at 6760 34th SW) 7:15-8 am on Wednesday (September 3). It’s the first red-carpet event for Ritchie Garcia as principal; the longtime assistant principal is leading the school this year after Pamela McCowan-Conyers‘ retirement.
With less than a week and a half until most students will be back in school, summer activities are wrapping up – including Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association‘s Summer Youth Program:
The program’s participants included one dozen paid teenage interns who worked ten hours a week for the past six weeks, taking on a variety of tasks. With them in our photo is DNDA art program specialist Claire DeBenon, who says their last task of the summer was litter pickup in the area near Neighborhood House High Point on Friday afternoon, shortly before we took the picture. Claire also showed us another beautification project carried out over the summer – this mural on the Neighborhood House basketball court:
The interns got to free-style some touches:
Other work spanning DNDA’s art and environment focus included stenciling storm drains to remind people that fish are She explained, “The youth has done a lot for their community by working with kids and families to facilitate an educational, fun, and safe summer for West Seattle residents.” The interns are ages 13-17 and got a stipend for their work – for most if not all, their first experience drawing a paycheck, added DNDA’s Yeggy Michael, with whom we also spoke while there for the photo op. “This is a starting point for them,” he declared. He and Claire explained that getting into this program is “very competitive” – they had 40 applicants before narrowing it down to the dozen participants.
(Google Maps Street View image)
The parking lot shared by High Point Library and the Neighborcare Health clinic has been a hub of trouble and concern for years – with incidents like this – and it’ll be the subject of a community-safety meeting in two weeks. We were asked to help get the word out, so here’s the announcement:
Community Safety Meeting : High Point Neighborcare & High Point Library Parking Lot
Thursday, September 4, 2025 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
High Point Seattle Public Library – 3411 SW Raymond StCommunity safety meeting with the hopes of hearing from community members in the High Point area about concerns related to this parking lot. All are welcome.
Organizers hope to have representatives from not only the library and clinic, but also SPD, High Point community groups, the Seattle Housing Authority, and City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office.
7:05 PM: No A/C? Get out of your warm apartment/house/townhouse and hang out at High Point Commons Park with the West Seattle Big Band, whose Concert in the Park has just begun!
Free, great music; the park is just north of Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW) and the concert will be on at least until 8:30 pm.
9:04 PM: The concert ran about 10 minutes past that! We are back at HQ now and will add video and more before the night’s out.
10:52 PM: We’re adding the clips as they’re ready. WSBB, directed by Jim Edwards, opened with Glenn Miller‘s classic “In the Mood”:
Jenaige Lane was featured vocalist on Michael Bublé‘s “Sway”:
Sam Henry was featured vocalist on Frank Sinatra‘s “Come Fly with Me”:
This instrumental number had a ’60s TV vibe going, predominantly the “I Dream of Jeannie” theme:
Another song featuring Jenaige Lane, ABBA‘s “Dancing Queen”:
The vocalists sang a duet on “Slow Boat to China”:
Between songs, Jim Edwards explained both the band’s background – rooted at West Seattle High School, supporting music education, well past 350 performances in its nearly three decades – and this concert’s ties to the West Seattle Grand Parade: Edwards himself coordinates safety and communication (and is a past parade coordinator), his daughter Michelle Edwards – WSBB keyboardist – is current parade coordinator, wife Barbara Edwards – parade judging coordinator – was at the show in support, as was parade chair Keith Hughes from the Rotary Club of West Seattle (which presents the parade). Also seen at the concert: Make-A-Wish super-volunteer Lou Cutler, this year’s Grand Marshal!
MORE CHANCES TO SEE THE WSBB: As its director told the crowd, you’ll see them at the Fauntleroy Fall Festival (October 19), holiday gig(s) TBA, and the annual Big Band Dinner Dances supporting the music programs at WSHS and Madison MS.
(Bee Garden photo: Volunteers, earlier this year)
If you have some spare time on Sunday, the West Seattle Bee Garden could benefit! Here’s the announcement that Lisa asked us to share:
This Sunday the 6th is our July work party, 10-12 pm. Our big focus is weeding! Some areas of the garden have gotten pretty wild so I’m hoping we can make a big dent and give our intentional plants much needed space and sunlight.
In the spirit of the holiday weekend, I also encourage you to bring your social side and join us for a break with lemon raspberry cake (homemade! homegrown raspberries!) and sparkling water. If you’d like to bring something to share, you are welcome to, but no pressure.
As usual:
-dress for the weather: it’ll be warm and sunny – hats and sunblock encouraged
-wear close-toed shoes
-we have tools but bring a favorite if you have one
-no experience necessary, all levels of garden-curious folks are welcome
-this is a family-friendly event, kids are welcomeAdditional volunteer opportunities
In July and August, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 2-4 pm, a youth group from the High Point neighborhood will be gardening and stewarding in and around the Bee Garden. The group has leaders, extra hands are appreciated. If you have interest and availability in supporting this community work, please reach out to Abbie at: abbiec@nhwa.org.
The Bee Garden is at the north end of High Point Commons Park (Graham/Lanham).
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