West Seattle, Washington
25 Saturday
7:16 AM: That was the view from the West Seattle Bridge traffic cam a few minutes ago as the first riders in Cascade Bicycle Club’s Emerald City Ride rode across the westbound bridge, which is closed to motorized vehicles for the ride, first one in two years. The riders are continuing on to a West Seattle shoreline route (see it here). The eastbound bridge remains open to regular traffic, and the westbound side is scheduled to reopen by 9 am.
7:32 AM: Riders continue crossing; as the most-recent screenshot shows above, some are pausing at the crest (the outside lane is coned off0, to rest and/or admire the view.
8:01 AM: Westbound riers are still crossing the bridge.
9 AM: The bridge has reopened to regular traffic.
(Friday photo by Paul Weatherman)
Our peninsula is not only beautiful but also very busy today! Here’s what you need to know, as usual mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar (if we’re missing something, text info ASAP to 206-293-6302):
TRAFFIC ALERT – EMERALD CITY RIDE: Southbound 99 from the stadium zone to the westbound West Seattle Bridge, and the WB bridge itself, will be closed to motor-vehicle traffic until about 9 am because of the Emerald City Ride, which will continue on to surface streets from Alki to Fauntleroy and then onto the low-bridge path. We’ll update this live starting around 7 am, when the ride is scheduled to start. See the schedule here and the route here.
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Not riding? How about a run?At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you’re invited to join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
RECYCLE ROUNDUP: The twice-a-year free dropoff event for recyclables you can’t just put out at curbside, 9 am-3 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 Californnia SW) – our calendar listing includes a link to the list of what the church’s partner 1 Green Planet will and won’t take this time.
HIGHLAND PARK ELEMENTARY DONATION-ONLY SALE: 9 am-3 pm at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton), take what you need, and if you want to donate $ for it, that’ll benefit the PTA. You’re also welcome to donate items for the sale – drop them off starting at 8 am.
FREE MEDITATION: For a calming start to your Saturay, check out Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
EARTH DAY IN THE GARDEN: You’re invited to the North Delridge P-Patch for a daylong celebration, 9 am-3 pm, starting with a garden and neighborhood cleanup, continuing with planting, creating, and connecting. (5078 25th SW)
COOPER ARTIST HOUSING GARAGE SALE: The artists who live above Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) are having a sale today too, 9 am-1 pm.
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 LONGHOUSE SPRING NATIVE ART MARKET: 10 am-5 pm today and Sunday at the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse and Cultural Center (4705 W. Marginal Way SW) shop Indigenous makers’ creations – art, apparel, body care, more.
ROCK AND GEM SHOW: First of two days for the West Seattle Rock Club‘s annual show, 10 am-5 pm at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds). Free admission.
DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: Got unwanted, unneeded, and/or expired medication(s)? Take them to the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) 10 am-2 pm today for free disposal, no questions asked.
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)
MASTER GARDENERS AT DELRIDGE HOME DEPOT: They’re back, 10 am-2 pm – take them your toughest garden questions and get free expert answers! (Delridge/Orchard)
SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am weekends at Admiral Pub, sing to classics – table reservation includes a brunch buffet! (2306 California SW)
SEATTLE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY: A day to celebrate your local indie bookstores – and both of West Seattle’s shops are participating today. Here’s the plan from Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor); here’s the plan from Pegasus (4528 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 – 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.
OPEN HOUSE AND FREEZER SALE: Dream Dinners West Seattle welcomes you to stop by 11 am-1 pm and find out how they can make mealtime a whole lot simpler at your home. They’re on the north side of outer Jefferson Square (41st SW and SW Alaska).
FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY SALE: As previewed in this WSB story, the WSTL is selling a wide variety of tools as a fundraiser, 11 am-4 pm. Find them on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).
LINDA’S BIRTHDAY SALE: At Carmilia’s (4528 California SW), sale all weekend! Open 11 am-6 pm today.
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: Community visitors welcome noon-3 pm at the West Seattle Vietnamese Cultural Center (2236 SW Orchard).
APRIL POOL’S DAY: Free swim at Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle) focusing on water safety, 12:15 pm.
CAMP LONG CLEANUP & ADVISORY COUNCIL OPEN HOUSE: 1-3 pm at Camp Long (5200 35th SW), pitch in to help the park, and then roast marshmallows while meeting the Advisory Council.
DRAG TEA AT TIBBETTS UMC: 1-3 pm, afternoon tea featuring Jezebel Johnson – online ticket sales are closed, but check at the door if spots remain. (3940 41st SW)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
WEND JEWELRY 5TH ANNIVERSARY: 2-6 pm party with a sale, raffle, bites and sips, more. (3278 California SW)
BOOKS & BREWS BENEFIT: Read-a-thon at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 2-5 pm, partnering with and benefiting Pathfinder K-8.
FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic with “short, specific sessions” at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.
SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: SSR hosts “Killer Wheels” doubleheader bout, 4:15-8 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW, White Center).
MUSIC AT THE MEADERY: Accendino & Elephant Crows, 7 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), all ages, no cover.
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: Third weekend continues for ArtsWest‘s current play, 7:30 pm curtain. (4711 California SW)
MUSIC & DANCE AT KENYON HALL: “Transitory Obfuscations” at Kenyon Hall:
This will be the second installment of a series designed to create spontaneous sound and movement collaborations, curated by Adam Levitt. Just prior to the start of the event, names will be drawn randomly to determine 4 pairings of solo musicians and dancers.
(7904 35th SW)
DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm, Glam The Remix bearded drag show, all ages, tickets here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
MUSIC AT TIM’S: Twang Junkies, Steve Aliment & Annie O’Neill, The Jon Hyde Band at Tim’s in White Center, 8 pm, all ages. (16th SW & SW 98th)
REVELRY ROOM SPINNING: 9 pm, DJ JENNGREEN. (4547 California SW)
SATURDAY NIGHT SKATING: 9 pm to midnight, skate 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)
If you’re planning a West Seattle event, and it’s open to the community, our calendar is open for you, with listings are free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
1:48 AM: Police are at the scene of a crash in the 4000 block of West Marginal Way, reported to have damaged a utility pole and taken down live wires, ending up on railroad tracks. Nobody was in the vehicle – reported to be a Toyota 4Runner – when police arrived, but they’ve just found one of the apparent occupants a few blocks north and are looking for the other one nearby.
7:46 AM: Archived radio communication indicates officers found the suspected driver walking on Puget Ridge around 3 am.
Saturday’s lineup of events will be monumental (as you can see by checking our Event Calendar). Here’s an invitation to one event we just got word of, from Camp Long supervisor Matt Kostle, who shares news of volunteer assistance earlier this week, too:
Big THANKS to A Cleaner Alki and several Girl Scout Troops for coming out to do some cleanup at the park for Earth Week! Photos (show) all the hard work they did! And now it’s your chance to help out at our Camp Long Cleanup Saturday (April 25th) from 1-3 pm! Plus join the Advisory Council afterward to roast some marshmallows!
See flyer for more details. Register here!
Camp Long’s entrance is at 5200 35th SW.
After shutting down for electrical work earlier this week, as noted here Tuesday, the Space Age gas station at 35th SW and SW Holden reopened tonight. Four pumps are open, and two others are expected to be back in service Monday, but station staff told us no further closures are anticipated. If you need to fill up tonight, they’re open until 10 pm.
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Fundraisers continue to be scheduled to keep co-op preschool programs at South Seattle and North Seattle Colleges from closing, even as a deadline looms to raise $2 million to sustain the parent education programs through the next school year. As we reported early this month, parent education programs at South and other community and technical statewide are no longer eligible for funding as they exist now under a new model that focuses on credentialed programs and workforce development. Those parent education programs include co-op preschools that have educated hundreds of thousands of students statewide since the 1940s. There are 5 cooperative preschool locations in West Seattle, through South Seattle College.
Co-op supporters gathered at South on April 9 to rally during a meeting on campus of the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), the group that oversaw development of the new funding model. Supporters have been asking for a 1-year deferral from the board to give them time to either make adjustments to the program that would qualify parent education under the new funding model, or find alternate funding. The implications of the funding model change to parent education were only made clear within the last few months.
We checked back with the state board’s communications director to see if the board is actively considering the deferral request. “We are discussing all options,” Rachelle Alongi said. “We continue to have conversations and work closely with community and technical colleges as they make local decisions about budget and funding. Our goal is to help them navigate workable solutions that best meet the needs of their communities, students, faculty, and staff.”
Even as parent-education organizers are asking for the deferral, supporters at North and South are banding together to raise $2 million for the 2,100 students they usually enroll. Organizers say that would be enough for the 2026-2027 school year, or if they raise less than the goal, to make payments on a loan to keep the program and its preschools going. So far, the online donation page shows they are 1/3 of the way toward their goal.
There are fundraisers scheduled for the next two weekends. Tomorrow’s includes a walk around Green Lake in support of the programs.
Let’s get out and Move for Parents and Children!
What: Move-a-Thon to raise money for Seattle Colleges Parent Education and Cooperative Preschool Programs
When: April 25th from 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
Where: Greenlake – start at the Green Lake Bath House
A second fundraiser is taking place May 3rd at the Future Primitive locations in West Seattle and White Center, with a portion of sales that day going toward the program. More info on that here.
4:57 PM: Moments after we published the preceding item about the Delridge Native Forest Garden, a tree fell on the other side of Delridge Way SW, according to what a police officer just told dispatch. It’s reported to be a ~50-foot tree, blocking the southbound side of Delridge at Webster (by the Southwest Precinct). We’re headed over to see.
5:15 PM: Photo added. Our crew reports it’s only partly blocking the lane, and traffic is getting by, both ways.
(Photo from Daniel)
Last weekend, we published Daniel‘s reader report reminding people about the roadside Delridge Native Forest Garden as a potential spot to take a walk. Today, in fact, SDOT has announced a Tree Walk for the site – actually three walks on the afternoon of Friday, May 15. RSVPs are required and you’ll find the links, along with more details, here.
One of this weekend’s many big events in West Seattle is the annual Rock and Gem Show, with exhibitors setting up right now at Alki Masonic Center at 40th/Edmunds in The Junction. Admission is free and there’ll be a lot to see – even a model train! – 10 am to 5 pm both Saturday and Sunday, presented by the West Seattle Rock Club.
Three weeks from tonight – on Friday, May 15 – you’ll be able to explore the Northwest wine world without leaving West Seattle. The WS Junction Association is selling tickets now for the spring Wine Walk:
This event will pair 36 Pacific Northwest wineries with 34 local merchants for an unforgettable evening of sipping and strolling. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just enjoy discovering new favorites, this is your chance to taste incredible regional wines while exploring the heart of West Seattle.
Your $40 ticket includes:
– 14 tasting tickets (1 oz pours)
– A West Seattle Wine Walk bottle tote bag
– A keepsake wine glassThe event runs 5-9 pm. Get checked in, get your glass, tickets, tote bag for bottle purchases (tax free!) and map of locations, and off you go to sip wine with friends. No drinking on the streets! Additional tastes can be purchased at the event. $5 for 3 tastes.
Two check-in locations this time – listed on the page where you’ll find the link to buy your ticket(s) right now.
(Volunteer Ann Dunbar helped students measure a torso in centimeters)
Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog
Students from the Urban Nature Preschool got a taste of scientific research on Thursday when they did the annual survey of stonefly exoskeletons in lower Fauntleroy Creek.
As nymphs, stoneflies are a major food source for juvenile coho. Mature stoneflies crawl out of the water in the spring and leave their exoskeletons behind as they take flight, and students have been counting and measuring them since 2000. Their findings are a way to track both quantity of food available to the fish and how clean the water is.
(Finding exoskeletons on bridges required close examination)
With the school’s outdoor focus, the four-year-olds already knew a lot about the creek and, with support from teachers and volunteers, they were up to the challenge of following study protocol. Three teams closely examined trees and bridges while a fourth measured torsos as adults recorded the numbers.
(Volunteer Ann Dunbar helped students measure a torso in centimeters)
After teams reported their findings, volunteer Alana Khayat added the numbers to line graphs so students could see how they compared to findings since 2015.
(Early-morning photo by Kent Rhodes)
Here’s what’s happening today/tonight – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you can always peek days/weeks ahead):
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 … weekly indoor playtime for preschool-age kids, 10-11:30 am at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).
NO STORY TIME TODAY … canceled @ Delridge Library.
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Visit the home of West Seattle’s history, noon-4 pm. (61st SW and SW Stevens)
LEARN ABOUT THE CITY NATURE CHALLENGE … on a guided walk along Longfellow Creek, 3:30 pm, meet at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).
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.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Two boys’ soccer matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Chief Sealth IHS vs. Cleveland at 5 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Lincoln at 7 pm.
PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Girl Scout Troop 41843‘s second of three babysitting events, 5-9 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – check if there are still openings.
HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT HARBOR ISLAND: 6-10 pm tours featuring depictions of stories you probably haven’t ever heard, tickets here (if any remain), our preview here. (3235 16th SW)
COFFEEHOUSE COMEDY: 6 pm, radio-style comedy with Midnight Mystery Theater at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).
COMMUNITY DEFENSE FUNDRAISER: Song, dance, vendors at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW), 6 pm, $20 at the door to support White Center organization assisting immigrants.
HOTTIES OF COMEDY AT KENYON HALL: Two shows, 7 and 9 pm, with “a new lineup of some of the funniest comedians in the PNW to talk about life, love, and all the weird stuff inbetween.” (7904 35th SW)
FOO FIGHTERS LISTENING PARTY: 7 pm, hear the new recording at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW). Free, all ages.
SOUND AND CEREMONY: Guided visualization at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), 7 pm.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Live music with The Bale Jumpers, Salt Horse, The Drive Through. Doors at 7, music at 8. $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, second weekend for ArtsWest‘s “speculative fiction” play. (4711 California SW)
SPINNING: Revelry Room is open tonight (4547 California SW), spinning tonight with DJ Peg, 9 pm.
‘MAKE IT LOUD’ SKATING WITH MUSIC: Tonight, skate to music during the Bowie Goth Skate, 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!
(2025 WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin)
Thanks to Jimmy for the tip! The full schedule is up for Colman Pool, the outdoor salt-water pool operated by the city on the shore at Lincoln Park. Here’s how it starts:
Preseason Weekends: May 9 to June 7, 2026
May 9-10, May 16-17, May 23-25 (Memorial Day), May 30-31, and June 6-7Each day will have 4 swims:
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm
3:45 pm – 5:15 pm
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Each swim will have 4 lap lanes (50 meters) and 1/2 open pool for recreational use. The 1 meter diving board will be open.
After that:
Main Season: June 13 – Aug. 30, 2026
Colman Pool will operate 7 days a week from June 13 to August 30, including the July 4th holiday.Closures and Holidays
Swim Meet closure: June 19-20
Swim Meet closure: July 9-11Postseason Weekends: Sept 5-7, 13-14, and 19-20, 2026
For full details, see the pool’s website.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Almost the weekend – welcome to Friday, April 24, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny through the weekend, today’s high in the low 60s. Sunrise at 6:03 am; sunset at 8:12 pm.
(Photo by Ryan Caple)
MAJOR CLOSURE ALERT FOR TOMORROW
One more reminder – 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 few hours Saturday morning (April 25), and will put hundreds of riders on West Seattle streets too – details here.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules 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. And note work at the Fauntleroy dock next week could affect ferry users.
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!
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Looking to hammer in a project or renovation this spring? The West Seattle Tool Library will be hosting its annual tool sale this Saturday from 11-4 – a perfect opportunity to bring home [tools at a cheaper price, while helping a vital community resource.
For almost 16 years, the West Seattle Tool Library has operated as a community-led monprofit that provides access to a wide range of tools on a “pay what you can” basis. These tools are available for rent year-round, but this Saturday is the only large-scale sale event of the year; at other times you’ll only find a small selection for purchase, usually at the front of the workshop.
So what can you expect this Saturday (April 25)? We headed over to the Tool Library to talk to Sean Isom, the current operations manager. The plan is to set up tables in the parking lot at the entrance of the library (which is on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 4408 Delridge Way SW).
Power tools such as miter saws, table saws, shop vacuums, and pneumatic tools will be available, as well as hand-held tools – hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, and others.
Most WSTL operations will continue as usual on Saturday, including the library being open for people to borrow and return tools as needed. The workshop section will be closed that day, so you won’t be able to work on projects, but Isom mentioned that many volunteers will be available if you want to tour the workshop, make a donation, or ask a question.
Proceeds from the sale will go directly back into maintaining WSTL operations, including payroll for the organization’s two employees, rent, and miscellaneous projects. WSTL is almost entirely volunteer-run aside from the aforementioned employees.
The community benefits provided by the workshop don’t start and end this Saturday – there are multiple other opportunities to get more involved. Most Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the library hosts open workshops; anyone is welcome to work on a project on-site with tools provided by the library. Tuesdays are reserved for volunteer-run classes. These typically range from basic tool operation to more specified events, and you can sign up on the library’s website. On Wednesdays, WSTL hosts “fix-it” night, which invites community members to bring in appliances or other household items to be repaired, as opposed to throwing them into the landfill.
Looking to get involved as a volunteer instead? You can sign up by clicking here.
5:50 PM: SFD has just upsized the response to an Arbor Heights house fire, in the 10200 block of 44th SW. Arriving units have declared it a “working fire.” We’re headed that way. Updates to come,
(WSB photos)
5:54 PM: Firefighters say the fire – which is centered in the house’s basement – is under control.
6:06 PM: Adding photos. The fire has been declared “tapped” (out). … Our crew at the scene talked to firefighters and they confirm no one was hurt.
Thanks to Teri for the tip. SPD and SFD are at a crash scene on the eastbound West Seattle Bridge between the 1st an 4th exits; the crash and response are blocking the inside lane.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Two pending projects were in the spotlight during last night’s monthly meeting of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview, facilitated by co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick. Her’s how it went:
CRIME TRENDS: The meeting opened with SPD Officer German Barreto saying that most Highland Park crime categories are down, year to date. One exception: Burglaries, some of which involve vacant homes. Another: Confirmed gunfire. As he noted, shell casings that are collected go into a database and investigators can see if they match other incident. No word of any revelations from that process so far this year; Officer Barreto said the area has seen eight incidents so far in 2026, compared to six by this time last year: “Not really good.” The officer also mentioned walking through some encampment areas like one off SW Detroit, and he said he’s been notifying the Unified Care Team about what he finds. He said he’s hopeful the UCT will get to that area, but doesn’t know when. That led to several attendees voicing encampment-related concerns; one asked about 24th/Barton/Henderson, and Officer Bareto said he’s aware of that because that area is reoccupied repeatedly. Kirkpatrick said they’re in contact with City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office on that too. Another attendee said fires are a concern with the encampments in greenbelts. Officer Barreto suggested people keep reporting via Find It Fix It, and include photos, albeit ones taken from a safe distance. One person with property in south Highland Park mentioned a problem one of her tenants had had – but the tenant hadn’t reported it to police. “Please report it, we’re data-driven,” said Barreto. He also mentioned the option to report online, provided the crime in question isn’t something that’s happening right now (if it is, call or text 911).
(‘Site plan’ from city permit filings for Glassyard Commons, with 72 RV spaces and 20 tiny houses)
GLASSYARD COMMONS: Marta Kidane from the Low-Income Housing Institute, which will operate the tiny-home/RV-lot site Glassyard Commons at 7201 2nd SW, was the next guest. (We’ve been reporting on the plan since breaking the story about it in January.) She first explained the concept of tiny homes – 8 x 12, “the dignity and privacy of having a closed door, heat (and A/C in the newer ones),” in villages, with shared spaces where people can cook and eat, plus hygiene trailers with showers, sinks, toilets, etc. And they have 24/7 staffing, with sign-in sheets, case managers there during weekday business hours, to help people negotiate the system. They also have behavioral-health providers at many sites.
Glassyard Commons would be LIHI’s second RV lot, twice as big as the now-dismantled first one, which Kidane said led to the demolition/removal of 67 RVs (entering a lot like this means you agree to eventually give up your RV). People are in their programs for an average of six months before moving on to housing.
One attendee wondered if the Glassyard Commons plan – on state-owned land – is a done deal. The answer was, pretty much yes. Another attendee who said they still had questions lingering from LIHI’s public meeting in Georgetown (WSB coverage here) such as, what’s the definition of “surrounding area” and what will be done about people already camping in the nearby greenbelt? She didn’t have information on that, but, “I think it’s all about developing relationships” which the UHeights Vehicle Outreach Team working with them will be trying to do.
One attendee mentioned someone often seen at Highland Park Way/Holden seemed like a perfect candidate for a tiny home. Could she refer him to LIHI’s partners? Kidane asked for information.
Kirkpatrick brought up the letter that HPAC had sent to the city and said one unaddressed point was the request for proactive cleanup for a mile each way from the facility. “They’ve only adopted 500 feet, which is only going to take us to the edge of the block,” she said. Kidane contended that “tiny house villages often make the area around them safer … there’s a level of activation” resulting from their presence. She offered to take people on a tour of a current tiny-house village. “I think when you see it you really get an idea” of how it works. (West Seattle already has one, Camp Second Chance on Myers Way. Expanding it remains a possibility, Kidane said in response to a later question.)
One attendee asked for more details on what happens to the RVs that are turned over when their owners get housing. Are they resold? No, they’re scrapped, Kidane said. (Before the RVs are brought on site, they’re decommissioned, including rendering their bathrooms unusable, meaning the RV residents have to use the hygiene trailers too.)
She mentioned an outreach team working in the area, so that led to questions such as, what happens to people who decline shelter/services? That’s more a question for the outreach team, Kidane said. But for RV dwellers, they appreciate having some control of their own space. Is the outreach for Glassyard Commons going to start in Highland Park? Yes, reiterated Kidane. But it won’t be limited to people found in West Seattle.
Can people smoke and drink in their tiny houses? Smoking is prohibited, and they have smoke detectors, but otherwise, there aren’t prohibitions about what they can do behind closed doors, though, she noted, they are made aware that recovery services are available. (Weapons and even guests from outside the site are prohibited too.)”
Kirkpatrick noted that HPAC has signed up to participate in the Community Advisory Council for Glassyard Commons, once it’s launched. Meantime, we asked Kidane after her appearance if there was any update on a timeline for costruction, as it had been said repeatedly that this site was on a fast track. Short answer, no,
SDOT’S HIGHLAND PARK WAY HILL PROJECT: Kirkpatrick said HPAC’s been talking to Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office about longrunning concerns regarding the lane-conversion plan, but it appears his office won’t be “intervening,” so feedback should be shared at the “agency” (SDOT) level. She asked attendees to list their concerns/observations about the project (and also invited supporters to speak up). Several concerns were voiced, including:
-A SW Othello resident said city reps have not yet made good on their promise of a walk-through with neighbors
-There are options not being addressed and a conversation needs to be had with engineers
-Restricting downhill to one lane means there’d be no way to get out of the path of a dangerous oncoming driver. “They need to re-engineer the whole road,” suggested an attendee. (Kirkpatrick noted that Saka had called for a Vision Zero audit, as we previously reported)
-Enforcement could make a big difference. Kirkpatrick said she was just back from a road trip in other West Coast states and they saw lots of it.
-One attendee said they expect there’ll eventually be a two-lane result. The discussion devolved briefly into a cacophony of other suggestions.
HPAC meets fourth Wednesdays most months; watch hpaction.org for updates.
If you couldn’t get to yesterday’s free shredding event at Village Green West Seattle (WSB sponsor) – good news – there’s another one coming up this weekend, this time at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond). Between 10 am amd 1 pm Sunday (April 26), you can bring up to four boxes of personal shreddables to the library.
P.S. And if you have other recyclables, remember the Recycle Roundup in Fauntleroy on Saturday!
A texter wondered about the bright-orange signs that have popped up along the Alki seawall, and sent that photo. So we asked Seattle Parks, whose spokesperson Christina Hirsch responded:
SPR installed the signs last week. The erosion under the seawall occurs in random spots, creating suction that pulls soil out and forms these holes. We have worked with engineers over the years to address this issue, trying various methods. While the holes are small compared to the seawall and don’t pose a structural risk, they are large enough to be a safety concern for park visitors. We’ve previously put up signs and fencing, but they often get removed or ignored. This time, we’re using bright orange signs in hopes they’ll stay in place and be more visible.
We’re also implementing a new plan to fill the holes, starting next week, with the goal of completing the entire stretch between Alki and Don Armeni before Memorial Day. There are about 20 holes of varying sizes, and we’re optimistic this method will hold through the summer.
Washington State Ferries sent this alert for work starting on the dock (trestle) Monday:
A Washington State Ferries maintenance crew will be onsite at the Fauntleroy ferry terminal starting Monday, April 27, to carry out much-needed repairs on the vehicle transfer span (the overwater bridge linking the ferry with the slip).
A transition plate on the span is the source of the noise you’ve been hearing. Unfortunately, the repair itself will be loud. Work hours for the crew will be limited to 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. They will not work on the weekend. Work is expected to take about a week.
This is not a safety issue with the transfer span but is a necessary repair. The timing was chosen to minimize disruptions to ferry service during the busy morning and evening commutes. There could be delays during the work as only one lane will be available for vehicle loading and unloading.
Thank you for your patience as we work to fix the cause of the noise.
We asked if this work will involve a barge/mobile crane as is sometimes the case with dock repairs; WSF says no, this will be done entirely with shore-based equipment/crew.
(Crows over the Duwamish River – photo by Don Brubeck)
Sorry about the delay (breaking news, over now) – here are highlights for today/tonight, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to share!):
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY SYSTEMWIDE CLOSURE: SPL branches are all closed today for a staff in-service day.
FREE PLAYSPACE: Church of the Nazarene‘s free drop-in space is open until noon. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus..
DOWNSIZING AND DECLUTTERING: 10:30 am presentation at The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), community welcome.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!) Often C & P Coffee, we’re told (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: Big day for local competition on the Metro League schedule today. At 2:45, both Chief Sealth IHS and West Seattle HS are in a meet at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle). Also at NCSWSC, at 4 pm, in softball, CSIHS hosts Cleveland and WSHS hosts Franklin. Also at 4 pm, WSHS boys’ tennis hosts Seattle Prep at Lincoln Park (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW) and WSHS boys’ soccer hosts Ballard at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two Thursday night events at HPCS this week – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Dirty Dawgz.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HELP HARVEST FOOD: Puget Ridge Edible Park (18th/Brandon) needs volunteers to help harvest fresh food that will be donated to food banks (and you can take some home too). Just be there 5-7 pm!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!
DRUG-ABUSE PREVENTION DISCUSSION: It takes a village, as the saying goes. How can you help? Make “Community Connections” at Denny International MS (2601 SW Kenyon), 5:30 pm.
GRIEF IS CRAFTY: 6 pm, monthly craft circle for those who are grieving. (5446 California SW)
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Good Society (California SW and SW Lander), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk instead, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
DUSTY THURSDAYS AT TIM’S: 6-9 pm, The Dusty 45s preceded by Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce, all ages, no cover, donations accepted for the musicians. (16th SW and SW 98th, White Center)
HISTORY COMES ALIVE AT HARBOR ISLAND: 6-10 pm tours featuring depictions of stories you probably haven’t ever heard, tickets here, our preview here. (3235 16th SW)
PARKS BOARD BRIEFING ON RACQUET SPORTS: The board meets downtown, 6 pm – info on attending in person or via Zoom is on the agenda.
PARENT/EDUCATOR DISCUSSION: 6:30 pm at Gatewood Elementary (4320 SW Hill), “A conversation with Aiden Key: Understanding Transgender & Gender Diverse Teens & Kids.”
GATHERING: “Learn more about the upcoming midterm elections and how you can help,” 7 pm at Puget Ridge Cohousing. (7020 18th SW)
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: American Football listening party in-store at 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
PUB TRIVIA: Play tonight at 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW).
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: One of the newest West Seattle trivia nights! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
‘WALDEN’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm opening performance of ArtsWest‘s new play. (4711 California SW)
AT REVELRY ROOM: Music happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Baby Van Beezly starting at 8 pm. 21+.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
9:38 AM: SFD is arriving in the 7200 block of Dumar Way SW [map] for a possible gas leak/break. Police are also headed that way to deal with traffic. Avoid the area.
9:41 AM: First firefighters on scene are reporting this might be only a kitchen-stove problem and they’re working to shut off the gas. They’re closing Dumar between Delridge and 16th for now, but in the meantime, SFD is reducing its response size.
10:03 AM: Police have just told dispatch that the street is reopening, as this incident wraps up.
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