West Seattle news 64581 results

9:09 AM: SPD says the missing woman has been found, safe.

Earlier:

MORE TIME TO DECIDE! Morgan Junction Community Festival’s participation deadline extended

| West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo, Morgan Community Festival)

If you’re thinking about having your business, organization, or school participate in this year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival – a fast, fun festival coming up June 14 – you have a bit more time to decide. Here’s what the Morgan Community Association asked us to share with you:

The Morgan Junction Community Festival is on the horizon! Today, in conjunction with the Last Call for Festival Vendors, we’re moving the application deadline to May 15th.

The Morgan Junction Community Festival returns to Morgan Junction on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It features live entertainment in Morgan Junction Park, and vendor booths with local businesses, artisans/craft folks, non-profit organizations, and government groups in the parking lot behind Zeeks Pizza.

Vendor booth applications can be found on the Morgan Community Association (MoCA) website at https://www.morganjunction.org/festival.

The vendor application deadline is formally moved to 5:00 pm on May 15, 2025.

Vendor applications will be reviewed after the May 15th deadline, and notifications sent by May 20th. Accepted vendors will receive payment instructions with their acceptance and must pay for their booth by May 25th.

For any inquiries, please reach out to the Morgan Junction Community Festival team at mo*****@***il.com. Thank you for your support in making the Morgan Junction Community Festival absolutely amazing.

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UPDATE: Suspect arrested after hours-long police standoff on 16th SW

April 30, 2025 8:00 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

(WSB photo)

8 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police have 16th blocked for about a block (updated) between Henderson ad Barton. Neighbors believe it’s a barricaded-person situation; we’re working to find out more.

(Reader photo)

9 PM: Finally found archived audio from the original dispatch. Police responded around 5 pm to a report that a woman’s boyfriend had threatened to shoot her. She is reported to have since gotten out of the apartment safely, while the suspect remained inside.

9:16 PM: As commenters have noted, SWAT officers are now on scene too.

9:34 PM: Not resolved yet. But if you’re in the area, you might have heard loudspeaker warnings, which could eventually be followed by a tactical device that sounds explosive.

9:58 PM: They didn’t wind up doing that. But according to radio exchanges, the suspect is reported to have just surrendered and is in custody. Officers have also said they have a warrant to search the apartment, so they’ll likely be on scene a while longer.

11:59 PM: We’ve since obtained this incident summary from SPD:

At approximately 4:52 p.m., a dispatcher received a report of domestic violence threats involving a 51-year-old male suspect in the 9000 block of 16th Avenue SW. Two adult females and a child were able to safely flee the apartment without injury. The suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment and refused to exit.

As a safety precaution, nearby apartments were evacuated, and surrounding streets were closed to ensure the safety of community members. A warrant for entry was obtained for the residents to arrest the suspect.

Police coordination involved Southwest Patrol officers, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), and SWAT, made a plan to make entry into the apartment. Officers maintained open communication with the suspect and eventually the suspect surrendered exiting the apartment and was arrested. (He was) transported to King County Jail.

ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: SPD further clarifies that the suspect is accused of threatening to shoot his girlfriend’s daughter. She got out first. Her mother, police say, was grabbed and shoved by the suspect, but then also managed to escape, and after that, the standoff began. We’re trying to find out the suspect’s current status.

1:08 PM: Still in jail.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Firefighters visit Delridge Library for Story Time

April 30, 2025 6:24 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

(WSB photos by Anne Higuera)

Seattle Public Library branches host lots of story times – but they don’t all have special guests like this one at Delridge Library did. More than three dozen people were there this afternoon as the library hosted Firefighter Story Time, with North Delridge’s Station 36 firefighters there to not just read, but also to educate:

Part of the goal is to show kids, in a calm non-emergency situation, what the firefighters’ gear looks like, so they won’t be frightened if they encounter them in scarier, suited-up circumstances:

The firefighters of course arrived in their apparatus, Engine 36, which the kids got to check out firsthand:

One of the important questions the firefighters asked the kids – what number do you call in case of emergency? (Not all knew it’s 911.)

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COUNTDOWN: 10 days until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, and what’s happening now!

April 30, 2025 2:33 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Just 10 days until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, this year with a record 570+ sales registered for Saturday, May 10, from Duwamish Head in the north to Seola Beach in the south, from Highland Park in the east to Alki Point in the west, and everywhere inbetween. Here’s what’s happening right now: As WSCGSD coordinators, we’re assembling the map and list so they’ll be ready to browse starting Saturday morning, May 3, one week before Garage Sale Day, so you can make your plan and/or just see what your neighbors are doing – that’s the beauty of WSCGSD, it’s a day for meeting neighbors and celebrating community. Official hours on WSCGSD – celebrating its 20th anniversary – are 9 am to 3 pm, but as you’ll see in the listings, some are starting earlier, some are ending later, some are even adding extra days. Once the map’s out, we’ll publish some subset lists – not just hours/days, but, for example, the lists of sales offering particularly popular categories of stuff, sales benefiting nonprofits, sales offering food/beverages … so keep watch on WSB in the days ahead! (We’re also busy putting up posters and circulating word of WSCGSD around the region.)

P.S. We also want to remind you that WSCGSD coicides again this year with Stamp Out Hunger, USPS letter carriers’ door-to-door food drive, so make a note to have a bag of nonperishable food to set out, if you can, before you get busy with shopping and/or selling that day!

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4 notes from the Southwest Precinct, including a new safety class

April 30, 2025 12:45 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle police

Four quick notes from local police, conveyed by Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite:

PERSONAL SAFETY CLASS: Just announced for May 20, with registration open now:

Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time : 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: Virtual
Register : Virtual Personal Safety Class May 20th 5-7 PM

About the Class

Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by Seattle police officers and employees.

Training goals:

-Share commonsense safety tips to decrease the odds of being a victim
-Know the important role your instincts and gut reactions play
-Discover potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them
-Learn to make a safety plan based on different environments

Notes:

-This is a facilitated discussion and lecture about crime prevention and safety.
-This is not a self-defense class.
-This class is open to individuals of all ages and most appropriate for those who are at least 14 years of age or older. For that reason, children should not attend.

(WSB photo: SW Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair in foreground with Chief Shon Barnes at March’s SWPAC meeting)

NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING WITH POLICE: You’ll find police at most community-council meetings, but there’s also the quarterly Precinct Advisory Council meeting as a place to bring questions/concerns. The date for the next one is a day earlier than previously announced – it’s now set for June 3, 6:30 pm, at High Point Neighborhood House (6400 SW Sylvan Way). Here’s our coverage of the SWPAC’s previous meeting.

ONLINE COMMUNITY POLICE DIALOGUE: Another way to talk with local police, as announced today:

SW Precinct Community Police Dialogues –

Monday June 9th & Monday August 11th. Both at 5:30 pm via Zoom.

Sign up: publicsafetysurvey.org/mcpp-community-police-dialogues.html

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY TALLY: The Southwest Precinct had the top tally in Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day; the much-larger North Precinct collected 51.35 pounds of unwanted/unneeded/unusable medications, but SW received 60 pounds. Watch for the next date in October.

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‘Our goal is to make people fall in love with the greenbelt.’ Plus, gunfire response. Here’s our April HPAC report

April 30, 2025 11:34 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Highland Park | Neighborhoods | West Seattle news

(West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Groupfile photo)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Your role in a vision for Seattle’s largest stretch of remaining forest was the largest topic at this month’s gathering of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.

Police had updates too during the meeting at Delridge Library, which was facilitated by Kay Kirkpatrick, HPAC co-chair.

RIDGE TO RIVER: While this initiative is being reinvigorated, it’s not new. Paul West, who said he had lived in the area for 25 years, explained that Ridge to River was inaugurated in 2019 “to make more connections between the Longhouse and the nearby neighborhoods,” particularly through the West Duwamish Greenbelt, a “four-mile-long corridor along the Duwamish River,” stretching south to White Center. He summarized, “We’re in the process of introducing people to the greenbelt … our goal is to make people fall in love with the greenbelt …it has a lot of existing .. and future potential.”

That love would be accompanied by community connections, West continued. Ridge to River has in its sights the entire stretch, north to south, especially underserved neighborhoods. And as a centerpiece, it’s the historical home of the Duwamish Tribe. “They don’t just think that their ancestors are in the greenbelt, they KNOW their ancestors are in the greenbelt.” And now is prime time to get more people involved with the land, the trees, the wildlife.

Some are working on that through other groups and initiatives – West and Caroline Borsenik, who also was there for the Ridge to River presentation, are also involved with the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group, a volunteer organization that’s been improving trails in the WDG and leading community hikes through it. The trails-focused group also has produced a map, announced earlier this year.

As for Ridge to River, “We’re just getting up and running,” including their new website, city connections, and a pilot project, the first trail that will connect to the longhouse. West said they expect the first phase to take about two years to roll out. They’re also doing studies, and then next year they’ll ask the community for opinions to refine the draft plan, shaping it into a final version they hope the city will adopt for the area. About a dozen organizations are directly involved.

Borsenik told the HPAC attendees that this year’s focus is “gathering community input” and they really want to know what you love about the West Duwamish Greenbelt – or whether you even know about it. They’ll be launching a community survey in May, open through August 25, and will attend some community events (like the West Seattle Farmers Market on June 1, and the WDGT hikes). Contact info is on their website. But this isn’t just about a plan; after one is finalized, hopefully in 2027, there’ll be another phase to turn it into reality, which she acknowledged will be hard.

What about volunteer opportunities? asked an attendee. “There are groups running volunteer events right now!” said Borsenik; West had noted that the area’s been part of the Green Seattle Partnership efforts for ~20 years.

Who owns the land? another asked. Answer: Primarily multiple city departments, plus adjacent South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).

A variety of issues then bubbled into the discussion – from the long-running kiln-dust contamination in part of the area, to “sketchy people,” to a shipping container that’s long been in the forest for storage (Borsenik said “we’ve been trying to get it out of there”). Kirkpatrick also introduced an attendee she’d invited, owner of a nearby building that’s being revived as an event venue, who had temporarily activated a trail through the greenbelt between his property and the SSC parking lot rented for a recent event.

Regarding trails past and present, West explained, the ones there now were built without a central plan/vision so might not be optimally located, and some areas don’t have access at all.

Overall, “activate it and that’ll get more people interested” was a prevailing sentiment. Watch for opportunities – starting with the survey next month. (We’ll of course publish that announcement here when it’s available.)

The meeting started, as many community-coalition meetings do, with an update from Seattle Police.

POLICE UPDATE: Gunfire is the only category of crime that’s going up; in response to that, they’re doing “emphasis patrols” in North Delridge and High Point, “trying to comb this area to be sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Southwest Precinct Community Liaison Officer German Barreto. (Editor’s note: It’s been quieter in the week since this meeting.) SPD has emphasis patrols continuing in Westwood too. One attendee asked about the encampment along Barton Place; Barreto says he’s brought it forward to the Unified Care Team. The attendee said what they believed to be stolen bikes are a particular concern. Another attendee asked about the issues at 9th and Henderson, and two trucks “constantly bringing in trailers” with suspended licenses. They can’t be removed because they’re occupied, Barreto explained. “If they’re living in their vehicle, that’s their home, and we can’t take it.” But the officer clarified that if there are “no-parking” signs, vehicles can be towed. The attendee engaged with Barreto back and forth about “constant traffic” on the street at all hours. Are you calling 911? Barreto asked. No, said the attendee, but they’re recording security video. You can always call suspicious activity in, Barreto said – get the incident number when you call, and then ask for the outcome. Meantime, he mentioned the RV/trailer that was hit by a driver on Henderson a day earlier; Community Service Officers had talked with its owner/resident afterward.

WHAT’S NEXT: HPAC meets fourth Wednesdays most months – time and location might vary, so check the coalition’s new website, hpaction.org, for updates.

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Coffee fundraiser, Firefighter Story Time, low-low tide, school-board Q&A, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

April 30, 2025 9:49 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(River Otter, photographed at Constellation Park by James Hiersche)

Here’s our list of your possibilities for the rest of your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

COFFEE FUNDRAISER: Through 5 pm, the drive-up/ride-up/walk-up coffee stand West Bay (2255 Harbor SW) is donating part of today’s proceeds to the West Seattle High School ASB!

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am for this free guided walk in Lincoln Park.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new location. (4522 California SW)

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

LOW-LOW TIDE: As noted in last night’s story, today’s low tide is mega-low, -3.4 feet just before 1:30 pm.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME AT DELRIDGE LIBRARY: Bring kids 0-5 to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety, 3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

SPORTS: No game/matches on local fields on the Metro League schedule today.

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), free.

TALK WITH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: Seattle Public Schools board members are touring the city for “community engagement” events, and tonight brings the one in West Seattle, 5:30-7 pm at Denny International Middle School (2701 SW Kenyon), in the library.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it instead of discarding it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

SAKE DINNER: Three seatings of multi-course dinner with sake pairings at Upwell, with Maison V. $185. Ticket link is in our calendar listing. (4811 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are invited to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

MUSIC BINGO: Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready for the spotlight? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Got something coming up that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! we*************@***il.com – thank you!

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SUMMER CAMP: Learn about orcas with Killer Whale Tales

April 30, 2025 9:05 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

If your summer-camp plans aren’t entirely locked in yet, here’s a unique opportunity – one week to learn about orcas with West Seattle-based nonprofit Killer Whale Tales:

Calling all young ocean adventurers! This summer, get ready to dive deep into the world of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) at an exciting, action-packed week-long camp designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and storytellers.

Led by Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, this hands-on, immersive camp will transform campers into real-life researchers, equipping them with the skills to decode orca data, crack the mystery of marine ecosystems, and tackle real-world conservation challenges. Through a mix of role-playing, creative problem-solving, and epic science games, participants will:

– Investigate real orca research data and practice field techniques like professional scientists.
– Learn how orcas communicate, form family bonds, and work together—just like a pod!
– Explore the impact humans have on the ocean, and brainstorm wild solutions to protect these majestic creatures.
– Join thrilling, hands-on games that simulate the challenges and triumphs of saving wildlife.

“This camp is more than just a summer break—it’s a chance for campers to become ocean heroes, empowered to make a real difference," says Jeff Hogan. "They’ll walk away with a deep connection to orcas and a ton of new knowledge to share with friends and family.”

Perfect for future marine biologists, ocean lovers, and curious minds, this camp is a splashing good time full of hands-on learning, new friendships, and conservation action. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to secure your spot in the adventure of a lifetime!

Dates: July 14th-18th
Location: Westside School,

Register at: westsideschool.org/about-westside-school/summer-camp

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Last day of April

April 30, 2025 6:03 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunshine returns todayy, high in low 60s (and 10 degrees warmer tomorrow!). Today’s sunrise/sunset – 5:53 am and 8:20 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, which means later-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”. Low-low tides at midday today may affect some service.

ROAD WORK

-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.

STADIUM ZONE

–Mariners have a day game vs. the Angels, 1 pm.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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 a problem 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!

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WEST SEATTLE BEACHES: Low-low tide with uncovered wildlife and dedicated naturalists

April 29, 2025 10:07 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

(WSB photos by Anne Higuera unless otherwise credited)

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

A misty, wet start to low-low tide season did not deter people from flocking to shorelines at midday today to discover sea life left exposed by the receding Sound. South of Lincoln Park, dozens gathered among the towering piers of the ferry dock, forming circles around interesting finds and calling out to friends.

Among them were many beach naturalists trained by the Seattle Aquarium who plan to be at the beach during low tides sharing what they know with friends and curious neighbors whether it’s part of a formal program or not.

Tide-pooling during a low, low tide involves walking a hundred or more yards over sand and seabed that in some areas is exposed only a handful of days a year.

Rubber boots are a good idea, along with looking very carefully where you step. Bigger marine animals like sea stars and sea anemones are easy to spot.

So are the egg collars from Moon Snails, which look a bit like shaped plastic.

The smaller creatures require a keen eye and a little luck. Having someone who can point out a Shaggy Mouse nudibranch (Aeolidia loui) or know that the flat worm wriggling across the wet sand is likely a White Line Ribbon worm makes low tides into educational outings.

It’s also especially exciting to find things like a small Red Octopus biding her time until the tide comes back in. Pat, who took the photo, said the consensus was that this one is a female.

(Photo courtesy Pat Reaville)

There are several organizations in the area (including MAST and the Environmental Science Center) that have beach naturalist programs, but the Seattle Aquarium’s has been the largest, consistently staffing around a dozen locations, including two beaches in West Seattle. The Aquarium is planning to run their program again this year, but doesn’t yet have dates set. “The team tells me we are very close,” said Aquarium spokesperson Tim Kuniholm last week. It’s expected that the Aquarium program will have a significantly shorter list of events this year after layoffs in January. That program and Cedar River Salmon Journey relied on 300+ volunteers, who have been in limbo for a number of months, waiting to hear what’s next. Some have moved on to other opportunities, or just decided they’ll go to the beach no matter what.

Today, a naturalist who was let go in the round of layoffs was holding up a Leather Star to show other former Aquarium volunteers. They are supposed to have a scent similar to garlic, so everyone took a good whiff. She also pointed out a shrimp and other smaller creatures that might otherwise go unnoticed.

In talking with Aquarium volunteers today and others in recent weeks, we heard most express resignation and/or sadness at the changes being made to the naturalist program, but they also are making a point of reaching out to other volunteers to meet up, as they did today. One is even working to organize an informal club — the West Seattle Low Tide All Stars — in part to facilitate meetups between former volunteers on low-tide days.

Today that happened organically, with knowledgeable naturalists just as excited about what they were finding as were kids, families, and others peering into tidepools and wading in the water, trying to take in everything they could see before the tide began to inch back up again.

There is another very low tide tomorrow – -3.4 feet, same as today, just before 1:30 pm.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: School vandalism; day-care burglary

April 29, 2025 8:40 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports from facilities serving children:

SCHOOL VANDALISM: After seeing a short Seattle Police summary about vandalism in the 5000 block of SW Spokane – the location of Alki Elementary‘s temporary home in the former Schmitz Park Elementary – we contacted Seattle Public Schools late Monday to ask for information. Here’s what we received at the end of the day today:

During the weekend, offensive language was spray-painted across multiple areas of the Schmitz Park Elementary/Alki Elementary campus. Our Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security Team responded swiftly, working overnight to cover the graffiti before the school day began on Monday. Emergency Maintenance also ensured the area was cleaned thoroughly the following day. A police report was filed, and a law enforcement officer visited the site to gather evidence. We continue to offer our full cooperation to the police investigation.

BRIGHT HORIZONS BREAK-IN: After hearing a bit about a police response at the day-care center on the lower level of the Link mixed-use building in The Triangle last night, we requested and obtained the police report today. It says someone broke the door glass while a janitor was on site, though he didn’t see it happen. The report says a laptop and 10 iPads were missing.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Feds issue ‘record of decision’ for project

April 29, 2025 6:17 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

The Federal Transit Administration had most recently set today as the target date for its Record of Decision on Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension project, and at day’s end, ST announced the FTA has indeed just issued the ROD. As ST explains in its announcement, this ends the environmental-review phase and allows the project to move into final design. As noted at last week’s ST Board meeting, though, the agency has some milestones of its own ahead, including revising cost estimates and making funding decisions.

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WHALES: Orcas off West Seattle (photos added)

April 29, 2025 5:42 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

5:42 PM: Orcas have been in the area much of the day – we heard a report of some off south Vashon Island this morning, but nothing further; now Kersti Muul sends word of ocas “milling mid-channel south of Lincoln Park, surface active.” So if you’re in west-facing West Seattle, keep watch!

5:50 PM: Kersti says orcas are now northbound, passing Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, close enough to see easily without binoculars.

9:29 PM: The whales subsequently went into Elliott Bay; thanks to Steve Pumphrey for sending the photos above and below, taken from Duwamish Head just after 7:40 tonight!

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About the helicopter over south West Seattle and vicinity

April 29, 2025 4:23 pm

| 10 COMMENTS

| Helicopter | West Seattle news

4:23 PM: That’s the King County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Guardian One, which often assists other agencies. We’re working to find out what it’s doing right now – nothing big has been on the SPD frequency, though one officer radio’ed in that they’re “with county.”

4:50 PM: KCSO says it wasn’t them; we’ve been driving around looking on the ground, no sign of a response. So we still don’t know yet.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: In Pizza We Crust making permit progress

April 29, 2025 3:30 pm

| 15 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

(WSB photo)

It’s been more than a year since we first told you about In Pizza We Crust going bricks-and-mortar in the former Swinery space at 3207 California SW. A commenter asked last night about their status, so we checked in with proprietor Stephanie Tran, who tells WSB:

We are still pending our building permit with the city of Seattle, going on 13 months now. The building was originally set up for food production and needs to be changed to restaurant use which creates a big energy flag with the city. A new HVAC system will be installed sometime in May once the city approves it. Beyond that, our architect and permit specialist are reviewing with the city and negotiating other things like windows and insulation. Its an old 1940’s building and some of the windows are original single pane windows.

The good news is the city has approved our occupancy and ADA portion of the permit.

Stephanie says they hope to announce a grand-opening date as soon as they get full permit approval. Stephanie and team have built a following for their pizza operating from a truck, till now.

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HAPPENING NOW: You can bid in Friends of Roxhill Elementary’s online auction

April 29, 2025 1:57 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Local businesses and organizations have again stepped up to donate auction items to help a local school – and now it’s your turn to pitch in by bidding! Here’s the announcement from Friends of Roxhill Elementary:

The entire West Seattle community is invited to bid in Friends of Roxhill Elementary’s online fundraising auction from now through Saturday, May 3 at 4:30 pm.

With our school facing reduced resources next year, our “Roxstar” students need support now more than ever. Thanks to many generous West Seattle businesses, every dollar raised goes directly back to help the students, teachers, and families who make up the Roxhill school community.

Items available for bidding include:

*Family outings to the zoo, aquarium, Museum of Flight, MoPOP, and more
*Birthday party packages + kids art/music classes and camps
*VIP tailgate + 4 tickets to UW Football opening day
*Sounders and Mariners single-game tickets or Junction FC and Rhodies season tickets!
*Romantic date nights + restaurant, bakery, and cafe gift certificates
*Practical services for your home and family
*Donation funds to support the Kings & Queens student empowerment club and new soccer goals for the playground

Buy something you’re already planning to get or treat yourself. Every item supports local students!

Bid on items now. (Use the “Max Bid” feature for fast and easy bidding.)

Question about the auction? Email au**********@***il.com.

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YOU CAN HELP! Painting date set for Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook waterfront mural

April 29, 2025 12:01 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Those are the updated concepts by artist Nalisha Estrellas for the upcoming mural on the long retaining wall that lines the waterfront section of Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook (4500 block Beach Drive SW). We first told you about the plan for the 189-foot-long mural back in January. Now, it’s almost time to paint it, and your help is welcome! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

We will be painting the mural on Saturday, May 17, starting at 10:00 am. You will see two-hour blocks for sign up. You are welcome to take multiple spots if you choose. Be sure to wear paint clothes.

Here is the SignUp Genius link.
signupgenius.com/go/10C0F4EAFA82CA4FFCE9-56078754-community#/

Right now, volunteers are prepping the wall. And the day before the volunteer event on May 17, a special group of young volunteers – third-graders from Lafayette Elementary – will be visiting to help.

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FYI: Seattle Public Library branches will be closed Thursday

April 29, 2025 11:15 am

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| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

If you need to visit a Seattle Public Library branch in person, today and tomorrow are good days to do it, as SPL is closing its locations on Thursday (May 1) for a staff in-service day. SPL does this annually “for systemwide staff training and team-building.” Its announcement notes, “All location book drops will remain open, so feel free to drop off your materials. No Library materials will be due on that day.”

(All SPL locations and hours are listed/mapped here.)

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Low-low tide, Pope memorial, trivia, more for your West Seattle Tuesday

April 29, 2025 9:58 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Bucky Hayes-McQueen)

Here’s our list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-time participant.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), with two members reporting back on their recent visit to the club’s service project in Costa Rica.

BELGIAN BEER WEEK: Actually longer than a week at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open noon-10 pm today, with the spotlight on Belgian “and Belgian-inspired” beverages.

LOW-LOW TIDE: All the way out to -3.4 feet at 12:41 pm (here’s the tide chart).

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email co*****@******ld.net.)

SPORTS: No local high-school teams playing on local fields today.

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers are available to help K-12 students with their homework.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

MEMORIAL MASS FOR POPE FRANCIS: West Seattle Catholics will gather at 6 pm at Our Lady of Guadalupe (7100 35th SW).

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: Later sunsets bring more time for evening runs – tonight at 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.

BINGO X 2: Play – free! – Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).

TRIVIA X 6: Five trivia options tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW) … and Trivia Tuesdays at Christos on Alki, 7:15 pm (2508 Alki SW – last one of the season).

Hosting an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to we*************@***il.com – thank you!

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Celebration of Life planned May 15 for James C. Hanson, 1930-2025

April 29, 2025 9:05 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather May 15 to remember James Hanson, and are sharing this remembrance with his community:

In Loving Memory of
James Carroll Hanson
July 21, 1930 – April 12, 2025

James Carroll Hanson, born in Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on April 12, 2025. He was raised on a farm, where he developed a strong work ethic that guided him throughout his life.

On September 26, 1953, James married the love of his life, Betty Wentz. Together, they shared 72 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1955, James moved to Seattle with his family and began a career with Boeing.

James was a skilled woodworker who took great pride in creating keepsake items for his family and friends. His craftsmanship and creativity touched the lives of many.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Betty Hanson, and their children: Jaye (Kevin), Wendy (Matt), Kevin (Lina), and Kristi (Frank); eight grandchildren; and twelve great-grandchildren.

James will be lovingly remembered for his gentle spirit, his kindness, his devotion to family, and the beautiful legacy he crafted with his own hands.

Celebration of life will be May 15th, 2-4 pm, at Holiday Bridge Park Retirement Community.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Seattle Children’s Hospital.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to we*************@***il.com)

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK: Tuesday info, with bridge crash

April 29, 2025 6:03 am

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:40 AM: Heavy eastbound bridge traffic – crash near 4th.

8:54 AM: Eastbound traffic still heavy – main bridge access routes have been very slow going. (Jay says Delridge is “worst in months.”) But the actual crash scene is now clear, SDOT says.

11:11 AM: SFD tells us no injuries were reported in the crash.

Earlier:

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, more rain likely, high near 60. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 5:54 am and 8:19 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, which means later-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

ROAD WORK

-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.

STADIUM ZONE

-Mariners are home tonight vs. the Angels, 6:40 pm.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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.

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Girl Scout troops team up for Camp Long cleanup

April 28, 2025 10:21 pm

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Scouts and volunteers at Camp Long – photo by Erik Bell)

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Camp Long got TLC Sunday from more than 70 volunteers and Girl Scouts from 11 troops, pulling up invasive weeds, picking up trash, and helping spread fresh wood chips across a handful of campsites as part of a yearly Earth Day cleanup event.

“This year has been easier,” said Maya, one of the Scouts in attendance. Maya and fellow Girl
Scout Izzy attended the first cleanup last year, but this year they’re acting as youth leaders, helping younger Girl Scouts participate in the event.

Camp Long is traditionally the location of the local West Seattle Girl Scout Summer Day Camp. When deciding what they would do for Earth Day last year, event organizer Alexa Huggins said the park seemed like the perfect choice. Huggins is with Service Unit 550, which encompasses all Girl Scout troops in West Seattle and Vashon.

The help has an impact beyond just cleaning up the park. In November of last year, historic Camp Long Lodge was the target of an arson attack which caused an estimated $1.2 million in damages, and led to the loss of many historical documents. So this was heartening. “We really appreciate the love and support, especially right now,” said Camp Long supervisor Matt Kostle, who was there to help organize and assist volunteers on his day off.

(WSB photo by Hayden Andersen)

“(The Girl Scouts) get very excited, because they care about this camp. Especially after the fire, a lot of them want to know what they can do to help,” Huggins said.

(Scouts hold up their finds – WSB photo by Hayden Andersen)

The younger scouts were especially excited, seeking out the most interesting pieces of trash to show off. The highlight of the day by far was Troop 42886’s Eleanor and Dela, who managed to find an old bucket, broken baseball bat and a plastic easter egg which they theorized was “eaten by a squirrel”.

(Huggins speaking to scouts and volunteers – photo by Erik Bell)

Next year, Huggins said, they’ll have to set up a reward for the most interesting piece of garbage picked up by the scouts.

The tools for the event were supplied by Erik Bell of our area’s most prolific volunteer cleanup group, A Cleaner Alki. Bell says it’s a good experience for everyone to get involved in cleaning local parks, especially younger people. “It helps to get them out here, and show them that they can make a difference.”

If you’re interested in supporting cleanups like these, Bell says you can support A Cleaner Alki here. To get involved with Girl Scouts by volunteering or joining, find out more here.

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