West Seattle, Washington
04 Saturday
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
What just might have been the biggest crowd at a West Seattle egg hunt today was lined up and waiting before the start of the event presented by Bethany Community Church and community partners at the Highland Park Elementary playground.
The Easter Bunny was even there to greet the estimated 500+ kids:
Egg-hunting of course was a thrill all its own:
The little ones also got to frolic in a sort of ball-pit setup:
And bubbles!
The Highland Park Corner Store‘s famous Tip Top Ice Cream was part of the fun:
The remaining West Seattle egg hunts are smaller ones held in conjunction with some of tomorrow’s Easter services.
6:02 PM: SFD was sending a ‘rescue extrication’ response to a reported car-on-side crash near Louisa Boren STEM K-8 at Delridge/Juneau, called in by an SFD engine – but the engine crew asked that it be downsized because the driver is out of the vehicle. They’re asking police to investigate whether it was a hit-run because they can’t find the reported second vehicle possibly involved.
6:09 PM: Added screenshot of crash-scene vicinity from nearest SDOT traffic cam, but the crashed vehicle itself appears to be out of view. No description of that possible second vehicle. (Update: Police have described the on-side vehicle as a pickup truck.)
6:20 PM: The live traffic camera does show that Delridge is currently blocked both ways at the scene.
6:28 PM: Police are reopening the southbound side of Delridge.
7:03 PM: They just reopened the northbound side too.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
West Seattle High School gets baseball bragging rights again this year with last night’s “West Cup” victory over Chief Sealth International High School, 5-1 at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. Wildcats pitcher Brady Stenberg got the win with 12 strikeouts:
Here are other scenes from the game, photographed by Oliver Hamlin for WSB:
(WSHS’s Cole Williamson celebrates on second base)
(Sam Popelka pitches for Chief Sealth)
(WSHS’s Lincoln Scott hits an RBI double, one of his three hits on the night)
(Chief Sealth’s Oliver Clark celebrates reaching third base)
(WSHS’s Lincoln Scott on second base after hitting a double)
(WSHS’s Keaton Gunner slides into third base)
(Chief Sealth’s Nevin Pivar throws a pitch)
(WSHS pitcher Stenberg celebrates strikeout ending the fifth inning)
After last night’s win, the Wildcats had a quick turnaround to today’s game vs. Issaquah HS at T-Mobile Park, which they lost 9-1. They play Seattle Academy at 3:30 pm Monday (April 6) at Delridge Playfield; the Seahawks’ next local game is at 5 pm Wednesday (April 8) vs. Garfield at NCSWAC.
Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin, at the Delridge Community Center egg hunt this morning for WSB, reports it was all over in five minutes! Five fun minutes, of course:
Above, that’s two-year-old Kai reaching for an egg on the tennis courts … below, 10-year-old Adele posing with her prize, an Easter basket filled with treats and toys. Kids who found the secret egg in each age group were awarded the basket.
Delridge was one of three city-run community centers in West Seattle that hosted egg hunts this year – also including High Point (concurrent with Delridge at 10 am today) and Hiawatha (which had a “flashlight egg hunt” for teens and tweens Friday night).
“Come plunder the treasures of a general contractor’s storage unit.” That’s from the description of one of the most recent registered sales for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day for 2026, now five weeks away – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9. (Some sales might start earlier and/or end later – that’s up to sellers – but the official time span is 9 am to 3 pm.) This is the fourth day of our three-week registration window for WSCGSD, with more than 140 sales signed up so far (another recent registrant promises “rad stuff!” and the variety of items sellers are offering in the listings we’ve previewed runs from comics to cookware to cribs, furniture to fashion, much more). If you’re ready to register a sale – here’s where to go. As always, the map and sale list will be ready to preview one week in advance, so that’s just four weeks away. (That’s when you’ll read more creative descriptions, including, “The sale you wish you went to first!”)
(WSB photos)
It’s easier than hunting for eggs – finding deals at today’s Ski and Boat Swap sale at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor). This year they’ve added snow gear to the annual pre-boating season swap, so whatever you’re looking for in those outdoor-sport worlds, chances are you’ll see it here.
It’s a one-day-only sale, on now and continuing until 5 pm today.
You’ll find Mountain to Sound at 3602 SW Alaska.
(Rainbow photographed this past Thursday by Jerry Simmons)
We start today’s highlights with the Saturday egg hunts:
DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER (4501 Delridge Way SW), 10 am, presented by Seattle Parks
HIGH POINT COMMUNITY CENTER (6920 34th SW), 10 am, presented by Seattle Parks
NO LINCOLN PARK EGG HUNT: Here’s the explanation, in case you didn’t see the story when we published it
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND (1012 SW Trenton), with Bethany West Seattle and community partners, 11:30 am
OUNCES (3809 Delridge Way SW), with egg hunts plus a visit from real bunnies, noon-5 pm, details and schedule in our calendar listing
(added – thanks for the tip) ROXHILL PARK (29 SW and SW Barton), presented by Trueliving Church, noon-2 pm
Now the other Saturday highlights, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of what’s planned at local churches we’ve heard from.
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through Thursday (April 9).
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 MEDITATION: Get a calming start to your weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
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.
MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS’ SKI AND BOAT SWAP: As snow season ends and water season begins, you can shop for gear deals at today’s swap, 10 am-5 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am, sing to 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! 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: Back to 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.
ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: First one of the season! 11 am, leaving from the Log House Museum (61st SW and SW Stevens).
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm, no appointment needed, with United Way and West Seattle Food Bank at WS Community Resource Center (6516 35th SW).
PRINCESS ANGELINE SPRING TEA: 11 am-1 pm at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse (4705 W. Marginal Way SW).
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
COMMUNITY WORKOUT CLASS: Monthly event, 11:30 am at CrossFit West Seattle (4200 SW Admiral Way) with coach Denise Griffith.
WSHS BASEBALL AT T-MOBILE PARK: As previewed here, it’s free to watch West Seattle High School face Issaquah HS at noon in the Mariners‘ annual High School Classic at T-Mobile Park (1250 1st Avenue S.)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
OPEN HOUSE AND PLANT ADOPTION: Visit Life in the Body (3850 Delridge Way SW) noon-3 pm to learn about the studio and adopt house plants.
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).
VIETNAMESE HERITAGE CELEBRATION: 1-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard), all welcome.
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.
CELLO RECITAL: 2 pm at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), all welcome to come see and hear local music students. Free.
LEARN ABOUT CONTAINER GARDENING: 2 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
SINGING RESISTANCE: 3 pm “gathering to sing and connect,” at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW) and a nearby park.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
MUSIC AT KENYON HALL Sustainable Music Northwest presents Cecil Moses and the SG’s at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), 3-6 pm, free, all ages.
MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Circle of Songs monthly unplugged event. Free, all ages.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’: Opening weekend continues for the West Seattle High School production, 7 pm curtain. (3000 California SW)
MUSIC AT MR. B’S: 7 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), live music with Justin DePaola. No cover, all ages.
LIVE AT TIM’S: Hope’s Birthday: AAIIEE, Insect Man, Loud Flower at Tim’s in White Center, 7 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)
MUSIC AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Soma, Divorced Horses, Anona, $10 cover, 21+. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM’S ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND: 9 pm, DJ Mr. Moon himself, with the tunes tonight. (4547 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: Sing karaoke 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!
1:21 AM: The location given for this isn’t entirely clear yet but a car has flipped after going off the embankment at or near the Highway 509 exit to South Cloverdale. The driver is reported to be “outside the vehicle” but seriously injured.
1:32 AM: The SFD log has clarified the location to that exit, and police are closing at least one section of the ramp. The driver is being taken to the hospital.
2 AM: No further updates aside from SDOT arriving to help with scene cleanup. We’ll follow up with SPD and SFD.
10:48 AM: Here’s what SFD spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells us: “The incident was briefly upgraded to a rope rescue response because the vehicle went down an embankment. Bystanders pulled the patient from the vehicle before our crew arrived, so no rescue was needed. Crews treated an approximately 27-year-old male in serious condition. The patient was transported to the hospital by medics.”
While continuing to raise money for the rebuild of their fire-gutted ex-HQ, Highland Park Improvement Club is also continuing to find creative ways to serve the community at its site. One way. – spring and summer “First Fridays“ – launched the 2026 season tonight.
The El Koreano food truck served up dinner, while DJs Mighty Moss and Rich served up music:
Environmental education and art was courtesy of DNDA:
And Linda Hornberg, with her book “Picture a Garden“:
Hanging out with neighbors was at the heart of it all:
Next First Friday – May 1st, 12th/Holden.
With major decisionmaking just months or maybe even weeks away, Sound Transit has just launched a survey asking for your priorities regarding what to do next as it tries to close a $34 billion shortfall while keeping promises. Here’s how its announcement explains the survey’s goals:
Sound Transit is working to reduce the impact of historic inflation, tariffs, labor shortages, supply chain disruptions and other factors on its ability to plan, build and deliver transit to the region.
The agency currently estimates that it will need to close a $34.5 billion funding gap over the next 20 years to deliver what’s outlined in the voter-approved Sound Transit 3 program. ST3 includes light rail extensions to West Seattle, Ballard, Tacoma, and Everett, South Kirkland and Issaquah, and much more.
Sound Transit’s Board of Directors and Sound Transit staff are taking proactive steps to address this long-term financial challenge through a comprehensive agencywide process known as the Enterprise Initiative (learn more about that initiative here). As part of this process, the agency is requesting feedback via a survey from those who live within the Sound Transit District.
This survey is available here.
To catch up on WSB coverage of the West Seattle light-rail plan, scroll this archive.
SIDE NOTE, ADDED SATURDAY: Possibly of historical interest: While reviewing long-ago coverage for a KUOW interview we recorded Friday, we happened onto these ST survey results from 2015, one year before ST3 went to voters.
If you live in the Fauntleroy-area neighborhood where Seattle City Light is working on long-needed underground repairs and updates, Brace Point, you’ve probably closely followed their progress. For those who haven’t, here’s the latest of SCL’s periodic updates:
Seattle City Light contractors continue to work on the underground electrical infrastructure serving the Brace Point neighborhood. They are installing new duct banks, conduits, cables, vaults, and streetlights. The new infrastructure will help reduce the risk of outages and improve service for residents.
Underground civil construction is approximately 32% complete. Our crews have installed 3,470 linear feet of conduit and 13 underground electrical vaults. We expect to finish most civil construction by the end of 2026. After that, crews will focus on cleaning staging areas and restoring the project area to the same, if not better, condition.
You can reach our team at bracepointcable@stephersonassociates.com or 206-312-0021.
If you would like to talk to a member of the project team in person, you can find us in the upstairs meeting room at the Southwest Branch of the Seattle Public Library on Wednesday, April 8 from 12-1 PM.
Current work areas:
Southwest Brace Point Drive: Crews are working near the intersection of 46th Ave. SW and SW Brace Point Drive.
47th Ave. Southwest: Crews are working north along 47th Ave. SW near the intersection of 46th Ave. SW and SW Roxbury St. Please drive carefully through this intersection and expect changing traffic patterns as the work progresses.
Longer than usual delays: Concrete pours are scheduled to occur on Wednesdays from 8 AM – 2 PM for the remainder of the project. Due to the narrow streets, trucks may have to park in the right-of-way. Please plan for longer than normal delays during these times.
Pedestrian trail: Crews are running new conduit and replacing the streetlight on the trail between 47th Ave.
Southwest to 48th Ave. Southwest. The trail is closed and expected to reopen in mid-April, once crews have finished the foundation for the new light pole. They will restore any areas disturbed by the project to City standards.Upcoming work areas
46th Ave. Southwest: After crews complete work on Brace Point Drive, they will start utility work on the segment of 46th Ave SW between Brace Point Drive and the intersection of SW Roxbury St and 47th Ave SW.
47th Ave. Southwest: This spring, crews will start working near the south end of 47th Ave. SW and work north towards the intersection of SW 98th St.
The work finally started last fall, five years after the originally projected start date.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A construction permit is now issued for a Starbird franchise in the Alaska Junction, which is likely to be among the first to open in Washington state. The franchisee, Oregon-based Mehta Investment Group, secured the former location of MOD Pizza in the Whittaker development (4755 Fauntleroy Way SW) over the winter and then turned around a permit in a little more than 2 months. The other fried-chicken franchise slated for the Junction, Dave’s Hot Chicken, is still in the midst of permitting for their location at 4706 California Avenue SW in the former Haymaker space, where they are still expecting to open in mid-2026.
Starbird is primarily in California, where it’s grown to 17 locations over recent years with what its founder calls “high-quality, chef-driven fast food.” In addition to a different caliber of food, it also runs a little differently, with orders placed via their app or in-store kiosks, though it’s still possible to order from staff in their restaurants. Starbird had a lot of visibility recently with its locations in both San Francisco International Airport and Levi’s Stadium during the Super Bowl. For those boggled by all of the fried chicken options, Starbird differentiates itself with chicken that is never frozen and NAE (no antibiotics ever), and a menu that includes everything from chicken tenders to salads and sandwiches, fries and churros and so many sauces, plus fried veggie options made with Gardenbird plant-based protein.
When the franchise agreement was made with the Mehta group, it happened as franchise agreements were happening in other states, including Colorado, Illinois and Utah. A Denver location was the first to open outside of California in late 2025. The plan for Washington state, when announced in late 2024, was to start opening locations in 2025—a total of 15 in Seattle and 2 in Spokane planned in the coming years, but none so far. The Whittaker location is a little over 2500sf, and the city permit notes the intended installation of a new grease hood exhaust system. A sign permit has also been issued for two illuminated signs, one wall-mounted and one blade sign. Mehta Investment Group was founded by Vin Mehta and is family-run, with a mix of restaurants, hotels and apartments, including every Jack in the Box in Oregon.
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
West Seattle High School faculty ran the bases at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex on Thursday after a big softball in – the Wildcats beat the crosstown competitors of Chief Sealth International High School in their annual faceoff. This time, it was a high-scoring slugfest – WSHS 22, CSIHS 9. Photojournalist Oliver Hamlin was there for WSB – here are scenes from the game:
(WSHS’s Lila Whaley hits an RBI double in the first inning)
(Chief Sealth’s Ava Boisoneau throws a pitch)
(Chief Sealth’s Olivia Dunham fields a ball)
(WSHS’s Daeja Piggee high-fives after making it to first)
(WSHS’s Molly Lefkowitz celebrates on second base)
(WSHS’s Stella Eley gets a hit)
(WSHS’s Marina Strange gets a hit)
(Chief Sealth’s Dani Thach pitches)
(WSHS’s Julia Herron on second base)
(Chief Sealth’s Zayda Fischer avoids the tag to score)
(WSHS’s Kaila Ignacio heads home to score an inside the park home run)
(WSHS cheering Ignacio’s home run)
(Chief Sealth’s Triana Tuia fields a ball in play)
(WSHS’s Lucy Malloy pitching)
(Chief Sealth’s Elia Lopez celebrating after a steal)
Tonight the two schools’ baseball teams have their annual showdown, 7 pm, also at NCSWAC (2801 SW Thistle).
12:52 PM: Thanks for the tips about a big police response in Arbor Heights. They’ve converged on a home in the 10400 block of California SW. SFD has a “scenes of violence” response there. Updates to come.
12:56 PM: This was originally reported as a shooting but now confirmed that no one was shot. A person who was in possession of a gun, reported as “walking away,” is being questioned. SFD has been canceled.
(WSB photos)
A month and a half after Hiawatha Community Center reopened following a six-year shutdown, today you’re invited to visit for today’s “Housewarming,” happening right now. When WSB’s Torin Record-Sand stopped by a little while ago, pickleball play was under way:
The history display was set up:
And you can vote on a Hiawatha mascot:
This all continues into the evening, ending with a flashlight egg hunt for teens and tweens at 6:30 pm. (Hiawatha is at 2700 California SW.)
(WSB file photo)
After today, the Westside Neighbors Shelter in The Triangle will be closed for several weeks of work. That’s sooner than first announced, according to the announcement we received following a vote of the shelter’s board:
The shelter has moved its closure date to April 3 (instead of April 15 as previously scheduled). The Warm Up Center at the American Legion Hall is currently closed for several weeks of facility improvements such as bathroom remodeling (which has already begun), kitchen cleaning, door lock changes, and shelter policy development. During this time, no breakfast or other services will be available, and the grounds and building will be closed to the public. (Dinner and overnight stays ended for the season on March 31.)
The Warm Up Center will re-open for breakfast, showers, assistance with forms and housing, and clothing help on a date to be announced soon.Our Amazon wish list is still active for donations, which will be needed when the Warm Up Center re-opens. Thank you to our caring community for all the help we received this winter. See you in a few weeks!
We asked board member Laurie Utterback, who sent that announcement, why they decided to close early. Her reply:
A couple reasons. Our construction professional is donating his time, and these dates fit with his schedule. Also, given the recent incident of escalated violence in the encampment nearby, the board decided that we need more time to develop a stronger security protocol for staff and volunteers for the safety of everyone coming into the Legion Hall.
(Photo by Jerry Simmons)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
HOLY WEEK SERVICES: Here’s our list of what’s planned at local churches we’ve heard from.
PASSOVER CONTINUES … through Thursday (April 9).
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 open at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd), 10-11:30 am.
HIAWATHA HOUSEWARMING: Visit Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) today for a variety of activities, 11 am-8 pm, to reintroduce you to the reopened center.
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, registration required.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: Visit the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens) to learn about and enjoy local history – open noon-4 pm today.
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CIRCLE: 12:30-2 pm, a chance to practice at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FISH STICK DAY: The DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team is celebrating with Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 4-8 pm, featuring their food truck, merch, and mascot!
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.
FIRST FRIDAYS RETURN TO HPIC: 5:30 to 8:30 pm, this season’s first monthly community celebration at the once-and-future Highland Park Improvement Club site (12th/Holden) with music, food, beverages, art, more.
CROSSTOWN BASEBALL: Big baseball game tonight at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Chief Sealth IHS vs. West Seattle HS.
‘SOUND OF MUSIC’: Opening weekend continues for the West Seattle High School production, 7 pm curtain. (3000 California SW)
BINGO! Play classic bingo at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), 7 pm.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with Katzenväter, Hire Stranger, Belly Cats. Doors at 7, music at 8. 21+. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SPINNING AND CELEBRATING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), celebrating 3 years! with DJ Tony H, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to live music with Black Night Crash & Dead Spells, 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!
Those are bags of food awaiting home delivery to West Seattle Food Bank clients who can’t get to the WSFB in person. Right now there are two ways in particular you can support the WSFB – here’s their update:
PCC is currently hosting a weeklong food drive to benefit West Seattle Food Bank (through Tuesday, April 7), inviting shoppers to support neighbors by donating food during their regular grocery trips. WSFB representatives will be in-store Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm to provide information and answer questions, as well as sell tickets to Nourish & Flourish! WSFB’s spring fundraiser Nourish & Flourish is on May 2, with early-bird ticket pricing available through Sunday (April 5).
PCC’s food drive comes at a time when demand continues to grow, and community support makes it possible for WSFB to keep shelves stocked and programs running.
PCC Food Drive – April 1–7
Support West Seattle Food Bank while shopping at PCC Admiral this weekNourish & Flourish – May 2
Early-bird tickets available through April 5
Info and tickets: bit.ly/NAF2026 or visit westseattlefoodbank.org
8:49 AM: Thanks for the tip. 35th/Henderson traffic light is malfunctioning; texter says most drivers are, appropriately, treating it as an all-way stop.
Earliier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, April 3, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Partly sunny, high in the upper 50s. Sunrise at 6:43 am; sunset at 7:42 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule through April 10.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
ROAD/TUNNEL WORK
-As noted Wednesday, the repaving work on eastbound SW Barton by Roxhill Park has begun.
-And again – WSDOT plans a tunnel closure overnight tonight:
Both directions of the State Route 99 tunnel in Seattle will close from 10 p.m. Friday, April 3, to 6 a.m. Saturday, April 4, for maintenance.
Washington State Department of Transportation maintenance crews will start closing northbound and southbound lanes at 8:30 p.m. Friday, April 3, with the tunnel fully closed by 10 p.m. People going south on SR 99 will need to take the Harrison Street off-ramp, while northbound SR 99 travelers must exit at Alaskan Way. The Sixth Avenue and Royal Brougham Way on-ramps also will close at 9 p.m.
Crews will perform several important tasks during the closure, including:
Testing fire suppression systems
Cleaning and marking drains
Fixing lights
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!
(Photos by Chi Krneta unless otherwise credited)
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Tuesday night brought new Seattle Public Schools superintendent, Ben Shuldiner, to West Seattle for the second to last meeting of his community engagement tour, a major opportunity to hear the voices of local SPS parents. The meeting was held at West Seattle elementary in High Point.
As a recent arrival in the district, Shuldiner is looking to get a better grasp of the district’s needs. In his own words, “Building trust is central to the work ahead, and I believe the best ideas come from listening to you and learning from your experiences in our schools.” The meeting series is meant to bridge that gap; especially key in times when budget-balancing has become a defining issue for the district.
(Photo by Torin Record-Sand)
Around 140 attendees were at the meeting, representing students and families from all schools across West Seattle, as well as members of West Seattle Elementary and general SPS staff. Superintendent Shuldiner was also accompanied by Bev Redmond, SPS chief of staff and public affairs, and school board president Gina Topp, the director of SPS District 6, which includes West Seattle, most of South Park, and Georgetown.
After a brief introduction by Redmond and Topp, Shuldiner quickly introduced the agenda for the evening. Much of the time was spent on small-group discussions at tables of approximately eight people each, with three simple questions: 1. What is going well? [for the district], 2. What is not going well?, and 3. What can SPS do to make things better? The audience was given 30 minutes to discuss, with around 10 minutes for each question, and then they were asked to choose a leader from their table to report back their consensus on each question to the whole of the audience.
On the side of the good, many in the audience highlighted the strength of teaching at schools throughout the district. “We have excellent teaching, and when the teaching is fantastic – it’s really fantastic.” said one of the communiry discussion leaders. Others pointed to the district having strengths in diversity and culture, especially in terms of access to dual language instruction programs. Many also said they were happy with the quality of after-school programs.
The negative side of things was more varied. The most consistent theme was the possibility of further funding cuts for the district, and how they could impact schools, as well as how they’ve impacted schools in the past. Some said they felt the district had so far preferred to cut school staff rather than administrators, while others were worried about whether extracurricular funding would remain the same. A large portion of parents were also concerned about technology use in classrooms, saying that policies against phone or tablet use in schools had not gone far enough. Finally, there were concerns related towards racial justice: one woman in the audience, who self-identified as Latina, said that there was not a good path for the Latino community to be represented in district meetings with the ever-present threat of immigration authorities. Another individual pointed at Shuldiner’s comments in an email to parents from a few days ago as insensitive; in particular, his use of the phrase “the soft bigotry of low expectations” referring to systemic issues BIPOC students encounter in the schools.
Suggestions from the community also featured a large amount of agreement. Many said they were happy with the interest the superintendent was showing in community outreach; and were hoping for even more opportunities for communication with the district. The technology issue was raised again, with many highlighting that they were hoping the district would make a stronger policy on both phones and tablets in schools, as well as the usage of AI. And, as also mentioned above, many hoped that if there were future cuts due to the budget deficit, these would be aimed more at administrators or district positions than staff members directly in the schools.
The superintendent’s tour concluded with an online sessioh tonight. Officials from the school district also said that, for anyone who was present at the West Seattle meeting, if they submitted comments via the digital form available to attendees, district staff will be working on taking in the feedback and making sure that every voice is heard.
On night two of registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026, we are already up to 100 sales – a bit ahead of the pace from last year, when the 100th sale was registered at the start of day three. So far we have a variety of sizes and types, including the return of some past favorites like the Art Glass Sale and the Solstice Park P-Patch plant sale, and sales in neighborhoods from North Admiral to Greenbridge, Alki to South Delridge, plus sales whose hosts are moved to describe them with adjectives such as “ephemeral,” “whimsical,” even “designy.” Sale day is always the second Saturday in May, 9 am to 3 pm, so that’s May 9 this year; if you’re planning a sale, go here to register before end-of-night April 22; that’s when we get busy making the map and listing guide so it’s available for previewing one week before sale day! (And be sure to have your up-to-20-words sale description ready when you register, too.)
West Seattle High School baseball supporters want to be sure you know Saturday (April 4) is your annual chance to see the team play at T-Mobile Park in the Mariners Classic – this year vs. Issaquah HS, at noon. Admission is free – just show up to cheer the Wildcats. They will be coming off a big night Friday – it’s the annual “West Cup” games with crosstown competitors Chief Sealth IHS and WSHS facing off at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 3:30 pm Friday for JV, 7 pm Friday for varsity. (This afternoon the two schools’ softball teams played each other – we’ll have coverage of that game later.)
Thanks for the tips. An arrest involving SWAT officers in Highland Park this afternoon turns out to be this arrest announced late today by the Washington State Patrol:
On April 2, 2026, Washington State Patrol (WSP) detectives arrested a longtime fugitive in West Seattle.
Jerry C. Denson, 36, was placed on the WSP Most Wanted list in 2017 after failing to appear in court on a vehicular homicide charge. The charge stems from a DUI-related collision on Interstate 5 in Kent, in which Joy Marie Brannon, a 28-year-old passenger in Denson’s vehicle, was tragically killed.
Over the past several months, WSP detectives and the Organized Crime Intel Unit developed credible information regarding Denson’s whereabouts and worked in close coordination with members of the U.S.
Marshals Violent Offender Task Force to safely apprehend him.Denson was taken into custody without incident and booked into the King County Jail, where he will face proceedings related to the original vehicular homicide charge.
“No matter how much time passes, we will continue to pursue those who evade accountability for serious crimes,” said Trisena Sharff, Captain of the Washington State Patrol’s Criminal Investigative Division. “Today’s arrest is the result of relentless investigative work and strong partnerships, and we hope it brings some measure of justice to the Brannon family.”
“This tragic crash was not forgotten, and I appreciate the work between the State Patrol and our Special Operations Unit to find and safely apprehend this defendant,” King County Prosecutor Leesa Manion said. “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family and this vehicular homicide case will move forward in the courts with our Felony Traffic Unit.”
The Washington State Patrol thanks the King County Prosecutor’s Office and U.S. Marshals Violent Offender Task Force for their assistance in apprehending Denson and helping bring a measure of justice to the Brannon family.
The King County Jail roster shows he was booked about two and a half hours ago, with bail set at $100,000.
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