West Seattle, Washington
09 Thursday
12:31 AM: Multiple 911 calls about possible gunfire about 10 minutes ago, and dispatch has told officers one caller has reported a bullet through his window on 35th north of Roxbury. Police are en route to verify. No injuries reported so far.
12:33 AM: Police have not only confirmed the window damage, but also have reported finding casings at 35th SW and SW Cambridge. [map]
(Roadblock just south of shooting intersection, as seen from 35th/Roxbury traffic camera pointed north)
Officers are closing 35th both ways while they look for more evidence.
1:35 AM: Police just announced they’re reopening 35th in a few minutes. And they’ve found bullet damage to at least two cars.
City Councilmembers, meeting today as the Select Committee on the Library Levy, added almost $70 million to the $410 million library levy expansion/renewal proposal received from Mayor Katie Wilson. The levy that’ll go up for a final council vote next Tuesday (April 14) is now $480 billion. Councilmembers approved this list of 11 amendments, including two by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, who was not at the meeting; his amendments support “digital skilling” for teens at High Point and South Park libraries and encourage the library system to work with the Admiral-based Washington State Black Legacy Institute. After the amendment votes, the councilmembers spent a relatively lengthy amount of time saying they realize it’s a lot to ask property taxpayers to keep shouldering, and then clarifying that the acknowledgment didn’t mean any of them were anti-library. Ultimately, all seven councilmembers in attendance – Bob Kettle was absent too- voted to advance the amended levy plan to a final council vote next Tuesday; if councilmembers approve it then too, it would go to voters this August.
We’ve been reporting on the impending defunding of local cooperative preschools as parent-education programs in the community-college system, including the co-ops in West Seattle and elsewhere in the city. Above is a photo from a briefing in North Seattle over the weekend; the next step for supporters is happening tomorrow (Thursday, April 9) morning at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). At 8 am tomorrow, they’re rallying at Cascade Hall on the northwest side of the campus, because the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges will be meeting at SSC. That’s the board that made a change in funding allocation that the preschool program says blindsided them – as explained in this WSB story – with just a few months to figure out another way to get funded and avoid having to close. So as part of advocacy efforts, they’re rallying tomorrow morning as a show of support before the board meeting, which (updated) has a public-comment period at 8:45 am. They’ve also been pursuing other advocacy channels mentioned here.
A texter saw that coyote on West Seattle Golf Course on Tuesday and sent the pic, one of three recent reports to share. Another report came in without a pic:
I am not sure that reporting a coyote has been around for a few days is blogworthy but sharing if so. It’s been trotting in and out of the yard for a few days; seen all hours of the day. We abut a city greenbelt so we believe that maybe its set up a HQ/den.
Its not causing any nuisance to us and it trots away when we have gone out to back yard to work on the garden. Looks and watches from a distance of 50-60′. And then leaves. Location is between 16th and 12th and Othello and Webster.
Last but certainly not least, Aaron sent this video from his neighborhood south of West Seattle:
Readers may enjoy this video of a coyote that has frequented our backyard several times, this time on Thursday morning. Thinking maybe there is a den near. Unfortunately it took our three chickens, though I don’t fault it for that. Our kids have surprised it once in broad daylight in the morning before school.
Now our standard reminder – we have shared coyote reports for 15+ years in the spirit of awareness, not alarm, and you can learn about coexisting with them via wildlife experts’ advice.
(Southwest Seattle Historical Society photo)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society is expanding days/hours you can visit the Log House Museum on Alki. That’s one of four reasons the next three days are big for SWSHS – and you, if you’re intrigued by local history. The museum is now open on Thursdays as well as Fridays and Saturdays, and Saturday hours are extended to 10 am to 4 pm (Thursdays and Fridays will be noon-4 pm). This Friday, though, the LHM is closed because of the organization’s gala that night, 6 pm at Salty’s – you can still get your ticket(s) by going here. The other two reasons the days ahead are big for SWSHS – first, its online auction continues through tomorrow night; our story from Monday explains how to bid. Also on Thursday night, you can learn about the stories behind area names with historian Feliks Banel as the guest speaker for this month’s online Words, Writers, Southwest Stories event (6 pm – register here for the link). There’s even more going on with the home of West Seattle’s history – browse the latest here.
Regional publications are reporting the death of mountaineering legend and former West Seattleite Jim Whittaker at age 97. We met him more than a decade ago, when the West Seattle mixed-use megadevelopment The Whittaker (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW, anchored by Whole Foods) was named for him.
(Photo by Christopher Boffoli for WSB – Jim Whittaker at The Whittaker’s dedication in 2016)
Mr. Whittaker was the first American to summit Mount Everest, in 1963. He and his wife Dianne Roberts, a photographer, were living in Port Townsend by the time the building-naming happened in 2014, but in an interview, Mr. Whittaker told us, “West Seattle is home … I went to Fauntleroy grade school, James Madison Middle School, West Seattle High School … That’s where I got my hiking and climbing inspiration. My parents loved nature and the outdoors – we would go to the beach in Lincoln Park. And then starting in grade school, I would walk up the Fauntleroy hill to Arbor Heights [where his family lived], even at lunchtime, so I got a lot of exercise.” You can read more about his storied life in this Cascadia Daily News obituary, which says plans have not yet been announced for a Celebration of Life.
(WSB photo: Spirit of Kingston at Seacrest at midday today)
Metro has gone public this afternoon with the summer sailing schedule for the West Seattle Water Taxi, which starts this Saturday (April 11), as we’ve been noting in our morning traffic/transit roundups.
In addition to bringing back the extra night sailings on Fridays and Saturdays between Seacrest and Pier 50 downtown, the West Seattle Water Taxi also will have “new additional sailings on Saturdays and Sundays” on the schedule that runs through October 9. WT spokesperson Al Sanders explains, “There are six extra runs on Saturday and five on Sunday. (The) Marine (division) re-wrote their whole schedule to shrink the 1-hour dwell times at each dock down to 40 minutes.”
Here are the schedules starting this Saturday:
The West Seattle Water Taxi’s sibling route between Vashon Island and downtown is expanding for summer too, with Sunday service starting April 12, in addition to already-added Saturdays.
You can see the entire summer plan – plus reminders about fares, pets, shuttles, etc., – by going here.
David first reported this theft in the WSB Community Forums – in case you haven’t seen it there, here’s his report, with photo and SPD report # added:
Hey neighbors,
Unfortunately, a couple of my bonsai went missing from our yard, likely in the very early morning, last Friday (4/03).These were very special and sentimental to me, and it’s a big loss.
I accept that I will likely never see them again, but wanted to post this in the hopes that if anyone sees them or hears of them, to please let me know. I’m sad that they will likely not receive the proper care they need and may die unnecessarily. They meant a lot to me and any help here would be appreciated.
SPD report # 2026-906095.
(From Alki this morning – photo by James Bratsanos)
A bit of a delay because of this morning’s bridge-watching, but here’s our busy Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through tomorrow.
REMINDER – WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar and missed it because of our late list today, here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PLANNING FOR PREGNANCY: Free online info session at 12:30 pm – “Top 5 Things to Do for Preconception Planning: A Naturopathic Approach to Preparing for Pregnancy” with Dr. Emily Lesnak from Neighborhood Naturopathic (WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has details of how to attend as well as how to watch later.
WHERE DOES IT GO? 2-4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), learn about reducing waste.
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two local home baseball games on the Metro League schedule today, both at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), West Seattle HS vs. Rainier Beach at 2:30 pm, Chief Sealth IHS vs. Garfield at 5 pm.
ART WORKSHOP: 3-4:30 pm, teen program at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair your broken item instead of throwing it out! 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).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm drop-in session to get creative – bring your own project or get a suggestion! (3400 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Want to talk about our city’s growth, present and future, as the City Council reviews round 2 of rezoning? You’re invited to the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS: Our area’s largest political organization starts its meeting at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW) with civic-minded organizations there to meet attendees thanks to West Seattle Joiners, and then a business meeting at 7 pm – details on the 34th DD website.
CRIBBAGE NIGHT: 6 pm at the West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), non-members welcome too.
KUNDALINI YOGA: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving at midweek – go on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HUM-IN PROTEST: This gathering is for protesting via sound vibration, 6:30-7 pm Wednesdays at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’ AT WSHS: 7 pm, West Seattle HS production of the classic musical – ticket info’s in our calendar listing. (3000 California SW)
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia venues – 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, cash prizes … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: The stage is yours at West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘WALDEN’ PREVIEW NIGHT AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm preview of ArtsWest‘s new play; online tickets are sold out, but you can check at the box office for changes. (4711 California SW)
SWING IT! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends are remembering Bob Mahn and sharing this remembrance with his community:
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Mahn, 87
Robert “Bob” Lloyd Mahn, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Bob was born on November 7, 1938, in Moscow, Idaho. He was a proud 60-year resident of West Seattle, where he built a life centered around family and hard work.
He is survived by the love of his life of over 62 years, his wife Patricia; his sons, Brian (Deena) and Kevin; his grandchildren, Zachary (Miranda) and Zoe; and his great-grandchild, Aela. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard (Pam) and Mike (Nancy), and his sister, Karen (John), along with many cherished nieces and nephews.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1963 and continued his service in the Army Reserves until 1967. He was known for his incredible dedication and strong work ethic, spending 30 years as a Civil Engineer for the City of Seattle from 1960 to 1990. He then worked as a civil engineer with the City of Renton from 1990 until his retirement in 2020.
Above all, Bob treasured time with his family. He was a reserved man, deeply devoted to those he loved, and he enjoyed many years of adventures traveling with Pat and family. He was a devoted grandfather to Zach and Zoe, faithfully attending every game, function, and milestone in their lives. He also found great joy in what he fondly called “the family business” — trips to the casino shared with those closest to him.
The family would like to thank the caregiving team from CareBuilders at Home and Kline Galland Hospice for their compassionate care and support.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honor to Medic One.
(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)
6:55 AM: The northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge is stuck in the “open” position. That’s backing up traffic on routes leading to it.
7:23 AM: WSDOT says crews are troubleshooting but no estimate for fix.
7:58 AM: Still closed (stuck open) but WSP says troopers are working to clear the backup.
8:46 AM: Still stuck due to what WSDOT describes only as an “unknown mechanical issue.” WSP still working to get drivers off the approaches. Other routes are backed up too – one texter says Delridge “is backed up as far as the eye can see.”
9:17 AM: No fix yet. We’re continuing to monitor and will update this story through the morning, launching a new separate one if it’s not resolved by noontime.
9:53 AM: WSDOT says the bridge is running normally again. We’ll follow up on what the problem turned out to be.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the upper 50s! Sunrise at 6:33 am; sunset at 7:49 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, last days of winter schedule, which changes to spring/summer schedule this weekend.
Washington State Ferries – Continuing today, the Triangle Route has a schedule change:
As of Saturday, April 4, the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is running a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat for about two weeks. The Salish is running as the third, unscheduled vessel to help move additional traffic and keep the #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet on schedule. The route will return to its regular three-boat schedule by late April, when we have another vessel repaired and returned to service.
Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
SCHOOLS
After Friday, Seattle Public Schools will be closed for a week of spring break.
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 (fully open but 25 mph speed limit see above):
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!
Seattle Fire has dispatched four units to the 4000 block of 22nd SW on Pigeon Point to deal with a reported natural-gas line break. They’re checking to see if nearby residences should evacuate too until it’s fixed.
9 PM: SFD has cleared.
A longtime West Seattle retail shop is closing. Willow, formerly Fleurt, at 4536 California SW, announced today that it’s planning to close. The name change happened exactly a year ago, when longtime owner Sam, who founded Fleurt in 2010, turned over the shop to daughter Keonii. Here’s Keonii’s closure announcement:
All good things must come to an end. After 16 wonderful years in the West Seattle Junction, we’ve made the difficult decision to close our shop. This was not an easy choice, but it feels like the right time for us – both as a family and as small business owners – to begin our next chapter.
As for what’s next: I (Keonii) will continue offering flowers and gifts through my online delivery service throughout Seattle. You can find me on Instagram @thedarlingacre and www.thedarlingacre.com.
We are deeply grateful to the many people who have supported us over the years – our West Seattle friends and customers, our incredible vendors (makers, artists, crafters, manufacturers, suppliers, flower and plant growers), fellow Junction business owners, the Junction Association, and so many others beyond the neighborhood. A special heartfelt thank you to the Menashe family for their continued support and encouragement through both the good times and the challenges.
To celebrate our time here, we’ll be holding a massive sale starting on Thursday, April 9th.
It’s been a great run, and we’re truly thankful – but now it’s time for something new.
-Keonii
When Willow’s predecessor Fleurt opened in 2010, it was on the northwest corner of California/Oregon, moving to its current location in 2012.
ADDED: No firm closing date yet, Keonii says, but before month’s end, depending on how the sale oes.
(WSB file photo)
The Delridge Farmers’ Market is moving this year, and opening a bit later than in previous years. The market’s new manager Indra Budiman with market organizer African Community Housing Development says it’s moving to 8855 9th SW – the former Morning Star Market site – right across the street from the site of ACHD’s future Seattle International Public Market. Budiman tells WSB that the market’s grand opening will be Saturday, May 16. We’ll be following up soon for more details on this year’s Delridge Farmers’ Market plan and vendors!
2:56 PM: Seattle Parks sent this news release about Seacrest today, and it immediately raised questions, so we sought answers. First, the news release:
Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a qualified operator for the Seacrest Boathouse in West Seattle. SPR is seeking to partner with an operator who can keep the park activated and engaged year-round.
The selected party will be responsible for operating the restaurant and retail spaces within the boathouse, providing a healthy and reasonably priced menu, and offering or coordinating watercraft-related activities such as kayaking or rentals. The operator will also oversee routine maintenance and custodial care of the facility and patio, and maintain strong partnerships with other park users, including the King County Water Taxi, watercraft and diving groups, and SPR staff.
Proposals are due by 3:00 p.m. on May 15, 2026. Late applications are not accepted. All RFP proposals must be emailed to: Joann.gunter@seattle.gov
For more information or to download a copy of the RFP packet, please visit: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/contracts-and-partnerships/partnership-opportunities/seacrest-boathouse-rfp
Taking it on face value, you might wonder where the current longtime tenants at Seacrest – Marination ma kai and Alki Kayak Tours – are going. So we checked with both of them. Both are planning on staying. So far as we’ve learned – pending confirmation with Parks (we’ll update when we hear from them) – the RFP is just something the city has to do every so often. (If you’re a longtime reader, you might remember a bit of a stir almost a decade and a half ago when Marination became the official Seacrest operator.)
ADDED WEDNESDAY: Here’s how Parks spokesperson Kasey Smith replied – “This is a routine process done with concession locations when contracts are expiring. Current operators are welcome to apply, along with other businesses who meet the RFP requirements.”
The report and photo are from SL:
In the neighborhood near Westwood Village near 30th and Barton, this man was seen casing our house early this morning. Please let folks know to be on the watch for him.
11:53 AM: Thanks to Teri for the video above and MC for the photo below – a car-carrying truck got stuck on steep Charlestown Hill west of California this morning.
As seen toward the end of Teri’s clip, SFD was dispatched to try to help out. We haven’t heard yet how it turned out.
12:59 PM: Commenter Greg reports the hill is clear.
(Recent peek view of Elliott Bay from Admiral, sent by Astrella)
Event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: Want your little one to play indoors today? This free playspace is open until noon for little ones and their caregivers. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: 10 am-11:30 am at The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW), just drop in!
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today Emily Tomita (Exec. Dir.) and Haillie (Volunteer Coordinator) from City Fruit talk about the mission, organization and projects of City Fruit. (4470 35th SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome to play! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL: At City Hall, at 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
(added) WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE DINE-OUT: Just received mid-afternoon:
WSLL dine out with West Wings:
2329 California Ave SW
Tuesday, 4/7 from 4:30-8:30 PM
25% goes back to WSLL
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One team is playing at home – Chief Sealth IHS boys soccer has a match vs. Lakeside at 5 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 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.
INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL: Continuing weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st SW and
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you don’t work for Boeing – email to RSVP.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four venues for trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm 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 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Chief Sealth International High School seniors are raising money for their prom via a Parents’ Night Out event. It’s happening on May 1st from 5 to 9 pm at CSIHS (2600 SW Thistle), for kids 3-12, with a movie, dinner, snacks, games, and cookie decorating.
Registration deadline is April 24 – here’s the form.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Clearing as the day goes on, high in the mid-50s! Sunrise at 6:35 am; sunset at 7:48 pm.
(Monday sunset, photo by Carol Ann Joyce)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, last week of winter schedule, which changes to spring/summer schedule this weekend.
Washington State Ferries – Continuing today, the Triangle Route has a schedule change:
As of Saturday, April 4, the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is running a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat for about two weeks. The Salish is running as the third, unscheduled vessel to help move additional traffic and keep the #1 Kittitas and #2 Cathlamet on schedule.
The route will return to its regular three-boat schedule by late April, when we have another vessel repaired and returned to service.
Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
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 (fully open but 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!
West Seattle High School Track and Field athletes competed in a high-profile meet this past weekend, and WSHS asked us to share this report with you:
West Seattle had a strong showing at the Nike Oregon Relays this past weekend, with athletes Sophie Martinez, Riley Buck, Daisy Pierson, Rees Hansen, Natalie Hampton, Evelyn Satwicz, Layla Eversman, Izzy Waite, Ava Wheatley, Ayla Moore, William Frederick, Kyle Yeung, Cullen Schoeb, Sorin Smith, David Contreras, Carlos Patino, Aidan Murray, and Zach O’Keefe all representing the program at one of the nation’s most prestigious meets.
As a team, West Seattle qualified for an impressive 10 relays, along with two individual events.
For almost two years – since the battle over a now-scrapped plan to convert a former tennis area at Lincoln Park to pickleball – Seattle Parks has been working on a new “racquet-sports strategy.” Now, it’s out, released late today. At the heart of it: Parks says striping courts for both tennis and pickleball isn’t optimal, so the “draft racquet sports strategy” proposes each sport get its own focus sites “to balance the needs of pickleball and tennis users in our park system.”
The strategy is spelled out here in exhaustive detail, for sites around the city. We’re just pulling out the West Seattle mentions, starting with:
For Phase I, the existing dual use courts will be designated for the racquet sport listed below in Table 1. The racquet sport chosen was informed by the level of existing Seattle school use, pre- and post-dual use demand, and the site’s ability to best meet the needs of a particular racquet sport over the other.
It is recognized that this approach will immediately result in a loss in the total number of available pickleball courts. To see how we plan to address this, see [“expansion” section].
Table 1. Proposed Dedicated Use Change
Alki Playground
TennisDelridge Playfield
PickleballWalt Hundley Playfield
TennisThen, there’s a section about “hubs,” with only one proposed in West Seattle:
In April of 2024, three locations were designated “hubs” meaning they were dedicated specifically to tennis or pickleball. These sites were Lower Woodland (tennis), Amy Yee (tennis) and Green Lake Park East (pickleball). … At the same time as these designations, we set out to identify additional hub locations in the city for both racquet sports. …
Table 2. Proposed Additional Hub Locations
Solstice Park
TennisCapital investments like lighting and court covering should be focused first on hub locations to have the greatest impact on the greatest number of users. … A “Hub Advisory Group” will be established for each hub location. These advisory groups are intended to provide streamlined communication and organized coordination with SPR. Ideally, an advisory group will be formed for each hub by the end of 2026. …
Finally, there’s a “Table 3” identifying whether pickleball sites will be “open play” or “drop-in/reservation.” This list only mentions one West Seattle location, Delridge Playfield, which would be “drop-in/reservation.”
As for the acknowledgment above that the new “strategy” would reduce the number of available pickleball courts, Parks explains in the website’s “expansion” section that it needs room and money to add more, but in 2027 it will look at some possibilities, including these West Seattle mentions:
…Determine alternative locations for pickleball courts on existing impervious surfaces near Alki Playground, Walt Hundley Playfield … within a reasonable proximity of the existing sites. …
The following courts also have the potential for added density when resurfaced:
…Delridge Playfield
Besides the linked webpage, Parks also has the entire “draft strategy” in report format here.
WHAT’S NEXT: Over the next month-plus, Parks plans an online survey and four meetings (none in West Seattle), as listed in a news release:
April 16 at 9 am – ONLINE SURVEY LAUNCH
April 23 at 6 pm – BOARD OF PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSIONERS MEETING (VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON) 100 Dexter Ave N.
May 4 at 6:30 pm – BITTER LAKE COMMUNITY CENTER (IN PERSON) at 13035 Linden Ave N
May 7 at 7 pm – GARFIELD COMMUNITY CENTER (IN PERSON) at 2323 E Cherry St
May 9 at 10:30 am – VAN ASSELT COMMUNITY CENTER (IN PERSON) at 2820 S. Myrtle St.
All in-person meetings are scheduled for two hours with doors opening 30 minutes prior to start time. To view the agenda and respond to the online invitation please go to the project website RS – Engage! | Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy | Engage Seattle Parks. Registration is not required but is appreciated to help us plan for attendance numbers.Following the conclusion of engagement, the final strategy will be published on the project website and begin implementation.
More on the engagement/feedback options can be found on this site.
P.S. For anyone wondering – Lincoln Park is not mentioned in the draft, for either sport.
South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) has received national recognition for its support services. Here’s the announcement:
South Seattle College has been selected as a recipient of the inaugural Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) Award for Institutional Effectiveness, recognizing its leadership in scaling TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) practices to serve students across the institution and community.
Supported by ECMC Foundation, the award includes a $10,000 grant and recognizes institutions that have transformed proven TRIO strategies into institution-wide systems that drive measurable student success: mentoring, academic coaching and holistic advising.
The national award honors colleges that have successfully institutionalized TRIO strategies, such as holistic advising, early intervention systems and student-centered support, to improve persistence and completion outcomes.
At South Seattle College, TRIO SSS practices have been expanded through major initiatives such as the Seattle Promise program and the Starfish Early Alert system, allowing thousands of students to benefit from proactive, coordinated support.
“This recognition reflects decades of intentional work to center opportunity and student success,” said Sarah Sabay, director of grants at SSC. “By scaling TRIO-informed practices through programs like Seattle Promise, we are ensuring that every student, especially those from low-income households, has access to the guidance and support needed to succeed.”
South’s model has delivered measurable results, including significantly higher retention rates among TRIO participants compared to their peers and increased engagement through early alert systems and coordinated advising.
Seattle Promise is a college tuition and success program launched by Seattle Colleges, Seattle Public Schools (SPS), and the City of Seattle following passage of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy in 2018 and its renewal in 2025. The program provides free tuition for SPS graduates for up to two years or 90 credits.
Seattle Promise’s success is driven by a deliberate effort to scale TRIO Student Support Services across all Seattle Public Schools graduates. By expanding these proven supports beyond a small cohort to an entire student population, Seattle Colleges has created a model for delivering student success at scale. At SSC, this approach has contributed to Promise student completion rates increasing from 28 percent to 54 percent.
“South Seattle College represents the future of student success in higher education,” said COE President Kimberly Jones. “Their work demonstrates how institutions can scale proven TRIO strategies to serve entire communities, particularly in urban environments like Seattle.”
“By integrating TRIO practices into large-scale initiatives like Seattle Promise, South Seattle College has expanded impact from hundreds of students to thousands,” said Aaron Brown, executive vice president of COE. “This is a powerful example of how institutional commitment can transform access into lasting success.”
“South’s approach highlights the importance of systems-level thinking,” added Nicole Norfles, COE director of program practice and innovation. “Their use of early alert systems, holistic advising, and cross-sector partnerships shows how TRIO principles can be embedded into the infrastructure of student success.”
Serving one of the most diverse student populations in the Pacific Northwest, South Seattle College plays a critical role in advancing educational and economic opportunity in the region. Its partnerships with Seattle Public Schools, the University of Washington, and community organizations create seamless pathways from high school to college completion and beyond.
To learn more about the Federal TRIO Program, Student Support Services, visit coenet.org
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