West Seattle, Washington
09 Monday
(WSB photos)
With spring less than two weeks away, garden prep work is top of mind for many people – including high-school students at Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights. They’re launching the second year for the school’s giving garden, created by AP Environmental Science students last school year:
Mondays are club days in the afternoon study-hall period, and that’s why the Gardening Club was out at work on the southwest side of the campus, with two special visitors:
At center is Denis Sapiro from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle and at left is Erik Bell from A Cleaner Alki. Denis was there to present a $100 grant to the club, which is working to raise $500 to support its work this year; Erik brought tools from his legendary cleanup operation, including a weeding tool that was in use in a very special section of the garden:
That’s “Jenny’s Garden,” we were told, named for a classmate who died. It’ll be filled with purple flowers, because that was Jenny’s favorite color. The rest of the garden,upslope from this section, will be focused on produce to be donated to local food banks; the students, advised by Ms. Wilk, are raising seedlings including peas, tomatoes, and cabbage.
We’re almost through day 1 of the three-day closure of the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. Since buses do usually use the bridge, some readers were wondering why no reroute advisory had appeared. We asked Metro, whose spokesperson Jeff Switzer explains:
Routes 113, 131 and 132 are rerouted during the state’s emergency work; however, buses continue to serve every one of the bus stops for these routes and no bus stops are missed.
In this situation, we don’t issue a transit alert as, from the riders’ perspective, there isn’t an impact to where they board or exit. We appreciate riders’ patience while we reroute around this important emergency work.
Overview
131 and 132: Regular route southbound from Downtown Seattle to Burien Transit Center; switches to the South Park Bridge traveling northbound from Burien to Downtown Seattle.
113: Regular route to Shorewood from Downtown Seattle; switches to the South Park Bridge traveling to Downtown Seattle from 26th Avenue SW/SW 116th Street
This closure is supposed to end by 8 pm Wednesday (March 11), at which time all northbound lanes will be open, though the temporary 25 mph speed limit will continue. A longer repair closure is expected next month, and a full bridge deck replacement next year.
By students, for students! This spring, the first-ever West Seattle Math Competition will challenge middle-schoolers to test their skills. An organizer’s parent asked us to share this announcement – if there’s a middle-school student in your household, be sure they’ve heard about this, because signups are happening now!
West Seattle Math Competition is a small group of middle school students who have been competing in the Math Counts competition throughout their middle school careers – and they have decided to put together their own math competition! They have designed their own website and have written all of the problems themselves. It is very impressive what they have done and myself and the other parents involved are very proud of them.
The competition is put together BY middle school students and is FOR middle school students. The competition will be held at the Admiral HUB in West Seattle (the old Admiral Church building) from 12 PM to 5 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Registration is OPEN and will close on April 18, 2026. This event is for ALL middle school students grades 6-8. Kids can sign up individually or as teams of 2 to 4. If you check out their website, there is a ton of information about signing up, how the competition is structured, as well as sample problems within the Registration tab.
Find all that by going here.
Whether you’re selling or shopping, if you’re planning to be part of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day this year, we are here to remind you it is exactly two months away: always the second Saturday in May, and that’s relatively early this year, Saturday, May 9! WSB has coordinated WSCGSD since its fourth year (2008); it’s not just one big sale, but rather hundreds of sales of all sizes (more than 500 last year) all around the peninsula and a bit beyond, depending on who decides to sign up. We’ll open registration on April 1 and keep it open for a little over three weeks; watch for the announcement here when we’re ready, then get ready to browse, buy, and/or sell 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9, 2026!
Though the Sound Transit Board is still weeks/months away from decisions about revising West Seattle light rail to get the projected cost closer to the available funding, a new city survey about station-area planning is out today. The survey only asks about Delridge and Junction station areas, a further reminder that the Avalon station is in the cost-cutting crosshairs. The survey is from the city Office of Planning and Community Development, which has planning processes under way for the Junction station area and Delridge station area, and that’s reflected in the survey, which only asks about those two, and includes this map – note that the areas of focus go far beyond the immediate vicinity of even just those two station locations:
Here’s how the survey is explained:
The City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and the Seattle Department of Transportation are kicking off a Station Area Planning effort in the West Seattle Junction and Delridge areas.
“Station area planning” is separate from Sound Transit’s light rail station design and construction. While Sound Transit determines where and how stations are built, the City of Seattle’s role is to work with communities to decide what happens in the neighborhoods that are ½ mile to 1 mile from the stations over the next 20 years. This includes decisions about housing, transportation, places for community to gather, safe streets, job access, and local businesses.
How to be involved
Take a brief community survey. Share your insights and experiences by March 27, 2026: bit.ly/StationAreaSurvey
The survey deadline is March 27. A major touchpoint ahead in Sound Transit planning, meantime, is the board retreat March 18, by which time the board is supposed to receive cost-cutting “scenarios” for projects including West Seattle light rail.
That video shows a burglar trying unsuccessfully for a minute and a half to pry open the drive-up/ride-up window at West Bay Coffee and Smoothies (2255 Harbor SW) around 5 am today, before the glass finally breaks. The video was provided by proprietor Jennifer, who tells WSB, “Nothing major stolen – milk, orange juice, music speaker and our terminal for cashing customers out.” West Bay is open but still awaiting the window replacement. Here’s another look at the burglar (who as seen at the video’s end had an accomplice) and car:
If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 26-065511.
Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the almost-spring photo! Here’s what’s on our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm drop-in help at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Free.
‘SOLUTIONS, NOT RESOLUTIONS’: Weekly speaker series continues with 1 pm presentation on “Benefits of Advanced Planning” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW). Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Cookie Booth season continues – find your nearest sellers here!
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues for trivia/quiz tonight! 6:30 and 7:30 pm at Easy Street Records, it’s Music Quiz Monday … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is back this week, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
CHESS NIGHT AT MISSION CANTINA: 7 pm in the upstairs mezzanine: “All levels of chess players welcome. 5- and 10-minute games, over the board chess.” (2325 California SW)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! You can enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
MEDITATE IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 9 pm Mondays, karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
8:55 AM: A texter reports three orcas in Elliott Bay, “way in next to container wharves!” Let us know if you see them too.
4:05 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for sending photos from this morning’s visit, which he says happened fast!
6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 9, 2026, the scheduled start of a 3-day repair closure for the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. One major detour for people coming from the south will be across the South Park Bridge:
The West Seattle low bridge is an alternative for crossing the river, too.
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.
BUS REROUTES: Metro hadn’t posted any as of early today but check here.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rain/snow mix possible this morning, says the forecast – high in the upper 40s. Daylight Saving Time is here, so it’s unrise at 7:33 am; sunset at 7:06 pm.
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.
MORESPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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.
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!
11:59 PM: Arguably the highest-profile meeting in West Seattle this coming week will be Wednesday (March 11) at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), when Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes visits for what’s promised as a “community conversation” about public safety.
The meeting is part of a monthly series rotating around the city. Checking the SPD events calendar, we see another one planned in West Seattle at 6 pm August 12th at Delridge Community Center.
12:25 PM MONDAY: Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown tells WSB he just got word the chief won’t be in attendance, so the meeting will be led by Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair. We’re following up to ask why the chief can’t be there, as this has been in the works for months.
Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos of a drone show over the downtown waterfront tonight, as seen from Harbor Avenue. With Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, the show commemorated the 10th anniversary of the finale of the two-season Disney-produced animated series “Gravity Falls,” and the launch of a new “visual history” of the series, a book titled “The Art of Gravity Falls.”
(It was meant to be seen from the Overlook Walk on the waterfront, so the images visible from here were reversed.)
SPD says a shooting victim who showed up at Harborview Medical Center early Saturday was apparently shot on Alki. Police converged on the hospital around 3:40 am Saturday after getting word the 24-year-old had walked in with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.
(SPD photo, police outside Harborview early Saturday)
They couldn’t talk to the victim, who was rushed into surgery, but they found and stopped the car that had dropped him off. The two men inside said the shooting happened during a gathering at 57th/Alki and that they didn’t know the person who they said walked up and shot the victim. They said they put the victim into their car and drove to the hospital. The police summary has no description of the shooter, only that they were in a “white car” that left inn “an unknown direction.” After hearing all this police say, officers went to the beach and found “evidence.” If you have any information, the incident # is 2026-63655. That’s the second night in a row with a violent incident on Alki, after this Thursday night robbery/assault.
(Photo courtesy Cascadia Pipe Band)
That’s the Cascadia Pipe Band, who you’ll likely see – and hear! – if you’re in The Junction next Friday night, March 13 (plus one Admiral stop). They’re planning a West Seattle Pub Crawl, starting at 5:30 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW) and wandering The Junction until heading to The Benbow Room in Admiral to end the night. Their announcement explains it’s more about performing than drinking:
Cascadia Pipe Band, a local Scottish pipes and drums band, will be doing a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl–style performance through the West Seattle Junction and into the Admiral District on Friday, March 13. Throughout the evening, the band will rotate through several participating bars and restaurants, playing short, high-energy sets to bring some festive spirit, foot traffic, and excitement to the neighborhood.
Cascadia performs at community events, parades, and competitions throughout the Seattle area, and events like this help the band raise funds to travel to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. We tied for 6th place last year! It should be a lively way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend while supporting local businesses and bringing a little bagpipe cheer to West Seattle.
You’re invited to join them, for one stop or all – kilt, pipes, and/or drum not required.
(WSDOT photo)
The northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge‘s two right lanes have been closed for more than two weeks, and starting early Monday morning, the entire northbound bridge is scheduled to close for three days. As announced back on Wednesday, this will be the first phase of a three-phase plan to repair cracks in the bridge deck’s steel grates – first repairs, then in April replacement of nine panels, then next year, full bridge-deck replacement. Again, this is all on the northbound side, which is 40 years older than the southbound side. The closure will start at 5 am Monday and is scheduled to end by 8 pm Wednesday; during the closure, people headed toward NB 509 from the Roxbury corridor will be pointed toward S. Cloverdale and eastward to the South Park Bridge. Once this closure’s over, all NB lanes of the bridge will be open, but the temporary 25 mph speed limit will remain in effect until after the April work – no start date for that yet.
(Recent view of Blake Island in the mist)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Looking across Puget Sound from west-facing West Seattle, Blake Island, once known as Smugglers Island, is an easily identifiable part of the view, tucked between Vashon and Bainbridge, It’s just 4 miles from Alki Point. Long a destination for motor boats, kayakers, and Argosy boat tours, its future is starting to come into focus for the state parks department, as it assembles a master plan for the island. Now it’s seeking input from the public and tribal governments about the four options they are considering.
(image today from Blake Island Marina camera)
Irregularly shaped and including 1,127 acres of forested land and adjacent waters, Blake Island features a marina, moorage buoys, campsites, trails and Tillicum Village, which was the destination for those Argosy excursions until 2021. Argosy closed their concession agreement then “due to challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic,” and the island has just been accessible by private boat or kayak since then.
The master planning project comes at a time when visits to the park are down after the concession closure — a little more than 31,000 day-use visits in 2025 compared to almost 80,000 in 2019, when Argosy was still in the picture. More facilities and better access will mean more visitors, but a different kind of experience for those who have taken the trip in recent years and are used to just 200 people on the island on a busy day in July. That is part of why parks is asking the public to weigh in. They are looking at big-picture questions, like whether Tillicum Village could/should be renovated or a full-service restaurant added, how to improve the deteriorating marina, or just remove it entirely, and whether the state should look at an expansion of available buildings, services and access. State planners have clustered these into four main alternatives in a slide deck shown during a community meeting last month in Port Orchard:
“Back to Nature” removes marina
• Intentional reduction of facilities
• Retreat approach to climate change
• Marina no longer invested in
• More natural experience
• Predict lower visitation
“Rustic Retreat” funds improvement of the marina, but no new concessions
• Natural state
• Contrast with urban surroundings
• Rustic experience
• Improved access
“Concession” identifies concession area and needed infrastructure
• Continuation of Tillicum Village scale concession
• Long-term lease
• Educational or entertainment programming
• High visitation
“Recreation” explores state parks facility expansion
• Expansion of recreational facilities
• Additional overnight accommodations
• Lodge building and cabins
• Opportunities for large groups and events
The Blake Island master planning alternatives survey is available online until April 30th along with a public comment form. Parks expects to identify a staff-recommended alternative by the spring, with additional planning and work on the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist plus more opportunity for public input during that time frame. Lastly, the final Master Plan document is expected to go to the State Parks and Recreation Commission in the fall. Parks staff was not able to reply to questions about funding sources for the project options in time for this report.
As noted earlier, it’s International Women’s Day. One way to celebrate: Register for a free workshop West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) and community partners are offering in a week and a half. From West Seattle Runner co-proprietor Lori McConnell:
This is an event for women who run and walk and work out to come together to learn more about ways to support our unique health needs. Thursday, March 19th, 6 pm.
This year, we will be supporting a charity. We chose Girls on the Run! They will be at the event so you can learn more about the program, ways to volunteer, support and more. West Seattle Runner will be donating 10% of sales for the evening to Girls on the Run.
We will have 3 presenters. Michelle Babb MS, RD, CD, is a registered dietitian who holds a Master’s degree in nutrition from Bastyr University. She provides clients with the tools they need to achieve optimal health through nutrition education, creative fitness, and emotional balance. We have asked Michelle to speak about nutrition as it pertains to hormones of the female athlete.
Lina Sims, PT, DPT, is passionate about women’s health and related pelvic-floor conditions. Her interest in women’s health comes from her own pregnancies and postpartum experiences with her two children. Lina will be teaching us pelvic floor exercises.
Dr. Stefie Deeds, MD FACP, a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine specialist in West Seattle, will cover perimenopause/menopause (Role of HRT for joints/sleep), strength training needs (bone health/ what the research shows), and the role of recovery/sleep in performance.
We will have Seattle Sports Performance at the event so you can learn about an opportunity for strength training.
Rosemary, owner of Nailspa2u, will be here to help with healthy tips for Healthy Feet. While her schedule is often full, maybe you can slide onto her calendar…she is talented and skilled in treating runner’s feet and lost nails from all those miles.
We will have a demo fleet of Brooks bras! Justine will get you fitted in a bra and we will do a couple laps at the track to wear test them. We will also raffle off a couple bras! We also will provide snacks and beverages.
Again, this is all free, but WSR requests RSVP so they can plan – email lori@westseattlerunner.com – then be at the shop that night, 2743 California SW.
Even before the arrival of spring, families are finalizing school plans for next fall. Three of the peninsula’s Seattle Public Schools have opportunities to visit:
LAFAYETTE KINDERGARTEN TOUR: Lafayette Elementary will be hosting a Kindergarten Tour for incoming kindergarten families tomorrow morning (Monday, March 9), at 8:15 am. The announcement says “the tour is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to see the school, learn about the kindergarten program, and ask questions.” Lafayette is at 2645 California SW.
FAIRMOUNT PARK KINDERGARTEN TOUR: On Tuesday evening (March 10), Fairmount Park Elementary is offering a kindergarten tour. Just be at the school (3800 SW Findlay) at 5 pm.
LOUISA BOREN STEM STILL HAS SPOTS: No planned tour this week, but you can schedule a visit. Here’s the announcement sent by the Louisa Boren STEM K-8 PTA:
Louisa Boren STEM PK8 still has a few spots left for the `26-27 school year!
*SPS will be accepting late School Choice applications through March 31st, 2026*
We are a SPS PreK-8 Option School in West Seattle that uses Project-Based Learning with a STEM focus. If you’re looking for a smaller environment, hands on learning, strong community and a unique curriculum our school may be a great option for your family!
Please reach out to tours@stemk8pta.org to schedule a time to come check us out, or with any questions!
Learn more about our school: stemk8pta.org
Boren STEM is at 5950 Delridge Way SW. General SPS enrollment info is here.
(Last Standard Time sunset until fall – photo by Bob Burns)
Daylight Saving Time, day 1! Sunset tonight will be at 7:04 pm. Before we get there – here’s the event lineup, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SAUNA SESSIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY: As previewed here, Good Day Sauna is at Lincoln Park with special sessions raising money for women entrepreneurs in Africa. We checked early today and some openings remained this afternoon.
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Caffé Ladro West Seattle today for a Sunday Funday trail-run adventure – meet at 9 am. (7011 California SW)
WALK WITH A DOC: West Seattle’s Dr. Stefie Deeds invites you to meet up with her at 9:30 am at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st SW and Alki SW) for a brisk walk on the shore.
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Sunday dancing! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
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 late-winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta, more.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Multiple locations and times again today (use the Cookie Finder)!
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s while enjoying 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)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need 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 … 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library, registration strongly encouraged as it’s been all booked up. (9010 35th SW)
PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: 11 am-1 pm, Westside Wonderspace is open for visiting families. (7018 14th 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)
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)
TIM’S MATINEE: Deadgrass at Tim’s Tavern, 2 pm, all ages, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Magical Strings, 2:30 pm. (7904 35th SW)
LADIES’ MUSICAL CLUB: Free classical-music concert at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) at 3 pm.
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S: 5 pm-8 pm, trivia hosted by Morgue Anne at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 5:30-7:30 pm, special Sunday night music at The Locöl Kitchen and Bar, with Tomo Nakayama. No cover, 21+. (7902 35th SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, music to close out your weekend, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Also in south Highland Park – a gunfire incident. Police checking out the area after 911 calls about 15 minutes ago report they’ve found a shell casing in Westcrest Park‘s south parking lot. No report of any damage or injuries, so far.
(WSB photo)
SFD and SPD were called to that RV on 9th SW between SW Barton and SW Henderson a short time ago; a 911 caller asked for medical help for a woman. As soon as SFD got there, they radioed that she was an “obvious DOA.” They subsequently called for police and the Medical Examiner’s Office, which will investigate the cause of death. The only thing we’ve heard about circumstances is that the caller told dispatchers they had last seen the woman alive last night.
7:17 PM: For those wondering about the low thump-thump-thump of a military helicopter over West Seattle – unlike some recent helicopter passes, this one is on tracker, and it’s a U.S. Army Chinook helicopter from JBLM in Pierce County. We don’t know its exact mission but looking into previous similar passes, they do often head up this way on training flights.
7:21 PM: After flying north and then east along West Seattle’s shore to Duwamish Head, the Chinook headed north and is currently flying along Magnolia, Ballard, and beyond.
7:24 PM: And now retracing its path southward – so you might hear it again.
7:35 PM: Appears to be headed home, already off the west shore of Vashon Island.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The kids can finally rock on, after School of Rock West Seattle‘s grand reopening this afternoon. The afternoon celebration included live music, free lessons, and free tours.
The school’s facility at 41st SW and SW Alaska was forced to close temporarily in late October due to water damage from a leak in the upstairs CVS store’s pipes. Half of the school was destroyed, resulting in a complete demolition and rebuild of the affected areas, according to owner Phil Gustavson.
School of Rock was one of six businesses in Jefferson Square reported being affected by the leak, all of which had to close to some degree.
But the school’s closure didn’t stop students from continuing their practice. Though the organization didn’t take on new students during the closure – and had to halt private lessons – previously existing bands transitioned to online lesson tools allowing them to continue to prepare for upcoming concerts. The back half of the Jefferson Square facility had minimal damage, so it was accessible to bands for in-person rehearsals.
Most recently, the bands have played at Jazz Bones in Tacoma, and have upcoming concerts planned on April 25 at the Clock-Out Lounge, and May 17 at the West Seattle 5K on Alki.
“Our school is all about performance.” Gustavson said. “It really gives the kids something fun to work with that’s engaging… We are building a community, we’re having fun, we’re playing together.”
This was apparent at the grand re-opening, the main event being the school’s house band opening up their rehearsal space to all attendees. The house band is the only audition-based program at the school, and primarily consists of kids who want to be ambassadors – playing extra concerts and bringing more people into the program. Gustavson told WSB that the day was a success, with the teachers brought in for free walk-in trial lessons completely booked. The school is “ready for students, and looking forward to getting back to serving the community,” he said.
Next door, Dream Dinners West Seattle suffered major flooding damage too, and was able to reopen last month, as reported here.
Unusual menu-board item at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW) this afternoon – cookies and beer! The beer garden/tap room is suggesting pairings today, while Troop 42099 is there selling cookies on the second weekend of cookie-booth season:
You can buy cookies whether or not you’re buying beer, by the way. This year’s cookies are $6/box except for gluten-free Toffee-tastic, which is priced at $7.
Cookie-selling teaches Girl Scouts entrepreneurial skills, and also enables them to support chosen causes – one focus for this troop is to help shelter pets. They’re at Ounces until 6 pm today and will be at the Junction QFC (42nd SW and SW Alaska) at 10 am Sunday. Lots of troops have booths all over West Seattle; you can look up times and locations here.
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