West Seattle, Washington
26 Tuesday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you’re interested in Washington State Ferries, you have another chance to join one of its systemwide online community meetings – tonight at 6 pm. We watched the first version of the meeting this afternoon – here’s how it unfolded:
WHO WAS THERE: Above is the slide identifying the system executives participated. As for those in attendance, 60 people were reported to have signed in as the meeting began. They were polled about their routes of interest; Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth came in at 19 percent.
UPDATES: Ferries boss Steve Nevey was first up. He started with the system’s 75th anniversary on June 1 – that date in 1951 is when, he said, “the state decided to take over the service.”
WSF has a variety of anniversary events planned including special flags to fly on the ferries and even one atop the Space Needle. Free small bags of popcorn and cups of coffee will be offered (with purchases) in the galleys on Monday, and various giveaways are planned throughout the month.
Next, he updated employment stats – deck and engine staffing are among the categories improving, Nevey said:
The percentage of “retirement risk” in key crew categories is down, too – among captains, from 53 percent to 40 percent; among chief engineers, from 34 percent to 20 percent. “We’re really encouraged by the way we’re trending in these areas. … I feel like we’re really getting our arms around our workforce issues.” Cancelled sailings because of short staffing are “way down,” he emphasized.
Next up, Jenna Forty on the updated Service Contingency Plan (read it here):
“With 21 vessels … we really don’t have a margin of error.” She didn’t get into specifics of the plan, just noting that it’s meant to help ensure riders know what to expect. She also had several notes from the Legislature’s session, including securing $2 million for a “rapid response” maintenance/repair team to get ferries fixed faster.
On to the World Cup plan, addressed by Forrest Nichols:
The summer schedule calls for 18 boats, so having 20 ready means they’ll have two on standby to quickly plug in, in case of unexpected trouble, Nichols said.
Next, David Sowers updated the system-electrification program, both terminals and vessels, stressing the need to push forward with what’s ultimately a system-modernization plan:
As for the new ferries being built in Florida, the next year will be spent finishing the design for the first vessel, and steel cutting will start in August 2027, with “that first boat arriving in Puget Sound in 2030.” WSF has issued a Request for Qualifications for its first terminal electrification projects, using the design-build process, and hopes to have one slip electrified as soon as 2029.
TERMINAL PROJECTS: Nicole McIntosh presented these updates. They included projects that were under way or recently completed. Only one Fauntleroy mention, and it was brief – she said the intersection project, where the dock meets Fauntleroy Way, is now advertising for bids and still expected to start work this fall.
OTHER UPDATES: The system’s second-in-command, John Vezina, recapped the recently finalized pet policy.
He also said – without accompanying slides – that WSF had made a wrong choice of vendors for a ticketing-system update, and spent a lot of money in the process; how much, he said, they’ll be disclosing (“it’s all public record,” he said more than once), but in the meantime, they’ll be seeking a new partner. “We stopped, we’re reassessing.” (This appears to be a reference to the situation detailed in reports including this one.)
He switched gears to the state of trying to get wi-fi on boats and at terminals. They’re testing it “with T-Mobile and another partner” on M/V Chimacum for starters and will soon have a test at the Bremerton terminal too; others will follow, after an evaluation period at year’s end.
Q&A: This was the second half of the meeting, starting at 12:39 pm. (We’ve noted the Triangle Route-related questions in bold type.) First question: “Could ferry system be split into two parts, the San Juans and (everywhere else)?” Forty replied: “In short, no.”
Second question had to do with the reservation system, which doesn’t involve this area … Third question, how long will M/V Puyallup be on Bremerton route? Answer, it’s filling in while M/V Kaleetan is out for work that may not be complete until fall, but it will likely move back to Edmonds-Kingston in late June … Fourth question involved how they’re planning to ensure charging systems for vessels will work with their vessels; answer was technical … Fifth question, how will service be disrupted during Fauntleroy terminal construction? McIntosh said they’re working on that, nothing to say yet … Sixth question, canceled sailings info has disappeared from weekly updates, when will it return? They’re working on a data issue, was the reply … Sixth question comes up every time – when will the route to Sidney B.C. be restored? Nevey said the answer remains 2030 … Seventh question, classification of new vessels – SOLAS-compatible? Not likely, was the reply; WSF has only one that is, M/V Chelan … Eighth question had to do about budgeting and money that has to be spent on the electrification program and cannot be diverted elsewhere; Forty noted that the Legislature sets a lot of parameters for what WSF gets/can spend … Ninth question, what will the Triangle Route run for the World Cup time? They expect to keep three Issaquah-class ferries on the route through July … Tenth question was about electrification on a north route …
Eleventh question was about battery-fire concerns aboard an electrified boat; a regulatory process oversees everything, was the reply, and they have sensors and systems that would address that – the technology is “well established” around the world so standards for construction and installation of batteries have been refined. They don’t believe a fire “would go beyond the individual cell” as a result … Twelfth question was about a Bainbridge roundabout … Thirteenth was about fares, with a reiteration that the state Transportation Commission makes those decisions … Fourteenth was about World Cup service; WSF believes the plan outlined earlier in the meeting allows “more resources” to reduce or eliminate service disruptions … Fifteenth question had to do with verifying people’s eligibility for certain fare levels and the fact some discounted levels are not available via kiosks … Sixteenth was a Lopez Island reservations question … Seventeenth also involved the San Juan Islands … Eighteenth question, why can’t residents be prioritized for service/fares? Vezina said the Legislature sets the revenue levels that WSF must bring in – right now customers pay what amounts to 55 percent of the costs, and the other 45 percent comes from taxpayers, so fares and service have to be equal for everyone … Nineteenth question, what about integrating Good to Go with WSF? Forty said they’re looking at it, and also at possible integration with ORCA … Twentieth question, signage/announcements on the boats regarding civility “We Sail Together”; Vezina said it’s important because employees have been targeted by abusive language. Yes, it’s frustrating when something isn’t working well, but there’s no reason to do that to employees. “Showing gratitude to the people who show up each day to get you where you need to go” is appreciated, he added.
Twenty-first question was about San Juans service … Twenty-second question had to do with legally required loading procedures … and the meeting wrapped at 1:15 pm. You can get the link for the 6 pm meeting here; that same page will eventually have video from the meetings.
One gunfire incident from the holiday weekend that we didn’t catch in real time is confirmed by SPD incident summaries from the long weekend that were released today, though the time frame is still not clear. This is described as a summary from Monday, incident 26-144638:
At 1129 hours, officers responded to the 6500 Block High Point Dr SW recovering multiple shell casings with three parked/unoccupied vehicles damaged from the shots. GVRU screened, casings were recovered/placed into evidence and photos of the scene were captured via AXON. Video was recovered of a dark sedan driving SB on Sylvan Wy SW prior to the report of shots; however, it is unknown if related at this time. Incident may have occurred on 5/22/26 around 2315 hours after patrol received a report of shots in the area.
The latest round of SPD incident summaries also includes this one from early Monday, incident 26-146501, which was initially on the data map as “disturbance”:
At 0200 hours, on Memorial Day, at about 0200 hours, two suspects attempted to break into a convenience store in the 1600 block of SW Holden St, by throwing fireplace logs through the window, causing thousands of dollars’ worth of damage. The suspects in this instance appear to have been the same suspects in 2026-146168 and 2026-146355, which also occurred nearby earlier in the day. See those reports for descriptions. Surveillance footage may be available.
There was some radio traffic on this but it didn’t say which of the two convenience stores at that intersection; only one, Seamart, would have been closed at that time. We’re also looking into the other two incidents mentioned.
Readers are reporting brown water in Upper Gatewood and near Fairmount Park. They’ve also reported it to Seattle Public Utilities (206-386-1800 is the number to call any time). So far “probably hydrant testing” is the only explanation provided – the water-woes map doesn’t show any current or recent emergencies.
With the first FIFA World Cup match in Seattle now less than three weeks away, the city’s surveillance-camera policy is back in the spotlight. District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka wants Mayor Katie Wilson to change her mind about what to do, and not do, with cameras in the Stadium District as the matches approach, and has sent this news release:
Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Committee, called for Mayor Wilson to allow the Seattle Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center to turn on its closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Stadium District ahead of the World Cup. Councilmember Saka’s request comes after the Mayor’s announcement on March 19 to willingly not use the installed cameras unless there was a “credible threat.” The Stadium District is in Councilmember Saka’s district.
“Security cameras play a critical role in the investigation of crimes, including unthinkable mass casualty events. I know this firsthand as a runner in the 2013 Boston Marathon. I had just crossed the finish line waiting at the family meetup location two blocks away when the planted bombs exploded,” said Councilmember Saka. “Ultimately, it was security camera footage and the technology that allowed investigators to quickly trace the attackers’ movements and catch them before they could strike again with another mass casualty event.”
“We have this same technology available in Seattle today. In May, we were able to use cameras to arrest suspects in a savage beating of a 77-year-old man downtown – suspects who could’ve gotten away and done it again. I strongly urge Mayor Wilson to turn on existing cameras in the Stadium District for the upcoming World Cup events. Activating these cameras could help deter attackers by showing that Seattle Police Department can identify them, while empowering authorities to quickly investigate if an incident occurs. With Seattle on the world stage, lives are at stake. Our city should not vacillate over some murky and confusing “credible threat” standard, which could do more harm than good even if properly implemented. Mayor Wilson must do the reasonable thing and use this existing tool with robust safeguards and privacy controls that are among the best in the entire nation,” concluded Councilmember Saka. …
Here’s our report on what the mayor said about these cameras (and others) on May 19. After receiving Councilmember Saka’s news release today, we asked the mayor’s office for her response, and will add whatever we hear back. The first Seattle match is scheduled June 15th.
Also of note, safety/security during the World Cup events in Seattle is one of the topics announced for Thursday’s Southwest Precinct Advisory Council community meeting, 5 pm (May 28) at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
No need to wait until summer to see outdoor Shakespeare. West Seattle High School students are about to take over the courtyard with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” starting Wednesday night. Here’s the announcement sent to us with the rehearsal photos you see above and below:
Journey with us to the forests of Athens for a timeless tale as it was originally told: outside, under the rising moon! Senior Nadya Pederson directs WSHS’s adaptation of the whimsical fantasy full of love, adventure, and the foolishness that often accompanies them both. This production will take place in the WSHS courtyard as the sun sets over the school building. Come enjoy the sites of the blooming trees, the flowering bushes, and the glimmer of shimmer of the setting sun off the historic brick facade as you are transported to the forest. You never know what you may find amongst the trees…
Be advised that it can get chilly once the sun goes down; please layer accordingly. Additionally, the seating area will be mostly shaded, but it could be wise to bring a hat or sunglasses just in case.
This is a family friendly show for all ages, and we encourage you to bring your young ones! (Run time ~1 hour) The production will take place May 27, 28, and 29th at 7:30 PM, in the WSHS Courtyard.Reservations can be made at westsidedramatickets.ludus.com/index.php; tickets are “pay what you will.”
The courtyard is on the southwest side of the school, at 3000 California SW.
Rosalie Miller‘s photo of a fine-striped sweat bee on a calendula in her garden reminds us the sun will be back, probably starting later today. So, shine or rain, here’s our list of event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE … open now through noon, drop in with your little one(s). (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: 10 am-11:30 am drop-in program for ages 0-5 and their caregivers at The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW; WSB sponsor).
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
WASHINGTON STATE FERRIES ONLINE MEETINGS: You have two chances today, noon and 6 pm, to hear updates and ask questions of WSF senior management during the afternoon and evening editions of the periodic WSF online systemwide community meetings. Registration links for both are in our calendar listing.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course; today’s guest speaker: Todd Jones from the South Seattle College Automotive Technology Program. (4470 35th SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
NO CITY COUNCIL MEETING TODAY: Regular weekly 2 pm meeting is canceled.
TALK WITH DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS REPS … without going downtown! 2-5 pm “office hours” at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
CAMP SECOND CHANCE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE: Monthly online meeting, 4 pm, for updates and community Q&A about West Seattle’s only tiny-house village. Our calendar listing explains how to get the link.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Free assistance for students, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t have your own.
OPEN MIC AT TIM’S: 7 pm at all-ages open mic hosted by Levi Said at Tim’s (16th SW and SW 98th) in White Center.
TUESDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB: Alki Kayak Tours and Mountain to Sound Outfitters (WSB sponsor) have launched this weekly event for stand-up paddleboarders – details here – 5:30 pm. (1660 Harbor SW)
INTERFAITH FREEDOM VIGIL: Weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza candlelight vigil open to all. (61st SW and Alki SW)
PRENATAL YOGA SERIES: First of five weekly classes, 6 pm at Sacred Growing Space (7358 35th SW), details in our calendar listing.
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you aren’t a Boeing employee – email to RSVP.
PAST, PRESENT, & ELSEWHERE: Album-listening sessions at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), every Tuesday night, 7-9 pm.
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue tonight, 7 pm at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 4: Four places to play trivia tonight – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free, hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW).
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo from last year’s Paddle Battle)
Pickleball players still have time to sign up for the second annual West Seattle Paddle Battle, benefiting WSHS student-athletes via the WS Booster Club, now less than a week away, 8 am-5 pm Sunday, May 31, at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). In case you haven’t already seen it in the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the announcement:
The WS Booster Club invites the community to participate in the 2nd Annual Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament, presented by Murder Hornet Hot Sauce, benefiting student-athletes at WSHS.
This fun community event is a great opportunity to gather family, neighbors, and friends for a day of pickleball and support for WSHS student-athletes. Proceeds from the tournament will help strengthen programs and opportunities for local student-athletes.
Participants of all skill levels are encouraged to sign up and join the fun. Join us for a great day of competition, community, and support for WSHS!
6:03 AM: Good morning! Back to work and back to school on this Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Clearing as the day goes on, low-60s high. Sunrise was at 5:20 am; sunset will be at 8:53 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is on the regular three-boat schedule. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
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!
The state 2A track and field championships start this Thursday (May 28) in Tacoma and will include representation from Chief Sealth International High School – we received this photo and update to share with you:
Chief Sealth International High School‘s track & field team had a strong showing at last week’s SeaKing District Championship competition, with numerous podium finishes and several Seahawks advancing to this week’s WIAA 2A State Championships in Tacoma. Chief Sealth will send three individuals and two relay teams to compete across six events at the State meet: Remy Wittman (1600m & 800m), Forest Andrews Wehling (3200m) and Calvin Washington (Shot Put), as well as the Girls 4x400m Relay team (Doe Doe, Paige Dempsey, Elena Latterell, and Harper Gilbert) and the Unified 4x100m Relay team (Kelechi Olekanma, Cash Kochansky, Chloe Greenman, and Joey Snyder). The WIAA State Track & Field Championships will take place this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Mount Tahoma Stadium in Tacoma. The full schedule of events and participants is available on the WIAA’s website.
Thanks for the photos of what was a vivid but short-lived burst of color during tonight’s sunset! Above, Steve Heck‘s view from The Kenney; below, how Curry Gibson saw it:
(added) Bob Burns sent this as seen from Alki:
Tonight’s official sunset time was 8:52 pm; the latest sunset time of the year will be 9:11 pm, starting June 22 and continuing for a week.
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
The rain did not deter a larger-than-usual turnout today for the traditional Memorial Day service at Forest Lawn in High Point, some with umbrellas, others under a canopy in view of the cemetery flagpole:
We recorded it all on video:
After Scouts from Troop 799 brought in the national and state flags, speakers expounded on the theme of gratitude.
Lou Vargas from Dignity Memorial, which owns Forest Lawn, welcomed attendees, and introduced the first guest speaker, Elizabeth Orvis of the National Federation of Filipino American Associations:
She spoke of the sacrifices made by many to protect our freedom, and the importance of supporting the families they left behind. Gratitude for Filipino Americans’ contributions was a theme for both this service and one that the Dignity team had led earlier in the day at another cemetery in Tukwila. The National Anthem singer was Sofia Nigro:
Dignity’s Carrie Burgess observed that Memorial Day is “a sacred time” for gratitude and remembrance.
And if you wonder whether it’s OK to say “Happy Memorial Day,” guest speaker West Seattle VFW Post 2713 Commander Steve Strand said yes:
The U.S. Army veteran explained that it’s important to enjoy life – including holidays – because of those who fought and died for our right to do that. Among them – the thousands of Filipino and American prisoners-of-war in World War Two forced by Japanese captors onto what became known as the Bataan Death March.
A flag was presented to Michael Hayes, descendant of a soldier forced onto the Bataan Death March:
In addition to that act of gratitude, another followed, with certificates of appreciation presented to many of those participating in the event:
The service concluded shortly thereafter, and as attendees headed out, flag-decorated graves throughout the ceremony underscored the words of many speakers:
Two Washington State Ferries notes:
TICKETING TROUBLE: According to the WSF alerts/bulletins page, “Vehicle reservations, Wave2Go ticketing and terminal ticket sales and redemptions are offline due to a systemwide outage. … Please allow extra time for payment processing at your departure point.” No ETA for a fix. (6:45 PM: Working now, as of early evening, reports WSF.)
ONLINE MEETINGS TOMORROW: Two chances for updates and Q&A with WSF senior management tomorrow (Tuesday, May 26) during the periodic systemwide community meetings – both to be held online, noon and 6 pm. You can go here to get the link for participation in either meeting (or both, though they say the presentations will be identical).
(WSB photo: Marjorie Prince during a solo protest last summer)
After many weeks of “Mondays with Marjorie,” today local activists will be protesting at 35th/Edmunds without Marjorie. They are circulating the news that Marjorie Prince, known for her daily protest vigils (often solo) near The Mount, where she lived, has died:
Marjorie passed away quietly this past Tuesday evening. We will be continuing our Mondays with Marjorie every Monday in her honor. Currently we are planning to use our current time from 3-4 pm on Monday, June 8th, as a memorial in her honor. Please feel free to join us that day (or any Monday). She will be missed.
As noted in a WSB story about Ms. Prince and her ongoing protests last December, she focused on a variety of issues that were related to what she called the Trump Administration’s “active dismantling” of the United States. She was a former political-science professor and lifelong Democrat whose experience protesting stretched back to civil-rights demonstrations in 1968. This quote is on the 35th/Edmunds wall in her memory now:
(WSB photo, Monday morning)
CLARIFICATION AND ADDITION: Mondays with Marjorie is a project of Postcards for Democracy, whose Kathryn Rawle circulated this obituary that Ms. Prince co-wrote herself.
(Photo added, sent by Dr. Brandon Premier)
9:44 AM: Thanks for the tips! Multiple reports of orcas in Elliott Bay this morning. Most recently, NB off Don Armeni, per Kersti Muul.
9:49 AM: She says they’re now westbound along Alki.
11:45 AM: Thanks to Marshall for the update – they’re now “center channel between Vashon and Fauntleroy, orcas tossing a seal … teaching how to hunt.” (Transient orcas eat other mammals like seals and sea lions, while the less-often-seen Southern Residents tend to focus on fish.)
(‘Bey’ the Bald Eagle, photographed by James Tilley)
Here’s info you might find useful on this Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2026:
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rain and wind expected by pm, low-60s high. Sunrise was at 5:20 am; sunset will be at 8:52 pm.
TRANSIT/TRANSPORTATION
Metro: Sunday schedule
West Seattle Water Taxi and its shuttles: Regular weekday schedule
Washington State Ferries: The ferry-alert page says Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth will be on a holiday schedule today
Sound Transit: Sunday schedule for light rail, ST Express buses
Other services: See a list here
No charge for street parking in Seattle neighborhoods with city-managed pay-to-park
TRAFFIC CAMERAS
Our page highlighting local cameras is here
SDOT’s map with cameras and alerts from around the city is here
CLOSURES
Seattle Public Library facilities
Schools
Government offices
Banks
RAIN-OR-SHINE OUTDOOR AQUATICS
Highland Park Spraypark (11 am-8 pm, 1100 SW Cloverdale)
Colman Pool (noon-7 pm, on Lincoln Park shore, session schedule here)
REMEMBERING
*The traditional Memorial Day ceremony will be held at Forest Lawn (6701 30th SW), 2 pm, all welcome
Anything else we should know/ensure your neighbors know about? Texting’s the best way to reach us today – 206-293-6302 – thank you!
Police say three men stole various items from Global Smoke and Vape at 35th/Roxbury just before 1 am, and though no weapons were used, they’re calling it a robbery because the theft involved force. So far the description of the robbers is only partial, “three Hispanic or Black males dressed in all black.” If you have any info, the case number is 26-146478.
Looking way ahead to September – golfers are invited to play in a tournament benefiting youth programs via the West Seattle and Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor). It’s set for Friday, September 11, at the West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW) and registration is already open. Local branch executive Cleveland King explains, “The tournament will bring together community members, supporters, and local partners for a great day of connection and fundraising. The proceeds will support our DV victims, send youth to summer camp, pay for swim lessons for those who can’t afford to learn to swim, and get youth into youth sports.” The emailable registration form has more info on the tournament, and you can send it to sign by the end of July.
Thanks to Kathleen for the photo from Friday night. Hard as it is to believe after today’s beautiful sunshine, the forecast is still predicting rain and wind for the Memorial Day holiday. The National Weather Service says rain’s most likely in the pm, and that the wind could gust up to 23 mph, so batten down your barbecue …
3:42 PM: A big Seattle Fire response is arriving in the 4000 block of SW Holly. Updates to come.
3:44 PM: SFD says it’s a fire in a residential unit and that everyone got out OK.
3:47 PM: Firefighters report it’s under control.
4:15 PM: No injuries reported. The cause is under investigation. (Also of note: SFD has updated the address to the 3900 block.)
The photos are from a resident near 18th and Orchard, reporting confirmed gunfire in the 7100 block of 18th last night. He reports, “10:19 pm. 6 shots fired. Took SPD an hour to respond and they said ‘well, we looked around earlier and didn’t see anything.” I had to lead them to the pile of shell casings on the street.” Police, he adds, left some of the casings behind, and they were still in view this morning:
They didn’t bother to take any statements despite the fact that there was a witness present who saw the car that did the shooting. A supervisor came by around 11:45 and told the officer present to bag the four shell casings they had found. And then everyone left.
I went back to the scene this morning only to find the two shell casings I had pointed out to the officer still there (including one that he had comically left his business card tented over), 6 bullet holes in the pavement, and a spent round.
I called cops again and they sent an officer out to collect the evidence and he was confused that they hadn’t picked up the casings that I showed them last night. He said that their watch shift was unaware that there had even been a shooting in the area and assumed that since there was no property damage or anyone hurt it just hadn’t been passed on to new shifts.
We suggested that the concerns/questions raised by how this unfolded be brought to the SPD community meeting this Thursday at Delridge Community Center.
The photo and report are from Jackie of Driftwood on Alki:
Chef Dan is at the West Seattle Farmers Market today doing a cooking demo inspired by the season’s best local ingredients. Stop by the market to say hello, then join us at Driftwood this evening or tomorrow for a Memorial Day weekend dinner. Enjoy the sunshine and Alki breezes from our terrace or at the window counter.
The market continues until 2 pm as usual in The Junction.
Meantime, a few readers have asked us lately for an update on Seaglass, which the Driftwood proprietors are opening next door in the ex-Alki Café space, so we asked Jackie, who replied that they’re experiencing “more delays” but hoping for a timeline update in the coming week.
Kim is hoping for help solving this hit-run:
(The) hit-and-run occurred early Saturday the 23rd at Midnight (3300 block of SW Morgan).
I was asleep during the time that this incident occurred, and my neighbor had expressed to me that he heard a loud crash around midnight and saw that a dark gray Prius hit my car (which inherently hit his) and drove off. I’m assuming based on the impact the Prius has a badly dinged up passenger side and their headlight must be smushed in.
My main goal is to locate any kind of camera footage that can help identify the car or license plate for the police report. Any kind of information or video helps!!
If you have any info or video, email us and we’ll connect you.
(Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook shore, photo by Bob Burns)
Mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar, here are highlights of what’s happening (and not) as the holiday weekend continues:
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY ON HOLIDAY: No Westies Run Club run today.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
BACH AND PANCAKES AT KENYON HALL: 10 am at Kenyon Hall – amazing music AND pancakes! (7904 35th SW; online tickets sold out but check at door)
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 – asparagus, lettuce, greens, microgreens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – and many options for baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, poultry, fresh- and pre-prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta …
MASTER GARDENERS AT THE MARKET: If you have a gardening question, you can get an answer from a Master Gardener! Their weekly clinics at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market continue today, 10 am-2 pm. (Look for their booth toward the south end of the market.)
ARTS AT THE PARK – TSIMSHIAN STORIES: 10 am-2 pm at Myrtle Reservoir Park (35th/Myrtle):
Experience oral history and living traditions right in your neighborhood! On Sunday, May 24, Myrtle Reservoir Park will host Tsimshian Stories: Arts in the Park. This free, all-ages event brings traditional Tsimshian stories and art to life under the open sky. Come take part in a hands-on community project and learn about traditional Northwest Coast weaving! Supported by Seattle’s Arts in Parks program, it’s a wonderful opportunity to gather with neighbors, learn from Indigenous culture-bearers, and celebrate community.
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s and enjoy a buffet breakfast – if this morning is sold out, look at dates ahead.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
SPRAYPARK SEASON CONTINUES: Second day of the season for the Highland Park Spraypark (1100 SW Cloverdale), 11 am-8 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)
COLMAN POOL’S THIRD WEEKEND: Noon-7 pm, third preseason weekend continues at the outdoor pool on the shore at Lincoln Park – see the session schedule here. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re welcome 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)
MUSIC MATINEE AT TIM’S: Fight and Flight, All the Rain at 2 pm at Tim’s in White Center (98th & 16th).
WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC NOVELS/MOVIES BOOK CLUB: 2:30 pm monthly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), this month discussing Kerouac’s “On the Road.”
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm trivia with Morgue Anne at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
SOCCER: The top-ranked West Seattle Rhodies FC plays Salmon Bay FC, 6 pm at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
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!
| 0 COMMENTS