West Seattle, Washington
25 Wednesday
Thanks to Denny International Middle School student/family advocate and Kingmaker facilitator Keenen Allen Ladd for the report and photo from Denny’s Black History Month assembly today:
During our Black History Month Assembly, our students delivered powerful presentations honoring Black trailblazers and our Kingmaker students recited our King’s Pledge with pride and excellence. The program was a meaningful celebration of culture, history, and student leadership.
We were also honored to welcome Councilmember Rob Saka, who officially proclaimed today, February 25, 2026 as “Denny International Middle School Black History Month Day” in the City of Seattle. It was a powerful civic moment for our students to witness their school and community recognized at the city level.
To find out more about the Kingmaker program, you can read about it here.
(WSB file photo)
Last weekend, we noted that the next West Seattle recycle/reuse event was exactly a month away. Now, courtesy of one of the lead organizers – the West Seattle Junction Association – we have details on what you’ll be able to drop off during the 9 am-noon event on Saturday, March 21, so you can start planning. First, a reminder that the location is changing – now in the south parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), which is accessible via the southernmost SSC entrance off 16th.
Now the list:
ACCEPTED ITEMS:
Small propane canisters
Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
Household batteries
Clothing, bedding, curtains in good condition
Small electronics (TVs, computers, cellphones)
Small appliances (non-freon)
Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes)
home goods and toysNON-ACCEPTED ITEMS (which are included but not limited to):
Furniture
Hazardous waste
Bicycle/tricycles
CRT tube TVs
Mattresses
AC units
Car seats
Stained, ripped or worn-out fabrics
Automotive waste
Construction waste
Garbage, compost and household recycling items
Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
If you’re looking for suggestions about how to best dispose of those items or others not mentioned at all, check out this Seattle Public Utilities lookup tool. And a wider variety of electronic items will be accepted (though we don’t have the official list yet) at the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup – which is exactly two months from today, on April 25.
If you’ve been hoping for a chance to hear from/talk with new Seattle Public Schools superintendent Ben Shuldiner, this district announcement says your chance is coming up in about a month (we’ve highlighted it in bold at the end of the list below):
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is hosting a series of community engagement meetings across the city to listen, learn, and begin building trust with students, families, staff, and community members.
The “Meet Superintendent Shuldiner” community conversations will take place in each School Board Director District, along with a citywide virtual session. School Board Directors representing each region are expected to attend. All sessions are open to the public, and attendees do not need to live in a specific district to participate.
These conversations mark an important step in Superintendent Shuldiner’s commitment to listening deeply to community experiences, capturing feedback, and following through with action.
WHAT
Community Conversations with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner
WHO
Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools
School Board Directors (by district)
Seattle Public Schools students, families, staff, and community membersWHEN & WHERE
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
1301 E Yesler Way, SeattleTuesday, March 3 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
South Shore K–8
4800 S Henderson St., SeattleTuesday, March 10 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Salmon Bay K–8
1810 NW 65th St., SeattleTuesday, March 17 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Eckstein Middle School
3003 NE 75th St., SeattleTuesday, March 24 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
McClure Middle School
1915 1st Ave W., SeattleThursday, March 26 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
James Baldwin Elementary
11725 1st Ave NE, SeattleTuesday, March 31 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
West Seattle Elementary
6760 34th Ave SW, SeattleThursday, April 2 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual (online; link forthcoming)
DETAILSSessions will include introductions, full‑group discussion, small‑group breakout conversations, and open Q&A.
Interpretation services will be provided at every session in Amharic, American Sign Language, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
All sessions will be livestreamed and recorded on the SPSTV YouTube channel.
Superintendent Shuldiner will also be visiting every Seattle Public Schools campus during his first 100 days in the role.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
We’re checking in again with the latest updates on bills sponsored by local 34th District legislators – State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State House Rep. Brianna Thomas, and State Senator Emily Alvarado. Significant cutoffs for this year’s Washington State legislative session are rapidly approaching, with the 2026 session scheduled to close on March 12. You can find details on any bill below by using the “find a bill” link here to access its page with more details, including full text, and ways to comment.
POSSIBILITY TO ADVANCE: Today, Feb, 25, is the last day for in-committee reports to be read in the opposite house, minding that all bills eligible to advance at this point have already been passed in their house of origin. This cutoff date does not apply to bills in House fiscal committees or Senate Ways and Means or Transportation committees, which are subject to a Mar. 2 deadline. The last step for bills to pass their designated committee and advance is for the bill to be voted on by the committee during an executive session. Currently, two 34th district legislator bills are scheduled for executive session today, which will determine their potential to move forward. These include:
SB 6026– Sen. Alvarado
Local governments must include residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones. Prohibits requirement for groundfloor commercial and mixed-use in these zones– subject to exceptions.
(Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Local Government this morning.)
SB 5911– Sen. Alvarado
Prohibits the Department of Children, Youth, and Families from applying funds for or on behalf of a person in extended foster care as a reimbursement for the cost of care. Strengthening the financial stability of persons in the care of DCYF.
(Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Early Learning and Human Services today at 1:30 p.m.)
LATER-DEADLINE BILLS: While Feb. 25 is the cutoff for most in-committee readings, some bills are eligible to stay in committee until Mar. 2 and have an additional week. These include:
HB 2215– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Reduces emissions threshold determining covered entity status and compliance obligation in the Cap-and-Invest Program for certain fuel suppliers. Requires them to report emissions to the Department of Ecology. Prohibits state from awarding a procurement contract to certain fuel suppliers, with some exceptions.
(Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.)
HB 2251– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Repeals three of the Climate Commitment Act funding accounts and replaces them with the Climate Commitment Act Operating Account and the Climate Commitment Act Capital Account. Makes changes to the use of CCA funding and distribution of revenue.
(Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation Friday at 1:30 p.m.)
SB 6027– Sen. Alvarado
Changes the allowable uses for local sales and use tax for housing and related services. Changes the eligible uses of funding in the Affordable Housing for All Account. Updates the definition of emergency housing for property tax exemptions for low-income persons or victims of domestic violence.
Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Finance on Feb 26 at 8:00 a.m.
SB 5500– Sen. Alvarado
Asserts that a DCFY biennial report that includes a market rate survey also includes a current cost of quality child-care study and a cost of quality child-care study defined by the early educator design team.
APPROVED IN COMMITTEE: These are bills that have already been voted on and approved by their designated committee, some of which were approved just yesterday. These bills have been referred to the House or Senate Rules Committee, from which they are eligible to be pulled onto the floor calendar for a debate and vote. These include:
HB 2123– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Candidates, campaigns, sponsors of electioneering communication or political advertising must confirm the absence of foreign national influence through a certificate, when the value of the contribution totals more than $6,000.
(Approved by Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections, referred to Rules)
HB 2367– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Eliminating limitations on imposing emissions requirements for coal facilities inconsistent with the greenhouse gas Emissions Performance Standard.
HB 2303– Rep.Thomas
Prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.
(Approved by Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce, referred to Rules.)
HB 2355– Rep. Thomas
Creates labor protections for domestic workers including minimum wage and overtime requirements.
HB 2496– Rep. Thomas
Exempts consultations between the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council and federally recognized tributes from the Open Public Meetings Act during site certification. Tribal consultation must be offered within 90 days of receiving an application for site certification.
SB 5496– Sen. Alvarado
Limits excessive home buying by certain entities including those with interest in more than 100 single family residences, with some exceptions.
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing today at 4:00 p.m. (Passed by House Committee on Housing)
SB 5647– Sen. Alvarado
Value increased of personal property that can be sold by a water-sewer district without notice to $5,400. Value of retail property that may be sold privately by a water-sewer district increased to $7,500.
SB 5993– Sen. Alvarado
Lowering the interest rate for medical debt. Prohibits interest from being charged, and requires a refund for interest paid for medical debt in certain circumstances.
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary Tuesday. (Approved by the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary).
MISSED PREVIOUS DEADLINE: Our last report detailed bills that hadn’t yet been passed in their original house, but were still eligible to move forward. While some did advance and are listed above, others were subject to the Feb. 17 cutoff date, which was the last day to consider a bill in its house of origin. These include:
HB 2517– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Enables agreements with regional transit authority to establish development standards that vary from otherwise applicable regulations not involving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, in order to accommodate transit facilities.
SB 5647– Sen. Alvarado
Expands the Real Estate excise tax exemption for self-help housing.
SB 6173– Sen. Alvarado
Creates an Apple Health Employer Assessment imposed on all employers with employees enrolled in Medicaid, going toward the State Health Care Affordability Act.
SB 6069– Sen. Alvarado
Requires cities and counties to allow permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters in certain zones.
WHAT’S NEXT: The last day to consider bills in their opposite house is coming up on Mar. 6, with the exception of “budgets, matters necessary to implement budgets, matters that affect state revenue, initiatives to the legislature and alternatives, differences between the two houses, and business related to the interim or closing of the session,” according to the 2026 Session Cutoff Calendar available on leg.wa.gov.
(WSB photo: Matt Hutchins and Kevin Broveleit at West Seattle Realty event)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One of the most pointed audience questions during last night’s discussion of “Zoning Changes in Seattle” was whether everyone whose property has been, or will be, upzoned by those changes is aware of it.
All the discussion leader, local architect Matt Hutchins, could say was, in essence, if not, they should – this all has been years in the making, and it’s not over yet.”You can not like the outcome, but you can’t say this was done hastily,” he contended. (He’s had something of an inside view, as co-chair of the city-convened Planning Commission.)
More than two dozen people filled the seats at West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor), whose proprietor Kevin Broveleit both hosted and participated. Here’s our full video of the event:
Though it was a full house at WSR, those were just two dozen out of hundreds of thousands – Hutchins’ slide deck included the projection that by mid-century, the city of Seattle’s population could hit 1 million. That’s why city, county, and state leaders have been changing zoning to accommodate more housing. And the city has just launched its next round.
Hutchins touched on many points in his presentation – including how replacement of older residential units with newer, denser buildings increases housing affordability, even if it’s the classic case of one older $750,000 house getting replaced with three smaller new homes selling for that or more. (His term for what happens: “Vacancy chains.”) He showed a multitude of examples of types of housing now allowed on some if not all single-family sites, including a phrase you might have heard, “stacked flats.” (Those buildings could hold up to 11 units and four stories, in certain cases, Hutchins said, or even 16 one-bedroom “deed-restricted, for-sale” units.)
He also explained why rezoning only means what can be done on a site, not what will, and discussed reasons why redevelopment hasn’t happened as quickly as it could have. According to Hutchins, one factor in Seattle is the Mandatory Housing Affordability component, requiring a builder either to include “affordable” housing in their project, or pay a fee that the city would apply toward funding it somewhere else. That fee currently must be paid before construction, Hutchins says, and that’s a dealbreaker for some builders who would be better able to afford the fee if it was collected afterward, when the units are sold.
In the meantime, a lot of building is being done with homeowners in the role of “developer” – Hutchins and Broveleit said “backyard cottages” are a surprisingly sizable percentage of home sales right now. With most lots now able to be developed into at least four units, Hutchins said this will “open the door to a new kind of competition among architects – who’s going to design the best backyard duplex.” He showed an example of a duplex that could be home to multiple generations of the same family.
And it’s not only about housing; he noted that corner stores and child-care businesses. Overall, “you’re going to see all kinds of variants” of projects because of the way the code (zoning) was written.
Bottom line, toward the end of the hour-and-a-half event, was a declaration that “density and affordability doesn’t have to be scary – (you have to) get people talking to each other.”
WHAT’S NEXT: This was a community-led event, not official, but plenty of official proceedings are coming up. Most importantly: The dates are set for consideration of the next phase of city rezoning, the Centers and Corridors proposals, as the council meets as the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan:
March 19 – 2:00 PM meeting
April 6 – Public Hearing 9:30 AM
May 29 – Public Hearing 9:30 AM
June 4 – 1:00 PM
June 18 – 1:00 PM
The Centers and Corridors proposal was unveiled a month ago.
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
Midweek highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, where you can look ahead days/weeks at a time:
PRAYER ROOM: Community prayer room open at All Souls at Trinity in Gatewood as part of citywide initiative, drop in any time before 7 pm. (7551 35th SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks started from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar in time, here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).”
ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids withRec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm.
DINE-OUT BENEFIT: Get food from/at The Neighborhood 4-9 pm tonight and part of the proceeds will benefit Tilden School (WSB sponsor). The restaurant is in Morgan Junction (6503 California SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Back after break! 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)
POSTCARD-WRITING: 5 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), West Seattle Indivisible invites you to join in.
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: Chanel your creativity! 6-8 pm, drop in and create at this cozy pottery studio. (3400 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Interested in our city’s growth, present and future? You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
NO HPAC MEETING: The community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge is not meeting this month, but check their website for many things you should know in the meantime.
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!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Be among the first to hear new Bruno Mars music, “The Romantic,” 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
COMMUNITY CHOIR OPEN REHEARSALS: Drop in and sing! 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
‘RECLAIMING OURSELVES’ INFO SESSION: 7 pm online, find out about the Listening to Grief x West Seattle Neurofeedback upcoming workshop series.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues on tonight’s list, starting at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 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 starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … Update: trivia is ON tonight at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You can take the stage during West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
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 will gather Saturday (February 28) to celebrate the life of Patricia Loftis. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:
Patricia Jane Loftis, 81, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Seattle. She was born on September 15, 1944, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, New York, to Robert Faull Loftis and Margaret Josephine Loftis.
Patricia was raised in Ilion, New York, where she attended Annunciation Elementary School and Ilion Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. She continued her education at Utica College and later graduated from the New York College of Forestry, where she studied forest botany—an early reflection of her deep appreciation for nature and lifelong love of learning.
After college, Patricia spent a year in Chile with the Peace Corps, an experience that embodied her adventurous spirit and commitment to service. The Peace Corps was life-changing for her and resulted in a beautiful, enduring community of friendship and support. She later relocated permanently to Seattle, Washington, where she built her life and family in the West Seattle neighborhood.
Patricia worked in catering for many years before creating a culinary training program for high school students at Chief Sealth International High School, where she worked for approximately 20 years. She inspired and encouraged countless young people to find joy and fulfillment in the culinary arts. When former students saw her in the neighborhood, they would cheerfully greet her as “Mrs. C.” She also volunteered at the West Seattle Food Bank, quietly giving her time in service to others in her community.
After retiring from the Seattle School District in 2019, Patricia embraced a new and very important role: devoted dog caregiver. She happily took care of her daughter Shannon’s dogs—first Ramen and later Soba, both cavapoos—becoming a trusted companion, daily walker, and enthusiastic treat-giver. Their routines brought her joy, laughter, and plenty of furry companionship.
An avid swimmer, Patricia was a longtime member of the Arbor Heights Pool, where she found joy, routine, and friendship. She was a regular at the early bird swim and at every potluck.
Patricia loved travel and adventure and lived a full, curious life shaped by exploration, service, and meaningful connections. She took several trips to Europe, with France and Switzerland among her favorite destinations. Wherever she went, finding a bakery was always a priority.
She was predeceased by her parents; her godson and nephew, Scott Fifield; and her nephew, Michael Fifield. Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Chappon; her children, Shannon Chappon and her husband, Huy Son, and Brian Chappon and his wife, Heather Chappon, and their daughter, Elyse; her sisters, Jeanne Farnsworth and Sandra Russell; her brother, Robert Loftis; and her nieces, nephew, cousins, and extended family.
Though Patricia experienced dementia toward the end of her life, she never forgot her family and close friends, who remained constant in her heart. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the full life of travel, service, and adventure she embraced.
An open-house celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on February 28 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Shannon Chappon. Please message Shannon for details at shannonchappon@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at:
act.alz.org/site/TR/ActiveEvents/IL-Illinois?pg=personal&px=23006880&fr_id=19346
(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)
If you’re a local artist and interested in being part of this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, you have three more days to apply! Here’s the reminder from organizers:
The West Seattle Art Tour is accepting artist applications for its third annual event on September 19–20, 2026, until Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 pm.
This self-guided, two-day event connects local artists with collectors and art enthusiasts. Through a juried process, selected artists display work at host sites — artists’ homes and studios accommodating multiple participants. Visitors navigate using printed maps, digital maps, and social media.
We welcome submissions in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and other mediums from artists demonstrating unique vision and technical mastery.
Key Details:
Apply online: www.westseattlearttour.org/forartists
Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Artists must live, work, or teach in West Seattle, or demonstrate an ongoing community connection.Full criteria at www.westseattlearttour.org
Questions or want to support the tour? Email info@westseattlearttour.org or visit www.westseattlearttour.org
WSB is the Art Tour’s media sponsor again this year.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sun and rain possibilities are again in the forecast – high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:57 am; sunset at 5:48 pm.
BRIDGE ALERTS
*Be aware, the West Seattle low bridge was having trouble earlier this morning; as of half an hour ago it was back in operation.
*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction to 25 mph – until further notice.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
TAP TO PAY
One last reminder – it’s now the third day of expanded card acceptance on transit around the region.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that SDOT may still be having some trouble – we’ve reported it – so if the “live” framegrabs seem stuck, choose almost any camera from SDOT’s page and view live video instead)
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 (see the alert 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 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!
That’s a Chevy Silverado, reported stolen in Redmond, driven onto a Highland Park embankment tonight as its driver tried to get away from police. An officer first spotted the vehicle and along with reinforcements thought they had the driver cornered – Landon sent the photo above and the video below that shows what happened:
The police cornered a man in a stolen truck at the dead end where 8th and Kenyon would connect. The stolen truck eventually jumped the guard rail next to the stairs and got stuck on the hill.
The driver got out and ran; police looked for him but at last report hadn’t found him. He was described on police radio only as Hispanic, male, bald, in a red hoodie and blue jeans. Police were calling a tow truck for the Silverado.
Though the official “grand opening” celebration isn’t until Saturday, Mud Bay‘s Admiral store is expected to open for business in its new location – the two-years-empty ex-Wells Fargo kitty-corner from the pet-supply store’s old location – tomorrow. Crews are moving the merchandise into the new location right now. Grand-opening festivities are scheduled to start at 9 am Saturday. Their now-former space will be the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop later this year.
(‘Site plan’ from city permit filings for Glassyard Commons)
One month after we first told you about the plan for a shelter site in southeast West Seattle, the date is set for a promised community Q&A meeting about it. The meeting will be held at a church in Georgetown, according to the announcement from the organization that will be operating the site, LIHI:
Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 5:30 PM
New Direction Missionary Baptist Church
755 S Homer St. [map]
Church and street parking availableThe proposed RV Safe Lot and Tiny House Village at Glassyard Commons will consist of 72 parking spots for RVs, 20 tiny houses, and community facilities. This program will move RV residents off neighborhood streets and give them a safe place to park. When they are ready to move into the onsite tiny house units, LIHI will decommission and dispose of their RVs. Site amenities include 24/7 staffing, onsite management, comprehensive case management, a community kitchen, and laundry and hygiene facilities.
LIHI brings over a decade of experience in providing tiny house villages. We operate Camp Second Chance nearby, as well as 16 other tiny house village programs in the Puget Sound region. We previously operated Salmon Bay Village, a combined RV and Tiny House Village program, in the Interbay neighborhood, and we had great success moving clients from rundown RVs into permanent housing. 67 RVs were decommissioned over the program’s duration. Construction at Glassyard Commons is estimated to begin in March and will take approximately 3 months to complete.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact LIHI’s Community Engagement Manager Marta Kidane at marta.kidane@lihi.org or 206-858-0734.
The Glassyard Commons site, owned by the state Department of Transportation, is at 7201 2nd Avenue SW and has been the site of multiple unsanctioned encampments for many years. The site was proposed for official use as a transitional encampment a decade ago, though a formal plan wasn’t pursued at the time, and permit filings show the most recent proposal dates back to last spring, with a slightly different mix of RVs and tiny houses.
As reported here on Monday, Alki Lumber is moving from West Seattle to South Park, in a move that’s been in the works since the lumberyard’s founding family, the Sweeneys, sold the business four years ago. However, this does not mean the Sweeneys’ big two-building mixed-use redevelopment project for the lumberyard property [map] is imminent. We heard back today from family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney, who confirmed that they continue to await more favorable conditions, and also mused that the move means the end of an era:
The Sweeney Blocks projects are still in the same holding pattern as before. As you mentioned, it’s not a positive environment for development right now so we continue to wait for economic factors to improve with the hope of breaking ground just as soon as possible. But no specific date is on the table. With the Alki Lumber move to South Park, we hope to find some additional short-term tenants to fill our lots. We are using our imagination — a summer food truck court maybe?
Obviously we will miss Alki and it’s been emotional to see the shelves and racks vacating. I’m pretty sure some of that material even predates my dad when he took the helm in 1962!
As noted in our Monday coverage, the Sweeney Blocks project is planned for more than 500 apartments with ground-floor retail, and both parts of the project passed Design Review (as we reported here and here) about the same time the lumberyard was sold. The lumberyard’s owner, Marine Lumber, says the new South Park location is 558 S. Kenyon.
Though Dustin was reported missing in Ellensburg in Kittitas County, the Sheriff’s Office there has been getting tips that he might be in West Seattle, so we’ve been asked to publish this notice. Dustin is 38 years old, 5’8″, 230 pounds. He has been listed as a missing person since mid-October. Investigators tell us that “there is no criminal investigation occurring with Dustin or anyone known to be with him, we are just looking to have contact with Dustin” so his family can know he’s OK. The Kittitas County case number is S26-02199; if you have information, you can call 911, or call the Kittitas County dispatch center at 509-925-8534.
Sent by Brian:
I found a likely stolen/dumped bike in my front lawn (Monday) morning on SW Stevens and 47th. It is pretty new-looking Radmission Rad Power Bike e-bike. Strange thing, the front tire was off next to it, along with a second tire. I pulled it inside and filed a police report.
If you’re missing one, contact us and we’ll connect you.
9:52 AM: Thanks for the tips. More than 300 customers have lost power in the area where Seattle City Light’s long-awaited Brace Point project is under way, meant to lessen problems with underground cabling that have long led to power outages in the area. No word yet on the cause of today’s outage; one resident reports hearing a “bang” around the time it started ~9:10 am. (Though the SCL map currently projects restoration this afternoon, keep in mind that projected restoration times are only guesses and it could be sooner, or later.)
11:26 AM: 164 still out. The map says the cause was “action by others.” SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang elaborates, “Yes, this is related to construction activities in the area. A fuse on a terminal pole was affected resulting in the unplanned outage. ”
1:50 PM: Map shows the original 319 total out again (which sometimes happens during restoration work).
10:14 PM: 70 customers are still out after 13 hours.
(Photo by Tom Trulin)
Here are today’s event notes/reminders/listings, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE BIKE RIDE: Signups are scheduled to start today for the April 25 Emerald City Bike Ride, with a route including the westbound West Seattle Bridge.
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: Open until noon for little ones and their caregivers. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
NO KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: This weekly event at at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is back on today, 10 am-noon. (10300 28th SW)
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.
MEDICARE DROP-IN INFO: Got questions? Get answers, 11 am-12:30 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today with guest speaker Kate Matos from RYLA Northwest, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award conference. (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: Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.
RESTAURANT POP-UP: Crave is back at The Neighborhood (6503 California SW), 4-8 pm.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Back on, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
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.
PRAYER VIGIL AT ALKI STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAZA: Nondenominational gathering, 5:30-6:30 pm, as previewed here. (61st SW and Alki SW)
ZONING CHANGES IN SEATTLE: Big changes already, and more in the pipeline. How will they affect you and the rest of West Seattle? Learn about them from local architect Matt Hutchins in a free community event also featuring Q&A. 6 pm at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) – RSVP if you can, info@westseattlerealty.com
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 in advance to RSVP.
LISTENING PARTY: Be among the first to hear new music by Gorillaz, 7 pm, Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
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 5: Five places where you can play trivia on Tuesdays – 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) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
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!
Last weekend, we noted that two Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers won state championships. Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio says that’s just part of the team’s triumphs toward season’s end, and sent full details with photos:
It was a great finish for the boys and girls wrestling team of Chief Sealth.
The girls won their 7th consecutive Metro Title and their 2nd District 2 Title, bringing 5 girls to the Tacoma Dome.
The boys won their first Dual Meet Championship in over 30 years, going 16-0 in Metro Duals. Their 2nd 2A Team Metro Title and 2nd District 2 Championship.
Coach Maurice Dolberry won 2026 2A Metro Coach of the Year, Xander Gomez and Eli Policarpio won 2026 most outstanding wrestler of the year for the Metro League,
The wrestlers below qualified for the state tournament
120lbs Senior Stevens Nguyen (2nd in Metro, 4th in Districts)
120lbs Senior Lucas Jones (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
126lbs Senior Jonnathen Seng (Metro Champ, District Champ)
132lb Junior Xander Gomez (Metro Champ and District Champ)
138lb Junior Jumpy Kamili (2nd in Metro and District Champ)
144lb Sophomore Seneca Nguyen (3rd in Metro, 2nd in Districts)
144lb Sophomore Abdi Abdi (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
150lb Senior Vlad Ponce Ramos (2nd in Metro, 3rd in Districts)
190lbs Senior Jessie Gilmore (Metro Champ and District Champ)
215lb Junior Eli Policarpio (Metro Champ and District Champ)
285lb Senior Shane Allen Tino (2nd in Metro and 4th in Districts)
285lb Junior Yusuf Donzo (Metro Champ and District Champ)Girls
110lbs sophomore Nicole Ork (Metro and District Champ)
120lbs Senior Petra Sheppard (Metro and District Champ)
140lbs Senior Lucy Self (Metro and District Champ)
145lbs Senior Lanu Amituanai (Metro and District Champ)
155lb Senior Nyko Herndon (Metro and District Champ)4 wrestlers placed at the State Tournament:
Lanu Amituanai won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the 2A 145lb bracket and became the 1st Seattle Public Schools female State Champion!
Eli Policarpio won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the 2A 215lb bracket. 2nd State Champion in Sealth history and 5th State Champ in the Metro League.
Lucy Self took 3rd in State at 140lb and Yusuf Donzo took 6th in State at 285lb.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sun and rain possibilities are in the forecast – high in the upper 40s. Sunrise at 6:58 am; sunset at 5:46 pm.
LANE-CLOSURE ALERT
*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction – until further notice.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
TAP TO PAY
Second day of expanded card acceptance on transit around the region.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that SDOT may be having some trouble – we’ve reported it – so if the framegrabs seem stuck, choose almost any camera from SDOT’s page and view live video instead)
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 (see the alert 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 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!
38 minutes into that video of today’s Seattle City Council briefing meeting – their weekly meeting to both get briefings and offer individual updates – you’ll see a guest appearance by Sound Transit reps offering updates on Seattle projects: West Seattle Link Extension (due in 2032), Ballard Link Expansion (due in 2039), and the South Graham Street Infill Station (due in 2031). Alex Krieg presented an overview of the Enterprise Initiative, noting its intent is to remedy a “misalignment” of projected costs and projected funding for the entirety of ST3 – currently a $34.5 billion projected “misalignment.” (Here’s the full slide deck.) Neither he nor ST’s Brad Owen broke any news – that will come in a little over three weeks, when the Sound Transit Board gets a look at “scenarios” meant to bring down the price tag, for review at their scheduled March 18 retreat. “Everything is on the table,” the ST reps said. Councilmembers had an opportunity for Q&A; District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka was one of three councilmembers announced as having excused absences today, so he wasn’t there to ask West Seattle questions, but Councilmember Dan Strauss – whose District 5 includes Ballard and who also sits on the ST Board – called attention to what he considers a “really awkward situation,” the city’s responsibility to cover more than half the cost of the second downtown tunnel that’s currently part of the Ballard plan, a tunnel that some have suggested is unnecessary. He and the rest of the ST Board have their regular monthly meeting at 1:30 pm Thursday; the agenda explains how to watch/comment, in person or online.
Reader report:
I want to report a man was exposing himself on SW Genesee St. between 39th SW and 40th SW today. This incident was reported to the police who arrived promptly. Incident # 26-52019.
According to archived police radio, the exposer was described only as a Black man in his 50s, 5’9”, medium build, dark clothing, standing by a gold 4-door sedan.
With spring less than a month away, it’s time to start dreaming of (early) summer too. Saturday, June 6, is this year’s date for Loop the ‘Lupe, a multi-event funfest at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle), featuring the area’s only obstacle-course 5K and benefiting the community work of nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe. Organizer Brian Callanan offers some preview points, such as: “We are working on expanding our live music for this year, with a new stage area closer to the actual race course — which should improve the experience for participants, sponsors, and our musical acts.” Also watch for an update to Loop the ‘Lupe’s senior event, and “we’ll be offering our Elite Wave, Family Wave, 5K Run/Walk, and Youth Dash again, and we’re proud to kick off what will be our TENTH year (first one was in 2017).” Better yet, one more thing from Brian: “Our lowest prices of the year to register are from now until March 20, and teams who sign up 4+ at once get even more discounts.” Why wait when you can get a deal? Sign up here now!
Thanks for the tips! “We’re Moving Soon” banners like the one in our photo have gone up around the longtime Alki Lumber yard in The Triangle. So, readers asked, how soon is “soon”? The exact date isn’t finalized yet but “very” soon, Alki Lumber tells us, likely within weeks, with more details expected shortly. As we first reported four years ago, Alki Lumber is owned by Marine Lumber, sold by the Sweeney family after a century. Its new location is in South Park – 558 S. Kenyon. It’s been seven years since the Sweeneys announced they were studying options for their Triangle property’s future; they subsequently made plans for two buildings on what became known as the Sweeney Blocks, with hundreds of apartments.
(2021 rendering, with potential location for historic neon sign)
The projects finished going through Design Review in 2021 (as we reported here and here); some, but not all, major permits have since been issued.
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