West Seattle, Washington
22 Sunday
Christian J. Pearson‘s ceramic birds have a surprise inside, making them audible art too (hint: gently shake one). That was pointed out by one of the other five artists also in the “Feather in the Wind” pop-up, in its final day upstairs at Alki Arts in Morgan Junction (6030 California SW) until 6 pm. It’s a light-filled space, and not just because of the windows:
Jody Wally‘s ceramic work includes lamps – functional as well as beautiful. Or if you’re contemplating sending someone a note. Gretchen Flickinger has original prints on her cards:
Cassie Hennessey‘s feather studies inspired the pop-up’s name:
Angie Marcelynas – The Little Merle – incorporates recycled material into her jewelry, including new charm bracelets at this weekend’s pop-up:
Sketcher Pam Lustig is an addition to the “Feather in the Wind” roster since last pop-up:
You have until 6 pm to meet the artists, browse their work, and enjoy complimentary snacks – look for the staircase just north of the main Alki Arts entrance.
Mary Springer, a longtime luminary in the local performing-arts world, has died. Her family shares this remembrance with word of her memorial service next month:
Mary Opland Springer, a light to all who were lucky to know her, passed away on March 3, 2026, in Seattle. Services will be held at 2 pm on May 16th at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 3050 California Ave SW, West Seattle. A reception will follow and all are welcome.
Mary was born on May 15, 1951, in Pipestone, MN, to AnnaMae and Allen (Al) Opland, the third of their three children. Their home was filled with music and laughter, and the gift of music would follow Mary throughout her life.
After moving to Missoula, MT, to finish her undergraduate degree, Mary met Rick Springer and on August 3, 1975, they married. She was a devoted and magical mother to their two children, Anna Cronin and Jonathan Springer.
In 1980 they moved to Seattle, where she spent the rest of her life teaching music and theater to kids across Puget Sound. Students who had the good fortune to attend her schools learned how to be brave, pushing themselves to try new things and reach new heights under her loving direction.
Mary was a deeply gifted educator who took great joy in crafting lessons and guiding students to explore material, helping them see the world with new eyes. She frequently taught other educators, held workshops at education conferences, and went back to school in her late 40s to get her master’s degree in education. Being an educator was an identity that she wore proudly.
Early in her career, she held theater summer camps that later blossomed into one of her proudest achievements – a community theatre troupe called Twelfth Night Productions (TNP). Over more than 25 years, TNP grew into a beautiful and welcoming community where artists could explore, find belonging, and create lasting friendships that are more like family. TNP became a beloved West Seattle institution, producing four shows a year, including an annual summer musical and holiday radio play.
Mary’s beautiful life touched thousands of lives, and the world is an infinitely better place because she was here.
Mary is survived by her family: husband Rick Springer, daughter Anna Cronin and son-in-law Travis Cronin, son Jonathan Springer and daughter-in-law Shally Springer, and grandchildren Cassius Springer, Oliver Cronin, Laila Springer, and Cecilia (Cece) Cronin.
(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)
(Cherry blossoms, photographed by Janelle Otterholt)
Here’s the event lineup for spring’s first Sunday (spring arrives this Friday!), mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, but starting with an off-peninsula traffic alert:
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Highland Park Corner Store at 9 am today for a today’s Sunday Funday run. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)
BUNNY PORTRAITS ALL BOOKED UP: Just an update on this calendar listing – no appointments left.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in early spring produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – and lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta …
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s and chow down on a buffet breakfast.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
FOOD & SHOPPING POP-UP: 11 am-5 pm again today, “Good Foods and Vintage Goods” pop-up, featuring Highbrow Hedonist. (5001 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FREE TAX HELP, BUT BE AWARE … 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library, registration strongly encouraged as we’re told the slots have been all booked up. (9010 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
GROUP ART SHOW: Last of three days for Feather in the Wind group show upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), with six artists, noon-6 pm.
TIDEPOOLING: Seattle Parks is offering guided tidepooling today – meet at 1:30 pm at Constellation Park (63rd SW and Beach Drive SW), info here. Low tide is -1.2 feet at 2:09 pm.
PLANT-REPOTTING POTLUCK: 2 pm at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), fun way to spring into spring.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
‘SMART PEOPLE’: Final performance of the play at Acts on Stage Theater at 3 pm; ticket info here. (10806 12th SW, White Center)
HOW TO WRITE AN OBITUARY: Whether it’s someone else’s, or your own, there’s an art to it, and you can learn about that at 3 pm today at West Seattle (Admiral) Library – our calendar listing has the registration link. (2306 42nd SW)
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm, play trivia at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW) with host Morgue Anne.
LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm Sunday night all-ages show at Tim’s Tavern, with Matt Unger, The Rolling Thunder,Velvet Armada, Sweet Cheeks; get tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm,jazz to wrap up your weekend, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm late-night tea service with host Jack Sanders, RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
Organizing, or working on, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB file photo)
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society has another series of Alki History Walking Tours planned for the next half year, leaving the Log House Museum at 11 am on first and second Saturdays. Here’s what to know:
The Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s popular Alki History Walking Tour is back! Attendees will learn about the history of Alki Beach, the peoples who have lived here, and how settlement by various groups and individuals has left its mark on Alki. You’ll visit historic and cultural sites in the area and discuss how our understanding of the area and its people continues to evolve.
Tour stops include the Log House Museum, Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead, historic sites and monuments at Alki Beach, and Doc Maynard’s home in West Seattle.
Tours are offered rain or shine and include about one mile of walking with multiple stops. The tour is ADA accessible, although there are no stops that include seating.
This program is FREE although registration is required (attendance is capped at 20 sign-ups). Suggested $25 donations gladly accepted.
To register for a walking tour, please visit: loghousemuseum.org
(WSB photos)
The Sun was in attendance – not always the case – for astronomy educator Alice Enevoldsen‘s spring-equinox sunset watch last night, as were more than 30 people. For more than 15 years, as part of her role as a volunteer NASA Solar System Ambassador, Alice has led gatherings at West Seattle’s Solstice Park to mark the change of seasons. The park is relevant to those occasions not just because of its name but also because of its paths and markers that line up with the setting sun on equioxes and solstices.
Alice explained how to observe that.
Then, once official sunset time had passed (the sun vanishes a bit early this time of year because of the Lincoln Park forest to the west), Alice reconvened her 30+ attendees in the park plateau’s circle to explain the equinox (with the help of volunteer Decker serving as the Sun).
Alice’s season-change gatherings often also include a look ahead to big space/astronomy events/phenomena happening (or likely to happen) before the next solstice/equinox. This time, she previewed the upcoming Artemis II launch, which will send astronauts to the first Moon flyby in more than 50 years.
As Alice said, the first launch window for Artemis II starts on April 1st, and she hopes to lead a launch-watching gathering when it happens – that will likely be on short notice but we’ll publish where and when as soon as we hear. Meantime, Alice’s next change-of-seasons sunset watch will be for the first sunset of summer, Sunday, June 21, 8:30-9:30 pm.
Take a swing at something in the West Seattle HS Baseball Silent Auction – dozens of items from gift cards to golf to art – and you just might hit it out of the park! Here’s the auction announcement we were asked to share with you:
The West Seattle High School Baseball Silent Auction is now open, and bidding is live!
The auction is open to the public, so anyone can participate and support the WSHS Baseball program. Take a look at the great items available and place your bids today to help support our student-athletes. Everything from $30 Mariners tickets on the 100 level to amazing support from local businesses and families!
Bidding closes at 8:00 pm on March 28, 2026 (next Saturday).
You do not need to attend the event to participate or win. Winning bidders will be contacted (within 48 hours) after the auction closes to arrange pickup or shipping (shipping available for most items).
Every bid helps fund important needs for the program, including uniforms, equipment, training resources, and player development opportunities.
Browse the auction and start bidding today.
Thank you for supporting West Seattle High School Baseball and our student-athletes!
Their season is under way, too, and you can cheer the Wildcats at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – this week they host Garfield at 7 pm Monday and Cleveland at 2:30 pm Wednesday.
West Seattle’s soccer clubs Rhodies FC and Junction FC will finally have a full lineup of beverage offerings during their matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. You can congratulate them and preview their upcoming seasons at a party one week from today – here’s the announcement we received:
Junction & Rhodies FC Fans Have A Reason to Celebrate!
After three years of advocacy, Seattle Parks and Recreation approved all 10 of Sunday match days for Junction & Rhodies FC to include a beer garden. This approval, alongside previous permissions for food trucks, PA system use, and scoreboard use allows the Clubs to offer a more social, community-centered atmosphere for fans and families.
To anchor the experience in local flavor, the Club has partnered with Future Primitive Brewing. The beer garden will feature a selection of canned beverages throughout the season, with a wine partner expected to join soon.
This milestone will be celebrated alongside the Club’s official 2026 kit launch at a kickoff party:
– When: Saturday, March 28, 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
– Where: Ounces Taproom & Beer GardenThe first 50 registered attendees will receive a complimentary pint of Future Primitive beer, courtesy of our event sponsor, Ounces Taproom. Ounces is an all-ages venue, we encourage the whole family to come out, meet the coaches and players, and see this year’s new jerseys and merch.
With these long-awaited approvals in place, Junction & Rhodies FC’s Sunday matches are set to offer an expanded and engaging experience for all West Seattle fans!
Both clubs start their season May 10, with matches at home.
(WSB photos)
The first-ever free “community store” at Denny International Middle School – which we previewed on Monday – is just midway through its five-hour time span, but teacher Keenen Allen Ladd says it’s so successful already, they’ve canceled the U-Haul truck they were going to rent to re-donate leftovers. The Denny galleria is full of items for shoppers:
Food, beverages, and household items like detergent are all stacked on tables for shoppers to choose what they want, as well as tables of clothing; the store is a collaboration with Partnership for Hope. The only thing they’re running low on, we’re told, is bleach. Ladd told WSB that 266 people registered in advance and more have just shown up to sign up right before they shop. “Everyone’s welcome,” he and Denny principal Mary Ingraham told us. There was a bit of a line at the door but once inside, no waiting, and this is continuing until 2 pm. Denny is at 2601 SW Kenyon.
We’re in the south lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), new location for the annual free recycle/reuse/shred event presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association with a variety of partners. (Here’s what they will and won’t take this year.) First thing we noticed: No backup on 16th. You can approach from either direction. Not much of a wait once you’re in the lot. The line at the shredding truck is the main wait – see our top photo. It’s a two-step process this year – park, and take your stuff over to the trucks (there are volunteers with carts if needed).
This continues until noon.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Happy Saturday! Welcome to the first weekend of spring. Our notes for today/tonight are as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
SCOUTING FOR FOOD: As previewed here, today’s the day Scouts will return to neighborhoods where they left flyers asking people to put out donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. But if you didn’t get a flyer, you can still donate by dropping items off at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) between 9 am and noon.
FREE COMMUNITY STORE: In need of food and/or household supplies? Community members, not just school families, are welcome 9 am-2 pm at this free community store at Denny International Middle School (2601 SW Kenyon).
FREE RECYCLE/REUSE DROPOFFS + SHREDDING: 9 am-noon is this year’s dropoff event presented by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, this time in the SOUTH parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). The list of what they will and won’t take is in our calendar listing. Check back around 9:30 am for our first update on how it’s going.
SPRING DAY-SIT: 9 am-5:15 pm, spend the day with Puget Sound Zen Center at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW).
FREE MEDITATION: Get a calming start to your weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
BUNNY PORTRAITS: The appointment link indicates this special event at Three Little Birds is all booked up!
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
LEARN ABOUT WATERING YOUR YARD/GARDEN: Free class about automatic sprinklers at West Seattle Nursery (5275 California SW; WSB sponsor). Class participants get 10 percent off purchases the day of the class!
’80s SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am, sing to ’80s classics with Trent Von from C89.5: Brunch, Mimosas and Sing-along. Table Reservation includes a Brunch Buffet! (2306 California SW)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! St. Patrick’s Day sale continues today. North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group resumes today – details including location are in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), for families with kids up to 5 years old.
BIKE RIDE TO CELEBRATE NEW SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE: Meet at 10:45 am on the bridge bike path behind Chelan Café (3527 Chelan Ave. SW) for a 24-mile ride to travel some of the city’s newest bike lanes.
SINGING RESISTANCE AT DRAGONFLY: First of two events for this group today – 11 am at Dragonfly (upstairs at 3270 California).
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FOOD & SHOPPING POP-UP: 11 am-5 pm today and tomorrow, “Good Foods and Vintage Goods” pop-up. (5001 Delridge Way SW)
TERRAPLANTED TURNS 1: The first of two first-anniversary business celebrations in South Delridge – vendors, sale prices, and DJs at Terraplanted (9463 16th SW), open 11 am-7 pm today.
GEORGETOWN BITES AND SITES: 11 am-5 pm, our neighbor to the east welcomes visitors today for a unique multi-venue food fest. Get taste tickets at 5813 Airport Way South.
GROUP ART SHOW: Second of three days for Feather in the Wind group show upstairs at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), noon-6 pm.
HIGH-SCHOOL SOCCER: Chief Sealth IHS boys host Ballard, noon at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open for community visitors on Saturdays, noon-3 pm. Free. (2236 SW Orchard)
MARCHING CHORUS REHEARSAL: If you’re interested in marching and singing during next Saturday’s “No Kings” protest, come to today’s Singing Resistance rehearsal, 12:30 pm-2:30 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE PUZZLE SWAP: Drop in 2-4 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), “Bring a puzzle, take a puzzle and meet other puzzle enthusiasts!”
ANNIVERSARY PARTY AT MR. B’S: 2-8 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), it’s time to celebrate the first year, with live music, bottle-aged mead testing, and a collaboration with Wolfpack Cellars> (WSB sponsor). Read our recent anniversary interview with Mr. B and Mrs. B here.
‘SMART PEOPLE’: Two performances of the play at Acts on Stage Theater – 2 pm and 7 pm; ticket info here. (10806 12th SW, White Center)
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Roo Forrest and Friends with originals and covers. Free, all ages.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Hear the new album by Melanie Martinez, 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.
LIVE AT KENYON HALL Michelle Shocked performs at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 7:30 pm; ticket info’s in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, James Carr Band, The Misbehavers, Pipe Dream, $10 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT AXE KICKING: Axe-throwing included in your $20 cover, with Outshined Acoustic Trio performing starting at 8 pm at Axe Kickers. (10843 1st Ave. S. in Top Hat)
LIVE AT TIM’S: Birdie Fenn Cent, Blue Jay Blue, Barry Brusseau, Joseph Giant at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm. Tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th)
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, DJ Julie Herrera with the tunes tonight. (4547 California SW)
BELLY DANCING: 9 pm at Mumbai Moonshine (2300 California SW).
SKATE PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Use your voice! Karaoke with Rone starts at 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome on our calendar, where listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
After multiple 911 callers reported what sounded like gunfire, police have found shell casings in a High Point alley. The location so far sounds like the alley between 34th and 35th, north of Morgan. No report of injuries; the dispatcher told officers that some of the callers reported seeing someone running in the alley after they heard the shots.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Barely 24 hours before tonight’s Alki gunfire, preventing crime at the beach was a major focus at this month’s Alki Community Council meeting.
PREVENTING ALKI CRIME: President Charlotte Starck recapped a recent walking tour with city reps including District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka, Southwest Precinct police, and managers from Seattle City Light.
(Photos from Councilmember Saka’s office via Alki Community Council)
Starck said City Light has committed to, by Memorial Day, install brighter lights on the inland side of Alki Avenue – “pedestrian-level” lighting on wood utility poles. Businesses participating on the walk included some already hit by burglaries or attempted break-ins. (That included Fire Tacos, near the scene of tonight’s gunfire as shown in the photo below.)
So now, ACC vice president Zak Nyberg said, they are looking into rebooting the Block Watch program in more areas of Alki. The SW precinct’s interim Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown said he has 10 volunteer Block Watch Captains on Alki right now – maybe covering 25 percent of that area, which he considers “underserved.” One of those 10 BW captains was at the ACC meeting and said she has been a captain near Alki Point for five years and has an email list of 62 neighbors to circulate information to. She said she’s worked with neighbors on feedback for city projects as well as disaster preparedness, and that they’ve had mini-block parties in the summer, as well as holiday gatherings. She said it’s not a major time commitment – maybe an hour per month most of the year.
One attendee who had experience in a non-West Seattle business district said that security-related signage can be helpful in businesses. Also discussed, the Connect Seattle program where people with security cameras can let the city know so that they can be asked about video if anything happens in their area. Even if you’re registered and get a request, “You can say no,” Brown reminded everyone. (He also said that West Seattle is the area of the city with the largest number of registered cameras.)
Other topics at the ACC meeting:
SCHMITZ PARK CREEK RESTORE: This organization‘s co-founder Brian Barilleaux said this effort has been under way for about three years now (publicly surfaced two years ago) – they’re conducting tours and ivy-removal events, and working on forest trails in Schmitz Preserve Park.Their project’s ultimate goal remains to daylight the creek and bring back salmon. Tim DiMarco, co-chair, talked about how “this beautiful creek” gets “dumped into a culvert.” Can the creek really be restored? They now have funding for a hydrologic study to help answer that question.
They’re also working to honor the Schmitz Family’s intention in donating the forested parkland to keep it natural. Their tours have increasingly focused on the history of the area, including the Indigenous people who lived there first. And Barilleaux said they have a lot of help in their efforts – with 350 volunteers now on their list. And you can support them by donating. He said it’s vital to get even more of the community involved “in the park and what we’re trying to do with it.” They’re also urging people to rip invasives out of their own yards and replant native species to “bring back the isects” and the birds. “We’re trying to get people to quit plating English ivy … it ends up in the park,” DiMarco noted. Brian added that the tire-dust poison seen in automotive runoff doesn’t affect Schmitz Preserve Park, because runoff flows elsewhere and the park water is pristine. That’s why it’s so unfortunate that “right now the creek is in a pipe and the salmon don’t want to go there,” said DiMarco. An attendee had memories of the creek being routed down to 56th/Alki back in the ’60s. Daylighting the creek is going to take years, they summarized, but you can help take small steps now, moving ever closer to the goal. Find out about volunteering and tours on the Schmitz Park Creek Restore website.
UPDATE FROM A CLEANER ALKI: Erik Bell, who’s also on the ACC board, is in his fifth year leading cleanups around (mostly) West Seattle – restoration and “sprucing” of public spaces too. He demurred, “You don’t have to have any special skills to do what we do.” Besides pre-scheduled events, A Cleaner Alki also offers Block Drops – buckets of tools at various public spaces where you can borrow them. He introduced volunteer Joe, who makes good use of Block Drops and told his story – including the joy of gratitude expressed by passers-by. Also discussed: The need for more regular litter pickups by Parks crews.
EMERGENCY HUBS: Also in the vein of community involvement, visiting speaker Cindi Barker from Seattle Emergency Hubs reminded the group that there’s a hub – a pre-designated community gathering place in case of catastrophe – for Alki, and it’s ready for more involvement. The next West Seattle hub practice (drill) will be in August at Morgan Junction Park. To get involved and to see the map that’ll show you the nearest hub – whether or not you’re an Alki resident – go here.
NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATIONS: Starck reported on a citywide meeting of reps from neighborhood groups like ACC, with the big question: “How do we keep the neighborhood groups going?” (West Seattle, for example, has barely half the number it used to.) They discussed their mutual challenges, strengths, and needs. “It was really great to meet them,” and to also note who’s active and who’s not – the city Department of Neighborhoods website has a list that’s largely outdated, she said. The coalition plans to meet again in August.
DESIGN REVIEW REBOOT: Deb Barker, president of the Morgan Community Association and retired municipal land-use planner, is also a former Southwest Design Review Board member, and as such has thorough knowledge of a city program that is on the ropes. She came to let the ACC know about a new citywide effort, the Design Review Reboot Coalition. They’re trying to make sure there is a community voice at the table before Design Review – which used to offer opportunities for public participation in development planning – is killed off forever. The group disagrees with the oft-heard contention that Design Review raises project costs and lengthens timelines. Even more than the city, she said, state government is behind much of the momentum for scrapping or shrinking Design Review. “We’re trying to get back to the Design Review table,” she said; it was also noted that Design Review requirements had led to community notification of projects that otherwise go largely unannounced. If you’re interested in getting involved, email design.review.reboot@gmail.com.
NEXT MEETING: The ACC meets third Thursdays most months, so watch for the April meeting announcement by mid-month.
Sent by April:
Our blue 1995 Dodge Cummins Diesel Truck was stolen from in front of our house near 35th Ave SW and SW Webster St between 12 am and 2 am this morning. A police report has been filed and we have blurry footage of it disappearing on our doorbell camera [framegrab above]. But hoping you could post in case someone spots it around or abandoned? Report #C26007774.
We’ll add the plate # when we get it.
SATURDAY UPDATE: April reports the truck was found in Renton.
(Added: Reader photo)
7:48 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police are investigating gunfire on Alki, reported in the 2700 block [at 61st SW]. The shots were reported to have been fired by a passenger in a dark car, believed to be a Challenger; officers have found shell casings, but no injuries reported so far, aside from one person who is reported to have hurt their shoulder when they dropped to the ground after seeing the shots fired.
8:10 PM: The gunfire happened just after 7 pm, according to the police log, and our crew reports officers have already cleared the scene. (Crime was a topic at last night’s Alki Community Council meeting – report to come – with city reps joining ACC leadership for a public-safety walk recently, but the focus was more on the recent wave of business burglaries.)
If you received a flyer about Scouting for Food, put out your donations for the West Seattle Food Bank in time for local Scouts to pick them up tomorrow. And even if you didn’t get a flyer, you can still give! The Scouts’ announcement explains both:
West Seattle Scouts Launch Annual “Scouting for Food” Drive to Stock West Seattle Food Bank Shelves
After the snow on Friday you may have noticed a higher-than-normal number of Scouts in the neighborhood putting out flyers for their annual food drive. West Seattle’s dedicated Scout units have hit the streets for their annual Scouting for Food drive, an essential tradition that helps combat local food insecurity. Scouts from Cub Scout Packs 793 and 284 and Troops 282, 284, 286, and 8286 have finished distributing flyers across various neighborhoods, and they will be returning to your doorsteps Saturday, March 21st between 9 am and 12 pm, to collect donations.
Historically, these units have helped the community contribute over three tons of food per year to those in need, and this year is set to be just as successful.
The West Seattle Food Bank has shared a specific need for the following critical items:
*Diapers in sizes 5, 6, and 7
*Ready-to-eat meals (such as Tasty Bite pouches, canned soup/stew/chili, and microwave mac & cheese)We encourage you to add these high-demand items to your collection bag.
Alternative Drop-off Location:
If you missed the door hangers or would like another way to donate, Pack 793 will host a public collection point at West Seattle High School (3000 California SW) on Saturday, March 21st, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office sent this warning about a scam that looks official enough to fool people:
Recently people have been getting scam notices for King County District Court hearings that seem official and are very sophisticated.
The attached example is NOT a notice from King County District Court. It is a scam notice, according to District Court. It is important that people do not click the QR code or send money.
People are advised to contact King County District Court if they have any questions about a hearing notice they have received.
The KCPAO says the fake notices have been received by both email and text.
One week from tomorrow, as part of Metro‘s twice-yearly “service change,” buses that normally travel SW Barton in the Westwood Village/Roxhill Park area will start using SW Trenton instead, as SDOT prepares to repave the layover zone alongside the park. That means some major traffic and parking changes – not just for shoppers, parkgoers, and residents, but also for those who use the fields at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on the north side of Trenton. SDOT convened an online community meeting on March 2 (WSB coverage here), during which project communicators promised to get answers to a variety of leftover questions. Today they’ve sent a compilation of those questions and their answers (see it here). It’s also linked from the project webpage along with a variety of other info about the project, which is expected to begin in April and last into the fall.
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin, June 2025)
If you’re thinking about being part of this year’s Loop the ‘Lupe – which includes Seattle’s only 5K obstacle-course run – today’s your last chance at the lowest prices! Loop the ‘Lupe is set for Saturday, June 6, at Walt Hundley Playfield, and raises money for community work at and by adjacent Our Lady of Guadalupe. The 5K obstacle-course run is one of multiple options for joining in. It’s all part of one big party, also featuring live music, food, and a beer garden. Register by 11:58 pm tonight before the fees go up! (Loop the ‘Lupe director Brian Callanan also points out that if you sign up a team of four or more at once, you “get even more discounts.”) Your options are: Obstacle 5K Elite Wave (11 am), Obstacle 5K Family Wave (11:40 am), 5K Fun Run (noon), Silver Saunter (12:15 pm), Youth Dash (1 pm). WSB is media sponsor for Loop the ‘Lupe – see you there!
If there’s a person, business, or organization you think deserves one of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westside Awards, here’s your chance! The Chamber has just announced that nominations are open:
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Westside Awards, the annual program honoring the businesses, nonprofits, and individuals whose work has shaped the West Seattle community over the past year.
Nominations close April 5, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. across four categories:
• Westside Business of the Year recognizes an established business (3 or more years in operation) demonstrating growth, excellence in customer service, and meaningful community involvement.
• Westside Emerging Business of the Year honors a newer business (under 3 years) already making its presence felt through innovation, community engagement and gaining momentum.
• Westside Not for Profit of the Year highlights a nonprofit whose dedication to service and social good has left a visible mark on West Seattle.
• Westsider of the Year recognizes an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, or service has strengthened the community.
“Every year, the nominations remind us just how much is happening in this community. The Westside Awards exist to make sure that work gets the recognition it deserves,” said Rachel Porter, Executive Director of the West Seattle Chamber. “We encourage anyone who has witnessed dedication to West Seattle to put in a nomination.”
Winners will be selected by the Chamber’s Board of Directors and recognized at the Annual Westside Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at The Hall at Fauntleroy.
Nominations are free and open to the public. Submit at https://loom.ly/j2lcDkM
For more information about the Westside Awards, contact Rachel Porter at rachel@wschamber.com.
The West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization that has served the West Seattle business community since 1923. The Chamber advocates for local businesses, connects members, and works to strengthen the economic foundation that makes West Seattle a place where commerce and community grow together.
Here’s our coverage of last year’s awards breakfast; see the list of past winners here.
10:07 AM: The left side of that traffic-camera view shows the scene of a crash at the bottom of Highland Park Way hill, in the inside eastbound lane (as mentioned earlier in our morning traffic roundup). The crash is reported to involve a car and “transit van.” The car driver may have a head injury, according to police, so SFD medics are there. Avoid the area for a while.
10:27 AM: SFD has just been dispatched to a Highland Park child-care facility to check out kids who were reported to have been in the van, described as having had 12 kids and three adults inside at the time of the crash. We’ll follow up later with SFD. Meantime, the traffic-camera system is now malfunctioning so we can’t check on whether the crash scene has cleared or not.
11:27 AM: Traffic cameras are back online, and they show this scene has cleared.
12:56 PM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells us no one at the child-care site turned out to be hurt; at the scene, he says, a ~50-year-old woman was treated for minor injuries and did not need to be taken to a hospital.
(Reader photo, Great Blue Heron on Alki roof)
Spring is here! Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
(added) DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER FOR ARBOR HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY: Late word of this but you still have time to add Panda Express at Westwood Village to your dining plans for today/tonight – either tell them you’re there for Arbor Heights Elementary PTSA, or if ordering online use code 3854922, and they’ll benefit from part of the proceeds. Open until 10 tonight.
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).
STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Free indoor playtime for little ones and their caregivers is back at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), 10-11:30 am.
BABY STORY TIME: 11 am at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
FREE TAX HELP: Free tax help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) 11 am-4 pm but check if any appointments remain – we’re told there hasn’t been time left for drop-ins in recent weeks.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about and enjoy local history – open noon-4 pm today.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: First of three events this spring offered by local Girl Scouts, 5-9 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), see our calendar listing for info on contacting them to see if spaces are left.
GROUP ART SHOW: First of three days for Feather in the Wind group show at Alki Arts (6030 California SW), 5-7 pm reception.
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.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, singer/songwriter Shaun Crawford at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
OPEN MIC AT KENYON HALL: Monthly open mic, signups at 6 pm and music at 6:30, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), more info here.
EQUINOX SUNSET WATCH WITH ALICE: Tonight’s the first sunset of spring, so educator/expert skywatcher Alice Enevoldsen will be at Solstice Park (7400 Fauntleroy Way SW, top of the slope) 6:30-7:30 pm for her quarterly change-of-seasons sunset watch. All welcome! Rain or shine unless heavy downpour or thunderstorms.
BAND OF HORSES AT EASY STREET: 7 pm sold-out show at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW); if you’re getting in because you pre-ordered the album, you’ll hear from ESR.
CLASSIC BINGO: 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), with “Richard, the sassiest host in Seattle.” Free to play. 21+.
PUN SLAM AT THE SKYLARK: The punniest event in the city is back! Signups at 7, slam at 8. Get tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), with DJ Mr. Nyice Guy, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to live music with Power Skeleton, The Glutz, 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!
(Added: Reader photo)
9 AM: Thanks for the tips. Police were at West Seattle High School this morning investigating a stolen car crashed and abandoned on the south side of the parking lot campus.The car, a gray Kia Soul, turned out to have been stolen from someone in Seaview; police were reported to be bringing the owner there. Police were dispatched around 7:30 this morning, but whoever had been driving the stolen Kia was gone by then. (If you have any information, the police report # is 26-76480.)
10:22 AM: Added above, photo sent by another reader (thank you!).
9:35 AM: Crash at bottom of Highland Park Way hill, eastbound lanes.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, March 20, 2026. (Spring arrives at 7:46 am- sunset watch with Alice tonight!)
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Same forecast as the past few days: Rainy, breezy, mid-50s high. Sunrise at 7:11 am; sunset at 7:22 pm.
(Thursday photo by Bob Burns)
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule. Schedule changes starting Sunday – Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth gets 3 boats on weekends too.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
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!
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