West Seattle, Washington
15 Friday
If you’ve decided at the last minute to join the West Seattle Junction Association Wine Walk tonight – good news, we’re told WSJA is still accepting walk-ups at the two check-in spots for tickets, Kendall Dental at California/Genesee (above) and Washington Management (4554 California SW). From there, more than 30 wineries (listed here) are partnered with Junction businesses tonight – all three of WSB’s winery sponsors are participating – Welcome Road Winery (from South Admiral) is pouring at Hotwire Coffeehouse (4410 California SW):
Wolfpack Cellars (from White Center) is pouring at Bakery Nouveau (4737 California SW):
And Viscon Cellars (from north Morgan Junction) is pouring at Brocante Beach House (4529 California SW). The Wine Walk is on until 9 pm – more photos later!
The vacancies in The Junction continue to vanish, one by one. We’ve already reported on Anchorhead Coffee taking the ex-Starbucks spot, the Dave’s Hot Chicken and Gong Cha plan for the former Haymaker space, Viva Arts going into the ex-Three Little Birds, the official opening of Oona in the ex-Willow storefront … and now The Works Seattle, a Fremont business run by West Seattle resident Kellie Phelan, has uncloaked for the ex-Click!/Seattle E-Bike storefront at 4540 California SW. Phelan just signed the lease for the new home of The Works Seattle this week. We had been talking with her via email since just before the signing finalized her plan. Here’s how she explains The Works Seattle:
I spent the first decade of my career in environmental consulting, drawn by a desire to make a positive impact. Over time, I found myself wanting to focus that impact closer to home: building community, connecting people, and creating space for adults to learn from one another. In 2018, I founded The Works Seattle as the kind of place I felt was missing: somewhere adults could come together to make things with their hands, learn new skills, and connect with others in a genuinely welcoming environment.
We started in my kitchen and grew into a brick-and-mortar studio in Fremont, serving more than 5,000 students a year. Eighteen months in, Covid shut us down. We built DIY Kits to keep our team employed, and they turned out to be something people loved enough to keep ordering long after. We came back from Covid stronger than we went in.
The Works is now eight years old, offering instructor-led workshops, private and corporate events, a drop-in Maker Bar, retail, and DIY kits. The move to West Seattle is the next chapter, and for me, a deeply personal one. It’s my neighborhood. I want to live and work in the same community, and I’ve been waiting a long time to bring The Works home.
Here’s what will happen in the new space, and what she’s adding beyond what The Works Seattle does in Fremont now:
The same things we’re known for: hands-on workshops and classes in printmaking, natural dyeing, embroidery, floral arranging, stained glass, and more. Plus a full Maker Bar. The Maker Bar is a way to make creativity more accessible and flexible, where you drop in, pick a project, and leave with something you’re actually proud of, all for under $50 bucks. We’ll also have expanded retail, a more robust private and corporate events program, and set open hours so people can count on us being there.
The Maker Bar is the biggest addition from what her business currently does: “We’re piloting it right now in Fremont, but the new space gives us the dedicated square footage and infrastructure to run it properly. The expanded retail footprint is also new, as are set open hours.” (Those hours aren’t finalized yet.)
Moving to West Seattle, she says, isn’t just because she lives here:
Bringing The Works home has always been the dream.
Our current Fremont studio is tucked away on a lower level with an alley entrance. You can find it if you know where to look, but you don’t stumble across it. Alaska Junction puts us on the main drag. What if people could just walk by and see us? See their friends and family, their community, all making things, and think: “I want to do that.” That’s exactly what we’re going for.
And this move is personal in another way too. Last year, my daughter went through a bone marrow transplant. Being away from the studio for months gave me a lot of time to think about what matters and what I want to build next. I want to live and work in the same neighborhood. I want my kids, who have grown up in every one of my shops, to be able to walk down the street and see what’s possible when you believe in something and keep showing up for it.
As for the timeline: “We’ve applied for our building permit and will begin construction once that comes through. We’re targeting a fall opening. In the meantime, classes at the Fremont location continue through the end of August.”
(Photos courtesy Skunk Works Robotics)
Though they meet south of the city, Skunk Works Robotics has always attracted West Seattle students too – 10 members this past year, the club tells us. So they wanted to be sure you know they have open houses tomorrow (Saturday, May 16) and next Thursday (May 21) – and they explain that it’s about more than technology:
Skunk Works Robotics just completed its 20th season competing in the FRC division of FIRST robotics. FIRST Inspires. The Skunks were on the winning alliance at the Sammamish district event in March and qualified for the PNW District Championships held in Cheney at Eastern Washington University in April.
FIRST robotics does involve building robots but it is much more than that. Students are a part of a competitive team that works together to analyze a game challenge that is different every season. They must decide what the most important scoring opportunities are in the game and how to design, build and program a robot that can meet those opportunities. The game challenge is announced in January and competitions begin in March so teams have to work fast and balance priorities to make sure they have a robot ready to take the field.
The Skunks meet at Highline College and have team members from over a dozen schools. The team is looking for 9-12 graders, and perhaps some motivated 8th graders, to be a part of a competitive robotics team and have fun while learning. An interest in STEM is useful but no special knowledge is required. Learn while doing.
Skunk Works Robotics is comprised of multiple subteams. The design subteam tries to take the decisions and goals that were determined during the game analysis and find a way to structure a robot that can move around the field quickly and safely while performing its required tasks. There are size and weight limits for each season so designers must take those requirements into consideration. There are also other robots on the game field so collisions are inevitable and durability is a factor as well as ease of repair when durability wasn’t enough.
The electrical subteam has to work with the design subteam to wire all of the motors and sensors and cameras on the robot. The robot’s battery must be readily accessible as it has to be swapped out every match but sensitive electronics have to be protected from damage, dust and metal shavings.
Programmers design the controls and logic that run the robot and integrates the data from its sensors into information that can be handled autonomously by the robot or displayed for the driver and operator.
The shop subteam makes the design a reality by creating the parts, prepping them and assembling the robot with its various subsystems. Some parts are available from specialty vendors while others are made from sheet metal, polycarbonate, 3D printed parts and other materials.
There are two other subteams that are very important to the team that may not immediately come to mind. The scouting subteam takes the game challenge and analyzes it, breaking it down into different components so the abilities of each robot at a competition can be understood and rated. Data analytics has become a vital part of all professional and college sports and competitive robotics is no different. Knowing what your alliance partner or opponent is capable of and what their preferences or habits are can help devise a winning strategy.
The business and marketing subteam may work on a slightly different schedule and with different priorities than the others but it is no less vital. It is the connection from the team to the community, to supporters and sponsors and to other teams. Banners, outreach events, buttons, photography, social media…all come from the business and marketing subteam. Presentations and documentation for the team are also run by business and marketing.
If you know someone who might be interested, the team will have info sessions on May 16th and May 21st. More information can be found here: skunkworks1983.com/flyer. Signups for the info sessions can be found here:
Interest Form for Skunk Works Robotics, 2026 -2027 – Fill out form
(Diana Spence explained how volunteers use net traps to count coho smolts leaving the creek for saltwater)
It’s the time of spring when students participating in Salmon in the Schools release their school-raised baby salmon into local creeks. One school was joined this week by an elected official. The report is from Judy Pickens of the Fauntleroy Watershed Council, with photos by Dave Gershgorn:
On Wednesday (5/13) 49 kids from the Fauntleroy Children’s Center came in waves to lower Fauntleroy Creek to release 160 coho fry they had been rearing since late December. City Councilmember Rob Saka joined them in putting fish in the water and exploring creek habitat.
(City Councilmember Rob Saka named the coho fry Dennis Hinton dipped for him after his children)
(Volunteers briefed Councilmember Saka about culverts and current concerns in the watershed)
Because culvert construction will be starting soon in the middle reach of the creek, West Seattle schools are not able to release fry as usual this spring and next in Fauntleroy Park.
(Julia Stavnitski pointed out stonefly exoskeletons left behind on a tree near the water
Instead, volunteers with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council are hosting nearly 300 children and teens in the lower creek. Another 450+ students from nine schools are releasing in Longfellow Creek.
We covered one of those release events last month.
Firefighters are out testing hydrants today in Gatewood; we spotted this one at 37th and Holden. Hydrant-testing stirs up sediment – aka rust – in the lines, and that can lead to discolored water in the area. We’ve already heard from one person who had it, though he says it cleared up relatively quickly. Always a good idea to report to Seattle Public Utilities at 206-386-1800 if you’re not absolutely sure of the cause (it could also mean there’s a water break nearby, for example).
(Current design for expanded Morgan Junction Park, ‘skate dot’ in lower left)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The latest meeting about the “skate dot”/all-wheels area in the Morgan Junction Park expansion plan served largely as a reminder of how much bureaucracy has bogged it down.
Project manager Trae Yang from Seattle Parks noted toward the end that she’s in negotiations involving a multitude of other city departments, including Public Utilities, City Light, and Construction and Inspections; some of that was explained in a meeting at the site last September, particularly the complication caused by stormwater-drainage requirements.
Development of the site – which held a mini-mart and dry cleaner when the city bought it more than a decade ago – has proceeded at the proverbial glacial pace. If not for advocacy by community members who at one point turned it into an unsanctioned skatepark and formed the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association, it’s hard to say it would even reached the current point, where it’s just opened as a field of grass.
“It’s been a journey,” design consultant Zack Thomas of Board & Vellum sighed toward the meeting’s start, regarding the eight-year history of the Morgan Junction Park expansion project.
He joined Yang and planner Olivia Reed from Seattle Parks at the meeting in the basement community room at The Kenney. Though the project has drawn extensive interest, and skating-community involvement, over the past few years, attendance was relatively low.
Reed opened with history of the site purchase (closed for $1.9 million in 2014), the start of early design in 2018, the pandemic putting the project on hold (2020), and what’s happened since then:’
(WSB photo, April 30)
Current status: Fencing came down two weeks ago and grass covers the area. (Several attendees mentioned seeing it used for family play and dog-walking.)
Updated design context: Most original design concepts and park features stayed but a few were removed until they see, with the help of “professional cost estimates,” if some can be restored.
“This project is small but” has “unique” challenges, as the project team described it The site is still classified by the state as “contaminated” so that is affecting what can and must be done with the site. “We have to be careful when we think about how ww’re going to program this site.”
The stormwater matter was explained again. Then the project team answered questions. Could the expansion site be “activated” beyond lawn status before the project is built? Yang said the current plan is just to maintain the grass but “we’re open to collaboration.”
The relative lack of seating in the revised plan drew some attention. What about donated memorial-type benches? Reed said the program for those is just now relaunching, to be managed by the Seattle Parks Foundation, but it would require $10,000 to cover the cost of one. Why so much? “That includes 10 years of maintenance,” she replied.
Some attendees also voiced hope that the potential “sentinel tree” could be restored to the plan – a tree maybe 12 to 14 feet high, possibly atop a mound. And since the “skate dot” is currently planned for part of the original Morgan Junction Park site, advocates wanted assurance that cracked/upthrust concrete would be addressed.
(Grindline’s schematic for proposed ‘skate dot’ at Morgan Junction Park site)
One person voiced a concern about a particular part of the existing infrastructure being potentially conducive to skater spills that could send skateboards flying into nearby California SW traffic.
One huge question, especially given Yang’s mention of “negotiations”: What can community members do to ensure this really does get built? Yang promised to reach out if she needs “extra lift”; otherwise, she said, “I feel I have momentum.”
MJAWA’s Zac Corum thanked the team for “keeping this project alive – it means a lot to us as community members. It has been a ride to get here; it’s time to get this project across the finish line – this will be a much-better place for families, kids, pets … MJAWA is ready to step up as we have been from the beginning.”
Next steps include the Parks team reviewing th latest cost estimates, which Yang said she received just before the meeting and didn’t want to disclose except to say she saw some “room for refinement” on initial review. Current total budget, from the money already spent on design and contaminated-soil removal plus additional Parks funding and the $700,000 that City Councilmember Rob Saka got into the budget to cover the skate dot, is ~$8 million. Construction is currently projected to start in the second half of next year.
Two “People Streets/Public Spaces“ projects are planned in West Seattle – same ones mentioned here briefly after SDOT released a list of levy-funded 2026 projects – and drop-in informational events are planned at both in the next several days:
At 18th/Delridge, 9:30 am-11:30 am tomorrow (Saturday, May 16):
(Neighbors first mentioned this in a comment discussion after the recent shooting at an encampment on the city-owned land in the vicinity.)
The second one is 2:30-5:30 pm Tuesday (May 19) at The Good Society (California/Lander):
The stretch of Lander alongside Lafayette Elementary has history as a “school street,” which is what the flyer is alluding to by noting “past efforts.”
(Thursday sunset, photographed by Jen Popp)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can preview events days/weeks ahead 24/7):
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER Spring is garden time! See what’s new at the center, open today, 10 am-3 pm at north end of South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus (6000 16th SW). While you’re there – free wood chips in the nearby parking lot!
STAY ‘N’ PLAY … weekly indoor playtime for preschool-age kids, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd). FYI, May 29 is the last one until fall.
NO STORY TIME TODAY … canceled @ Delridge Library again this week.
DELRIDGE NATIVE FOREST GARDEN WALKS: Noon, 12:45, 1:30 pm walks today – meet at Delridge/21st; RSVP required – find the link in our calendar listing.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: For adult English-language learners, 12:30 pm-2 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One local game on the schedule today – softball playoffs, 3:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS vs. Lindbergh at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), with at least one more game to follow immediately afterward if the Seahawks win.
TASTING ROOM AND WINE BAR: Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) is open 5-9 pm Fridays. Stop in to sip, or buy a bottle.
WEST SEATTLE JUNCTION WINE WALK: 5-9 pm, with more than 30wineries partnering with West Seattle Junction businesses – check here ASAP to get more info and to see if tickets remain.
COFFEEHOUSE MUSIC X 2: Two performances at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), harp and Irish flute students 4-5 pm; then 6-8 pm, Brother John and the Surrogates.
KENYON HALL OPEN MIC: Singer-songwriter open mic at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm performances.
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: Second of two spring concerts, 7 pm at Chief Sealth International HS Auditorium (2600 SW Thistle), free but donations always appreciated.
LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Billy & The Dreamboats perform at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), celebrating their vinyl release. Free, all ages.
‘JOIN OR DIE’: Film screening as prelude to tomorrow’s Joiner Jamboree in White Center, 7 pm at Evergreen High School (830 SW 116th).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Mike’s Emo Band, Less Than Three, Pink-182
. Doors at 7, music at 8. $10 cover. 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), spinning tonight with DJ Reverend Dollars, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to music with Funkways (“roller funk”), 9 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). 21+. $20 cover/$5 skates.
If you have something to showcase on our event lists or ongoing calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
You can help West Seattle High School athletes make a “once-in-a-lifetime” trip to compete, and “show what’s possible,” as WSHS Unified Sports coordinator Rachel Myers explains:
From West Seattle to the USA Games – Help Our Players Shine!
We are thrilled to announce that the WSHS Unified Basketball team has been selected to represent Washington State at the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in June 2026! This is an incredible honor and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our players.
As a Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School, WSHS proudly leads with inclusion and unity. Your support helps our athletes travel, compete, and demonstrate what’s possible through inclusion!
Your donations to our Zeffy fundraiser will help provide the resources and support our team as they compete on a national stage! Your generosity ensures every player has the resources and support they need to thrive and be seen!
<zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-wshs-unified-sports
Thank you for being a part of our Wildcat Unified community and for supporting these incredible players.
6:04 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, May 15, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Showery, breezy, thunderstorms possibie, mid-50s high. Sunrise was at 5:31 am; sunset will be at 8:40 pm.
CLOSURE ALERTS
–WSDOT will close the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge all weekend again, starting tonight. Details here.
-Also, as announced, SDOT will close the West Seattle low bridge to drivers this weekend, starting at 7 am Saturday. The bike/foot path will remain open.
-On Sunday morning, Alki and Harbor Avenues will close for a few hours for the West Seattle 5K (which starts at 9:30 am).
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats after a while on the two-boat schedule Thursday, but M/V Sealth has been repaired and returned to service. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays (tonight!) and Saturdays.
STADIUM ZONE
The Mariners are back home starting tonight, 6:40 pm game vs. San Diego.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
Thanks to Tom for the photo and tip. Police have been at the Delridge/Brandon mini-mart since its owner reported a burglary, seen via video monitoring, about an hour ago. For a while they thought the burglar might still be inside, but they’ve just gone in and confirmed nobody’s there now. The description circulated over the air was of someone dressed all in black, including a pulled-up hoodie, who put on purple gloves after breaking in. If you have any information, the SPD incident number is 26-135275.
6:16 PM: We’re out right now on the West Seattle Art Walk – tonight, featuring the new business that a longtime Junction fashion entrepreneur is opening:
That’s Linda Walsh, who – as we reported here – proprietor of Carmilia’s, and now also taking over the 4536 California SW space a few doors down where Willow recently closed. Tonight she’s introducing her new shop, Oona:
As the sign says, Oona is open for a “dress rehearsal” tonight and also tomorrow during the West Seattle Junction Wine Walk tomorrow night; then regular hours start next week.
(Added: From tonight’s pop-up shop at Oona, by textile designer Hemloya)
The name, which Walsh attributes to Irish/Celtic mythology, was inspired by a friend. … More from the Art Walk shortly!
6:30 PM: Above, that’s Kay the Paint Lady, at Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) tonight, leading free guided painting with Art Walk visitors:
6:52 PM: Toward the north end of tonight’s Art Walk map, Dan Jacobs is showing photos at West Seattle Grounds (2141 California SW):
Many of the photos were taken during a trip to Italy last year. We visited WSG early on tonight; ceramic artist Lora Radford was scheduled to join him a bit later. … Toward the south end of tonight’s Art Walk, we stopped by Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), showing work by Lea Basile-Lazarus:
7:20 PM: Even further south, you’ll find art at West Seattle Cellars (6016 California SW):
Jesse Holt created these pieces with keyboard keycaps, and he says they often have secret messages buried within them, to make them very multilayered:
More artists are featured in this month’s lineup preview on the Art Walk website.
The Sound Transit Board‘s Executive Committee didn’t vote this afternoon on an ST revision after all, but the push is still on for a full board vote two weeks from today. The board’s chair, Snohomish County executive Dave Somers, said a vote wouldn’t be appropriate because too many amendments had either been, or were expected to be, proposed.
This afternoon’s discussion did shine more light on issues brought up by board members at their regular monthly meeting last week. For example – why are they updating the plan now? ST’s Alex Krieg said the ST3 plan approved by voters in 2016 required a plan update when the plan is out of alignment with the available funding, and they’ve certainly arrived at that point. They can afford $57 billion worth of projects, both fully and partly funded, and West Seattle light rail – currently priced, even without the Avalon station, at $6.8 billion – would be on the fully funded list. But unless they adopted a complete new plan, they wouldn’t be allowed to spend all the money they’d need to spend to get West Seattle on the track to completion.
Krieg insisted that the proposed revision doesn’t cancel or eliminate anything, and there’s still room and time to add things back – like the Ballard Link Extension, for example, with a price tag of $7 billion to $9 billion for the segment from Seattle Center to Market Street, which is left hanging in the proposed revision. Though he’s not on the Executive Committee, board member Dan Strauss – who represents Ballard on the City Council – was there to say he won’t settle for that. And Mayor Katie Wilson, a board member who is on the committee, said she wanted to at least see a date for when they envisioned completing Ballard in this revision. (Theoretically West Seattle, “fully funded,” is still on track for 2032 completion, although board chair Somers took issue at one point with the frequent usage of “shovel-ready” to describe it, saying “major construction” actually wouldn’t start until 2028.)
One date of note: CFO Hughey Newsom noted that the revision would extend the end date of ST3 financing from 2046 to 2052.
And he pointed out that the revised plan would totally max out their expected financing – not counting a 10 percent so any change in costs, for example, could throw it “out of alignment” again and require yet another revision.
In board comments, committee member Ryan Mello, Pierce County Executive, declared the board needs to take action – “delay will only add cost and risk and is not our friend.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay, also a committee member, said he supports a vote at the May 28 board meeting too.
Along the way, Somers pointed out that even a vote on this ST3 revision is not a final commitment to West Seattle or any other project – those would be separate votes. So here’s what happens next:
Back before construction began on the Alki Elementary rebuild, much discussion – and even an appeal – centered on transportation and traffic issues. Now the new school is a few months from opening, and its traffic management plan is an agenda item for tomorrow morning’s monthly meeting of the Seattle School Traffic Safety Committee, a city-convened advisory committee. Its meeting is set for 8:30-10:30 am tomorrow (Friday, May 15), online and in person at City Hall, and the Alki traffic-management plan is on the agenda for ~10 am. The public is welcome at the meeting – room 370 at City Hall (600 4th Avenue) or online (find the link here). Other discussion items on the agenda include school-zone speeding and idling alongside schools.
The “no parking” signs are up for this year’s West Seattle 5K, now just three days away, 9:30 am Sunday (May 17) along Alki, starting and finishing at 61st SW. Alki and Harbor Avenues will be closed for a few hours as the runners, walkers, and rollers take over the waterfront streets (the closure usually runs approximately 8-11 am). Not only is it a chance to enjoy the scenery as you run/walk/roll with more than a thousand of your neighbors, it’s also a financial boost for the West Seattle High School PTSA‘s support of programs for students – that’s why they’ve been coordinating the West Seattle 5K for more than a decade and a half! Still time to register online – you can do that here right now.
P.S. WSB is among the WS5K’s community co-sponsors again this year – every year since the start! – see all this year’s co-sponsors here.
Get stronger in time for summer! Longtime WSB sponsor Fitness Together West Seattle in The Junction is offering a discount on this personal-training program:
Fitness Together West Seattle
6-Week Women’s Strength Program (1:1 Personal Training)Get 12 private 1:1 sessions in 6 weeks — a clear plan, expert coaching, and accountability so you actually follow through.
$972 (save $200) includes:
-12 sessions with a certified personal trainer in a private suite
-Fitness Assessment
-2 x Body Composition Scan
-Personalized program
-Weekly women’s fitness and health education topics
-Journal to track learning and progressLimited promo spots. Click here now to claim yours.
Fitness Together West Seattle is upstairs at 4546 California SW in the heart of The Junction.
Big smiles last night for Matt Vaughan and Kisha Vaughan as they showed off the big award Easy Street Records just won, honored at the Music Business Association‘s Bizzy Awards in Atlanta as Independent Retailer of the Year. Here’s what the award honors, according to the association’s website:
(The award is f)or a retail store who showed exceptional inventiveness and ingenuity in their practices during the past year in their interactions with consumers.
Matt Vaughan opened Easy Street in 1988, so its 40th anniversary is in sight! It’s not “just” a record store, but also hosts live, free in-store concerts – some of which have been turned into records! – as well as signings, listening parties, readings, and art exhibits – plus it’s home to a café and bar – all anchoring the heart of The Junction in the city-landmark Hamm Building on the northwest corner of California and Alaska. We asked Matt for comment on the award; his reply – “Not possible without all of you lovely people in West Seattle. We love breaking bands from all over the world, all genres of music, new and used; all while supporting our favorite labels, distros, pressing plants, graphic designers, engineers, photographers, journalists, radio stations, venues, and the musicians that make it all possible.”
ADDED THURSDAY NIGHT: We asked the Music Business Association for a bit more information on Easy Street’s honor. For one, they sent us more photos from the ceremony, including this one of Kisha’s jubilation while Matt speaks:
(Photo by Picture This! Photography)
We asked about some of the testimonials/comments that helped judges decide Easy Street should win. They sent some examples, such as:
Easy Street Records in Seattle is always on the front lines for our bands. A true partner to labels and distributors. I’ve had the pleasure of partnering with them on projects for over 20 years and their support is always there no matter what.
And this one:
Matt Vaughan and his team have made a real deal community center out of their store and cafe, and stepped it up even more in the last 5-6 years. They made a point to serve their customers during lockdown, bringing smiles to people when they needed it most. All retail had to change their ways during lockdown and think of creative ways to connect with their customers, but Easy Street went above and beyond with the most brilliant of ideas. Instead of hiding away during lockdown, Easy Street literally got out there on the streets! Matt would hand-deliver packages with his son in their Easy Street van. … They are one of the most well-respected stores in the country, and it’s time they awarded by the music industry…BIG TIME :)
One more:
Easy Street Records represents the culture of Seattle. It’s very difficult in this day and age to go to a city that has unique stores that define and represent their city. Easy Street not only is a giant sponge and encyclopedia of Seattle, it represents the past, present and future of the music industry. The store itself is amazing, but the restaurant, coffee bar and bar take it up a notch. It’s a one stop shopping experience! The staff are masters of their craft and you can tell all were hired with intent.
To be in Easy Street makes one feel as though they are a part of something special, the staff, the in-stores, the music playing overhead, the smell of coffee, the delicious food and amazing drinks make me yearn for one in LA, where I live. It is literally one of my most favorite places to visit in the world!
The Music Business Association sent a few others too in response to our request, but from those three, you get the idea.
Leading our list of what’s happening today/tonight: It’s the second Thursday of the month, so it’s West Seattle Art Walk night! Here’s the venue lineup:
To see who’s hosting artist receptions tonight, check out the preview here. Most are 5 pm to 8 pm, but take note that many venues keep their featured art up all month long, so if you can’t go out tonight, you can still see local art other days/nights!
Here are the rest of our highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
THURSDAY KAYAK CLUB: 10 am with Alki Kayak Tours at Seacrest (1660 Harbor SW) – details here if you want to set a reminder to join up next week!
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: 10:30 am at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).
TODDLER STORY TIME: 10:30 am at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: As previewed here, this committee has a special meeting to consider ST3’s future, including West Seattle light rail. Our preview includes the agenda link, which has viewing/attending/commenting info.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
DROP-IN CHESS: For young players, 4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Momo’s Kebab.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle! It’s an Art Walk stop tonight, too.
BIRDS AND BEER: The Falconer is at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) 5:30-7:30 pm – get an up-close look at amazing birds.
WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: Dr. Charles Weller talks about slavery in this month’s online 6 pm presentation – our calendar listing explains how to get the link.
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Or – you can walk! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Tropical Itch, outdoors, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: From the Metro League schedule for today – postseason baseball game for Chief Sealth International High School plays for the district championship, 7 pm vs. Lindbergh at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center.
TRIVIA AT ADMIRAL PUB: 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
‘EARTH MOTHER’ SPRING CONCERT: 7:30 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), featuring the church’s choir “and friends.”
TRIVIA AT THE VOID: One of the newest West Seattle trivia nights! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
AT REVELRY ROOM: Tonight’s musical event at Revelry Room (4547 California SW) features Supreme La Rock starting at 8 pm. 21+.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather privately next month to celebrate the life of Vernon D. Johnson and are sharing this remembrance with the community now:
On a very cold and snowy New Year’s Eve night in 1949, Vernon Dale Johnson was born to Stanley and Georgia (Huntley). Seattle experienced a very frigid winter after his birth; Vern said he “sucked the energy out of the universe” when he was born. Vern’s childhood was filled with scooters, model cars, train sets, motorized go-cart (built by his dad), archery, and trips to Minnesota. His high school years were spent washing dishes at Beach Broiler, cruising in his favorite 1968 silver Dodge Charger, and helping at his dad’s auto shop, Stan’s Service. His indulgent parents and idyllic childhood gave him a reputation for having the “Spoiled Johnson Gene,” which was passed down to his children and grandchildren.
Vern attended E.C. Hughes Elementary, Denny Jr. High, Chief Sealth High (1968) and the UW School of Construction (1972). The “lights were out in Seattle” when Vern graduated college. He spent two years in Albuquerque, NM and Denver, CO honing his construction and engineering skills. He then returned home in 1974 and started a 10-yr career as a structural and rotating equipment engineer with Howard S. Wright Construction working on the Alaska Northern Pipeline. During that time, he married his high school sweetheart Virgie Lowder. Their union gave them the joy of two children of whom he has always been immensely proud. Vern then built his own construction business focusing on new home and apartment construction. With a charismatic personality, honesty, integrity, and a strong work ethic he became very well-known and respected in the trade and in the community. In 1992 Vern and Rebecca began a 34-year romance. They were often found cruising in Vern’s 1998 Chevy pickup, Rebecca in the middle of the bench seat with his arm around her. There they spent decades sharing their secrets and building a lasting love.
The energy was again “sucked out” when he passed 03-22-2026. Vernon will be deeply missed by soul mate Rebecca, sister Lita (Albert), daughter Cami (Todd), son Clayton (Amanda), grandchildren GeorgiaLee (Payton), Michael (Hannah), Rosalee, Adalind, Stanley, great-granddaughter ParkerKay, new great-grand coming this summer, and many cousins and friends.
Rest in peace sweet Viking, till we all meet again.
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
6:04 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, May 14, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Some sun, some clouds, chance of rain, high in the low 60s. Sunrise was at 5:32 am; sunset will be at 8:39 pm.
(Photo by Steve Heck, Wednesday sunset)
CLOSURE ALERTS
–WSDOT says the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge will close all weekend again this weekend, starting Friday night. Multiple lanes are closed nightly till then, as explained here.
-Also, as announced, SDOT plans to close the West Seattle low bridge to drivers this weekend, starting at 7 am Saturday.
-On Sunday morning, Alki and Harbor Avenues will close for a few hours for the West Seattle 5K.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
We’ve shown many coyotes over the years but seldom the littlest ones. A reader texted these images of coyotes at West Seattle Golf Course, including pups.
According to this info about coyote reproduction, the average litter is four to seven pups, and gestation is only two months.
If you can donate blood, you can sign up for a West Seattle slot as soon as tomorrow and get a chance at a travel giveaway too – here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:
Imagine the warm Hawaiian sand between your toes as a thank you for saving lives here in the PNW! In gratitude for your blood donation in April and May, you and a guest could win roundtrip airfare and a 3-night stay in a lush ocean-view room at Oahu’s beautiful Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort. Do something good, go somewhere incredible! More information here!
Help is needed at upcoming West Seattle blood drives! Please sign up and attend if you can!
-Thurs May 14 at Alki Masonic Lodge, bus drive (4736 40th Ave SW)
-Fri May 15 at West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie St)
-Sun May 17 at West Seattle Junction – bus parked in Key Bank parking lot
-Mon May 25 at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (4001 44th Ave SW)If you can’t make a drive in May, please try and attend a West Seattle drive in JUNE!
Here is the link to sign up for any of the West Seattle drives!
If you need helping booking an appointment, please call Bloodworks DONOR CARE TEAM at 800-398-7888 or e-mail schedule@bloodworksnw.org
Friendly reminders to hydrate well and eat a meal prior to giving blood and bring photo ID. Please consider eating foods rich in iron leading up to blood donation day.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Fauntleroy Community Association board met on Tuesday night for their May meeting at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, chaired by FCA president Frank Immel.
Meeting summary below:
SPD UPDATE: Crime prevention specialist Matt Brown and community service officer Jamie Heslin from the Southwest Precinct were in attendance to give an update. Brown started with some year-to-date statistics for 2026, compared to 2025: City-wide crime is down 2 percent, and crime in SW Precinct (West Seattle and South Park) is down 9 percent. For Fauntleroy in particular, Brown said crime is up 34% but the relative numbers are not large (42 incidents YTD compared to 33 last year), with the majority of those incidents being property crimes (only 2 reports of violent crime). Similar to last month’s update, Brown advised neighbors to stay vigilant with securing homes, garages etc to minimize opportunistic theft. For “shots fired” incidents, calls are down 12 percent precinct-wide, with 30 total, 2 of which were in Fauntleroy.
FCA’s Dave Follis noted that on his block, a car was recently stolen (likely with a “Flipper Zero” electronic device) and still hasn’t been recovered, but video evidence has been submitted to SPD. FCA’s Alan Grainger said that he and his neighbors have noticed a significant increase in door-to-door soliciting, to which Brown suggested that although it’s tempting to ignore such visitors and not answer the door, it’s actually preferable to safely acknowledge (through the door or via electronic doorbell speaker) that you’re home, to deter rare instances of “casing.”
Heslin noted that although an SPD “resource fair” had been planned in the near future for the Westside Neighbors Shelter location, it’s being postponed to the fall because the shelter is still closed for renovations. She also said that their staff has been working on encampment outreach in areas such as 18th and Delridge.
Both officers said that SPD and other city agencies will be “all hands on-deck” preparing for and supporting the FIFA World Cup matches and associated events in Seattle in June and July. Finally, Brown noted that SPD’s Jennifer Satterwhite has returned from maternity leave, and Brown is helping with that transition.
FAUNTLEROY/ROSE CROSSING: As we reported last week, representatives from SDOT met with community members (including several from FCA) at Southwest Library to discuss plans for a new crossing near Lincoln Park and the ferry dock at Fauntleroy Way SW and SW Rose Street [map].
FCA members noted that there were mixed views discussed at the meeting, with some in favor of the design but with many attendees raising concerns about a proposed “raised median” as well as unique local considerations (notably U-turn behavior and neighborhood cut-throughs). There were also some concerns about the validity of SDOT’s traffic volume data because of the timing during which it was collected (three mid-day weekdays in October) which could result in the average number of cars being too low to accommodate for peak traffic (such as busy commute times, and Friday afternoons in the summer).
Immel noted that SDOT has indicated that this is a “fast track” project, with the plan being finalized this summer and construction likely beginning by the end of the year, which would likely coincide with another project in the area that involved new traffic signals at the ferry dock (details were discussed in FCA’s April meeting). He said that plans to ask SDOT’s Ching Chan (who was in attendance for last week’s meeting at the library) for an update regarding next-steps and details. He added that Chan had said that SDOT does want to move ahead, but that community input and feedback will factor into the final decisions and plans.
FERRY & TERMINAL: Immel said there wasn’t much new to report in this area, aside from what was already discussed regarding the ferry traffic. He said there had been some recent maintenance completed, with a road plate on a ramp that was wobbling, but was fixed last week. For the traffic signal, work could likely still begin after September 8 to add required underground power connections so the new light can be installed later this year. Dock expansion construction itself likely won’t begin earlier than 2028. One attendee noted that they had heard that a house adjacent to the ferry dock was surveyed by Washington State Ferries staff this week, but the intent of that action was unclear (acquisition? environmental or right-of-way analysis?)
FCA BUSINESS: A sizable portion of the meeting was spent discussing FCA board business and operations, including:
The meeting adjourned a few minutes early, with most members planning to trek around the corner to take part in the final hour of the Fauntleroy Fall Festival fundraiser (which we previewed here) at Endolyne Joe’s.
The FCA Board meets ten times per year on the second Tuesday of each month, at 6 pm in the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse board room. Meetings are open to the public.
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