COUNTDOWN: 1 week until West Seattle 5K!

(2023 photo by David Hutchinson)

One more look ahead before the weekend ends … next Sunday (May 19) brings the West Seattle 5K to Alki! It’s the season’s first big 5K, presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA to raise money for WSHS. The morning starts with Alki and Harbor Avenues closing to vehicle traffic around 8 am, then:

8:30-9:15 am: Day-of-event registration
9:10 am: Pre-race warm-up
9:30 am: 5K Run/Walk starts
8:30 to 11:30 am: Visit our sponsor booths and enjoy student music

You can register online right now, or register in person at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) the day before the WS5K (noon-5 pm Saturday, May 18). The start/finish line next Sunday is near 61st/Alki. See you there!

Bridge project in the spotlight at next Admiral Neighborhood Association gathering

(Admiral Way Bridges from Fairmount Avenue, via Google Maps Street View)

Yet another transportation project of note is in the wings for West Seattle – the Admiral Way Bridge (really two bridges) earthquake-strengthening project. When the Admiral Neighborhood Association has its next gathering this Tuesday (7 pm May 14), an SDOT rep will be there to talk – and answer questions – about it. ANA’s preview of the gathering also notes, “You will also hear updates from the team leaders of our upcoming events and ways in which you can volunteer … AND you’ll also witness the unveiling of the next chapter of a Summer favorite.” This is an in-person event at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), all welcome.

Invitation for middle- and high-schoolers interested in robotics

We’ve told you before about the Skunk Works Robotics club, serving West Seattle and beyond. There’s an Info Night coming up this week for middle- and high-school students interested, with Skunk Works one of two clubs involved; they asked us to publish this invitation:

Skunk Works Robotics and Tekerz Robotics invite you to an info night on May 16, from 6-8 pm. They are looking for students who will be in grades 8-12 next year to join their competitive robotics teams. Skunk Works began competing in 2007 in FIRST FRC, while the High Tekerz got their start in 2011. Both teams build 125-lb robots that compete on a field about the size of a basketball court.

Competitive robotics teams aren’t only for prospective programmers and engineers! Our teams also need students interested in business and marketing fields like graphic design, writing, social media, photography, and outreach. We also utilize data analytics to determine game play strategy.

Yes, programming, cad design, wiring and shop are also VERY important to creating a competitive robot and we welcome students interested in those areas to visit as well!

If you are interesting in attending please fill out the attached form for further information regarding the location and program. Thank you and we hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to recruitment@skunkworks1983.com

CONGRATULATIONS! Chief Sealth IHS, West Seattle HS student-athletes win WAC/101 Club awards

Thanks to Chief Sealth International High School athletic director Ernest Policarpio for sending the announcement and photos:

Congratulations to the Chief Sealth and West Seattle 2024 Washington Athletic Club /101 Club award winners:

Chief Sealth

Isaac Martinez, Ocean Freeman, Jeylen Pham, Breanna Tran, Jennie Brown, and Joy Ohta (Not Present) (Also in the pic: AD Ernest Policarpio and Assistant Principal Isaisha Perry)

West Seattle

Carmen Cruz, Kamil Ignacio, Sole Norman, Bo Gionet, Matthew Henning, and Gibson Aguilar

The WAC & 101 Club Awards honor 3 boys and 3 girls from each school who have athletic & academic achievements.

SCHOOLS: Vashon Island SD still accepting non-resident applications

With a month left in the school year, many are looking ahead to next year. In addition to Seattle Public Schools, West Seattle has public-school students in neighboring districts, primarily Highline to the south and Vashon Island to the west. VISD’s superintendent Dr. Slade McSheehy asked us to publish this reminder for any family interested in their district:

Did you know that the Vashon Island School District is currently accepting non-resident applications for students in grades K-12? This is a wonderful opportunity for families in our neighboring communities to become part of an exceptional school district. At Vashon Island School District, we take pride in small school environments where every student is not just a name on a roster, but welcomed, known, and treasured.

Join over 200+ students, K-12, who commute daily to be a part of our close-knit island community.

Apply for admission using the VISD Non-Resident Student application, Non-Resident Application

Questions, forms, and other information can be received for each school from the following people:

Chautauqua Elementary: Caleb Johns, CES Registrar – cjohns@vashonsd.org 206-463-8540

McMurray Middle School: Kelly Murphy, McM Registrar – kmurphy@vashonsd.org 206-463-9168

Vashon High School: Deb Franson, VHS Registrar – dfranson@vashonsd.org 206-463-8684

Choice Transfers, District Contact: Kareem Greenidge – kgreenidge@vashonsd.org 206-463-8530

Senior Center of West Seattle to reveal new name Tuesday

(WSB file photo, Senior Center’s north side)

The Senior Center of West Seattle has been working on a new name, as noted when we shared their call for mural artists back in March. Now they have it – and they’re about to reveal it, at this Tuesday’s annual fundraising breakfast. The event is sold out, but the center plans to publish the new name online Tuesday morning too (and we’ll have it here). You’re also invited to visit the center on Tuesday (and beyond) to find out more – and the nonprofit’s update on all this includes:

There’s also still time to support the Senior Center’s annual fundraising campaign. The nonprofit’s goal is to raise $50,000 between now and the end of May to fund the essential services they provide in our community—like meals, classes, lectures, support groups, counseling, digital navigation, and more.

You can help with that by going here. P.S. We’re expecting to hear an update about the mural Tuesday, too.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue Outback

Reported by Reg:

Our 2018 Blue Subaru Outback (CBB2114) was stolen last night from (the 3700 block of) Belvidere Ave SW. I’ve got some camera footage of the guy.

We’ll add the police-report number when we get it. (Added: 24-128963) Call 911 if you see the car.

WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 11 notes

(Alki on Saturday, photographed by Victoria Gnatoka)

Here’s what to know about the hours ahead:

WSCGSD HOLDOVER SALES: Some of the sales that registered for Saturday’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day are continuing today – see the numbers listed here (and also check the comments on our Saturday story),

HIGH POINT LIBRARY CLOSED: The branch at 3411 SW Raymond is closed Sundays through at least early June as part of a schedule shuffle as the system deals with staffing shortages.

MINI-POLAR PLUNGE: 9 am every Sunday, you’re welcome to join a group plunge into Puget Sound off Alki – meet at Statue of Liberty Plaza (61st/Alki).

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Meets at 9 am Sundays at rotating locations – today it’s C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: The market is open today, 10 am-2 pm as usual, on California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon, offering spring vegetables, flowers, fruit, and plants, plus baked goods, cheese, fish, meat, condiments, fresh-cooked food, beverages (from cider to kombucha to beer/wine), nuts, candy, more! Here’s today’s vendor list.

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY FESTIVAL: Performances and activities as well as celebration of the flowers, second of two days for this annual festival, 11 am-4 pm. See the performance schedule here. (6000 16th SW, north side of South Seattle College north parking lot)

‘ALL LOVE’ ART SHOW: At Mystery Made in The Junction (4312 SW Oregon), noon-4 pm art show/sale (and free flowers!) – details in our calendar listing.

CASCADIA FRESH MARKET’S OPENING WEEKEND: You can buy affordable healthy food at this new neighborhood store launching a four-month test run at 5444 Delridge Way SW, open noon-6 pm today. Here’s our story explaining what it’s all about.

CIRCLE OF SONGS: Acoustic music at C & P Coffee Company (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3-5 pm.

FREE CLASSICAL CONCERT: 3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW), enjoy the Ladies’ Musical Club concert – see the program in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Your weekend’s finale can be music by the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (4509 California SW), 8-10 pm.

Are you planning something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basics – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

BASEBALL: West Seattle HS wins Metro League championship

(WSB photos)

The West Seattle High School Wildcats are the Metro League champions for the second time in three years! They won the title game against Ballard 7-1 tonight at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center. WSHS was ahead 2-0 after the first inning and never looked back.

(#11, TJ Buehring)

A few more innings went by before West Seattle started piling on the runs by methodically advancing after getting on base – a single here, an RBI there, a stolen base here.

(#7, Caden Fahy)

Miles Chandler was the winning pitcher. Head coach Dylan Mclauchlin‘s Wildcats had already secured a spot in the state tournament, which starts Tuesday.

When their next game is set, it’ll appear on this bracket.

SUNDAY NIGHT UPDATE: The next game is set – next Saturday (May 18), 1 pm, vs. Peninsula, at Edmonds-Woodway HS. It’s a potential doubleheader, as it’s a must-win game, with the winner advancing to another game that afternoon.

COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks until Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K

Spring/summer event season has begun! We’re now only four weeks away from the Loop the ‘Lupe obstacle-course 5K and its companion events. Loop the ‘Lupe happens in the late morning and early afternoon of Saturday, June 8 – starting with the obstacle-course 5K’s Elite Wave at 11 am, continuing with the Family Wave, then the 5K Fun Run, the Senior Saunter, and concluding at 1 pm with the Youth Dash. (Get more info here about all the events.) Lots of fun on the sidelines too at Walt Hundley Playfield, with music, food, and a beer/cider garden. Loop the ‘Lupe raises money for Our Lady of Guadalupe‘s social-outreach work. If you’re not registered yet, you can fix that by going here right now! (WSB is Loop the ‘Lupe’s media sponsor.)

UPDATE: Water-rescue response off Constellation Park

8:11 PM: SFD and SPD are headed for Constellation Park after reports of paddlers offshore yelling for help. Updates to come.

8:15 PM: Responders are arriving and say they see the paddlers but no one appears to be in trouble.

8:22 PM: Response canceled.

West Seattle’s quirkiest public artwork takes another fall

That photo was sent by Rose Feliciano, one of four people who messaged us today to report that the trailside tribute to Rolf Neslund has fallen again – and lost its head again. (First – background if you’re new – Rolf Neslund is the pilot blamed for the 1978 ship collision that forced the old West Seattle Bridge to be replaced. He subsequently retired and was murdered by his wife in 1980. HistoryLink summarizes the saga.) In 2020, during the first year of the West Seattle Bridge’s 2 1/2-year closure, a mysterious “historian” installed the statue along the bike/foot path by the bridge, declaring Rolf “patron saint of the broken bridge.” Days later, the statue itself was broken; someone made off with its head. A month later, it was restored and reinstalled. Then one year ago, the whole sculpture simply fell and needed re-assembly and re-installation (Rose was part of that project); this time its head is missing, nowhere in sight. Who did it, and what happens next? Hard to tell with a rogue artwork that belongs to nobody and everybody; we’ll keep our ear to the ground!

UPDATE: Missing West Seattle woman found

12:42 PM: Seattle Police just issued an alert for this woman missing in West Seattle:

Jonette is 79 years old, 5’1″, thin, brown-gray hair, brown eyes. Police say she has dementia and was last seen in the 4700 block of 42nd SW. No info on what she might be wearing. If you see her, call 911.

2:20 PM: Jonette is also now the subject of a Silver Alert, which offers a bit more information, including that she lives in The Junction.

4:54 PM: According to police radio, Jonette has been found, in the Alki area.

AS-IT-HAPPENED COVERAGE: Scenes from West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024

(Clickable online map of sales is here … printable/downloadable map is here) … nonprofit/benefit/school sales listed here)

More than 500 sales are happening around West Seattle – and a bit beyond – as West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2024 gets going! We started off by taking our own advice: At the very least, if you’re not having a sale today, walk to the nearest one! So our photo above shows your hosts Mandy and Robert at Sale #452 (8420 California SW) in Upper Fauntleroy. We’ll be roaming, and adding photos that sellers and shoppers send; find the sales all mapped here (click on any item in the list on the right side of the page, or any marker, to open its infobubble. The printable/downloadable guide is linked on that page too. Official sale hours are now through 3 pm. … A different style of furniture at Sale #64 (2932 Walnut), which texted this photo:

If you’re sending a photo, please be sure to include the sale #; thank you! … Plant sales are always a hot ticket on WSCGSD. This photo is from Julie & Steve at Sale #420 (7558 44th Ave SW), who promise, “Lots of plants, including natives!”

You’ll be singing “Jingle Bells” at Sale #291 (5415 35th SW) – Katie sent pics of tables at her sale including this one with holiday décor:

9:49 AM: This might be the only sale with a sale – Sale #214, “Crazy Bob’s on (3243) 56th Ave SW, west of Schmitz Park, has hoisted the sail on the sale. We’ve got a boat load of kites. Literally.”

In Morgan Junction, <strong>Thunder Road Guitars (Sale #411, 6400 California SW, also a WSB sponsor) throws a huge WSCGSD sale every year – our photographer shows us the line out the door:

This year’s list of participating businesses is here … Toward the south end of the map, Sale #507 (10750 18th SW, White Center) is bustling:

Sale #415 sent the next pic – that’s Scout Troop 284’s benefit bake sale at Fauntleroy Way and Holly Place:

10:26 AM: Matt at Sale #113 (3227 45th Ave SW) sent the next pic and notes, “Camera equipment, audio, and vintage watches on sale today”:

Elyse at Sale #444 (5643 47th Ave SW) says they’re open until 5 today and again 9-5 on Sunday:

Plus, “unicorn lemonade”!

Two benefit sales are next to each other – at 3000 California SW, West Seattle High School‘s Care Coordinator Stacy Fernandez is hosting Sale #189 for the program she leads:

And at 3050 California SW (St. John the Baptist lot), the WSHS Volleyball Team – fresh off their first trip to state in 40+ years – is raising money at Sale #221:

The next photo is from Tim at Sale #510 (10819 34th SW), who says it includes one big item that wasn’t in his listing: “Everything in the pic is for sale. Even the 1965 Ford Thunderbird!”

11:07 AM: If you’re looking to hit multiple sales in one stop, the map can point you at a variety of opportunities. We found multiple sellers at California/Raymond (including Sales #390 and #401) – sellers include local entrepreneurs Justin (Sound & Fog) and James (Filigree & Shadow, WSB sponsor):

And sisters Michele and Debby (who came down from Victoria to help out):

Just in from Sale #11 (8115 12th Ave SW) – Charlotte the corgi! whose people note, “we have women’s clothing, dog stuff, kitchen gadgets, lots of decor, holiday decorations and more!! Almost everything priced 25-50¢!!”

Got kid shopper(s) with you? Go see Sale #367 (3736 SW Monroe), run by kids (with parent supervision), including a mini-arcade with prizes!

Among the condo and apartment buildings participating today, The Dakota at 4116 California SW, home to Sale #88, which sent this photo:

That’s just north of the sale-rich zone along California on the block between Genesee and Oregon. …. Meantime, Sale #282 has “treats and drinks” and is raising money for Highline Premier Girls 2013 soccer, corner of SW Hinds St/35th Ave SW:

Here’s an exuberant welcome from Sale #341 (7300 31st SW), with toys, books, and a kid-size bike:

12:06 PM: We’re now in the second half of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! Another of the participating businesses is The Skylark at 3803 Delridge Way SW (Sale #38) – here’s some of the eclectic offerings there:

Handmade woodworking items by There Is a Season are in the spotlight at Sale #417 (3950 SW Othello):

Back at the north end of the peninsula, Bill sent a pic from Sale #235 (1911 46th Ave SW):

Over on Pigeon Point, we found Willy kicking back at Sale #32 (3841 20th SW):

In the photo below, Nick‘s assistant at Sale #496 (10221 38th), who notes, “Toys, Furniture, House Plants, Kitchen Appliances, Tools, $2 Book Bin!”

Need glassware, decanters, corkscrews? Lauren says Sale #468 (4408 SW Rose) has all that:

1:03 PM: Two-thirds of the way into this year’s WSCGSD, still lots of fun stuff happening out there. Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW, Sale #351) is hosting what they’re hoping will be an annual record show and sale to benefit the historic venue:

You can listen to records while you’re there, thanks to DJ performances – here’s DJ Ricci:

Ready to grow? This year’s Sale #1, Wanderlust Nursery at 7527 19th SW, is a mail-order nursery not usually open to the public, but for WSCGSD they are – until 5 pm: “We have plants for all interests: natives and citrus, fruiting and herbs, trees to groundcovers, indoor or shade! Gift your loved ones some handmade soap, nuts for woodcarvers and crafts, jewelry or trinkets.”

From Julie at Sale #111 (4845 48th SW): “We still have tons of stuff in Seaview on 48th! Same with our neighbors on 47th and 46th. Come by and say Hi!”

Handmade stoneware pottery awaits you at Sale #103 (4111 47th Ave SW) – the photo is from Wendy:

1:48 PM: Another of today’s multi-seller spots is The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way, Sale #435):

Thanks to Sale #236 at California/Walker for displaying the “official” sign (it’s a file we send to all the registered sellers):

Need a couch? Sale #2 (1264 SW Othello) sent the pic: “We’ve still got lots of great stuff! House plants, couch, drums, etc., etc.”

2:07 PM: Final official hour of WSCGSD. Our most recent stop was Sale #295 (8427 30th Ave SW), a multi-household fundraiser for the West Seattle Timebank:

If you’re on the north end of the peninsula, an incentive from Sale #82 at 4220 SW Hill: “Free water and snacks for anyone who stops by! Make us an offer.”

Back in the south, Sale #326 at 9331 32nd SW is laden with ceramics and glassware:

Sent from Sale #372 (7153 35th SW), which reports: “We have men and women’s clothing, luggage, gaming peripherals, and a free tire!”

Some sales might be in the mood for end-of-day deals. Robert at Sale #135 (3434 48th Ave SW, the only sale with a haiku-style listing) emailed to say, “Having a great day! Lots of items (except tools) will be 1/2 price after 1 pm!”

Again, the map is here … some sales are staying open past 3 pm, but otherwise, that’s when the symbolic closing bell of WSCGSD sounds.

3:01 PM: Thanks to everyone who participated by selling, shopping, browsing! If you’re not ready to stop shopping yet, five sales’ listings say they’re open until 4 pm – 306, 396, 406, 448, and 477 – and five say they’re open until 5 pm: 1, 198, 289, 314, and 483.

Community Garage Sale Day and more for your West Seattle Saturday!

After a night of skywatching, a day of shopping/selling/mingling!

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE DAY: Marilyn at Sale #499 (10432 40th SW) was first on Friday to send us a pic of what she’s selling today – that’s what you see above. So much person-to-person recycling is about to happen all over the peninsula, the first WSCGSD with more than 500 sales registered! 9 am-3 pm are the official hours, but some sellers are starting earlier, some are closing earlier … all that info is in their listings on our interactive online map, as well as the downloadable/printable guide. Check the online map page for last-minute cancellations as well as links to all the mini-lists we’ve featured during the past week (even one with the sales that promise lemonade stands, since it’s going to be another warm day!). Watch for as-it-happens coverage here starting at 9 am.

Here are other notes for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE COMMUNITY WORKOUTS: 3 FIT4MOM events at Alki this morning, as early as 7:30 am – info in our calendar listing.

STAMP OUT HUNGER: Put out your bag of nonperishable food for the letter carriers’ donation drive before 8 am.

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT FYI: President Biden stayed downtown overnight and is scheduled to fly out of SEA Airport by 2:45 pm. He’ll be on the move to campaign fundraising before then so, if you have to go off-peninsula, you’re forewarned. (UPDATE: Air Force One lifted off around 2 pm, so the visit is over.)

LIBRARY CLOSURE: The Southwest Library is closed Saturdays through June 4.

WATER TAXI’S LATER-EVENING RUNS: Spring/summer season for the West Seattle Water Taxi continues, so it’s making later-evening runs tonight.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER GROUP RUN: The store is where to meet for the weekly free group run at 8 am. (2743 California SW)

FREE! HEAVILY MEDITATED: Arrive by 8:50 am for community meditation at Move2Center (3618 SW Alaska). Free event every Saturday but please register.

CASCADIA FRESH MARKET’S OPENING WEEKEND: Go buy affordable healthy food at this new neighborhood store launching a four-month test run at 5444 Delridge Way SW, open 10 am-7 pm today. Here’s our story explaining what it’s all about!

WORK IN THE FOREST: Celebrate International Day for Biological Diversity by helping the Westcrest Park madrone forest, 10 am-1 pm – RSVP link and more info is in our calendar listing.

SSC GARDEN CENTER: Plants await you at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus, 10 am-3 pm.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am in West Seattle, registration required – see full details in our calendar listing.

SEATTLE CHINESE GARDEN PEONY FESTIVAL: Performances and activities as well as celebration of the flowers, first of two days for this annual festival, 11 am-4 pm. See the performance schedule here. (6000 16th SW, north side of South Seattle College north parking lot)

FAMILY READING TIME: Every Saturday at 11 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (6040 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm. (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

FREE COMMUNITY SKATE: 1-3 pm at Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW).

NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY: Open 1-6 pm at the north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

SPRING FAMILY FAIR: 2-5 pm at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), activities and special guests including Bubbleman! Free, all ages.

NEPENTHE’S WALK-IN MASSAGE CLINIC: 3-5 pm, show up at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) with a specific problem to be addressed by massage, and you’ll get a free (gratuities appreciated) trial of their work.

MOTHER’S DAY SCRAPBOOKING AND TACO BAR: 4:30 pm at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), create a Mother’s Day scrapbook page with the West Seattle Rainbow Assembly #18 – info and RSVP link in our calendar listing.

HIGH-SCHOOL BASEBALL: West Seattle HS plays for the Metro League championship vs. Ballard at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center, 7 pm.

THE GRIOT PARTY: Spoken word at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 7 pm.

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: 7-10 pm at The Spot West Seattle (2920 SW Avalon Way)

AT THE SKYLARK: “Festival of Friends: Bandmixers, doors 7 pm, music 7:30 pm at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW), $10 cover, 21+.

NORTHERN LIGHTS AGAIN TONIGHT? Another solar flare was headed our way last night – so it’s a possibility. We’ll be on aurora watch again tonight after dark.

BEATS: Saturday night DJs at Revelry Room – 9 pm. Tonight, DJ Teddy Ruckspin & Justa The Bop Oligarch. (4547 California SW, alley side)

KARAOKE: Saturday night, sing at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW), starting at 10 pm.

Planning a happening? If the community’s welcome, your event belongs on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

PHOTOS: Aurora paints the sky over West Seattle

9:05 PM: You might have heard about the solar storm that’s led to a strong possibility of the aurora – aka Northern Lights – over our area tonight. West Seattle’s expert skywatcher/educator Alice Enevoldsen has a standing page of links you can use to check the forecast – including one that points to this:

That should be the newest image from the NOAA site, looking ahead about half an hour; also note that UTC is seven hours later than our time. Alice’s page also has viewing advice; let us know what you see – we’ll be watching too, and updating.

10:14 PM: Haven’t heard/seen any WS reports yet, but the National Weather Service office up on Sand Point says they’ve got a bit of color in the sky.

10:52 PM: In comments, Liz reports seeing it. And via Twitter/X, so does Alicia.

10:58 PM: Texter says this is what they’re seeing from the West Seattle Golf Course:

11:03 PM: Another texted photo, looking toward downtown from Blair DeWeese:

11:14 PM: Now getting lots of reports. People are seeing it from Hamilton Viewpoint (Blair’s pic above) and Myrtle Reservoir parks, among other places. Here’s one just texted from Myrtle:

11:29 PM: From Hoa Vong at Delridge/Brandon:

11:52 PM: Many more photos in comments below (thank you!).

EARLY AM NOTE: We’ve received more pics in email too and will add some here later this morning. And we’ll be on watch to see if the aurora returns tonight, given that the solar storm apparently isn’t over yet.

SOFTBALL: It’s on to district playoffs for West Seattle HS after two games today

(WSB photos. Above, #9, senior Caitlin Gordon)

Metro League tournament play wrapped up tonight for the West Seattle High School softball team, after two games – one victory, one loss. In their first game of the afternoon, the Wildcats beat Seattle Prep, 12-5. Our photos are from the second game, a 15-5 loss to Lincoln.

(Above, #12, sophomore Mackenzie Curry Uzwack)

The Wildcats ended the tournament with sixth place. Now it’s on to the District 2 tournament, which starts Monday.

(Above, #13, freshman Violet Faull)

They’ll be playing on the eastside, at Juanita HS in Kirkland – first game, 6 pm Monday vs. Liberty.

One more reminder! Saturday is West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day

Hey, Sale #274! Thanks for putting up the “official sale” sign (it’s a template we email to sellers so they can use it if you want to)! Our photographer noticed it while en route to a story he’s covering right now. Perfect timing for this final West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day Eve reminder that we are now less than 14 hours away from 500+ sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, as mapped here. The map page is where you’ll find other updates, such as last-minute cancellations (which are noted in the online-map list, but not the printable version, so if you’re using that to plan your day, please check the numbers on the cancellation list) plus links to our previews this past week with some mini-lists of sales. One more mini-list tonight – here are the ones signed up as block sales (including some alley or apartment-building sales):

#26: 9240 2nd Ave SW
#42: 7742 15th Ave SW
#80: 2303 Walnut Ave SW
#162: 2719 47th Ave SW
#236: 2203 California Ave SW
#244: 3630 46th Ave SW
#262: 3050 36th Ave SW
#289: 7333 29th Ave SW
#296: 6741 38th Ave SW
#297: 5626 29th Ave SW
#307: 3279 38th Ave SW
#310: 5914 34th Ave SW
#352: 7026 30th Pl SW
#446: 6041 California Ave SW
#487: 6307 46th Ave SW
#488: 6043 48th Ave SW
#495: 3910 SW 109th St
#501: 10014 4th Lane SW

We’ll be doing as-it-happens coverage tomorrow as usual, so photos (from buyers with cool finds as well as sellers) are welcome at westseattleblog@gmail.com or texted to 206-293-6302 – please be sure to include the relevant sale number!

P.S. And don’t forget to set out your food donations for the letter carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive! (If you didn’t get the special blue bag, any bag – generally plastic is sturdier – is OK.)

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Burglar poses as salesperson

A reader near the south end of Lincoln Park reports a burglary at their home around 1:30 pm Wednesday, with images from their security camera:

This guy came to my door trying to pose as some sort of a salesman and as soon as he determined we were not home broke into our house and helped himself. His shirt is very distinctive and he has a tattoo on his left arm.

The police incident is # 24-125113. We asked SPD for any additional details from the report; they told us, “Officers found a sliding glass door forced open and searched the home. It appeared someone had ransacked several rooms.”

FOLLOWUP: Next phase of Alki Point Healthy Street construction starts ‘as soon as Monday’

3:01 PM: Two and a half weeks ago, SDOT announced it was about to start work on some of the permanent features of the Alki Point Healthy Street (Alki Avenue SW and Beach Drive SW between 63rd SW and Alki Point) project. We haven’t been back yet for a look at that work, primarily described as added speed humps, but today, SDOT sent an update – the next phase of construction starts “as soon as Monday.”

As soon as Monday, May 13, crews will begin the next phase of construction on the permanent treatments for the Alki Point Healthy Street. This work will include:

-A 10-foot-wide shared walking/rolling space
-Three ADA parking spaces
-Stop controls at intersecting streets
-Pavement markings, parking signs, and striping the public parking lot

Unauthorized on-street parking located within 20 feet of intersections will be removed for new installation.

The project page elaborates on the zone numbers shown in the map above.

ADDED 6 PM: David Hutchinson sent this photo of the lines for the new path, roughed out:

HAPPENING NOW: Online auction for Madison Middle School PTSA

More than 200 items, from local business gift cards to exotic getaways, are up for bidding right now during the Madison Middle School PTSA‘s online auction. All are welcome to participate. It’s open until Saturday night; the PTSA says auction proceeds go to “help support supplemental activities and materials for our students and faculty.” Browse the items and register to bid by going here!

SDOT unveils new proposals for bike lane or trail expansion to replace downhill driving lane on Highland Park Way hill

Back in 2020, SDOT shelved a plan for a bike lane on the Highland Park Way hill. The idea resurfaced in a 2022 application for federal funding, but there was no design at the time. Now there is, as one of three options SDOT is proposing for the Highland Park Way hill, just unveiled today. All three would remove one motorized-vehicle lane on the downhill (north/eastbound) side, “to provide an improved path for people to walk, roll, and bike between the Highland Park and Riverview neighborhoods and the Duwamish River Trail.” They’re asking for feedback starting now. Here are the three options, as described and shown on the project page:

Option 1: Downhill Protected Bike Lane

For Option 1, we propose replacing the right northbound driving lane on Highland Park Way SW with a downhill protected bike lane. The bike lane would run parallel to the existing path and include a concrete barrier to divide the bike lane from traffic. At the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and West Marginal Way SW, we would add a diagonal bike crossing to connect people to the Duwamish River Trail … We would also add lighting and make some repairs to the existing path to improve accessibility for people walking and rolling.

Option 2: Multi-use Path

For Option 2, we propose replacing the existing path and the right northbound driving lane with a multi-use path. The multi-use path would include a wider landscape buffer and a wider path for people walking, rolling, and biking in both directions. This path will include bus stop landing pads in the landscape buffer, so people have a paved area to wait that is off the multi-use path. As in Option 1, we would add more lighting for people traveling along the path at night and add a diagonal bike crossing at the intersection of Highland Park Way SW and West Marginal Way SW to connect people to the Duwamish River Trail.

Option 3: Combination of Options 1 and 2

Option 3 is a combination of Options 1 and 2. In this approach, we would build the protected bike lane first – as it takes less time and less money to build – and then develop the new multi-use path later when additional funding is available.

You can see maps and more information – including the SDOT answer to “why not expand into the greenspace rather than remove a driving lane?” – on the project page.

FEEDBACK: This survey is open until June 15. Or you can email highlandholden@seattle.gov. SDOT also plans various info events over the next two weeks, also listed on the project page.

UPDATE: Power outage at Pathfinder K-8

11:03 AM: What’s shown as a one-customer power outage on Seattle City Light‘s map is affecting about 500 people – because that one customer is Pathfinder K-8 on Pigeon Point. No word yet why the school – and apparently ONLY the school – lost power; we’re checking with SCL.

1:49 PM: The outage is over, according to the map; still waiting for SCL’s response on what went wrong.