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Ever wonder what happens before those Girl Scout Cookies get to you? See what happened today at WestSide Baby

(WSB photos/video)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A new partnership blossomed today, as dozens of local Girl Scout troops picked up cases of cookies outside the WestSide Baby warehouse in White Center – and left behind gifts: Thousands of donated diapers!

It’s the first year of this new partnership – WestSide Baby’s back lot was perfect for delivering and distributing more than 5,000 cases of this year’s taste treats, from Samoas to S’mores, Lemon-Ups to Tagalongs.

It was an especially good fit as a “family-forward event,” WS Baby’s Will Owen noted. Volunteers of all ages were there to help distribute the cases of cookies, set aside for troops based on their advance orders as well as what they expect to sell when cookie booths open in less than two weeks. This volunteer group was from Troop 46282Emery, Sophie, and Rondy, plus helper August:

The Girl Scouts’ Service Unit, 550 – which includes 60 troops from West Seattle to Vashon Island – had planned everything perfectly – until a delivery delay almost threatened the pickup plans – but the trucks showed up a few hours later than scheduled, just in time for pickups to happen this afternoon after all:

This truck was particularly welcome – one volunteer looking at the boxes excitedly exclaimed, “I see green!” – that meant its load included the most popular Girl Scout Cookies of all, Thin Mints (“I need 34 cases!” declared one troop rep standing by):

Cami Allers, managing the day’s logistics, told us that if troops run out before cookie-selling season is over, there’s a designated “Cookie Cupboard” from which they can get more.

While cookie booths will open Friday, February 28 – look for your nearest one(s) here (or order online!) – WestSide Baby is launching a campaign of its own the day after that. Development and communications director Morgan McGinn told us the next donation campaign starts March 1st; watch for news of how to help. Diaper donations are always welcome, and the sizes most needed right now are 4, 5, and 6, plus pullups. Meantime, volunteers continued tallying thousands of Scout-donated diapers today even as the cookie pickups continued:

We’re waiting to hear who finished as the top troops on the diaper-donation list; everyone who brought some in got a goodie bag, which included information about the tens of thousands of children that West Seattle-founded WestSide Baby serves every year. (Here’s how you can help them too.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Barber-shop break-in (video added)

5:03 PM: Thanks for the tip. The door is boarded up at Classic Cut Barbershop on the northwest corner of 35th/Roxbury because of a burglary. We went over to follow up on the tip, and they told us it happened around 2 am today, but the burglar left without getting anything; an alarm went off in the building, and the owners of a neighboring business let them know. If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 25-042352.

ADDED 5:31 PM: Classic Cut Barbershop proprietor Feras just sent us the photo above, showing the mess before the door was boarded up, and two short clips below showing the burglar:

COUNTDOWN: 12 weeks until 20th annual West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day

We missed the chance to remind you earlier this week that West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day‘s 20th anniversary edition is three months away – so today, we’re giving you the 12-week warning! WSCGSD is always the second Saturday in May, and this year that’s May 10. We’ve been coordinating it since 2008 but a now-gone nonprofit called Megawatt founded it in 2005, so this year marks 20 years. Registration will open April 1; WSCGSD is not one big sale somewhere, but rather sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, so after registration (which lasts a little over three weeks) closes, we make a map that’s available one week before sale day, plus a list with short descriptions of each sale’s highlights. For people with just a few things to sell, and/or nowhere to have a sale, there are usually a few places that offer community spaces (if you’re planning on being one of those sites this year, please let us know as early as possible so we can include that in registration promotion). Official WSCGSD hours on May 10 are 9 am-3 pm, but some sellers choose to start early and/or end late – some even add extra day(s)! So whether you’re planning on being a seller or buyer, Saturday, May 10 is the day to plan on being part of what we call West Seattle’s biggest person-to-person recycling day of the year.

WEST SEATTLE BIZNOTE: The Neighborhood planned for ex-Peel & Press space

Four months after Peel & Press closed at 6503 California SW, a new plan for the space has emerged. It’ll be a restaurant called The Neighborhood, whose proprietors Jenny & Ahmed Almukhtar announced the following via both a note on the door and in social media:

We’re hard at work getting ready to welcome you! Our goal is to open by April, and we can’t wait to share our vision with the Morgan Junction community….

Our Mission:
At The Neighborhood, we’re creating a community-driven, welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant dining destination in West Seattle’s Morgan Junction. Our focus is on delivering great-tasting food and beverages, exceptional service, and genuine hospitality. Rooted in community, we aim to become a local favorite by prioritizing quality, consistency, and connection. We will initially offer pizza, pasta, and our take on Italian classics, eventually branching out to feature American and global fare. To complement our menu, we will also offer a carefully curated selection of spirits, beer, wine, and mocktails. Looking ahead, our long-term goals include offering brunch on weekends and hosting pop-up restaurant concepts on Mondays and Tuesdays. On these days, The Neighborhood will also be available for private event bookings, giving you the opportunity to host your own customized gathering in our space. All ages are welcome, and we look forward to serving everyone in the Neighborhood!

They’re planning to be open 3-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays. Our archives show their local hospitality-industry involvement has included The Bridge (whose current owners include Peel & Press’s former proprietor Dan Austin). We have a message out in hopes of talking with The Neighborhood’s proprietors.

WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY! 29 things to know

(Photo by James Bratsanos from a recent morning)

Here are notes for your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).

INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).

MORNING MUSIC: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. Second week of 13-week series today, 10:30 am, Grace Church (10323 28th SW).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.

WASHINGTON STATE BLACK LEGACY INSTITUTE: Open 11 am-6 pm so you can see the Black History Month art exhibit at the new history institution headquartered at 2656 42nd SW.

CHOCOLATE BEER WEEK: That’s what The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) is all about right now!

FAMILY READING TIME: Canceled again today because Paper Boat Booksellers is moving.

(WSB photo from Feather in the Wind, during Thursday’s West Seattle Art Walk)

ARTISTS’ GROUP SHOW: Last of three days for five artists’show/sale “Feather in the Wind,” upstairs annex at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: At 12:30 pm, the Chief Sealth IHS boys play at and against Renton HS (400 S. 2nd); the West Seattle HS girls play at and against Mercer Island HS (9100 SE 42nd) at 3 pm; the WSHS boys play at and against Roosevelt HS (1419 NE 66th) at 7 pm.

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

SAUNA & SOUNDS: PNW Mobile Spa brings their portable sauna to Future Primitive in White Center (9832 14th SW), 1-9 pm, with live music 3-7 pm – more info and ticketing link in our calendar listing.

HAND-BUILD CLAY ANIMALS: 1-3 pm class at The Clay Cauldron with Kirsten. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.

FOR FAMILIES WITH BABIES: 3-4:30 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW) – Pre-Crawlers Motor Skills Play Group.

THE GOOD SOCIETY TURNS 5: Special feature of the anniversary weekend today – smash-burger pop-up 4-7 pm. (California/Lander)

ROLLER DERBY: 5 pm, The Heartbreak Brawl: Rainier Roller Riot v. South Sound Roller Derby at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) – online tickets are sold out.

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: Roo Forrest and Friends play “an eclectic mix of originals and covers” 6-8 pm at the coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 6 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

(Cast members of ‘Covenant,’ photo courtesy ArtsWest)

SECOND WEEKEND FOR ‘COVENANT’: See the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) at 7:30 pm; get tickets online here.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Joseph Giant performs at his record-release party at 7:30 pm, featuring Brent Carpenter; tickets here. (7904 35th SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: “All-female power-rock show” with Full Ripley, Kills Across the River, Loud Motor, with special guest Bart Cameron, doors 7 pm, music 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Starting at 9 pm, catch Lefto & Supreme La Rock. (4547 California SW)

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night singing starts at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

West Seattle event coming up? If the community’s welcome, your event is welcome to be listed on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS girls’ basketball team starts district play

(Sealth’s Keimani Proctor-Mills)

Story and photos by Tracy Burrows
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Friday night, the Chief Sealth International High School girls’ basketball team played the opening game of the District 2A tournament against Foster High School (Tukwila) at the Sealth gym.

The Seahawks had to play without one of their leading scorers and shot blockers, as Fahima Mohamed was unavailable due to injury. Early in the game, the play was a bit sloppy as both teams turned the ball over repeatedly.

At the start of the 2nd quarter, Sealth’s Mackenna Mack (above) made some nice moves to get free underneath for a couple of quick buckets. But Foster was able to capitalize on some defensive lapses on the baseline and strong three-point shooting to take a 33-16 lead at the half.

Down by double digits, Sealth stepped up the defensive intensity in the second half. The Seahawks’ Alysse Bland (above) put on an offensive clinic, combining drives to the basket with deadly three-point shooting. Each time Sealth went on a run, Foster answered back with a clutch 3-pointer. Late in the game, Bland and Bethel Bisrat drained back-to-back three pointers to pull Sealth within 5 points of the lead, but the Seahawks ran out of time, losing by a final score of 61-54. Alysse Bland finished with 20 points, while Mackenna Mack and Hannah Mueller contributed 8 points each.

(Sealth’s Dajah Johnson)

The District Tournament has a double-elimination format. Head coach Mario Martinez‘s Metro-champion Sealth girls could still make the State Tournament by winning out in the consolation bracket. They will play again on Tuesday night at 7 pm at a location to be determined.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: ‘Prolific shoplifter’ charged; robbery suspect released; tools taken in garage burglary

Three more West Seattle Crime Watch notes:

‘PROLIFIC SHOPLIFTER’ CHARGED: The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges this week against 28-year-old Christopher K. Takata, described as a “prolific shoplifter who has routinely targeted businesses in North Seattle, Downtown Seattle, and West Seattle.” He also frequently alters his appearance – above are some of the photos from the charging documents.In the case of the two counts of organized retail theft just filed against Takata, they involved an investigation into nine thefts over 77 days from Ulta Beauty stores including the one in Westwood Village, in 2023 and 2024, with a loss totaling more than $8,000. Investigators say Takata usually steals fragrances, and has an arrest/conviction record with more than 30 incidents – not just theft – going back to 2011, when he was 15. What we don’t know is where Takata is now; his most recent local booking was at the SCORE misdemeanor jail, booked January 31 and released the next day. Store employees and managers are quoted in the charging documents as saying they know him on sight; a manager at the North Seattle Ulta store estimated he’d taken a cumulative total of $42,000+ from that store alone.

ROBBERY SUSPECT RELEASED: The man arrested in an incident that caught attention at a busy intersection last Sunday has been released without charges being filed, though they are still a future possibility. The arrest happened on Sunday afternoon at the Fauntleroy/Alaska intersection; the police-report narrative says the incident started a few blocks east, in the 3600 block of SW Alaska, as a dispute over a cell phone. One man took it from the other and allegedly threatened to shoot the other one, which is what made it a robbery. The victim chased him to the intersection, which is where police got involved; they found the 65-year-old suspect inside the T-Mobile store. He was found to have a pocket knife, but not a gun. He spent three days in jail before being released; the narrative says the victim did not want to press charges.

GARAGE BURGLARY: Reader report, received tonight from Sara:

I wanted to alert my Seaview neighbors to a garage break-in. They took all my power tools, batteries and made a mess. This happened sometime Thursday night or Friday morning ( 2/13-2/14). I wanted to give special thanks to my neighbor(s) who reported it to SPD. I was working all night and didn’t know about the break in until I got home in the morning. Thank you, neighbors, for looking out for me! I’m so grateful.

P.S. Your next chance to talk with police at a local community meeting is likely Thursday (February 20), the monthly Alki Community Council meeting, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

WEST SEATTLE VALENTINE’S DAY: 2 heart-y photos

From the WSB inbox this Valentine’s Day:

Jerry Simmons photographed the Steller’s Jay, above; below, Gabe Cadwell shares the pic of “Cupid Lilly”:

Hope you and yours are having a love-ly Valentine’s night.

FOLLOWUP: Admiral Bridge work not close to completion after all; here’s what SDOT says extended the timeline

(WSB photos, this afternoon)

3:49 PM: The Admiral Way Bridge earthquake-strengthening project is still months away from completion. We’d been pursuing an update from SDOT after noticing the project webpage said they expected to wrap up within weeks; SDOT now says that was a mistake (and has corrected the project page) – their estimate for completion remains “summer,” as we’ve previously reported. Here’s what’s ahead:

Admiral Way SW (on top of the bridge)
The work zone will change periodically over the next several months, but our construction plan is to leave at least one lane of Admiral Way SW on the bridge open in each direction. Both sidewalks will also remain open throughout construction.

Fairmount Ave SW Closure (below the bridge)
Fairmount Ave SW will remain closed to all travelers throughout construction. This closure keeps everyone safe while work happens on the bridge above, and helps our crews work efficiently.

When the project started in early July of last year, the completion estimate was spring.

ADDED 7:52 PM: We asked SDOT for some info on what’s been done so far. Spokesperson Ethan Bergerson‘s reply also included their explanation why this is expected to take months longer than first projected:

The project is more than halfway complete. The following project elements are currently in progress:

-Installing carbon fiber wrapping to strengthen the bridge
-Slope stabilization
-Painting the steel structure
-Repairing cracks and damaged concrete
-Replacing the expansion joints at both ends of the bridge  

(Regarding the) previous estimate that the project would be completed in the spring. After the June 2024 factsheet was written, the project scope was expanded to include full painting of the steel structure. This extended the anticipated construction completion into the summer.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Charge filed against suspected drunk driver who hit townhouse

(Seattle Police photo, early Thursday)

We just checked on the status of the 28-year-old woman jailed for suspected drunk driving after hitting a townhouse on the east end of SW Roxbury early Thursday morning. The City Attorney’s Office charged 28-year-old Crystal Romo-Rivasof Renton today with DUI, and she’s still at the King County Jail, in lieu of $2,500 bail. The case was spotlighted on SPD Blotter; we’ve also read the police report via the Seattle Municipal Court files. Romo-Rivas went off the road and crashed her 2006 Honda Element – of which she’s the registered owner – in the 200 block of SW Roxbury around 12:15 am Thursday. No one was hurt. But she claimed to officers that she wasn’t driving, that the real driver was a man she’d met at a bar, though she didn’t know his name, nor the name of the bar. Officers say she also gave conflicting responses to other questions about where she’d been and where she was going, and that she was displaying various signs of intoxication, but wouldn’t cooperate with the field sobriety test, so an officer certified as a phlebotomist took a blood draw at the Southwest Precinct after they obtained a warrant to do that. Police say various evidence indicated she had indeed been driving, including a witness who saw her get out of the driver’s seat after the crash, alone. Whenever Romo-Rivas gets out of jail, Judge Andrea Chin ordered an ignition interlock device be installed on any vehicles she might drive, and that she only drive in connection with work.

TAX TIME: Here’s how to get free help at three local libraries

We’ve mentioned a few sessions in our daily event lists but with two months to go until the federal tax deadline, local branches of the Seattle Public Library want to be sure you know they’re offering free tax help at some branches – three in this area, Southwest, West Seattle (Admiral), and South Park. Here’s what you need to know:

Trained volunteers will answer questions and help prepare personal tax returns. This service is free and available to individuals only. The service is not available for business tax returns. Drop-in tax help is offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Southwest Branch: Fridays, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm through 4/11 via AARP Foundation (Appointments preferred)

West Seattle Branch: Thursdays, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, & Saturdays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm via AARP Foundation (Appointments preferred)

South Park Branch: Saturdays & Sundays, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm through 4/19 in English and Spanish, via United Way of King County (this service has eligibility requirements)

What to Bring to Free In-Person Tax Help

Required:
-Photo identification
-Social Security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN) for everyone listed on the tax return
-Proof of income, for example, W2s and 1099s (Social Security benefits)
-Official documents on Social Security Administration letterhead
-Medicare card (if Social Security number is followed by an “A”)
-Be prepared to provide information about health care coverage for each person on the return

Recommended:
-Last year’s tax return, if available
-Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit of refunds

Photocopies or computer print-outs of any these documents will be accepted. Original documents highly recommended.

Same-day appointments have been available, we’re told, but looking further ahead is your best bet.

P.S. Reminder that all Seattle Public Library locations will be closed Monday (February 17) for Presidents Day.

WSB tech trouble

Our apologies if you’ve experienced trouble accessing our site today. We’re doing everything we can to address the problem. Thanks for your understanding!

Free workshop for work-from-home life/love partners, Valentine’s vinyl, more for your West Seattle Valentine’s Day Friday

(‘Hair ice’ fungus on Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Allen Lambert)

If you’re not yet all booked up for Valentine’s Day, here are our notes for today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: This weekly free drop-in playtime is canceled today.

BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: Visit the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first major exhibit, 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)

FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm.

BABY STORY TIME: Canceled today.

HELPING YOUR RELATIONSHIP SURVIVE WORKING AT HOME: If both you and your partner work from home, navigating that and your relationship can be a challenge. A free workshop at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW) at noon today is for you!

THE GOOD SOCIETY’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY: Three-day celebration starts today. (California/Lander)

FEATHER IN THE WIND: This three-day art show/sale is open again today in the Alki Arts (6030 California SW) upstairs annex – five artists; we stopped by last night for our West Seattle Art Walk coverage.

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

VALENTINE’S DAY BIRD COUNT: Show your Valentine’s love for our feathered friends! Special community event at Westcrest Park (9000 8th SW), 12:30 pm-2 pm.

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: The Chief Sealth IHS girls – Metro champs! – host Foster tonight, 5:30 pm. (2600 SW Thistle)

VINYL NIGHT AT EASY STREET RECORDS: “Love, Lust, and 12-inch Singles” with Depeche Mike spinning, Valentine’s Day edition, 6-9 pm, free/all ages, and the kitchen’s open till 9 too. (4559 California SW).

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: MXMatch is sold out.

‘COVENANT’: Second weekend for the new play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm, tickets here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Lovers and Kings – Drag King Valentine’s Ball, 8 pm, details and tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ B——-d tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Vanilla Abstract, Seaside Tryst, Quilli Fin.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

YOU CAN HELP: Two more ways to give the gift of warmth

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

If you still have warm clothing and other items you can donate to help take the icy edge off winter weather for those in need, here are two ways:

HOMESTREET BANK: The West Seattle branch (a WSB spoonsor) is still collecting donations for people at Westside Neighbors’ Shelter:

Hats, gloves, shirts, socks, sweatshirts, coats and travel sized toothpaste. Socks will need to be new. Other items should be clean or gently used.

You can drop off donations until 6 pm today, 9 am-5 pm Mondays-Thursdays. The branch is at 4022 SW Alaska.

ALKI UCC’S MONTHLY DRIVE: This Sunday (February 16), 11 am-3 pm outside the church, here’s what they’re collecting:

This month’s priority: Food/Blankets/Outdoor Clothing

Alki UCC is sharing all we collect with the American Legion Shelter and Camp Second Chance. We also welcome socks, hats, gloves, long johns, hygiene products, men’s work clothing and outdoor gear. Donations are also distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network (WIN) Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

Alki UCC is at 6115 SW Hinds.

TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday watch

6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Friday, February 14, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast for today warms up a bit, starting with a chance of rain/snow, then partly sunny, high in the low 40s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:15 am and 5:31 pm.

REMINDERS FOR NEXT WEEK

-Next week (February 17-21) is midwinter break for Seattle Public Schools (the Vashon district too).

-Monday is Presidents Day, with some changes/closures, but note that the Water Taxi – unlike last year – WILL sail on the holiday.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Water Taxi Also on a regular schedule today.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Issaquah and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish as the “bonus boat.”

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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!

UPDATE: Crash at Delridge/Thistle

(Added: Reader photo)

7:48 PM: Just happened onto this – police are blocking southbound Delridge at Thistle. Texter says it’s a crash, involving a Metro bus. The SFD dispatch was very short-lived, so apparently no serious injuries. Avoid the area for a while.

8:25 PM: Reopened. Checking with SFD re: injuries, if any.

Scenes from West Seattle Art Walk, frosty February edition

7:07 PM: Out on February’s West Seattle Art Walk, we visited the Alki Arts upstairs annex for the first of three days for the Feather in the Wind group show:

That’s Kassie Hennessey, who organized the show. Her work is primarily in graphite. Other artists include Suzanne Uschold, whose work looks like paintings at a distance – but it’s all created from fiber!

Her work includes many West Seattle scenes – on the table, that’s Bruun Idun the Lincoln Park troll! Between Kassie’s work and Suzanne’s work, you’ll find Marie Tornow and her Beachwood Pottery:

Also in the show, Johanna Lindsay and Gretchen Flickinger. They’ll be in the annex (door is just north of the street-level Alki Arts gallery, which is open tonight with art and live music) 12-6 pm Friday and Saturday too. This, and most Art Walk receptions, continues until 8.

8:34 PM: One venue staying open later than that is Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) in The Junction, with the group show “Transplants,” described as “featur(ing) art and poetry from three artists who grew up together and through their own individual journey ended up thousands of of miles away.”

Visual art is by Kyle Bradford and Travis Johnson, poetry by Keziah Beed.

Scenes from Chief Sealth International High School ArtsWalk

6:24 PM: Student-created pottery is part of what you’ll see if you visit Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle) for tonight’s ArtsWalk, on until 8 pm. Visual and performing arts showcases are happening in multiple spaces until everyone gathers in the theater for the “grand finale” at 7:30 pm.

It’s also a fundraiser for the school’s arts programs. More to come!

ADDED: WSB’s Aspen Anderson stopped in for a little jazz …

And poetry:

The greeters were Coral Dixon, Lida Henrikson, and Ronin Mann:

WEST SEATTLE BIZNOTE: The Spot’s final week (updated Friday)

ORIGINAL THURSDAY REPORT: Just under four years after bravely opening during the pandemic, the eatery/music venue The Spot (2920 SW Avalon Way) is closing. It’s been a semi-long farewell, but proprietor Philip Sudore confirmed today that this is the final weekend:

This Sunday will be our last Brunch shift. The landlords decided not to renew our lease. … I will miss the strong community that organically grew at The Spot. All the love and support that was shared between everyone that walked in our doors. So many bands started as a result of hanging out at The Spot. So many amazing relationships and partnerships started in our little place. It was a safe place for Families to bring their kids to experience and participate in live music while enjoying great food. It was also beautifully a safe place for people to come and share their art. I am so honored I was able to share in this with everyone!!!

Before Sudore, a musician himself, took it over, the space was a coffeehouse for many years. It’s owned by the same property owners/preservationists as the neighboring building that houses Luna Park Café; we have a message out to them. (Thanks for the tips on this.)

ADDED FRIDAY AFTERNOON: Here’s the response from the ownership firm (we’d also asked about the building’s signage) in its entirety:

The Spot came in at a difficult [time] during COVID and we wish them the best with their future business plans. The classic signage has been on this site for decades, we are committed to preserving it and are currently working to restore the neon. Another small business is already slated to open in the coming months, we are excited to welcome them into the space.

UPDATE: Water break in High Point

4:06 PM: Thanks to Dörte for the tip. The Seattle Public Utilities water-trouble map confirms a break at 34th/Juneau, with more than 30 customers affected. SPU hopes to have it fixed within a few hours. This is just a block north of an 8-inch pipe break one week ago.

5:33 PM: This one, like the one last week, was fixed so fast, crews were gone before we got there to check it out.

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: Postseason continues for local high schools’ girls, boys teams

All four local high-school varsity basketball teams are still in postseason play – the West Seattle HS boys play Blanchet at Franklin HS at 7 tonight in a district-qualifier game, the Chief Sealth IHS girls host Foster at 5:30 pm Friday night, (added) after winning the Metro 2A tournament with a 52-33 win over Cleveland Tuesday night:

Thanks to Sealth head coach Mario Martinez for the update and photo!

Meantime, the WSHS girls and CSIHS boys both have TBD games at 7 pm Saturday. The WSHS girls played last night, and WSB contributor Tracy Burrows was there:

(Alya Moore leads the fast break)

Wednesday night at the Cleveland High School gym, the West Seattle High School girls’ basketball team lost to Seattle Prep, 41-31, in the Metro League 3A Championship Tournament. The West Seattle Wildcats hung tough against a team with more height and experience at nearly every position. Seattle Prep pressured the ball effectively during much of the first half, causing turnovers and limiting West Seattle’s opportunities to execute their half-court offense. Prep led by a score of 28-14 at the half.

(Colby Timmons shooting from the line)

Scoring opportunities opened up for the Wildcats in the second half, but the shots just wouldn’t go in. The team played the entire game with a 6-person rotation, and fatigue may have contributed to an off-night of shooting. Still, the West Seattle girls played with tremendous intensity the entire game and pulled to within 10 in the fourth quarter after trailing by 15 at the end of the third.

(Seneca Lucas goes up for a shot)

This year’s West Seattle squad is a young team, with two freshmen and a sophomore as members of the starting five. Freshman Alya Moore led the scoring for the Wildcats, with 13 points and senior Colby Timmons racked up 10. Both teams will move on to the District Tournament, which starts on Saturday, February 15. West Seattle will play at either Inglemoor or Mercer Island at 7 pm on Saturday. The full District Tournament brackets will be finalized Friday night.

Three new things the West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA wants you to know about

West Seattle/Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) branch executive Cleveland King sends word of three things to know about: First, the 2025 fundraising kickoff event is set for 6 pm March 5 at the Fauntleroy Church Fellowship Hall (9140 California SW) – here’s your invite to that; you are promised a fun time and a way to support making Y programs available to more people. Next, they’re starting up competitive basketball at both the Fauntleroy and Triangle locations, and tryouts are coming up next month, for girls and boys, 3rd through 8th grade. Here’s the flyer with dates and times; registration is open now. Finally, also for youth, sports-performance training will be offered at the main location in The Triangle, for ages 10 through 18 – you can find out more about that here.

Didn’t get your recycling picked up this week?

Seattle Public Utilities is still catching up from weather-affected collections missed last week, and has just acknowledged the missed-recycling situation, which some WSB commenters brought up:

Recycling may have been missed for Wednesday customers this week.

Please report it as a missed collection by calling it in to customer service line as we are aware online reporting is having issues.

As a reminder to all, if your collections were missed, please report it!

You can do that online here.