West Seattle news 65030 results

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Thursday info

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, June 12, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, then clearing, high near 70. Today’s sunrise was again at 5:11 am (as early as it gets, and staying there a while); sunset will be again at 9:07 pm.

ROAD WORK

-The Admiral Way Bridge is now one lane each way on the north side, with the south side closed for the ongoing strengthening/refurbishing work.

SCHOOL SCHEDULES

Many local independent/parochial schools conclude their school year tomorrow (Friday, June 13). Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is next Wednesday. For neighboring districts – Vashon Island gets out June 24, Highline Public Schools on June 25. Already out: Summit Atlas (charter middle/high school) in Arbor Heights.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and some other events). More info here.

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Three-boat service is still expected to relaunch on June 30th.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

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!

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire confirmed in Alki, Fairmount Park; plus, peeping report

Three reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

GUNFIRE: Police have received reports of possible gunfire in three different areas in the past hour and a half, and just confirmed two. First, police found one casing near Fauntleroy/Findlay. Second, they just found “multiple” casings in the 2300 block of Alki SW. No injuries reported in connection with either, and no other details yet. (The other report was around 10:30 pm, possible gunfire heard in Westwood, Gatewood, and Upper Fauntleroy, but no evidence turned up in that.) … 12:34 AM UPDATE: Two people have reported vehicle damage related to the Alki gunfire.

One other Crime Watch note:

PEEPING: Sent tonight by a reader:

This morning at 5:30 am, I found a male wearing a black hoodie crouched outside my bedroom window, looking in while I was getting dressed. My window was partially open. My outdoor area is enclosed by a wall that he jumped over. He exited onto California Avenue between Brandon and Dawson. The police responded quickly, and I’ve filed a report.

PREVIEW: Here are some reasons to go out on Thursday night’s West Seattle Art Walk!

Tomorrow is the second Thursday in June, so it’s West Seattle Art Walk night! That means dozens of venues around the peninsula have art and/or music and/or food/drink specials to entice you to come in:

This month’s Art Walk also will feature a Pride celebration organized by VAIN – meet up at their shop 6 pm (4513 California SW), then head south to Walk-All-Ways at 6:30 pm for dancing and general revelry.

For art highlights, see this month’s roundup on the Art Walk site, and check out this preview offered by Art Walk director Molly Ryan:

We have many student art pieces from Alki Elementary, thanks to Davina Dilley, the Alki Elementary Art Teacher. They will be displayed at West Seattle Arcade, Alki Hair, Alki Coffee Company, Blue Moon Burgers, Gary’s Place, Happy Lemon, and the Log House Museum – Thank you to the Alki Elementary students for making beautiful artwork for the businesses!

We will also have the West Seattle High School Media Arts Program showing at one of our sponsors, West Seattle Realty, located in Admiral Junction. Students from both Beginning and Advanced Photography and Graphic Design classes, as well as projects from Technology Student Association State competition will be shown.

Our Poster artist, Beverly Hill, will be displayed at Compass Real Estate in the Alaska Junction. Her work is phenomenal. She will be displaying pieces from her new collection, Industrial Scouting, which shouldn’t be missed! Also in Alaska Junction, former Art Walk leader Reeve Washburn will be at partner Windermere West Metro, and will be hosting a giveaway of Atalanta, one of her 8″x8″ collage on cradled panel! Partner Verity will be showing Sarah Ann Hamilton, with her collection called Honor Over Everything. Partner John L Scott will have three artists from Rain City Clay, in addition to musical performances by Mark Myzen. There will be a pop up market at partner Jet City Labs, featuring 8 different creators with pieces that would make amazing gifts for any loved one in your life!

Desmond Hansen, the prolific West Seattle street artist, will be displaying his work at partner Canna north of Morgan Junction. In addition, at partner NOR Design & Construction, Kristy Lewellen will be showing pieces from a private family collection that is over 60 years old – and all pieces will be priced under $100 (rare for original artwork!).

We hope to see everyone visiting businesses in their neighborhood!

One more big part of tomorrow night’s Art Walk – another set of mini-concerts, 6-7:45 pm, comprising The Art of Music, curated by John Redenbaugh. See and preview the lineup here and figure out who you want to go see and hear tomorrow night!

VIDEO: 2-year street closure, and other key points from briefing on Fauntleroy Creek’s next culvert project

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

If you live, work, shop, study, or travel through Fauntleroy, you should be paying attention to the upcoming project to replace and expand the Fauntleroy Creek culvert beneath 45th SW.

So far, the Fauntleroy Community Association fears, not enough people are, despite the inevitability that, as FCA president Frank Immel observed last night, “it’s going to be a real mess in the community.”

Above is our recording of last night’s hour-long meeting with the latest information about the project, presented by Seattle Public Utilities, hosted by the FCA as the first half of its regular monthly board meeting. Anticipating stronger community interest, FCA moved the meeting to a big room at The Hall at Fauntleroy and set out dozens of chairs – but only a handful were filled.

Here’s the slide deck used for the briefing (plus a few pages at the end regarding the California culvert, on which work will start no sooner than 2028, after 45th is complete). Briefing toplines:

Read More

Another SW Roxbury hit-run crash

(Image from east-facing traffic cam zoomed to crash vicinity)

Avoid 14th/Roxbury for a while; at least one eastbound lane is blocked by the response for what officers have reported was a hit-run crash involving an SUV and motorcycle. The motorcycle rider was being checked out by medics, but was not believed to have major injuries; officers had a plate number for the owner of the SUV suspected to have left the scene and were going to check an associated address,

BIZNOTE: Molly Moon’s Ice Cream announces West Seattle Junction opening date – and plans for late-night schedule

(Future Molly Moon’s, as seen this afternoon on California/Alaska traffic cam)

14+ months, and one location change, after announcing their West Seattle plans with a window banner, Molly Moon’s Ice Cream has set the date for its grand opening in The Junction: June 21. Here’s the announcement we received this afternoon:

Molly Moon’s Homemade Ice Cream is excited to announce the Grand Opening of their newest scoop shop in the beautiful neighborhood of West Seattle at the Junction where California Ave SW and SW Alaska St intersect, next Saturday, June 21st!

The Grand Opening schedule:

3 pm: Ribbon cutting ceremony with the West Seattle Junction Association
3 pm: Molly Moon’s is open to the public!
3-5 pm: Free kids’ scoops for kids 12 and under
11 pm: Closed for the day

The newest scoop shop in the Molly Moon’s family will open daily at 12 pm and close at 11 pm seven days a week. The shop will feature Molly Moon’s full menu of homemade ice creams, toppings, sundaes, and milkshakes. …

Every Molly Moon’s scoop shop partners with a food bank in the neighborhood where it’s located. The new West Seattle location is no exception! Through the company’s nonprofit, the Anna Banana Milk Fund, 1% of annual sales—plus customer donations—are distributed to these local food bank partners. For the new West Seattle location, Molly Moon’s will be supporting the work of the West Seattle Food Bank, which has been operating since 1983.

The new ice-cream shop was originally moving into a spot a bit further north, then changed the plan and settled on the former Cupcake Royale space instead.

TONIGHT: How to watch Chief Sealth International High School’s graduation live without going downtown

As mentioned briefly in today’s highlight list, the Chief Sealth International High School Class of 2025 graduates tonight, 8 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown. The school just asked us to publish this info, including how to watch the live stream/broadcast.

Here’s a clickable link to the YouTube stream. We’ll be there too, covering the ceremony for a report late tonight here on WSB.

Stay home? Move out? Get help? Learn about retirement-living options at Thursday discussion in West Seattle

Whether you’re the current/prospective retiree, or a parent/relative is about to make that transition, many decisions await, especially regarding living arrangements. Independent living? Home care? Assisted living? Or? Tomorrow night (Thursday, June 12) at 6 pm, Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor) invites you to visit for a panel discussion about your options, with guests from a variety of services/organizations.

It’s free to attend. They’re asking for RSVPs if possible – you can do that by email – corrine@villagegreenretirement.com to let them know you’ll be there.

BIZNOTE: Pegasus Book Exchange requesting ‘Fred stories’

Luke pointed out that Pegasus Book Exchange in The Junction is inviting customers past and present to share stories and memories about and for owner Fred Epps, and suggested we publicize the request too. His daughter Emma Epps said OK, so here’s what she posted on the Pegasus website:

Many of you may remember my dad, Fred Epps, who was front and center of Pegasus for about 30 years. My parents live in Mount Vernon (about an hour and a half’s drive away) and as my dad ages, he no longer has the stamina to visit the store any more. I (Emma) regularly get asked to pass along people’s well wishes, but I’d rather everyone speaks in their own words.

Do you have a memorable Fred story? Or even just something simple to say?

Here’s the important part, Emma emphasizes – please publish your comment/memory/story for Fred on the Pegasus website post, not here on this WSB post, so that he’s sure to see it. Of course you’re welcome to copy and paste it here too, after you’ve posted there …

(Photo from Pegasus website post)

YOU CAN HELP: Running on Friday, pledging now, for 2025 Alki-A-Thon

That photo courtesy of the Alki Elementary PTA is from last year’s Alki-A-Thon – an end-of-school-year all-school fun(draiser) that’s coming up again this Friday (June 13)! They’re hoping you’ll pitch in and pledge in advance – here’s what the PTA wants us to know:

This jog-a-thon brings together students, staff, and families for a fun-filled day of running, music, and community spirit, all in support of vital programs at Alki Elementary. We’re actively seeking donations now through the event to fund arts and science enrichment, field trips, classroom resources, and equity efforts not covered by district budgets. It’s our most energizing school event of the year, and we’d love community donations to keep SPS students thriving.

Who: Alki Elementary students (kindergarten through 5th grade) running; family and immediate friends invited to attend

What: Alki-a-Thon, the school’s annual jog-a-thon fundraiser

When: Friday, June 13, 2025 (during the school day)

Why: To raise funds for PTA-supported programs that enrich student learning and support

To donate: app.99pledges.com/fund/alkiathon25

From poetry to paving to politics – the list for your West Seattle Wednesday!

(Photographed on Beach Drive by Thomas Bach)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy.

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

CHAIR YOGA: 10:30 am weekly class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW): $20 drop-in.

(added) ONO GRINDS WITH SPD: “Coffee with a cop” meet-and-greet with Seattle Police, Hawaiian style, 11 am-1 pm at Marination ma kai (1600 Harbor SW).

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

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

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

ART WORKSHOP FOR KIDS: 3 pm, join Rec’N The Streets at Delridge Library. (5423 Delridge Way SW)

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

DROP-IN Q&A ABOUT BARTON REPAVING PROJECT: 5:30-7 pm outside ex-Bed Bath Beyond at Westwood Village, your chance to talk with team members for this upcoming work (now set for next year instead of this year).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something broken? 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).

34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS’ ENDORSEMENT MEETING: 6 pm online, as previewed here. You can go here to register for the link (all can observe the meeting but endorsement votes are limited to qualified members).

CRIBBAGE NIGHT: Monthly event at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), 6 pm. All players, all ages, welcome!

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, $40, details here and pre-registration here. (3400 Harbor SW)

POETRYBRIDGE: Celebrate the beauty and powerof words! 6-8 pm PoetryBridge gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

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

WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) – all welcome.

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.

REGULAR TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins 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: Your chance at centerstage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

CHIEF SEALTH IHS GRADUATION: 8 pm at Memorial Stadium downtown (401 5th Ave. N.) Note increased security screening – arrive early.

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! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

SIGNUP TIME: West Seattle Baseball Summer Crush, plus a peek ahead!

Ball player in the family? Less than two weeks left to sign up for West Seattle Baseball‘s Summer Crush. And WS Baseball has a few other announcements to share:

Crush is Focused on the FUN!

Summer Crush is West Seattle Baseball´s fun summer games only league that combines some of the organizational elements of the spring league with some of the sandlot-style baseball fun. It is also an opportunity for more reps and new positions in a fun, low-stress situation.

Crush is divided into three divisions, 8U, 10U, and 12U (in PONY-speak, that´s Pinto, Mustang, and Bronco). Scores are kept but there are no standings or playoffs. There are not even practices! It’s just “show up and play ball”.

The season runs from the week of July 11 through the week of August 11. 8U Pinto and 12U Bronco are scheduled to play Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. 10U Mustang is scheduled to play Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM.

For more information visit the West Seattle Baseball website at westseattlebaseball.com

And beyond summer …

Girls Softball is back for its 3rd season!

This division will spend its first week of the 6 weeks going through introductions and assessments to allow a safe and balanced team format for the remaining weeks. The goal is to identify their knowledge and skill set to aptly teach and help gain confidence in their abilities. Division will probably be in the Pinto (8u), Mustang (10u) and Bronco (12u) range, however that is subject to registration. Weeks to include instruction, games, and guest Coaches.

Shetland/T-ball is back this season!

This division will be 6 weeks on Friday nights 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM and continue to be a fun T-ball (6u) level of baseball for the kids to run around and play some ball.

Using Crush to Try a New Division

Often, players who are going to move up a division the following spring will play in the higher division in Crush to get a light introduction to their future age group, but by no means is that a rule or even typical. Most commonly, players play in the same division and level that they played during the Spring season. Players are not allowed to ¨play down,” however.

Taking Vacations? No Problem!

Team rosters are built with summer vacations in mind. Larger rosters can sometimes mean that the batting order gets long, more often, however, it prevents teams being too short-handed to realistically play when multiple players are out of town on family trips. Again, games are scheduled only for weeknights, leaving weekends completely free.

Coaches Needed

And why should all the fun go to the kids? Whether you have had the pleasure of helping as a volunteer coach in the past or have just seen how much fun all the coaches have working with these kids, Crush is a great time to get involved. Every team needs as much coaching help as they can get to make games run smoothly and efficiently. If you are ready to join the ranks of WSB volunteer coaches, be sure to note your interest when registering your player or contact league officials to start the process! Please reach out to Andy and Doug at crush.commish@westseattlebaseball.com with any questions regarding the season.

Important Dates

Registration is scheduled to close on June 23. Crush season will begin the week of July 11 and run for 6 weeks ending on August 15. Sign Up for Summer Crush: go.teamsnap.com/forms/485126

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, June 11, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Partly sunny with a high in the mid-70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:11 am (as early as it gets, and holding there for another week); sunset will be at 9:07 pm.

CLOSURES, ROAD WORK

-The Admiral Way Bridge is now one lane each way on the north side, with the south side closed for the ongoing strengthening/refurbishing work.

SCHOOL SCHEDULES

Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights has concluded its school year. Many local independent/parochial schools get out this Friday. Seattle Public Schools‘ last day is one week from today. Neighboring districts – Vashon gets out June 24, Highline on June 25.

-Chief Sealth IHS Class of ’25 graduates downtown at Memorial Stadium tonight, 8 pm.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus a new addition – late-night service for weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and some other events). More info here.

Metro busesRegular schedule.

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

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

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!

CONGRATULATIONS! Rotary Club of West Seattle celebrates this year’s scholarship winners

At the heart of today’s weekly Rotary Club of West Seattle (WSB sponsor) lunch meeting was a celebration of eight students who are receiving nine scholarships. Rotarian Gina Topp, who leads the organization’s Scholarship Committee, remarked on what a joy it is to “get to support young people in our comunity and their futures.” The winners each got a moment to speak to the Rotarians filling the banquet room at West Seattle Golf Course:

GAMBRIELL SCHOLARSHIP
PAST PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP

Malia Barker from West Seattle High School received two scholarships ($10,000 total):

STUDENT OF THE YEAR SCHOLARSHIPS
Ella Galitas from Summit Atlas ($1,000):

Binta Diagana from Chief Sealth International High School ($4,000):

Thuc Nguyen from West Seattle HS ($4,000):

PAST PRESIDENT’S SCHOLARSHIP
Ryan Bonsak from Maritime High School in the Highline district ($6,000):

EARL CRUZEN ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
The three winners are all students in the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Automotive Technology program, and each received a tool set like this:

Brandon Castañeda-Rodriguez:

Markus Nicholson:

Nathan Chau:

“You will not regret believing in me,” Nathan assured the Rotarians. Find out more about their scholarship program here.

NEXT UP FOR ROTARY: Next week’s lunch speaker (noon June 17) will be West Seattle-residing, globetrotting photographer extraordinaire Art Wolfe … On July 1, the club gathers for its installation dinner, to welcome a new slate of officers.

UPDATE: Crashed car on SB 35th SW at Roxbury

9:36 PM: Avoid 35th/Roxbury for a while. That crash is blocking the southbound side, and police have described it as a hit-run. SFD is there but we don’t have definitive word on whether anyone is hurt; we were watching the live camera before police arrived and it appeared a woman, man, and dog from the car walked across the street. Police are calling for a tow for the car; it looks like debris cleanup will be needed too.

10:40 PM: Scene has cleared.

FOLLOWUP: Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby’s travel team off to regionals as top seed!

We recently reported on our area’s Junior Roller Derby league, Southside Revolution. As noted in our story, their travel team The Rebels were expecting to head to regionals and possibly to nationals – their journey is about to begin, according to this update we received:

Our area’s junior roller-derby travel team, the Southside Revolution Rebels, is off to Salem, Oregon this coming weekend (June 14-15) to face some top PNW teams in the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. The Rebels enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the region, with a record of 11-1 in sanctioned games vs. teams across the country.

Composed of teenage skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, the Rebels travel team is part of the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league. In its 11th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves about 90 skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels. The Rebels team travels throughout the year to play high-level opponents across the country.

The league will also appear at the West Seattle Grand Parade this year. Coming up after the parade: Travel Team tryouts and New Skater Clinics in early September. Anyone interested should contact info@southsiderevolution.com.

P.S. The playoffs will be livestreamed here: youtube.com/@cherrycityrollerderby/featured

DEVELOPMENT: Mayor proposes disbanding community Design Review Boards as part of reducing review process’s role

If you were around for the West Seattle development boom in the late ’00s and early-to-mid 2010s, you probably remember the role Design Review played – a city-appointed review board met as often as twice a month, with up to two projects per meeting, and the calendar was often full. It was the main opportunity for community members to have input into notable projects, for better or for worse. And it changed the plan for some sites – one notable example is at California/Charlestown, where dozens of residences share the corner with lively small businesses largely because the Southwest Design Review Board gave relentless pushback to a previous plan to replace the beloved Charlestown Café with a one-story Petco store and parking lot. Since then, though, the Design Review rules have changed and the board meetings have grown fewer and fewer. The Southwest board had a one-project meeting in March – its first in 15 months. Last November, the city asked for your thoughts on what remained of the process. And now, changes are unveiled. In an announcement today about his proposals for further limiting design review, Mayor Harrell is proposing abolishing the neighborhood boards and replacing them with one citywide board. The summary in his announcement also includes:

Extend successful exemption for affordable housing. The interim ordinance would extend by six months a Design Review exemption set to expire in August 2025 for projects that meet Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) requirements through onsite affordable units. During the two-year exemption pilot, proposed onsite housing units more than doubled compared to all prior years of the MHA program. Building on this success, the legislative proposal coming later this summer would make this exemption permanent.

Only large projects would be subject to design review. The review threshold would increase to buildings with 150+ housing units or 20,000+ square feet of commercial space. Smaller projects would be exempt, as well as projects located outside Urban Centers or Regional Growth Centers, and projects subject to other review boards, such as the Landmark Preservation Board.

Clear guidelines and less meetings. Permanent Design Review guidelines would be easier to understand and focus exclusively on elements of the building’s exterior. The permanent ordinance would also limit Design Review to one public meeting that must take place early in the permitting process to help increase predictability, reduce delays, and provide an avenue for public comment when it’s most impactful.

One citywide board. The eight geographically focused boards would be replaced by one citywide board of 14 members who have expertise in design, development, and equity. Projects planned within established equity areas would use board members from the local community within the pool of 14. This change aims to simplify the program, make it more consistent, and improve representation for historically underserved communities.

Flexibility in design standards in exchange for public benefits. Departures from design standards, such as increased height or floor area, may be allowed for projects that add public benefits like meeting equity goals or enhancing street-level design. Projects exempt from Design Review would also benefit from similar flexibility through an administrative process.

You can read the full announcement here. It also notes the legislation will be sent to City Council after the environmental-review process that continues through June 26 (various documents, and info on commenting, are here).

ROAD WORK ALERT: Drilling Monday for future traffic signal by Fauntleroy ferry dock

(2024 WSF concept for Fauntleroy Way signalized intersection)

Though construction of the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement/expansion is still a few years away, one related project is more like months away – the stoplight planned for Fauntleroy Way where it intersects with the dock entrance/exit. To get ready for it, drilling is planned on Monday (June 16), and Washington State Ferries is circulating this alert today:

Washington State Ferries (WSF) will conduct geotechnical drilling to understand site conditions for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. The traffic signal will make it easier and safer for people driving, walking, biking and rolling to get to and from the bus stops, terminal and other destinations along Fauntleroy Way Southwest and beyond.

When will the work occur?
• Monday, June 16 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

What can I expect?
• Construction noise, dust, vibrations and traffic.
• Travel and bike lane restrictions at the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. While crews are working, flaggers and a uniformed police officer will direct traffic through the intersection and to/from the ferry terminal. Please expect delays when traveling through the area.
• Large construction vehicles and machinery.
• Crews will use construction best practices to limit noise levels when possible.

Questions or concerns?
• Email: wsfcomms@wsdot.wa.gov
• Call our construction hotline: 206-402-8070 (staffed 24/7 during construction)

The next full update on the project is expected during what will be the final meeting of its WSF-convened Community Advisory Group, online at 6 pm July 9 (registration link isn’t available yet but watch here when it gets closer).

SUMMER: West Seattle Grand Parade 2025 to feature popular comebacks

(WSB file photo)

ORIGINAL TUESDAY AFTERNOON REPORT: The precision, prestigious Seattle Chinese Community Girls’ Drill Team is expected to return to the West Seattle Grand Parade this year for the first time since before the pandemic. We got word of that while talking with Keith Hughes, who chairs the parade for the Rotary Club of West Seattle, which presents it. He told the club that more than 70 entries are already signed up for the parade, and that sponsorships are ahead of last year. Keith said they’re expecting other comebacks, too. The parade is set for Saturday, July 19, starting at 11 am at California/Lander in The Admiral District and proceeding all the way down California to the south end of The Junction – watch for more info as it gets closer (and don’t forget it’s preceded by the Float Dodger 5K on the parade route – registration for that is open now!).

P.S. We were at today’s Rotary meeting for an unrelated topic, the club’s annual scholarship presentations – details coming up in a separate story!

EARLY WEDNESDAY UPDATE: From Parade Coordinator Michelle Edwards:

For clarification regarding our current parade entries, we are excited to introduce a new parade entry this year from the Seattle American Chinese Chamber of Commerce – The Flying Dragons and Lions!

In their own words: “The Flying Dragons and Lions bring the energy of good luck and prosperity to any event! The percussion instruments and dragons work together to symbolize the balance of the Ying and Yang energies!”

We are looking forward to welcoming this new entry to the West Seattle Grand Parade this summer and will have more new and exciting entries from around the greater Seattle area to highlight as we get closer to the parade.

FOLLOWUP: SDOT starts work on Duwamish Head diagonal parking conversion, and explains sign removal

12:28 PM: Thanks to Andrew for the photo! SDOT crews are working right now on the conversion of Duwamish Head diagonal parking spaces to parallel, for which District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka got $175,000 written into the city budget. Nearby residents had long been asking for the removal of the diagonal spaces, as a magnet for trouble, even a murder last year. Andrew’s photo came in as we were starting to write a related story – about last Friday’s removal of signage that SDOT had placed regarding this work and the proposal to create 150 new parallel spaces on the water side of Alki Avenue a bit further west.

We asked about the sign removal as soon as another reader asked (sending the photo shown above) on Friday; SDOT acknowledged the inquiry Friday but didn’t provide this reply until today (Phase 2 is a reference to the potential parallel-space installation):

Phase 2 status is currently under review. Staff will review the input from the survey before deciding on the next steps for the project. This ensures community feedback is considered as the process moves forward. In the meantime, we intend to move forward on the conversion of the Duwamish Head angled parking spaces to parallel parking.

SDOT removed the A-frame signs along Alki Avenue SW to avoid any misunderstandings about the work planned at Duwamish Head. We collected a large volume of public input from the survey responses so far and people can continue to provide input until June 22. Afterward, we’ll share the results and how they shaped the process and any decisions.

The reply also noted that they “expect to install (the diagonal-to-parallel) changes this week,” but as Andrew’s photo shows, that’s already under way. They told us that the conversion would mean a net loss of 10 street-parking spaces in that area. Meantime, though SDOT also initially attributed “Phase 2” to Saka as well, he said he’s against adding those spaces (though his budget item, as a commenter pointed out, mentioned not only the diagonal-space conversion but also the addition of on-street spaces on Alki Avenue nearby; we mentioned that in this November reportthe survey is indeed still open.

1:57 PM: Just went through, and the crew is gone:

Nobody seemed to have caught on to the new parallel parking opportunities yet. Looks like some work remains, however, such as grinding away the old parking lines, and removing the old signage that related to the angled parking.

FOLLOWUP: Grocery-store food drive change after supplier problem

We mentioned again in today’s highlight list that PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) had a few more days to go in its food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank. That’s apparently changed – we just got this from WSFB’s Robbin Peterson:

Grocery supplier UNFI got hit by a cyber attack, and their IT system had to be taken down, which impacted their ordering system. It’s meant trouble for grocers who heavily rely on them (PCC, Whole Foods) with low shelf levels on products, and as such, PCC has cancelled all remaining days of their food drives across all stores in Puget Sound.

If people have items to donate to WSFB, they can bring them directly to us (35th/Morgan) between 9 am-3 pm weekdays, or drop them in any of the permanent food drive barrels around town.

· West Seattle Thriftway
· Tom’s Automotive
· Meeples Games
· YMCA Fauntleroy
· West Seattle Animal Hospital
· West Seattle Eagles
· Admiral Safeway
· RealFine Coffee
· Rainier Hair Studio

All this aside, ongoing federal cuts and state/local budget crunches mean organizations like WSFB need your help more than ever, so however and wherever you donate, if you can, please do.

Fauntleroy culverts update, pre-Father’s Day ‘meat market,’ more for your West Seattle Tuesday!

(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

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

FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES: West Seattle Food Bank‘s weeklong donation drive at PCC West Seattle (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues today. The store is open until 11 pm,

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, until noon 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), featuring student awards and scholarship presentations.

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

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate.

PRE-FATHER’S DAY MEAT MARKET: Five days until Father’s Day – a unique event at Lady Jaye (4523 California SW), 4-8 pm – if Dad is a devoted carnivore, this is the place to get something to cook for him OR something already cooked, during what LJ bills as “the ultimate Wagyu experience.”

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.

FAUNTLEROY CULVERTS MEETING: The first of the major Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement projects, beneath 45th SW north of Wildwood, is set for construction to start next year. Tonight the Fauntleroy Community Association and Seattle Public Utilities host a community meeting for updates and Q&A, replacing the first half of FCA’s regular monthly board meeting, 6 pm, at a larger venue – The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW)

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: On this long night, enjoy the late light with a run – tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up 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 4: Here’s the answer to the weekly question “who’s got trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights?” – 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).

Organizing 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 westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

YOU CAN HELP: Roxhill Elementary Jog-A-Thon this Friday to ensure cuts won’t cost kids ‘experience of a lifetime’

With a little more than one week of classes left for most Seattle Public Schools students, it’s time to look ahead. That includes a Roxhill Elementary fundraiser this Friday for which your help can make a big difference – here’s how:

Roxhill Elementary School will host our annual Jog‐A‐Thon on June 13 to support the 5th grade overnight outdoor learning field trip to Nature Bridge in the fall. Our students are collecting pledges for running laps on the playground this Friday, and community members are invited to make a donation.

During their 4-night stay, students engage in various outdoor learning activities that build self-confidence, team building skills, and knowledge of physical sciences. It has been a tradition for many years that each 5th grade class attends an outdoor learning education overnight field trip. It is the experience of a lifetime! Donations will help cover a portion of transportation costs, meals, and other expenses.

This year’s fundraiser is especially important because the new Washington State budget removed the Outdoor Learning Grant program that previously helped offset the cost for Title I schools to go to camp. We hope our community will help us fill the gap and also support other impacted West Seattle elementary schools facing the same cuts.

Donate to the Roxhill Jog-a-thon now!