West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
9 AM: Police and fire are responding to a report of a two-vehicle crash on 35th SW near SW Holden.
9:19 AM: According to police radio, one of the vehicles involved is SFD Ladder 13, which is based at Station 37 at 35th/Holden.
9:40 AM: The crash scene is in the southbound lane just south of Holden. We’re following up with SFD and SPD on the circumstances.
11:44 AM: SFD spokesperson David Cuerpo tells WSB no one was hurt in the collision, which happened while the truck was “responding to a fire incident. When it left the station it was involved in a collision with a sedan,” and no injuries were reported. Cuerpo says Ladder 13 is still being evaluated but it is expected to return to service.
Earlier:
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, February 23, 2026; schools that were out for midwinter break all last week are reopening today.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
More rain in the forecast – high in the upper 40s. Sunrise at 7 am; sunset at 5:45 pm.
LANE-CLOSURE ALERT
*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction – until further notice.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
TAP TO PAY
Today’s the official launch. Metro confirns the Water Taxi is supposed to be ready to go with this, too.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that SDOT may be having some trouble with them)
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 (see the alert above):
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 a problem 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!
(WSB photos/video)
The job of being a U.S. Postal Service letter carrier is very different from what it used to be.
So say leaders of their union, the National Association of letter Carriers, in explaining why they’re determined to fight for a better contract in upcoming negotiations, and trying to be loud about it. The union held rallies around the country today, including one outside the Westwood Village Post Office, where a cold steady rain fell throughout, stopping almost the exact moment the rally ended.
More than 70 people defied the rain at the peak of the hour-long rally, even musicians identified as “the last Letter Carrier Band on the West Coast,” with their contributions including “Solidarity Forever“:
More fiery was a pep talk by April Sims, president of the Washington State Labor Council. They also heard words of support from a speaker introduced as a community-relations director from Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson‘s office, Matt McIntosh.
But the strongest words came from officials of the carriers’ own union, NALC Branch 79. One who described himself as a 20-year veteran said, “This job’s not for everyone … “it’s no walk in the park” – 10 miles a day, hundreds of stairs, 70-pound parcels, and double the rate of assault risk that carriers used to face. (The rally began with a moment of silence for a letter carrier shot dead while on his delivery route in Georgia.) “The systems that support us are being broken … Letter carriers used to be seen as a pillar of society.” Now, “we put our lives on the line, we put our bodies on the line.” There’s high turnover in the early going, they said, because most carriers are hired on as “non-career” despite doing the same work; the union wants that to change. They also want to see higher pay for all, including new hires, and including more-robust cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) – there was frequent derisive reference to “diet COLAs.” They also suggested USPS could save money by cutting some management jobs, contending that having “four supervisors for a 40-person station” is too much.
The rallying chant was, “First-class service, first-class pay.” Branch 79 financial secretary C Moline said the union waited until a year into the last round of talks before making noise, but this time would be different. They exhorted members to talk to their co-workers, wear a union T-shirt and button, and don’t let up the pressure: “This is day one.” With that, a group shot concluded the rally:
The union says contract negotiations are scheduled to start this Wednesday (February 25).
Sent by Eileen:
My car was broken into last night and they took a small black North Face backpack (my emergency go bag) that has an extra pair of prescription glasses. They also stole my nice blue Trader Joe’s shopping bag and an Uwajimaya shopping bag with artwork by the artist “Enfu.”
I think these things (except for the small amount of emergency cash) are only valuable to me so I’m wondering if they might be dumped somewhere? We live over by 51st Ave SW and SW Hudson. Thanks if you find anything!
Thursday (February 26) is the first day you’ll see local Girl Scouts selling cookies inside/outside local stores, among other places. As always, the times and locations are listed on the Girl Scouts of Western Washington website – a quick check by zip code shows the earliest local booth on the schedule that day is Husky Deli (4721 California SW), starting at 3 pm Thursday; most other locations don’t start up that day until 4 pm. Look for your nearest location(s) by scrolling down this page to the search-by-zip-code box. Wondering which cookies are available this year? Look here – though you might not find all those cookies at all booths.
6:27 PM: Thanks for the tip and photo! Police are looking for the driver of that pickup truck after he hit at least one parked car on Beach Drive and ditched the truck near Shore Place [map]. He was described over police radio as Hispanic, 30, 5’8″, wearing a “multicolored” sweatshirt. He may have headed into the Me-Kwa-Mooks greenbelt. No injuries reported. If you have any information, call 911.
6:57 PM: No report so far of the driver being found, but officers told dispatch the crash scene is now open again to traffic.
(WSB file photo)
Thanks to HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick for the tip. SDOT has scheduled an online public meeting March 4 for the most controversial West Seattle project on their drawing board, the plan to convert the outside downhill lane on the Highland Park Way hill to a multi-use path. The possibility of rechannelizing the hill – which was a busy detour route during the West Seattle Bridge closure – first came up in the 2010s, then went on hold in 2020, then turned up again in a city application for federal funding in 2022, and then moved onto the path toward finalization a year ago despite loud opposition. SDOT recently told WSB that construction is at least a year away; the department says it’ll have design updates at the March 4 meeting, which is scheduled to start at 5 pm, and will be at this Zoom link.
Two Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers are coming home from this weekend’s state tournament at the Tacoma Dome with championships! Eli Policarpio won the boys’ 2A 215 class by 9-8 decision over Theo Stevens of North Kitsap; Lanu Arnituanai won the girls’ 2A 145 class by fall (at 3:39) over Emily Gomez, also from North Kitsap. Both of those champion Sealth wrestlers took 5th at state last year. Two other CSIHS wrestlers made it to the state semifinals – Lucy Self in girls’ 2A 140, Yusuf Donzo in boys’ 2A 285. Congratulations to the wrestlers and coach Maurice Dolberry!
Thanks to Alan for the photos and the report that Little Prague Bakery has reappeared at 6045 California SW:
I just wanted to give you a heads up that the Little Prague European bakery is back open for business. I spoke with one of the employees there … and they reopened today. They had some pastries out, and I don’t want to overwhelm her, but I definitely want some foot traffic for her.
She said they’re not back up to full speed yet, but they hope to be in the next few days … it’s exciting to have them back in the neighborhood.
Little Prague was in the space for years; then The Home Skillit moved in for a very short time late last year.
12:49 PM: A tree is down across the southbound lanes – and part of the northbound side – on West Marginal Way SW, near 2nd Avenue SW. An SDOT crew has arrived to get it cleared (above is a screengrab from the nearest traffic cam) but things may be a bit backed up in the area for a while.
1:47 PM: Camera shows SDOT still on scene and the tree partly cleared.
3:39 PM: The cameras aren’t working now but an SDOT update says it’s clear.
Reader report via text: “Gas thieves hit 9200 block of 14th SW again this morning, second time in just over a month.” (We’ve also had reports a few weeks ago from 30th/32nd and Cloverdale.)
(Rainbow and ferry photographed this past week by Steven Rice)
Last Sunday in February already! Here’s the lineup, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is back to the regular run today, this time from Dough Joy Donuts – meet at 9 am. (4310 SW Oregon)
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Sunday dancing! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
SUNDAY MORNING MEDITATION: For a contemplative session, see if there’s space in the small-group meditation session at 9:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW).
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in late-winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta, more.
MIMOSAS & MENOPAUSE: 10 am at Admiral Theater (2343 California SW), “a special community viewing event and conversation.” RSVP for free admission.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
POSTAL WORKERS’ RALLY: As previewed here Saturday, 11 am rally outside the Westwood Village Post Office (2721 SW Trenton) as the National Association of Letter Carriers prepares for contract talks.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
FREE DROP-IN TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library. (9010 35th SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
KORNER BLUES MATINEE: Afternoon bluesmusic at Tim’s Tavern, 2 pm, all ages, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’: Online tickets are sold out for the “comic fable” at ArtsWest, but check with the box office for any 3 pm tickets. (4711 California SW)
‘DETENTION LOTTERY’ AT FAUNTLEROY UCC: 4 pm, this “immersive theater” event will happen at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), followed by a talkback. Read the backstory and you’ll think it’s “ripped from the headlines,” but it actually dates back to 2018 (with a “refresh” last year). Free, donations accepted.
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S: 5-8 pm trivia with host Morgue Anne at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30 pm at Bethany West Seattle (8600 9th SW), all welcome for food and fellowship.
ASTRA LUMINA: Its run is close to the end, but it’s on tonight – first entry at 6:15 pm in the Seattle Chinese Garden (north end of South Seattle College campus, 6000 16th SW); tickets here.
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Play starting at 7:30 pm, win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, music to close out your weekend, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Story, photos, and video by Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
This afternoon, community members gathered at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center to celebrate Tết Nguyên Đán, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The event was hosted by the Trần Hưng Đạo foundation, the nonprofit group that operates the center.
To start off the event, the crowd was called to attention by emcee Thúy Nguyễn, with an explanation that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, thought to represent energy, vitality, grace, and free spirit, and hopes tthat the horse would “bring you into the joyous year ahead. … May this year find you abound in good health and your family be blessed with luck, love, and prosperity!”
Then came a flag ceremony carried out by Vietnamese military veterans, raising the flag of South Vietnam and singing its anthem, after a salute to the U.S. flag. There was also a moment of silence to honor the fallen U.S. and Vietnamese service members from the Vietnam War.
After the conclusion of the ceremony, onlookers were invited to watch a lion dance performed by Vovinam Burien.
Appearances were made by two city councilmembers, Seattle’s Rob Saka and Tukwila’s Jane Ho, who provided short speeches and expressions of gratitude for being invited to the celebration.
(Center director Lee Bui with Councilmember Rob Saka)
Councilmember Saka – representing District 1 including West Seattle, South Park, SODO, Pioneer Square and Georgetown – took to the microphone first. He extended congratulations to fellow Councilmember Ho in light of her recent election, and added that as one of the few local elected officials of Vietnamese ancestry, her representation matters. He continued thanking volunteers from the foundation, including for their support of unhoused neighbors in the community.
Ho, a graduate of West Seattle High School and a newly elected member of the Tukwila City Council, followed. She affirmed Saka’s notion of representation by adding that it was an honor to be representing the Vietnamese community. She thanked the Bui family – center director Lee Bui and his daughter Lynda Bui – for enabling her to celebrate the Lunar New Year this afternoon.
At the conclusion of the speeches, attendees were invited to eat and socialize. An array of food was served outside, with some portions placed on the indoor altar to be shared with the ancestors.
Other aspects of the traditional altar were incense, flowers, fruit, as well as the five-color flag representing the five fundamental elements of the universe. Music ensued and some participants opted to sing karaoke while others ate. Celebrations were somewhat rushed this year, however, because of continuous rain.
Eventually, the center will have an indoor space in a building under construction on the property along SW Orchard west of Delridge Way. Lynda Bui said the building would serve as a retail front, with living spaces as well as a hall to support the cultural center. However, construction is currently on hold.
The Trần Hưng Đạo foundation’s next community event at the Vietnamese Cultural Center will honor the Trung Sisters on March 14. The sisters were integral in “raising an army to fight colonial oppression, earning them a place in history,” according to the Vietnamese Cultural Center website.
9:28 PM: Thanks to the texter who tipped us that the 35th entrance to the eastbound West Seattle Bridge is closed. Live traffic camera doesn’t show the blocking but the lack of traffic seems to substantiate; we haven’t found any official alerts to verify, and there are no crashes logged, but the texter – traveling westbound – says it appeared to be another case of barriers pushed out of place.
9:34 PM: We don’t know how long the closure lasted but it’s over now, with eastbound traffic streaming back onto the bridge, and an SDOT Response Team truck being reloaded with the signage that was in place just out of the camera’s view.
Though the sign that’s been on the door for more than three months says Miso at 16th SW and SW Holden is “temporarily” closed, right under the NOW OPEN banner, the closure appears to be permanent. We noticed in a routine check of commercial listings that the small restaurant space next to the Seamart convenience store is up for lease and is described as “vacant.” Miso originally opened as a Korean restaurant in September 2023 but eventually broadened the menu to include teriyaki/wok offerings, and had a two-week closure in 2024. The space was previously home to Wanna Burger and Teriyaki, and the original home of legendary Zippy’s Giant Burgers before that.
(WSB photo, March 2025 rally outside WWV Post Office)
Just got word of a rally outside Westwood Village Post Office on Sunday morning. The National Association of Letter Carriers is starting contract talks and planning rallies outside dozens of post offices Sunday. Our tipster explains, “Our union is beginning negotiations for our next contract with USPS. Our branch for the Seattle area is having our rally at the Westwood post office and would love to see folks out supporting our local mail carriers!” (Here’s what the union says it’s “fighting for.”) The rally will be one of seven in our state and is set for 11 am. It’s been eleven months since a rally outside the same post office, attended by more than 100 people, in opposition to feared privatization of the Postal Service.
Lots of reopenings in our news stream lately. Thanks to the reader who texted us that photo today, with a banner showing March 1 as the reopening date for I Luv Teriyaki just across the 1st Avenue S. Bridge from West Seattle. Lots of interest in this restaurant, closed since an afterhours fire – ruled accidental – gutted it three years ago. We went by just a few days ago and the only new banner was one for job openings, so this is new since then. Restaurant co-owner Eva Lo told WSB in late January that they planned to open in about a month; March 1 fits that timeframe (and that’s two days before the third anniversary of the fire).
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The first enthusiastic users of Hiawatha Community Center this morning, once the ribbon was cut and the doors were open, were the youngest ones.
Hiawatha’s downstairs gym quickly filled with toddlers and preschoolers zooming around.
(WSB photos from here by Dave Gershgorn)
Among them, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson‘s daughter Josie, who accompanied her mom for a brief speech pre-ribboncutting, in which Wilson declared community centers to be far more than “just amenities”:
She also hailed the conversion of Hiawatha to all-electric: “Our oldest community center is leading the way on our energy future.” As you also saw in that clip, the mayor was followed by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, who (accompanied by daughter Maeve) noted the “who’s who of West Seattle” present for the reopening, and acknowledged the community advocates who pushed the city steadily to make sure the work to strengthen and renovate the 115-year-old center got done.
(Wilson and Saka with former Mayor Greg Nickels, longtime Hiawatha advocate Sharon Nickels, and Maeve Saka)
The center closed in 2020 for the pandemic and then stayed closed because the work seemed imminent, but – as we chronicled here many times – was not. A variety of delays dragged the closure out to almost six years; the eventual price tag, more than $7 million. In her speech today, interim Seattle Parks superintendent Michele Finnegan apologized:
But then, as DJ George Yasutake spun party music like Kool & The Gang’s “Celebration,” it was time to hand ribboncutting scissors to both dignitaries and young community members:
Here’s our clip of the snip:
The party inside included a spread catered by West Seattle’s own Husky Deli:
Parks and Rec swag, too:
If you didn’t get to the celebration, here’s the plan for Hiawatha in the weeks ahead:
Through March 6, there’s drop-in programming –
*Tot Gym 10 am to noon Mondays and Wednesdays
*Fitness Room 10 am-2 pm Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays (18 and over)
*Open Gym 2 pm-6 pm Tuesdays and Thursday, 10 am-2 pm Fridays (18 and over)
After that and continuing into June, programming expands to add badminton, pickleball, and basketball (adults except for basketball, which also will be offered for youth) – see the schedule on the center webpage.
(WSB photo, last year’s recycling event)
Reminder, with one month to go – on the first full day of spring, you’ll get a chance to jump-start spring cleaning and de-cluttering with the first big recycling event of the season. New location this time for the 9 am-noon Saturday, March 21, event – the south lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) instead of the north lot. We’re still awaiting the official list of what will be accepted at this free event coordinated by the West Seattle Junction Association and West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, but typically it’s a variety of recyclables/reusables, and shredding.
(The Brothers, photographed Friday morning by James Bratsanos)
Happy Saturday! The highlights are as usual mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
FREE MEDITATION: Get a quiet start to the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
HIAWATHA CC GRAND REOPENING: 10 am-noon celebration of Hiawatha Community Center‘s reopening after six years! Ribbon-cutting, kid activities, tours, free beverages, music, more. (2700 California SW)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
KNIFE-SHARPENING POP-UP: Kneighborhood Knives is back at Hotwire Coffeehouse (4410 California SW), 10 am-5 pm.
PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE: Visit the Community School of West Seattle (9450 22nd SW) 10 am-noon.
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 free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), geared toward families with kids up to 5 years old.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
NEW YEAR AT VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center celebrates Vietnamese New Year, noon-2 pm, with a lion dance, flag-raising, martial arts, food, more. Free. (2236 SW Orchard)
MENDING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: White Center Solidarity is organizing this community mending/repairing event, noon-3 pm, no cover. (9444 Delridge Way 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).
YOGA & NUTRITION WORKSHOP: 1-3 pm at Lagom Studios (4509 SW Wildwood Place) in Fauntleroy – our calendar listing has full details.
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.
GARDEN PLANNING: 1:30-3 pm, preregister for this workshop at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
CYBER UNICORN STORY HOUR: 5:30-8 pm open-mic series at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Roo Forrest and Friends perform. Free, all ages.
ASTRA LUMINA: Held over into late winter, the celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 6:15 pm. Tickets and info here; extended through February.
LISTENING PARTY: 7 pm, be at Easy Street Records to be among the first to hear Mitski‘s new music. (4559 California SW)
HOTTIES OF COMEDY: 7:30 pm at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW): “Featuring six incredible comedians from the Pacific Northwest, this night is all about big laughs, bold perspectives, and redefining what it really means to be ‘hot’.”
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG: Online tickets are sold out for ArtsWest‘s 7:30 pm performance, but you can check at the box office to see if anything opened up. (4711 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: 8 pm show with Shell the Ghost, Far Far Far, Midnight Snack, $12 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, Deejay Hershe. (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to a listing on our calendar, free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The former church at 2656 42nd SW filled with spirit again Thursday night as gospel songs outnumbered speeches at the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first-anniversary celebration. WSBLI president Kateesha Atterberry introduced singer Dee Scott to open the program with “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” also known as the Black National Anthem:
Lifting the voices of the Black community, past, present, and future, is at the heart of the WSBLI’s mission, Atterberry explained:
The institute’s work for the “preservation, empowerment, and future of the Black legacy,” as Atterberry described it, was lauded by the guest speaker who preceded Atterberry, District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, calling WSBLI “a unique community gem”:
The music, too, came with a history lesson. Before the Brilliance Interfaith Gospel Choir‘s first song, its director Kent Stevenson talked about how a cornerstone of gospel music came from a communication invention by enslaved people when their “overseers” tried to keep them from communicating – the spiritual:
The choir is less than a year old. A much deeper history in local gospel music belongs to Dr. Rose Wallace-Croone, who interspersed her first songs with historical reminiscences about how her family came to this state in the ’40s, drawn by the prospect for good jobs:
More celebration of Black achievement came in a preview of upcoming Impact Awards – Alvertis Brooks, Jr., of the Rainier Valley Community Development Fund, talked about recipients WSBLI and Percy The Barber from nearby Rain City Barbershop:
Brooks noted that the RVCDF will be active in helping West Seattle businesses not just survive, but thrive, with light rail (they’re hosting weekly drop-in sessions at WSBLI). Thriving through adversity was in the spirit of the choir’s performance of “The Storm Is Passing Over”:
And the program closed with both the choir and soloist Wallace-Croone:
While he wasn’t in the speaking lineup, WSBLI’s continuously on-site leader Roger Evans was praised by Atterberry, who also had a major announcement: For those who’ve tried to find out more online about WSBLI, it’s been a challenge until now, but that’s changed, because they’ve launched a website at wsbli.com. That’s where you can learn more about what WSBLI is doing and how to support it.
(Reader-contributed file photo)
Since Wednesday night, we’ve been reporting on WSDOT‘s closure of two northbound lanes on the 1st Avenue South Bridge after inspectors found problems that need to be repaired. Thursday’s followup included a WSDOT promise of an update March 6. The question: Why not until then, and would the lanes remain closed until then? Here’s how spokesperson RB McKeon responded:
Our bridge engineers and inspectors need some time to analyze what they found in the field, develop recommendations, scope, timeline, source materials, etc… We believe that two weeks is a reasonable timeframe for us to be able to do that work and then come back to the public with additional information. To be clear, March 6 is the date we have indicated that we will come back to the public to share updates. We have not indicated that the lanes will reopen on March 6. As noted in yesterday’s updates, it is too early to outline a repair plan or timeline, but crews are actively working to determine next steps and will share updates by March 6. The lane closures are in place until bridge inspectors have determined the lanes are safe to reopen.
The bridge is two separate structures; the northbound side was built in 1956, 40 years before the southbound side. It served as a major detour route to get across the Duwamish River while the West Seattle Bridge was closed for two and a half years 2020-2022.
Even the signage on California SW got a refresh before Hiawatha Community Center‘s grand reopening tomorrow. The Seattle Parks “rainbow sign” might look similar to its predecessor, but the lettering style is different these days. One sign that’s not getting a refresh or replacement is this marquee-style sign that had stood on a pole nearby; a commenter noticed its absence and pulled this image from Google Maps Street View (showing the old rainbow sign, too):
We asked Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor about it; she replied, “The green sign near California was removed as it was in disrepair.” In addition to the rainbow-sign replacement, she said, Parks crews planned to “prun(e) the bushes back to improve visibility of that sign before the opening.” All are welcome at tomorrow’s celebration, starting at 10 am. The center is just north of West Seattle High School, at 2700 California SW, and has been closed since 2020.
A package thief has been seen on multiple security cameras, according to the reader who sent these images:
I saw a post on the Ring app about a package thief. I saw and reported this same woman yesterday. 4300 block of California.
The police report filed by the reader is # 26-048420.
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