WEEKEND PREVIEW: Learn about sheet mulching while helping the West Seattle Bee Garden

As you can see if you check our West Seattle Event Calendar, you have multiple opportunities around the area to make a difference with a few hours of your time tomorrow during volunteer work parties in honor of Earth Day. One is at the West Seattle Bee Garden, where you can learn a skill – sheet mulching – that might be usable in your own garden if you have one. In case you haven’t seen it in the calendar, here’s a reminder from Lisa at the Bee Garden:

Help us turn a zigzaggy idea into reality – tomorrow! We’ve got our overgrown patch prepared and ready for cardboard, wood chips, compost and cover crop to transform the space into a child and pollinator wonderland! Our expert friends at Master Composter Sustainability Stewards will help guide our process and answer your questions on creating new garden spaces.

Our future plans for the Children’s Garden include: lots of flowers, celebrating diversity by highlighting culturally relevant plants, yummy things to nibble, fun textures to touch, arches to walk through and even seed saving to give back to the community. All we need are people to make it happen.

When: Saturday, 4/20, 10 am-2 pm (we may finish early)

We will have some tools in short supply, if you are able to attend and can bring a wheelbarrow and/or shovel and/or pitchfork, that is helpful but not required. Bring a water bottle and lunch, dress for the weather – close toe shoes please. Light snacks provided.

We have other jobs as well: endless amounts of horsetail to pluck, walkways to weed and rake smooth, watering. There’s something for everyone :)

Many thanks for supporting our community garden!

The Bee Garden is at the north end of High Point Commons Park, Graham/Lanham. It will be at the heart of the annual West Seattle Bee Festival on May 18!

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Friday notes; one day until low-bridge closure

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 19.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the upper 60s. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:11 am, sunset at 8:05 pm.

(Thursday sunset, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE COUNTDOWN

The West Seattle low bridge will be closed to surface (street and path) use starting at 6 am Saturday (April 20), open by 5 am Monday, April 29.

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Reminder, Friday/Saturday later-evening sailings start tonight.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 update, with one week of registration remaining

If you’re going to join in the region’s largest community garage-sale day this year – but you’re not registered yet – hurry! The deadline is one week away, 11:30 pm next Thursday (April 25)! West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day just might be the biggest yet – 300+ sales are signed up already, and that’s 25 percent more than at this point last year. Sale day is Saturday, May 11 (always the second Saturday in May), 9 am-3 pm (some start earlier, some end later, some even add extra days – be sure info like that is in your listing when you register). We haven’t been through all the listings yet but we already have a pile of notes about what people are selling and how they’re describing their sales (one seller simply declares, “It’s lit”) – fun stuff, practical stuff, old stuff, new stuff, handmade stuff, designer stuff, big stuff, little stuff, we could go on … that’s why we make the map and guide available a week in advance, so you can check out the listings and see who’s selling something you might want. (Or even if you’re not planning on major shopping, see who’s having a sale near you and walk over to say hi.) If you’re selling but not yet registered – here’s the form!

FOLLOWUP: What remains to be done at newly renovated Don Armeni Boat Ramp

Thanks to Doug Eglington for the photos. Crews were back at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this week for more of the finishing touches on the dock-replacement project. The new docks are open for public use but Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor tells us a few things remain to be done – installation of bollards to keep people from trying to drive onto the docks – “a nearby resident had informed the project manager of this was an issue” – and installation of “additional cleats (for vessel tie-up).” The project replaced deteriorating, weather-beaten docks and pilings. It was partly funded by grants and has been in the works for seven years; we first reported on the plan in early 2017.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Teenage carjacking suspects arraigned

One day after the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed felony charges against the two teenage boys arrested in a Burien ravine after Friday’s armed carjacking in a West Seattle alley, both were arraigned this afternoon. The 15- and 17-year-old suspects both pleaded not guilty, and Judge Veronica Galvan agreed with prosecutors that both should remain in juvenile detention. The next hearing for the younger suspect is a week from today; the older suspect’s next hearing is May 7th. Both are charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree unlawful gun possession, and second-degree taking a motor vehicle without permission (related to the Audi carjacked in West Seattle); the 15-year-old is also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle (related to the Hyundai in which they arrived at the carjacking location).

READER REPORT: Admiral alert about ‘incidence of stalking’

Out of the WSB inbox this afternoon:

In the interest of keeping our neighborhood a safe place, I am writing to let you know of an incidence of stalking that happened to me this week in our neighborhood:

This Tuesday morning around 9:40 am I was walking east up Admiral and walked by a car that was parked in the “dead zone” between 49th Ave SW and Garlough Ave SW. When I was almost to 48th on SW Lander, he drove the wrong way up Lander, pulled over in his car and started talking to me. He let his feelings be known that he liked me and wanted to see me twice, which I answered with “NO” and “NO, I’m married.” and then he drove away. I was very distraught but dismissed it as a weird one-time occurrence. Wednesday I took my daughter to school and stayed for a school activity. Driving home, I saw his car again in the same place and time on Admiral; this was at about 9:15 am. Today, as I was running with my friend, west down Admiral he took a right turn in front of us from 51st onto Admiral and pulled over between 51st and Garlough at around 9:10 am.

After seeing him again this morning I called and made a police report. SPD gave me a case number (24-105089), told me to call 911 if he tries to make contact again, and asked that I put my neighborhood on high alert. I did not get a picture and do not remember any more than this: He presented as a white male with dark hair in his mid 30-40s. He was driving what I remember as a newer-looking black or very dark blue small sedan or hatchback with fully tinted windows. When I first walked by his car, the windows were cracked and I could smell cigarette smoke.

Two ways to support Southwest Seattle Historical Society’s present and future work ‘Navigating Our Past’

You might know the Southwest Seattle Historical Society best for its headquarters at the historic Log House Museum on Alki – but that’s just part of its work, as you can learn while supporting SWSHS via its gala and/or online auction in the weeks ahead. Here’s what to know:

2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. It is also a year that coincides with significant anniversaries including its founding (1984), the building of the Fir Lodge/Alki Homestead (1904), and the ten-year anniversary of the installation of the Belvedere/Admiral Viewpoint replica Totem Pole at the Log House Museum at Alki Beach (2014).

As the historical society commemorates these anniversaries, and begins work on new strategic goals, it is branding the annual Spring Gala and Online Auction on May 3 as Navigating Our Past, Anew. The organization will announce new initiatives, including updating signage for the Totem Pole to provide more complete historical context (Totem Poles are not representative of Coast Salish art traditions and the one at the museum is in fact a replica of an earlier pole and was carved by non-indigenous artists).

The Historical Society will also be announcing a new project to develop an interactive, permanent exhibit on the history of the Duwamish Peninsula at the Log House Museum, made possible from a grant from the newly established Maritime Washington National Heritage Area. The exhibit timeline coincides with the organization’s three-year strategic plan adopted earlier this year.

Guest speakers for the event represent community partners that are integral to both projects and include Alex Gradwohl, Program Director, Maritime Washington National Heritage Area and Kristina Pearson, Director, Duwamish Longhouse and Cultural Center.

The event includes food, a cash bar, and an exciting live auction featuring priceless experiences, including a chance to custom paint a traffic signal box with Desmond Hansen Art, a private tour of the West Duwamish Greenbelt with Chief Sealth descendant Ken Workman, and more.

In addition to the May 3 Gala, the organization is hosting an online auction from April 29 through May 2. The auction includes unique West Seattle experiences, local services, art, and gift certificates to local businesses. This year, the historical society is also auctioning numerous unique vacation rentals including a three-night stay at a luxury ranch outside Yellowstone National Park in Paradise Valley, Montana.

Tickets for the event are $95 and can be purchased online at loghousemuseum.org, which is also where you can register for the online auction, free.

The gala is happening at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW; WSB sponsor).

P.S. You can also learn more about the SWSHS and its work right now in the spotlight display at HomeStreet Bank in The Junction (41st/Alaska; WSB sponsor) – visit before next Tuesday afternoon and you can register for a drawing for two tickets to the gala!

Tugboat blamed for oil spill on the Duwamish River

The state Department of Ecology confirms it’s investigated a fuel spill first reported online Wednesday by local wildlife biologist/advocate Kersti Muul. She received photos including the ones she gave us permission to republish here – showing the sheen on the water off Harbor Island and the West Seattle Bridge.

Here’s how Ecology spokesperson Ty Keltner responded to our inquiry:

There was a spill a couple days ago in the Duwamish. Ecology got multiple reports of sheen near the southeast end of Harbor Island. The source of the spill is believed to be the tug Westrac II. The tug reported a spill of 40-50 gallons of hydraulic oil to due to an engine drive unit issue. Ecology Spill Responders went out to determine if anything could be recovered and to ensure the vessel is no longer spilling. We sent out a responder again yesterday to see some of the leftover sheen, but it’s very weathered and there isn’t much we can do for recovering what is left.

Kersti notes, “We should continue to keep eyes out for wildlife and pockets of concentrated oil.” The state hotline for reporting a spill is 800-OILS-911.

SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Gray whale, northbound (photo added)

1:20 PM: Whale sighting just in from Kersti Muul – a baleen whale, northbound, close to shore, headed toward Brace Point. (That description means it could be a gray or humpback, among others.) Let us know if you see it!

6:12 PM: Kersti noted earlier in a comment that this is a gray whale. Added above, a photo from David Hutchinson, who says he “was fortunate to see the gray whale passing Constellation Park just after 3 PM today.”

FOLLOWUP: SDOT says construction starts soon on permanent ‘High Point Healthy Street’

When the city launched what were originally called “Stay Healthy Streets” four years ago, the first one announced in West Seattle was in High Point/Sunrise Heights. SDOT announced today that construction of its permanent features is about to begin:

First, SDOT’s reminder: “As announced earlier this year, 34th Ave SW will become a permanent Healthy Street and the other streets will return to neighborhood greenway (status).” So, for 34th (the stretch shown above in purple), the emailed update says:

We are excited to share an update for the High Point Healthy Street! We will start construction of the permanent installments for the High Point Healthy Street as soon as late April!

We will install permanent signage with a concrete block base and newly painted curb space around it at each intersection along the Healthy Street. At intersections where neighbors requested planters, we will install the permanent signage with a planter sign base.

SDOT crews will likely be on site soon to start preparing for work. You may see crews marking the pavement along the Healthy Street.

The project’s official page is here.

OTHER HEALTHY STREETS: SDOT says it’s still determining whether the Delridge/Highland Park Healthy Street will become permanent. And we’re checking on whether the construction schedule has been clarified for Alki Point since the reiteration four weeks ago that the design features announced last December will be built.

LAST CALL: One more day to get your ticket to ‘Prom Through the Ages’ for The Bridge School

As school fun(draising) season continue, tomorrow’s your last chance to get a ticket to Prom Through the Ages, an April 27 celebration benefiting cooperative elementary The Bridge School! Here’s the announcement we were asked to share with you:

Step back in time and dance through the decades with us at The Bridge School Auction: Prom Through the Ages!

Grab your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of nostalgia, fun, and philanthropy. (Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm)

Your ticket includes:

-Admission to the event
-A delectable dinner from Centro Neighborhood Kitchen, featuring a taco bar buffet with options for meat lovers, vegetarians, and vegans
-A complimentary alcoholic or specialty beverage courtesy of your drink ticket
-Dress to impress and compete in our prom costume contest (optional)
-Gain exclusive bidding privileges in our electrifying live auction
-Additional drinks will be available for purchase, ensuring the party never stops! Secure your spot now and join us in supporting our school while reliving the magic of prom night. See you on the dance floor!

Ticket sales close this Friday, April 19th at 12 pm

What: Prom Through The Ages: Live Auction Event to support The Bridge School
When: Saturday, April 27th 6-9 PM
Where: Explorer West Gymnasium
10300 28th Ave SW

FYI: Law-enforcement air/sea training today

An alert from the King County Sheriff’s Office:

Heads up! Today until 3 PM we are conducting joint training with the King County Water Taxi in Elliott Bay. If you see Guardian One & an increased police presence, there is no cause for alarm.

Guardian One is the KCSO helicopter, which is also used by other law-enforcement agencies including Seattle Police.

Alki Community Council and more for your West Seattle Thursday

(Rainbow photographed Tuesday morning by Erin O)

Mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: Third week for the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays – now with classes (see the schedule here).

FREE PLAYSPACE: Drop-in space open at West Seattle Church of the Nazarene (42nd/Juneau) until noon.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Now open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com for info on where they’re playing today.

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Tasting room/wine bar now open Thursdays-Saturdays 1 pm-6 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

STRONG BODIES, STRONG BONES: 2:30 pm class at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon).

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: Every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Bai Tong on Wheels.

SOFTBALL: One high-school home game today – Chief Sealth IHS hosts Lincoln, 4 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle)

FREE CLASS: CommunityFlow at Dragonfly (3270 California SW), 4-5 pm – sign up here.

FREE ECO-ARTS CLASS: 5-7 pm at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW) – you’re invited to drop in!

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s tasting room/wine bar is open 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor) for wine by the glass or bottle.

BASQUE WINE AND VERMOUTH TASTING: 5-7 pm at Sebastiano’s (3278 California SW).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meet at Good Society (California/Lander) at 6 pm for a 3-mile run.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: 6:30 pm, meet at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) for a 3-mile run through the neighborhood. (Walking option, too!)

BLUES NIGHT: 6:30-9 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way), every Thursday you can listen to the blues.

ALKI COMMUNITY COUNCIL: Parks and Police reps are among the guests to talk about plans for spring/summer at the park, 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds) – attend in person or online; info’s in our preview.

THURSDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Burger Planet (9614 14th SW) in White Center now has Thursday night trivia at 7 pm – prizes!

THIRD WEEK FOR ‘ENGLISH’: The current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) takes the stage at 7:30 pm. See our calendar listing for info, including the ticket link.

Planning an event that should be on our calendar and in daily preview lists like this one? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Learn about suicide prevention at Sunday workshop in West Seattle

Would you recognize when someone is thinking about self-harm – and know how to help them? You can learn this Sunday at Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is inviting community members – including middle- and high-school students – to this workshop:

Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish is hosting a Suicide Prevention Workshop this Sunday, April 21st, from 9 am-12 pm.

This workshop is facilitated by O’Dea High School students and helps participants recognize a person with thoughts of suicide and connects them with resources to help them choose to live. Participants don’t need any formal preparation to attend the training — anyone who wants to make a difference can learn the SAFETALK steps. There will be scheduled breaks and opportunities to practice the skills built in the workshop, including practice on how to talk about this subject with others.

Mental health, depression, and especially suicide are prevalent in our community. The more informed we are, the more we can keep our community safe. Click on this link to sign up or use the QR Code in this flyer.

OLG is at 35th/Myrtle.

TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, WEATHER: Thursday info; 2 days until low-bridge closure

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, April 18.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, low-60s high. Today’s sunrise will be at 6:13 am, sunset at 8:04 pm.

LOW-BRIDGE CLOSURE COUNTDOWN

The West Seattle low bridge will be closed to surface traffic 6 am Saturday (April 20) to 5 am April 29 (at the latest, SDOT says):

TRANSIT NOTES

Metro today – Regular schedule; check advisories here.

Water Taxi today – Regular schedule. Check the real-time map if you need to see where the boat is. Reminder, Friday/Saturday later-evening sailings start tomorrow night.

Washington State Ferries today – The usual 2 boats on the Triangle Route. Check WSF alerts for last-minute changes. Use the real-time map to see where your ferry is.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

Delridge cameras: Besides the one below (Delridge/Orchard), cameras are also at Delridge/Genesee, Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, and Delridge/Oregon.

High Bridge – the main camera:

High Bridge – the view from its southwest end (when SDOT points the 35th/Avalon/Fauntleroy camera that way):

1st Ave. S. Bridge:

Highway 99: – northbound side at Lander:

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are on this WSB page.

BRIDGE INFO: The @SDOTBridges feed on X (ex-Twitter) shows whether the city’s movable bridges are open for vessel traffic.

If you see a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water, please text or call our hotline (when you can do that safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

SEEN OVER WEST SEATTLE: Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, approaching peak brightness

Kevin Freitas sent this comet photo in early April; we decided to save it for a stretch of clear nights – which we’re experiencing now!

Kevin wrote: “This is comet 12P/Pons-Brooks as viewed with a small digital telescope from our deck here in West Seattle. This beauty can be seen with binoculars after sunset as it heads out of the inner solar system not to return for 71 years. An app like ‘Night Sky’ or various websites will show you where to look for this green gem currently in our night skies.” In fact, Space.com reports that Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is reaching peak brightness this weekend.

ADDED THURSDAY: From Kevin – “For anyone interested I’ll be down at Emma Schmitz Overlook by 8:30 pm tonight to try to photograph the comet again. Bring your binoculars and let’s see what we can see!” Look for him across from Me-Kwa-Mooks.

Shredding added to Drug Take-Back Day in West Seattle this year – which means 2 shredding events weekend after next

One week from Saturday – 10 am-2 pm April 27 – the Southwest Precinct will be one of three locations in the city for the twice-yearly Drug Take-Back Day. This year, SPD is adding shredding to each location – which means that weekend has two shredding opportunities in West Seattle.

First: At the precinct, Iron Mountain Shredding will have a truck on site, with the limits/requirements shown above. It’s free, but they’re welcoming non-perishable food donations for the West Seattle Food Bank. The precinct is at 2300 SW Webster.

Second: A reminder about the already-announced shredding event/food drive in the northwest lot at Westwood Village, 9 am-noon Sunday, April 28 – this one is presented by John L. Scott Real Estate – Westwood (WSB sponsor), also free, with food or cash donations welcome for the White Center Food Bank.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Teenage suspects charged in West Seattle-to-Burien armed carjacking

The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed felony charges today against the two teenage boys arrested in a Burien ravine last Friday night after an armed carjacking in a West Seattle alley. They are 15 and 17, and both are charged as juveniles, so we are not publishing their names. Both suspects are charged with first-degree robbery, second-degree unlawful gun possession, and second-degree taking a motor vehicle without permission (in reference to the Audi carjacked in West Seattle); the 15-year-old is also charged with possession of a stolen vehicle (in reference to the Hyundai, stolen in Federal Way, in which they arrived at the carjacking location). The charging documents say both had handguns, one with an extended magazine, as they approached the victims, a woman and man, demanding their phones and other items. Prosecutors say that officers found two guns – one in a backpack along the search trail, the other – a so-called “ghost gun” with an extended magazine and “auto-switch” – on the Hyundai’s floorboard. While searching the ravine, police also found other items described as resembling what the carjackers were seen wearing in security video that recorded the robbery in an alley near 35th/Roxbury – including black balaclavas and blue medical-style gloves. Both suspects remain in custody, and are scheduled for arraignment tomorrow afternoon. (Checking King County court records, the 15-year-old has one conviction, for fourth-degree assault, in a case from last fall that just ended with a guilty plea a month ago, while the 17-year-old does not appear to have a record.)

BIZNOTE: 2 new businesses on the way to ex-beauty school space on West Seattle Junction’s south end

You might have noticed renovations underway in the former beauty-school space at 4811 California SW. Two new food-and-drink businesses are moving in – you might even say they’re three businesses. We talked with co-owner Rosanne Zhu, who’s opening Upwell Wine and Coffee, sharing the space with Walter’s Wine Shop, operated by co-owner Chris Tanghe, who holds the rare and prestigious title Master Sommelier. Both are longtime West Seattle residents. Walter is their mascot, shown in the photo below with Rosanne, Chris, and the future Walter’s delivery (in West Seattle) van:

(Photo courtesy Upwell Coffee & Wine/Walter’s Wine Shop)

Rosanne and Chris have more than two decades each in the hospitality industry, she notes. (She too is a certified sommelier, and attended culinary school at South Seattle College [WSB sponsor].)

She says Upwell will be a “coffee shop by day, wine bar afternoons and evenings.” She’s the chef and explains the food plan: “The all-day menu at Upwell coffee shop will include pastries, sandwiches, salads, composed cheese plates, fruit cups and the like. For the Upwell wine bar three nights a week, we will serve a mainly seafood-based menu with charcuterie and snacks. I grew up in a ‘hunting family’ so there will be pheasant confit, lamb’s tongue, and other oddball meat choices as well.” As for the coffee, the official house roaster will be Herkimer, and Upwell will have other coffees in rotation.

Walter’s will be a full-service wine shop and “a community space to learn about wine, with educational classes taught each month … we want to make wine fun, free from pretense, and accessible to all,” Rosanne says. In addition to operating Walter’s Wine Shop, Chris plans to continue his “day job,” which also involves wine, with the educational nonprofit GuildSomm.

Upwell and Walter’s will have slightly different hours, though Rosanne promises that if you want to buy a bottle of wine before or after the 11 am-7 pm hours that Walter’s will be open, Upwell will be able to ring it up. Upwell will serve “food and coffee seven days a week from 7-3, and wine and snacks three nights a week from 4-10.” It will be an all-ages space.

So, the big question: When will they open? Their contractor has been running ahead of schedule, according to Rosanne, so now it’s mostly a matter of liquor-license timing; they’re aiming for June 1.

FOLLOWUP: Here’s the plan for Duwamish Alive! opening ceremonies and post-event talk on Saturday

Whether or not you’re volunteering for Duwamish Alive! this Saturday, you’re invited to the opening ceremonies and a post-event talk – we have new details from Sharon Leishman of the Duwamish Alive! Coalition:

This Saturday will find community volunteers working throughout our Duwamish River Watershed in South Seattle and Tukwila, removing debris from the river in kayaks, restoring salmon habitat, and even restoring a 10,000-year-old bog at Roxhill Park. Several of the 11 event locations which Duwamish Alive Coalition partners are hosting are sacred places of the Duwamish Tribe.

Special opening ceremonies will be held at həʔapus Village Park in Seattle with special guest speakers House Majority Leader and 34th District Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon and Wisdom Keeper Jacob Johns of the Akimel O’Otham and Hopi Tribes, who will be sharing the indigenous perspective on climate change. The public is welcome to attend the opening ceremonies at 10:00 and visit the informational tables. Volunteers will get started with their restoration activities at 10:30.

There are still a few volunteer spots open – for more information go to DuwamishAlive.org This is a family-friendly, free event to improve the health of our watershed and our communities.

Wisdom Keepers Jacob Johns and Jeff Ferguson (of the Spokane Tribe) will be giving a talk at the Duwamish Longhouse at 1:00 on Saturday, April 20th. This is an opportunity for adults and youth to learn more about an indigenous perspective on climate change and the urgency – combined with optimism – that guides indigenous efforts worldwide. The general public is welcome. This is a free event; register at bit.ly/WisdomKeepers4-20-24

Here’s what’s new as West Seattle Junction FC’s debut season approaches

In a little over a month, West Seattle’s new soccer club Junction FC starts its first season at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex – first match is on Sunday, May 19, 2 pm vs. Capital FC. Today, three updates from Junction FC:

The Decks Are Open!

Seating capacity for Junction FC’s inaugural season has increased! Tickets are now open in all areas of the stadium, including the upper half of the stands. Those tickets are offered at a price of just $12.50 per match, or $100 for season tickets. Get yours now at wsjunctionfc.club/tickets.

Jerseys Unveiled

They’re finally here! Junction FC’s inaugural jerseys are ready for their debut. Like what you see? You can purchase the jerseys NOW at Junction FC’s Online Team Shop.

Community Partnerships

We are blown away by the response for the club in the community. Junction FC is proud to partner with the West Seattle YMCA and Cascadia Produce, which provide us options to serve our community in a greater way! Junction FC will be providing 100 free match tickets to the YMCA for each home match. Details will be released in the next few weeks.

What’s Next

Our team roster has been finalized! Follow us to follow along with player announcements, news, and more. You can also find us this Sunday at Jet City Labs in the Junction for a merchandise pop-up event. Come say hi!

It’s been just four months since the announcement of Junction FC, a “pre-pro” club that will play in USL League Two. See the season schedule here.

Morgan Community Association and more for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

Here’s what’s happening in the hours ahead!

EXPANDED FAUNTLEROY YMCA HOURS: Third week for the Fauntleroy YMCA (WSB sponsor) expanded hours – 9 am to noon and 4 pm to 7 pm, Mondays through Thursdays – now with classes (see the schedule here).

TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am Wednesdays at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

TEEN/YOUNG ADULT JOB LAUNCH: Prospective workers in their teens and early 20s are the focus of this program at 3:30 pm, in person at the White Center Teen Program (1321 SW 102nd) or online, with information about working in health care.

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: DO fix what IS broke, to reconfigure the saying. Weekly event, 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

FREE GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for the weekly 6:15 pm group run. All welcome!

FREE ART CLASS: Watercolor mixed-media class, at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), 6-8 pm.

TRIVIA x 4: Four places to play tonight. At 6 pm, Locust Cider (2820 Alki SW) offers triviaLarry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 7 pm quarterly meeting in person at West Side Unitarian Universalist (7141 California SW) or online, with agenda items including the Morgan Junction Park addition project and the “all-wheels area” planned in the park – see the full agenda here; it includes the link for attending online.

MUSIC BINGO: Play weekly at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

If you’re planning a presentation, meeting, performance, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, etc., and it’s open to the community, please send us info for West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

UPDATE: Another gas-line break in Fauntleroy

9:18 AM: Another gas-line break in West Seattle – this time at 44th/Kilbourne [map], just south of Fauntleroy’s Endolyne business district. A resident says “workers nicked a line” at the site of an ongoing utility project.

(Added: WSB photo)

9:33 AM: For those in the area who heard what one person described as a “parade of sirens,” this was initially a “natural gas leak/major” callout but has since been downsized, with some responding units dismissed. This by the way is about three-quarters of a mile south of yesterday’s Fauntleroy gas break.

9:48 AM: We talked with SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo at the scene. He says workers reported this, saying they punctured a 2″ gas line. Some nearby houses were evacuated precautionarily. Puget Sound Energy has just arrived to shut down the line.

9:54 AM: And they’ve just done that, firefighters report.

10:15 AM: They’ve now officially demobilized and “turned the scene over to Puget Sound Energy.”