The results are in from the latest annual Seattle Public Safety Survey, conducted by Seattle University, which provides results – without personally identifying info/data – to SPD. Here’s how SU summarizes this year’s survey results (which included almost 1,300 responses from our area):

Results of the 2025 Seattle Public Safety Survey are in, with traffic safety, public-order crime, fear of crime, property crime, and laws, policies, and accountability among the top themes participants cited.

The Seattle Public Safety Survey is part of the Seattle Police Department’s Micro-Community Policing Plans, now in its 12th year, and has been administered annually by Seattle University’s Crime and Justice Research Center.

Traffic safety remains the top concern, continuing to rise in prominence in recent years. Participants frequently cited a sense of lawlessness on the roads and a lack of enforcement of safety violations across all types of vehicles, including electric bicycles and scooters.

One of the most significant findings this year is that community capacity rose to the second-highest concern, surpassing both police capacity and property crime for the first time in the survey’s history. This suggests that residents are not just concerned about police response to public safety issues, they are increasingly focused on whether the broader systems and services in place are able to respond effectively.
In addition to identifying top public safety concerns, the survey measures key public safety–related quality-of-life indicators including police legitimacy, social cohesion, informal social control, social disorganization, and fear of crime, at the citywide, precinct, and neighborhood levels. These measures allow community members, practitioners, and policymakers to assess the overall “public safety health” of the city and its 58 micro-communities and to use this data to inform and improve responses.

Police legitimacy ratings — measured on a 100-point scale — declined in 2025 following a brief increase in 2024, which had marked the first improvement after a steady decline from 2020 to 2023. Ratings, which were above 60 in the early years of the survey (peaking at 64.4 in 2016), fell into the 40s and 30s in recent years, reaching a low of 38.7 in 2023, rising to 41.9 in 2024, and declining again to 38.8 in 2025.

Results of the survey will be presented in SPD Community-Police Dialogues on select Mondays from May through August via Zoom. Community members will have opportunities to engage with SPD personnel about the results and discuss public safety concerns at the precinct and neighborhood levels. Registration is available online, and full results can be found on the Seattle Police Department’s Micro-Community Policing Plans website.

The Seattle Public Safety Survey is one of the longest-running efforts in the country to systematically track community perceptions of public safety over time, providing a rare longitudinal view of how trust, fear, and public safety concerns evolve at the neighborhood level.

Southwest Precinct (West Seattle and South Park)-specific results start on page 56 of the results report.

SIDE NOTE: The Micro-Community Policing Plans mentioned above cover neighborhoods chosen because, at the time of this project’s inception, those are the areas that had active neighborhood organizations with which SU and SPD could partner. But the survey every year is open to all, and we (among others) usually announce it a few times to help get the word out when it’s open.

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Comedy, music, story time, more for your West Seattle Monday!

April 20, 2026 9:49 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Janelle Otterholt)

Here’s your Monday list of highlights, most (not all) from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). For up-to-18-month-olds. Free.

NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Regular 2 pm meeting is canceled today.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS has three varsity sports in action today at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – 4 pm, in girls’ tennis and boys’ tennis, the Seahawks face Garfield; 7 pm in baseball, Sealth hosts Rainier Beach.

FREE HOMEWORK HELP RETURNS … drop-in assistance 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond)

‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 4 pm and 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)

PUFF & STUFF: Celebrate the date 4-6 pm at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW).

LIVE AT TIM’S: Miguel Mejia: Operatic Flamenco Goth Balladeer, 5 pm during happy hour at Tim’s in White Center, no cover. (16th SW and SW 98th)

D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!

ALKI MEDITATION: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues for trivia/quiz tonight! Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), 6:30 and 7:30 pm … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

COMEDY AT OTTER ON THE ROCKS: Monthly laughfest in Admiral, 7 pm, headlined by West Seattle’s own Marcus Moreno – our calendar listing has ticket info. (4210 SW Admiral Way)

POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players are invited to enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)

FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: 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 jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Close out your Monday with a song (or two) – 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!

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HAPPENING NOW: You can bid in Lafayette Elementary’s online auction

April 20, 2026 9:00 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

With two months left in the school year, fundraising season is in high gear, and this week, you can bid online to help West Seattle’s most populous elementary school! Here’s the announcement from the Lafayette Elementary PTA:

Lafayette Elementary Silent Auction now open!

Lafayette PTA’s online Silent Auction is open through Friday (April 25) at 3:00 PM. The silent auction is open to the public — no event ticket required.

Items include student-created class art, teacher experiences, family outings, camps, and gift packages from local businesses.

Proceeds support programs and enrichment for Lafayette students.

Here’s the auction link!

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Post-spring-break Monday

April 20, 2026 6:01 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, April 20, 2026. Seattle Public Schools are open today after a week of spring break.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Clouds are expected today, but still warm, high near 70. Sunrise at 6:10 am; sunset at 8:06 pm.

(Weather Watch Park – photo late in the day Sunday by Bob Burns)

MAJOR CLOSURE ALERT FOR SATURDAY

We’ll be reminding you all week that the Cascade Bicycle Club (WSB sponsor) Emerald City Ride will keep motor-vehicle traffic off part of southbound Highway 99 and the westbound West Seattle Bridge for a while Saturday morning (April 25) – details here (and registration is still open).

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular schedules.

West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, which means extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night runs Fridays and Saturdays.

Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat. Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.

STADIUM ZONE

Mariners are playing at home, with a 6:40 pm game vs. the A’s.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):

1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See trouble on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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Happy 25th birthday, WestSide Baby! (No, you didn’t miss the party)

April 19, 2026 11:20 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

This weekend, WestSide Baby celebrated its 25th anniversary.

And the nonprofit has grown big time, as has the need for its services providing essentials to families.

WS Baby – founded in West Seattle – is still headquartered in White Center, now in a group of warehouses and offices, but serves babies and kids as far north as Shoreline, and well into South King County too.

We stopped by their headquarters to talk with communications/development director Morgan McGinn about what the anniversary means, what’s next, and how you can help the hundreds of babies and children WS Baby serves every week – and the volunteers of all ages who make it happen.

No cake or confetti for the 25th birthday this weekend – McGinn says they’ll do the celebrating, along with looking back and forward, on June 5th, when they’re inviting supporters to their HQ for “A Night Out with WestSide Baby,” featuring food trucks, cocktails, a DJ, and community generosity.

Here’s what that generosity supports:

They partner with service providers all around King County who send in orders for what their young clients need – say, a baby who needs diapers, formula, wipes, and clothing. Those orders are fulfilled by volunteers from the stock of mostly donated items that fill the warehouse spaces.

And on Tuesdays, providers pick up the bags with those orders. Sometimes special donations enable them to offer extra items – rain boots, sippy cups, and one time they even got a donation of 200 Build-a-Bears. The basics, though, continue to fly out the door – diapers, wipes, car seats, socks (more than 7,500 pair per year!). Recently they got a “massive donation” of the latter – WS Baby had to cover the $10,000 in shipping costs, but that was a bargain for three semi-trucks full of car seats and strollers.

Other items that are often requested but not always available – hygiene items, like shampoo and baby wash. Sometimes corporate partners provide these, McGinn noted, but not enough to keep up with the requests.

It’s a big change from the early years in which WestSide Baby mostly just provided diapers (still their major stock in trade) – if you’ve been in West Seattle for at least 10 years or so, you might remember the “Stuff the Bus” donation drives every summer.

(WSB photo, ‘Stuff the Bus’ bus in 2012 West Seattle Grand Parade)

McGinn says the quarter-century celebration will bring back a chance to “Stuff the Bus” again in July – watch for details on that. (Currently their classic school bus is getting checked out by South Seattle College‘s Automotive Technology program to see if it can be summoned back into service.)

Then after focusing on diaper donations in July, WS Baby will focus on school-supply donations in August. But it all begins with the June 5 celebration, which McGinn says is intended to “reflect gratitude back to the community” as well as serving as a reunion of sorts for supporters past and present – some of whom, now that WS Baby has a 25-year history, include people who were beneficiaries themselves. For everyone involved, it’s about care and dignity: “Kids don’t get to choose their circumstances.”

In addition to offering tickets to “A Night Out with WestSide Baby,” this page on the organization’s website also includes a link for sharing your WS Baby memories, which they’ll compile to feature at the party. There are other ongoing ways to pitch in too – from donating to volunteering!

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460+ sales for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026, with three more days to register

April 19, 2026 8:07 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Since we opened registration for this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day back on April 1, more than 460 sales have been registered! If you’re planning to join them but haven’t signed up yet, just three days remain – our three-week registration period ends at 11 pm Wednesday night, April 22nd. Memorable sale descriptions keep rolling in – one seller admits, saying they’re sellings lots of puzzles because “I’m out of control with my puzzles and I need to pass them on.” Then there’s the sale that’s admittedly to “raise money for college.” Or perhaps you’ll want to check out the sale full of “unrealized art projects.” Or the one with “clothing, shoes, accessories that teens might consider cool.” It’ll all be on the map and in the guide with all the sale listings, including any extras like the dozen or so sales (so far) that plan to start Friday and/or continue Sunday, the day after WSCGSD, which is Saturday, May 9 – just under three weeks away – 9 am to 3 pm. Some sellers are starting early, some staying open late, and you can look for those details as well when we publish the map and list one week in advance of sale day – Saturday, May 2. Sales will be numbered, so that day is also when sellers will find out whether they’re #5, #50, or #500 … so if you are ready to register, please go here!

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VIDEO: Council committee’s Vision Zero briefing, with one West Seattle project mention

April 19, 2026 6:25 pm

| 24 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news

(Seattle Channel video of committee meeting; Vision Zero item starts 35 minutes in)

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

SDOT‘s chief safety officer says so far this year, things are safer on Seattle’s streets.

Not safe enough, says District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka. The committee he chairs – Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center – had the Vision Zero safety progra on its agenda this past Thursday, including a review of 2025 data and an overview of planned projects for 2026. The meeting was the day after Saka called for an audit of the program, as we reported here.

Addressing the audit during the committee meeting, Saka said, “Vision Zero is about saving lives and while we are seeing some real progress the tragic reality remains that too many people are still dying and suffering serious injuries on our streets.” He also called for a moment of silence for the two people killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 509 south of the city last weekend.

Funding for Vision Zero and other safety initiatives is part of the eight-year $1.55 billion Seattle Transportation Levy passed by voters in 2024. The presentation during Thursday’s meeting was given by Venu Nemani, SDOT’s Chief Safety Officer and City Traffic Engineer.

He noted that the first quarter of 2026 has brought fewer fatal collisions and fewer serious injuries compared to an average number from the past three years, and introduced some planned projects for the upcoming year.

These include four levy-specific deliverable goals– “safety upgrades on up to 12 corridors across the city, 40 high-collision locations, arterial traffic calming on 50 corridors, and pedestrian head-start signals at 280 intersections. Nemani added that a plethora of projects have been planned even in light of the construction timeline barrier provided by the FIFA World Cup coming to the city this summer.

Both Saka and citywide councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck voiced concern over SDOT improving their response timeline to traffic incidents involving fatalities or serious injuries. Saka wondered whether a 72-hour response model similar to that currently used for filling potholes could be implemented to make “immediate remediations” at collision sites.

Nemani explained that this would be difficult because it often takes much longer for SDOT to receive a police traffic-collision report – which is necessary for the department to fully understand the nature of the crash before beginning safety improvements.

“But I do understand the underlying need to have a more rapid response at locations that have had fatal collisions. I still don’t have all the specifics to share with you, but it is something that we are closely looking at,” Nemani said.

Councilmember Saka also addressed public comments that he heard at at the start the meeting, including what he called an “inference” that the city needed more bus lanes, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly improvements. He responded by declaring that he “fundamentally disagree(s)” that elected officials should “somehow be responsible for approving every safety project.” He noted the “Curby” controversy as an example, in which he was criticized for a $2 million proposal to remove a Delridge Way median preventing left turns to a preschool: “Every time that I’ve intervened in specific design decisions hasn’t gone too well. Even when I’ve fought for immigrant and refugee communities or kids, daycares, working families, some people have lost their natural minds. Even when we landed on a compromised solution to save Curby, still engendered passionate feelings.” Saka said.

The only West Seattle project mentioned in Nemani’s presentation (here’s the full slide deck) – and briefly, at that – was the plan to convert the outside downhill lane on Highland Park Way to bicycle and pedestrian space:

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VIDEO: Playtime for river otter on West Seattle shore

April 19, 2026 3:31 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

Thanks to Emily for sending that video of a river otter – that’s what we see in Puget Sound, not sea otters – on the shore at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this afternoon. Emily says, “I just saw the coolest thing … I was sitting here on my blanket hanging out when I noticed a couple looking at an otter that was just hanging out in the mud on the grass rolling around. It was about 20 feet from me. They kept backing up because it was where they were originally standing and it just popped out of the rocks to hang out for a bit. I got this video of it. So cool!!!” As we’ve noted before, river otters’ dens are generally onshore, even some distance inland, so you might see them crossing streets like Alki Avenue, Harbor Avenue, even Fauntleroy Way. Learn more about them via this “Living with Wildlife” fact sheet.

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Need to shred? Free drive-up/ride-up shredding Wednesday at Village Green West Seattle

April 19, 2026 12:55 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

With the tax deadline just past, you might have old paper documents you’re ready to shred and recycle. Just announced – a chance to do that for free this Wednesday (April 22), 1-4 pm!

Got sensitive documents piling up at home? We’ve got you covered! Join us for a FREE community shredding event with Liberty Shredding at Village Green West Seattle!

Secure, on‑site shredding

FREE (up to 3 boxes per person)

Just drive up and shred with confidence! Hearthside Driveway (building two)

Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) is at 2615 SW Barton.

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From West Seattle to Boston: See the local runners representing in Monday’s Boston Marathon

April 19, 2026 10:45 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

Thanks to Joe Drake for arranging and sending what’s become an annual tradition – the group photo of West Seattleites who have traveled cross-country to run the Boston Marathon!

The 130th running of the Boston Marathon will take place on Monday (April 20). A sizable contingent of West Seattle runners and their enthusiastic supporters have flocked to Beantown to participate in the most prestigious annual marathon in the world. Some of them gathered at the Marathon Expo for a pre-race photo op. Shown above, from left to right, are Kyle Oman, Treva Thomas, Michael Nguyen, Shannon Chappon, Huy Son, Mike Marshino, Joe Drake, Patti Shuster, Becca Gehring Brown, Jonathan Brown, Eric Eagle, and Marie Skoor.

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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 22 options, morning to night!

April 19, 2026 6:03 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Happy Sunday! Unique events and recurring events – some with special features today – are in our lineup for your Sunday, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY WITH SPECIAL CLASS @ LAKE WASHINGTON PT: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Lake Washington Physical Therapy-West Seattle (WSB sponsor) at 9 am today for a today’s Sunday Funday run, followed by a special class. (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

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.

RICE, BEANS, & HAPPINESS POP-UP: 10 am-2 pm at Milpa Masa (34th SW and SW Webster), serving up chilaquiles, pozoles, and tacos.

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open every Sunday year-round on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in full spring produce-and-products season – roots, greens, microgreens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – and an abundant selection of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, fresh- and pre-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 enjoy 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 BOOK CLUB POP-UP: BYO book silent-reading event at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

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)

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)

THROWDOWN IN THE SOUND: Final day of this big tournament for Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby, though it’s in North Seattle – you’re invited to head up and cheer them on! 12:45 pm, details in our calendar listing. (13024 Stone Avenue N.)

(added) SUNDAY SCIENCE PARTY: 2 pm to 3:30 pm at Southwest Library (9030 35th SW).

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out this afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

FABRIC PAINTING WORKSHOP: 3 pm, learn from artist Stacey Sterling at Alki Arts in Morgan Junction (6030 California SW).

SECOND MATINEE OF ‘WALDEN’: ArtsWest‘s current play has a 3 pm curtain today – get ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Student showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm. No cover.

WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE: 3:30-5:30 pm monthly meeting of the area’s biggest resistance group, featuring an immigration lawyer as guest speaker, plus a potluck, at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).

50TH ANNIVERSARY ORGAN CONCERT: First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) celebrates the first half-century of its organ with the first of four free (donations welcome) concerts, 7 pm.

LIVE AT TIM’S: 7 pm, burlesque at Tim’s Tavern – show’s titled “Stripped Down.” (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)

SUNDAY SERVICE ‘FAKE CHURCH’: 7 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), “We’ll sing together, read together, give some thanks together, dance together, and there will be candles.” Music, poetry, even a “group tarot reading.” Plus, proceeds benefit the West Seattle Food Bank. Get your ticket(s) here!

BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight late-night tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)

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, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).

Organizing, or helping with, 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!

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Four Duwamish River champions honored as volunteers dig in for spring Duwamish Alive!

April 18, 2026 11:39 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Environment | West Seattle news

(Photos by Macey Wurm unless otherwise credited)

By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

The Duwamish Alive! Coalition hosted the spring version of its twice-annual multi-site volunteer work party today, after taking time to recognize four people with the John Beal Environmental Stewardship Award.

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

The day was kicked off by coalition executive director Sharon Leishman. She noted that typically, Puget Soundkeeper and the River Access Paddle Program would usually be part of the day via an on-water cleanup, but they had to do it last weekend (WSB coverage here) because today’s tide was too low. Last weekend’s cleanup, she announced, brought a quarter-ton of trash out of the river. She then introduced q́wat́ələmu, or Nancy Bob of the Duwamish Tribe, who performed a traditional welcome chorus.

Seattle Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed thanked the coalition and volunteers. She shared thoughts on her two-month-old daughter’s future stewardship of the land, and expressed hope that her daughter’s children would also someday have an opportunity to engage in stewardship. “The investments we make today ultimately decide what that looks like,” she observed.

Leishman preceded the awards with the backstory of their namesake. John Beal was a Vietnam War veteran, who after suffering some serious medical issues, was informed that he only had four months to live. Within those four months, he dedicated himself to cleaning up Hamm Creek, which feeds the Duwamish River, and was one of the first to acknowledge the Duwamish as a river instead of a waterway, leading to increased stewardship and care. He ended up living 27 years past this initial prognosis, and died in 2006.

The award in his name is not given out often, but this year the coalition honored four individuals – Bob Weeks, Willard Brown, Vince Savery, and Whitney Fraser.

Bob Weeks of Seattle City Light was honored for his extensive work transforming a site at North Wind’s Weir, a transitional zone where freshwater and saltwater mix. The area, which is very important to juvenile salmon, was completely transformed into an incredible area of biodiversity after being dominated by invasive species.

Willard Brown, long known for his work with the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, has spent many years connecting school and community groups to the river and surrounding lands. “When you talk about boots on the ground in the community making a meaningful difference, Willard’s the first name that comes to everybody’s list,” said Leishman.

Vince Savery, with the Port of Seattle, stewarded a site on the lower Duwamish to take it from highly industrialized to a significantly healthier environment. The area serves as the last habitat for salmon before they go into Elliott Bay. He also started the local chapter of Pollinator Pathway.

(Photo by Don Brubeck)

Whitney Fraser of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance is (corrected) a longtime volunteer with the salmon survey that raised awareness of their pre-spawn mortality rates. Puget Soundkeeper was one of the first organizations to focus on Longfellow Creek in West Seattle. Fraser had advice for the audience of volunteers: “Start showing up and keep showing up, and learn, and try to make it a better place as much as you can.”

After the awards were presented, Andrew with Dirt Corps instructed the volunteers to follow different group leaders to their respective parks to get started on the work party. The Green Seattle Partnership occupied Herring’s House Park, with Dirt Corps at həʔapus, and a smaller group headed to Pigeon Point Park.

The Dirt Corps group went to work on removing the bluebells in the area. They aren’t a native species and are aggressive with their growth, and removing them gives native plants a better chance to thrive.

Green Seattle Partnership volunteers worked to weed and mulch so that the existing plants will be able to survive the upcoming hot summer. These preparations aided a long-term Herring’s House project, aimed at creating a native plant species area and an eventual incorporation of a native sculpture at the entrance of the park.

The Duwamish Alive! Coalition will muster volunteer groups at sites along the river and in its watershed again this fall – October 17 is the date, and when it gets close, volunteer opportunities will be listed at duwamishalive.org.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Warm day, but far below record

April 18, 2026 8:53 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Thanks to Carrie Brown for the westward view of our Saturday night sunset. The high today hit 68 at the airport – eight degrees above normal – but nowhere near the record for this date, which was 89 degrees back in 2016. The forecast suggests two more days of partly sunny, almost-70-degree weather, before the chance of rain returns.

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SPORTS: Huskies go 3-1 at Alki Beach Invitational

April 18, 2026 6:51 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | WS & Sports

(Photo by Jason Grotelueschen for WSB)

The University of Washington beach volleyball team wrapped up the regular season with a successful run in the tournament they hosted at Alki Beach the past two days. The Huskies notched three wins and one loss at Alki, including the 3-2 over Oregon during which we took the photo above. Their record is 19-12 going into the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation postseason tournament this coming week in Huntington Beach, California.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until free dropoff Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church!

April 18, 2026 4:26 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, April 2023 Recycle Roundup)

Another reminder that one week from today – on Saturday, April 25 – it’s the spring Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW). Drive up, ride up, walk up with your items that are recyclable but not routinely picked up on curbside. But before you load up, check to be sure that your items are on the list of what the church’s partner 1 Green Planet is accepting this time – see the will-and-won’t-accept list here. The event starts at 9 am and continues until 3 pm – organizers ask that you not show up at the last minute unless you absolutely can’t get there sooner, so they don’t have a line still waiting at 3 pm; they usually have multiple trucks to fill so you don’t have to rush to be there right at the start, either. (And if you miss this one – they usually do it again in fall!)

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READER REPORT: Walking in Delridge Native Forest Garden

April 18, 2026 2:41 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Delridge | Environment | West Seattle news

Thanks to Daniel for the photos! If you’re looking for someplace different to walk this non-rainy weekend, and missed the hiking opportunities in today’s event list, how about the Delridge Native Forest Garden? Daniel noted we last mentioned this site in December:

I see the last update was a while ago and with the nice weather more people might enjoy knowing about the improvements there.

I see a lot of people assuming those paths were made by unhoused people and that the area is full of encampments just out of sight. But I just walked there today and it is a nicely maintained area with no tents. There’s a nice winding mulch path with some rustic wood benches.

I hope more people feel comfortable exploring the area.

The project page has a map showing where along Delridge you can access the site. (For reference, the top photo looks southwest, with the Southwest Precinct at Delridge/Webster in the background.)

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UPDATE: Record Store Day 2026 sights at Easy Street

April 18, 2026 12:10 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Story and photos by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

As we previewed last night (when music fans were already getting in line), doors opened at 7 am this morning at Easy Street Records for the biggest day of the year: Record Store Day.

We stopped by at 7:40 am, when the line was still wrapped around the block past the Wells Fargo parking lot on 44th Ave SW:

The weather was clear and pleasant and spirits were high:

Many of those in line told us that their shopping list included the “Brandi Carlile Live at Easy Street Records Volume II” record (a followup to the Grammy winner’s first live album recorded at the store almost 20 years ago). The album contains recordings from her band’s performance at Easy Street last October (WSB coverage here). Yesterday, the band stopped by the store and signed the wall.

This morning, owner Matt Vaughan (pictured below with the aforementioned wall poster and coveted album) told us that the morning had gone smoothly thus far (“we’ve got it down pretty well!” he chuckled) and that the first purchase of the day was (unsurprisingly) the Brandi Carlile album, with other hot titles including exclusive releases from Taylor Swift, Olivia Dean, Jeff Buckley, Thin Lizzy, Paramore, Dijon and more:

Vaughan’s pocket list of popular RSD items:

Customers entered through the cafe and were guided upstairs, where vinyl department guru Andy was holding court and helping people find what they were hunting for:

The most popular titles are going fast, but the store will be open all day. At 4 pm today, Geoff Whitman will be on-hand to sign his new Pearl Jam photobook.

BONUS PHOTOS: Music fans Dan and Joanie Jacobs (from the Admiral Neighborhood Association) were among those in line, and they sent us earlier photos of Vaughan handing out the traditional “Record Store Day bacon” to the crowd (free coffee was available at the corner as well)

8:43 PM: Easy Street is about to close after a 14-hour RSD. One more photo to share, from Geoff Whitman’s book signing:

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Westbound Oregon closed west of Fauntleroy for street work

April 18, 2026 10:50 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:50 AM: Thanks for the tip. You can’t head west on Oregon from westbound Fauntleroy right now – a couple blocks of westbound Oregon are closed for road work. Eastbound Oregon is open, though.

11:24 AM: Taking a look from the other direction – the work zone extends to 39th; they’re working on a panel (pavement) at 38th.

1:49 PM: Looking up an entirely unrelated story, we found this comment from about four months ago about a longrunning steel plate there.

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WEEKEND SCENE: 2026 Healthy Kids Day at West Seattle YMCA

April 18, 2026 10:32 am

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

The annual free fun happening now at the West Seattle YMCA (36th SW and SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) is called Healthy Kids Day, but this year it’s for everyone, all ages, with free classes and activities for adults as well as kids! No membership required.

It’s all continuing until 1 pm, indoors and outdoors!

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 31 options!

April 18, 2026 6:07 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Happy weekend! Here are Saturday highlights, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):

(5:30 am photo by Dan Jacobs)

RECORD STORE DAY: The biggest day of the year at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) starts at 7 am – here’s why people were already in line last night (and even more this morning, as the photo above shows). Then at 4 pm today, Geoff Whitman signs his new Pearl Jam photobook.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run.

FREE WORKOUT FOR MOMS-TO-BE: 9 am at FIT4MOM Studio (2707 California SW)

FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your weekend, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

WEST DUWAMISH GREENBELT HIKE: The free guided hikes in Seattle’s largest forest are back! Meet at 9:30 am. at Pathfinder K-8 parking lot’s south end. (1901 SW Genesee)

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.

DUWAMISH ALIVE! SPRING EDITION: 10 am-2 pm, volunteer at one of several sites along the Duwamish River or in its watershed, as explained in our calendar listing.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, with new Saturday hours 10 am-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).

SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)

HEALTHY KIDS DAY – WITH FREE ADULT PROGRAMS TOO: 10 am-1 pm annual free fun festival at West Seattle YMCA (36th/Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) – see our calendar listing for the event schedule.

SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a Brunch Buffet! (2306 California SW)

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 today – 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.

THROWDOWN IN THE SOUND: Second day of this big tournament for Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby, though it’s in North Seattle – you’re invited to head up and cheer them on! 10:45 am, details in our calendar listing. (13024 Stone Avenue N.)

(Friday photo by Bob Burns, UW tournament setup)

UW VOLLEYBALL AT ALKI: Second day of UW‘s beach-volleyball tournament at Alki. (56th SW and Alki SW)

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)

WEST SEATTLE EAGLES MEMBERSHIP DRIVE: Stop by noon-midnight to see what the Eagles are all about – and/or join them for dinner and music tonight. (4426 California SW)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).

SOIL ECOLOGY MICRO-HIKE: 1-3 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), ages 5 and up – online registration is closed but you can inquire at the park if there’s still room.

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, today including wine and terrarium-building event 3-5 pm, $40/perso.

FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic with “short, specific sessions” at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.

MUSIC AT TIM’S: Our Fest at Tim’s in White Center, 5 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)

GRAIN BOWL POP-UP: 6-10 pm at Revelry Room (4547 California SW).

‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: Second weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s current play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)

RADIO THEATER AT KENYON HALL: “An Evening of Mystery” at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), presented by Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound, 7:30 pm, all ages.

MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Model Snake, No Edits, Wyoming Young and Strong, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ Topspin. (4547 California SW)

SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 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: Sing with Rone 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!

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