West Seattle, Washington
27 Friday
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Friday, February 27, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Still a chance of rain in the forecast – breezy again too, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:53 am; sunset at 5:51 pm. (Next weekend – early March 8 – we spring forward an hour!)
(Thursday sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
WEEKEND BRIDGE ALERTS
As sent by WSDOT:
From 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Sunday, March 2, all lanes of northbound State Route 99, the left lane of southbound SR 99 between Harrison and North 50th streets, as well as the southbound SR 99 off-ramp to Harrison Street will close for the Hot Chocolate Run in Seattle.
People traveling SR 99 should also continue to expect delays on northbound SR 99 over the First Avenue South bridge south of downtown Seattle, where two right lanes remain closed until further notice following a bridge inspection on Wednesday, Feb. 18. A temporary speed reduction to 25 mph remains in effect. This comes on top of existing lane reductions on northbound I-5 as part of the Revive I-5 program to preserve the Ship Canal Bridge.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule. Also check that page for an explanation of the 3 percent fee that’ll be added to card payments starting Sunday.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (SDOT has finally fixed the framegrab problem)
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 WSDOT 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!
We were on the dock at Terminal 5 in northeast West Seattle this morning for those brief streamed speeches that in essence declared T-5’s half-billion-dollar modernization project is finally pretty much complete (as summarized here). No ribbon-cutting, no applauding crowd. Just a simple media invite – with us and a TV photojournalist showing up – and a short event on the windswept dock. It was a two-part announcement – one, that they’ve expanded the amount of plugs for refrigerated containers, and will now be able to accommodate more than 1,500. That means an expanded capacity for the food that Washington exports so much of – like apples. One speaker, a sales rep, talked about visiting a remote Mexican town where his family has roots, and discovering a Washington Red Delicious apple in a tiny store – there thanks to the sort of shipments T-5 can handle.
But the really big news was what’s in our photo above, the new gate complex, with a larger truck-queueing area that is supposed to bring an end to those backups that spill out onto the low bridge, surface Spokane Street, sometimes even the east end of the high bridge.
The doubled queue space isn’t the only component of this $14 million upgrade – Seattle Port Commission president Ryan Calkins (the first speaker in the video) touched on the “weigh in motion” technology that means trucks don’t even have to stop to get weighed.
They keep moving, traffic off the dock keeps moving. There are now 12 lanes, plus a restroom for drivers (who do have to stop, obviously, to avail themselves of that) … all part of the final touches in a project that dates back more than a decade, and was envisioned back in 2014 as less than half the eventual cost.
Ever since the “for lease” sign came down and the window-covering paper went up a few weeks ago, readers have been asking us if we know who’s moving into 4736 California SW (most recently home to My Three Little Birds, which is now at West Seattle Mercantile about a mile north). Tonight we finally know, thanks to a new city permit filing. It’s an extension of the trend for businesses to move into The Junction from elsewhere in West Seattle. In this case, it’s the dance, fitness, and capoeira studio – and community cultural space – VivaArts, currently at 4421 Fauntleroy Way SW. Proprietor Jennifer Hobbs tells WSB, “This move will be an expansion for VivaArts – the new location will have a reception area, two studio rooms, changing areas, an ADA bathroom and in-studio bathrooms. We hope to expand our programming and to reach more folks in West Seattle to bring our cultural arts, dance, and fitness programming for all ages.” When will they move? “VivaArts will stay at our Fauntleroy location most likely until the end of July or early August when we expect the construction to be completed at the new space in the Junction.” Other businesses that have moved relatively recently into the heart of The Junction – California between Oregon and Edmunds – from elsewhere in West Seattle include WSB sponsor Paper Boat Booksellers (from Morgan Junction), The Missing Piece (from just north of Arbor Heights), and Emerald Water Anglers (from 42nd/Oregon).
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
It’s that time of year again! Girl Scout Cookie Booth season kicked off this afternoon with five different locations around The Junction, and more than 20 in all of West Seattle. We visited the booths (tables) in front of Husky Deli and Easy Street Records, which were just getting started at mid-afternoon. Additional booths were in the process of being set up in front of the Junction QFC, Jefferson Square Safeway, and A La Mode Pies around 4:00 p.m.
Across the street, Eliana and MJ, two members of Troop 41333, were setting up in front of Easy Street Records. The pair are eighth-graders who have been Girl Scouts since kindergarten.
These Girl Scouts are planning to sell cookies at the aforementioned locations several more times in the coming weeks, with full details on dates and times for Junction locations found here. Other locations in West Seattle can be accessed through the “Cookie Finder” by entering a zip code, which will direct you to the booths closest to you.
Looking to order cookies online? Girl Scouts of Western Washington also offers the Cookie Connector, which allows you to enter a zip code, and support a local troop in your area through buying online.
Proceeds from Girl Scout Cookie season go toward the local council, Girl Scouts of Western Washington, which operates from Bellingham down to Cowlitz County, and toward individual troops. There are currently more than 40 troops selling in West Seattle. Cookies run $6 a box, except for the gluten-free “Toffee-Tastic,” $7 per box; find out more about the cookie varieties here.
Sales will continue until March 15, marking a little under three weeks to get your cookies and support the Girl Scouts!
That’s what SDOT is proposing to address longstanding concerns aired three weeks ago at a community meeting about RV parking on 16th SW alongside South Seattle College (WSB sponsor), The map was explained in this announcement from SDOT’s Mike Estey, who was one of the city reps at the meeting:
… At the meeting, many residents described the RV’s parking and clustering for long periods of time despite efforts to enforce existing parking rules and regulations, and in the wake of multiple formal RV remediation and cleanup efforts that have had little success in providing any lasting, sustainable changes. Representatives of the College echoed those concerns and also described the importance of reliable access to on-street parking for students.
As an outcome of the meeting, SDOT agreed to look at potential updates to curb management and installing new signs along 16th Avenue SW to further discourage long-term use by RV’s. In particular, SDOT is considering the following:
“No Parking, 11 pm – 5 am” signs on the east side of 16th Avenue SW between SW Morgan St to the south and SW Findlay St to the north
4-hour daytime time-limited parking on the west side of 16th Avenue SW for this same stretch
Please see the map and graphics for reference.
These new parking restrictions would apply to all vehicles, not just RV’s. Those parked in violation of the newly signed rules would be subject to enforcement.
Because SDOT’s experience is generally that similar RV issues tend to occur less frequently adjacent to residential properties, and because the daytime time limits may have unintended impacts adjacent to residential properties on the west side of 16th Ave SW, SDOT is inclined to start with the overnight “no parking” signs on the east side, monitor their effectiveness, and then determine whether the west-side restrictions are still advisable.
Before implementing these changes, we would appreciate knowing if you have any questions, comments or concerns. Please email curbspace@seattle.gov to share any such comments. Depending on comments received, SDOT currently intends moving forward with any potential parking adjustments in April.
So what does SSC support? This statement was included in the email to neighbors that began with the SDOT announcement above:
College Decision on Signage: South Seattle College has asked the City of Seattle to move forward with parking restriction signage on the college side of 16th Ave SW after gathering perspective from neighbors and the college community. In the attached proposal you’ll find SDOT’s recommendation for signage on the west side of 16th, opposite college grounds, as well.
As a community college guided by our mission to make higher education accessible for all, we see this as a step toward ensuring students and employees who chose not to pay for parking on campus can still find close parking and easy, safe access to the college from 16th Ave SW.
We came to this decision based on concern for access and safety for those who learn and work at the college, and from the experiences and concerns shared by our neighbors. We appreciate the City of Seattle’s continued efforts to provide support and services to the unhoused community while exploring new options for long-term vehicle parking.
Follow-up on Campus Parking: During our community conversation in early February, the idea of the college making parking free on campus came up. South Seattle College charges parking fees based on Washington Administrative Code 132F-116-062, which states, in part, that “Fees collected from the sale of parking permits shall be used to help offset the expenses of the district’s commute trip reduction program, to help maintain the parking facilities at each campus, and to assist with funding of the positions necessary to enforce these parking rules and regulations, and other purposes deemed appropriate.”
These fees are critical for the college’s ability to subsidize ORCA Cards for students and employees who use public transportation, maintain our parking lots, and pay our public safety employees’ salaries.
The 11 pm-5 am signage option would be identical to what SDOT did in 2023 along most of Harbor Avenue, which has been mostly devoid of RVs ever since. The “daytime 4 hours” signage would be what SDOT did on SW Trenton by Westwood Village in 2024 with similar results, though the occasional RV turns up.
ADDED 9 PM: We drove this stretch of 16th tonight. Three trailers/RVs, compared to 10 around the day of the meeting three weeks ago.
Thanks for the tips about citywide-media reports that 34th District State Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, who serves as State House Majority Leader, has acknowledged being drunk on the job. We requested and obtained his statement from the State House Democrats‘ office:
I deeply regret and apologize for the fact that I consumed alcohol before the work of the Appropriations Committee was completed on Wednesday, and the result was obvious. This was a serious mistake for many reasons. Being impaired in that situation was harmful to my work and to my co-workers. This was a painful and embarrassing lesson, one I won’t forget, and I will not put myself and others in this situation again in the future. Again, I apologize.
“The result” is visible/audible in video from a hearing, as recorded by TVW (and embedded here).
Fitzgibbon has been in the 34th District’s State House Position 2 for 15 years and has been House Majority Leader for three years. He has filed to run for re-election this year, after winning his current term in 2024 with 84 percent of the vote over Republican challenger Jolie Lansdowne.
We also have received a statement from State House Speaker Rep. Laurie Jinkins (D-Tacoma) about the situation:
We expect professionalism in the workplace, and while Rep. Fitzgibbon did not meet that standard Wednesday night, he has acknowledged that behavior is unacceptable and has apologized. The people of Washington expect and deserve their legislators to be fully focused and clear on the work we are here to do on their behalf, and House Democratic Caucus leadership stands with Rep. Fitzgibbon as he takes whatever steps he needs to ensure his well-being.
We’ll add anything more we find out about fallout.
Samantha is missing from Tacoma, but her family says she has ties to West Seattle and might be here, and asked us to let you know.
Samantha is 17 years old, 5’1″, 110 pounds, wears glasses and has a septum piercing. Her family says she needs meds for a chronic condition, and adds:
She went missing on 2/22/26. She abandoned her car and turned off her cell phone. She was last seen wearing white Nikes, a white tank top, a light-style dark gray jacket that had newspaper clippings on it, and a pair of blue jeans. We believe she got into another car, but do not know who that would be.
If you see/find her, please call 911 and refer to Tacoma Police case # 2605300805.
Juan is looking for his stolen yellow-and-black Yume scooter, stolen at Westwood Village:
It was stolen from me at the Target location at 2800 SW Barton St at 5:15 pm (Wednesday). Temporary SPD report number: TO005214.
Juan also sent this screenshot from security video:
If you find a scooter like this abandoned somewhere, call 911 and refer to the report # above.
(WSB photo: Jim Guevara, Lizzy Greene)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Digital communication has its limitations.
That observation is from two West Seattle High School seniors who are organizing an in-person gathering for more than 100 of their peers this Saturday.
The gathering at WSHS will make history as the first-ever Seattle ASB Leadership Summit, with students from every comprehensive high school in the city coming to spend the day learning from each other. In our photo above are the co-leads, Jim Guevara and Lizzy Greene. They went to 11 high schools to meet with other ASB (Associated Student Body) leaders to get buy-in for the summit plan.
Not only do they have triple-digit RSVPs, they’re also expecting a few non-student visitors – including two people new to their high-profile jobs, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson (making it her second consecutive Saturday in West Seattle) and Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner. But this event is about, for, and by students, partly rooted in how students from around the district came together outside district HQ last fall:
(WSB photo, September 2025)
The reason for that rally was the district’s sudden decision, after the school year had started, to split lunch periods at high schools including WSHS. One of the students’ main objections was a loss of gathering time for activities such as clubs and academic support. That remains an issue, Lizzy and Jim agree. But the lunch controversy wasn’t the only inspiration. Jim says the idea of a summit was a “passion project” for him. They’ve been planning it for months now. The day will include 20 breakout sessions, with topics including event planning. They’ll have in-house performers at the opening ceremony – the band Across 35th, plus the WSHS Marching Band, Drumline, and Cheer Team.
What are they hoping to achieve with the summit? “Showing that Seattle youth can actively collaborate,” says Jim. Lizzy adds that they hope it will result in “continued communication and flow of ideas.” They’re also proud that as the school organizing and hosting the first one, that will shine a positive light on WSHS citywide.
And they have a lot of knowledge to share, noting that the WSHS ASB is one of the largest and most successful in the city, and that this self-sustaining part of student life has enough of a financial cushion to cover what it’s costing to put this on. Costs include security, food, transportation, even “decor.” (Their fundraising activities through the year include dances and Parents’ Night Out group babysitting events.)
But at least one thing about this first-ever summit will be priceless – the fact that it’s, as described by Jim, centering students “as decision-makers, rather than participants in an adult-led program.”
(The Olympics this morning, photographed by James Bratsanos)
Here’s what’s on our list for the hours ahead, from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll find even more – thanks again to everyone who sends events for us to list!):
FREE PLAYSPACE: West Seattle Church of the Nazarene is hosting playspace today until noon. (42nd SW & SW Juneau)
GATHERING AT THE VOID: Escape your home office for a few hours! “Work, Game, Craft, or Chat! At The Void” hangout at The Void, 10 am-noon Thursdays. (5048 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY RUN/WALK: New free, fun gathering, 10 am, starting from Lincoln Park parking lot #2. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Whether you’re planting or planning – the center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm – north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
TODDLER STORY TIME IN WESTWOOD: 10:30 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
PRESCHOOL STORY TIME IN ADMIRAL: West Seattle Library story time (2306 42nd SW), 10:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: From newbie to pro, all levels welcome at this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to see where they’re playing today. (Even if you just want to know so you can go listen!)
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS BEGIN: 3 pm is the earliest booth we’ve found in West Seattle on Day 1. Look for nearby booth locations and times here.
DROP-IN CHESS: High Point Library‘s weekly event is on today, 4-5:30 pm for players under 18. (3411 SW Raymond)
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of two regular Thursday night events at HPCS – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Kathmandu Momocha .
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Another regular Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
ALSO AT HPCS AT 4 PM: Girl Scout Cookies!
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Open 5-8 pm for your tool-borrowing needs. (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center)
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor), for wine by the glass or bottle!
POKEMON LEAGUE: 6 pm Thursdays at Fourth Emerald Games (4517 California SW, upstairs) – bring your own console.
WESTIES RUN CLUB: 6 pm, starting from Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), you’re welcome to join the Westies Run Club‘s Thursday night community run!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: If you’d rather walk, meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fontanelle for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 6, show 7 pm, with Radon Radar, Chewing Gum, Across 35th. $5 cover, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
BINGO BENEFIT AT OUNCES: 7 pm, free to play, donations benefit cancer care for canines. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Great American Diner & Bar (4736 California SW), this month reading/discussing “Rabid.”
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’ AT ARTSWEST: 7:30 pm, last week for this ArtsWest production, “Topdog/Underdog.” Online tickets are sold out for the rest of the run, but check with the theater box office! (4711 California SW)
TRIVIA NIGHT AT THE VOID: Newest West Seattle trivia night! 7:30 pm, with prizes, at The Void (5048 California SW).
DJ NIGHT AT REVELRY ROOM: Spinning happens tonight at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & DJ Teenage Rampage, starting at 8 pm. 21+.
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: 7 pm, hear Iron & Wine “Hen’s Teeth” at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW). Free, all ages.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another spring event to get on your calendar: The West Seattle Food Bank‘s annual “Nourish & Flourish”! You can save your spot(s) now:
The West Seattle Food Bank’s annual Nourish & Flourish dinner and auction returns Saturday, May 2 at 4105 in SODO — and early bird tickets are now available.
This is more than a fundraiser. It’s a night to gather with neighbors who believe in showing up for one another.
Join 300 community members, local businesses, and leaders for an evening of great food, meaningful connection, and shared purpose. Together, we’ll raise critical funds to support food access and eviction prevention for West Seattle families.
Last year alone, the West Seattle Food Bank distributed more than 2 million pounds of food and helped hundreds of households stay safely housed. Nourish & Flourish helps make that work possible — and reminds us what our community can do when we come together.
If you’re looking for a room full of generous, hopeful people, this is your night.
Early bird tickets are available for a limited time. Join us to nourish hope.
Saturday, May 2, 2026
6 pm
Must be 21+ to attend
4105 Airport Way
Early Bird Tickets $125 until April 3rd.Tickets and details: bit.ly/NAF2026
Community Sponsorships still available – contact Robbin@westseattlefoodbank.org.
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Thursday, February 26, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rain possibilities are again in the forecast – breezy too, high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:55 am; sunset at 5:49 pm.
(Wednesday sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
BRIDGE ALERT
*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction to 25 mph – until further notice.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, 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.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that SDOT may still be having some trouble – we’ve reported it – so if the “live” framegrabs seem stuck, choose almost any camera from SDOT’s page and view live video instead)
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!
12:17 AM: SFD Engine 37 is on the scene of a car fire next to the Shell station at 35th SW and SW Henderson, across from Southwest Library. The traffic cam live video shows flames through the trees at screen right (the mass of light at screen left is the fire engine). We haven’t heard anything yet about circumstances or whether the car’s owner/driver is on scene.
12:25 AM: Police hadn’t been called in on this but SFD is now asking for them to respond, “for traffic control.”
12:46 AM: Now they’re calling in the SFD investigator.
(WSB photos)
1:04 AM: We just went over for a look at the aftermath. No new info available; we’ll have to follow up later this morning. If you’re in the area and notice the library’s fire alarm sounding, SFD told dispatch that was triggered by their use of a hydrant.
ADDED THURSDAY EVENING: SFD says the cause of the fire was ruled “undetermined” and that no driver/owner was around when their crews responded to the fire. We haven’t yet found evidence of a police investigation.
By Charlotte Starck
Special to West Seattle Blog
On March 3, my brother Jim Starck and I will board a plane to Detroit carrying something far too fragile to ship — our grandfather’s 1930 Fisher Body Napoleonic model coach, carefully secured inside the handcrafted wooden box he built for it himself.
It will be the first time the carriage has ever left the Seattle area.
(Irvin Starck and the carriage, photo in locket)
Nearly ninety-five years ago, as a teenager in South Dakota during the Great Depression, our grandfather, Irvin A. Starck, obtained one of the very first Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild model coach plans provided by the Guild – the inaugural year of what would become General Motors’ long running and most influential youth outreach and recruiting initiative aimed at getting boys into auto engineering.
He had a natural-born talent for building things and hoped to enter it by the Guild contest.
But, life happened. He was living in poverty during the Depression. He scrambled to work multiple jobs to survive. And just couldn’t sacrifice the time to focus on the model before the submission deadline.
But he never got rid of it. He kept it. For a someday.
We didn’t fully understand how poor he was then – until much later. One Thanksgiving, I noticed he never put mashed potatoes on his plate. (It was our favorite.) I finally asked why. He replied, “During the Depression, we didn’t have money for food. At one point, he said, that’s all we had. I had to eat potatoes for a few weeks.” He hated them ever since.
That moment stuck with me. As an adolescent, it was the first time I became aware of how fortunate I was to have food on the table every night. When he explained more of those days, it gave new meaning to the unfinished coach.
Eventually he moved to Seattle, was hired at Boeing, and spent 30 years as a machinist building airplanes. Precision became his profession.
And one day, he started to work on it again. Slowly. In the evenings after his shifts on the line, or when our grandmother was a little grumpy. Down to the garage he would go. To his own creative world. Under dim lights, hunched over his workbench with his glasses low on his nose.
The oversized plans, yellow with age, were mounted on the wall above as he shaped parts so small he sometimes held them in a vice. If a tool did not exist to create a detail, he fabricated one. He built the tool to build the design pressed into leather. He made tools to craft the intricate patterns that embellished the plated wheels. Complex parts didn’t stop him. He just built them.
He kept at it. This was not tinkering. It was mastery.
In 1985 — fifty-five years after purchasing the kit — he announced it was finished. That same year, he entered it in the model competition at the Washington State (Puyallup) Fair and won the top prize, a Blue Ribbon. News of the precision craftsmanship traveled from the fairgrounds all the way to General Motors headquarters in Detroit.
An executive wrote inviting him to place the carriage in the GM Heritage Museum.
He declined.
Having only recently completed it after more than half a century, he told us, with a chuckle, “I just finished it.” He wanted a little time to appreciate his own work.
Some facts from the Fair:
Irvin A. Starck’s Fisher Body Napoleonic Model Coach:
• Purchased: 1930 (first-year issue of the Guild contest)
• Completed: 1985 – Seattle, Washington
• Blue Ribbon: Washington State Puyallup Fair (1985)
• Estimated labor: 18,000 hours
• Approximate parts: 2,000
The Fisher Body Craftsman’s Guild contest was created during the Great Depression as both a recruiting pipeline and a youth outreach initiative.
Thousands of teenagers and their families participated. The 1/18-scale Napoleonic coach — based on Fisher Body’s iconic emblem inspired by Napoleon Bonaparte’s ceremonial carriage — became a symbol of craftsmanship and design excellence during the transition from horse-drawn transport to the automobile age.
My brother and I talked and agreed that it was time for others to see it. We contacted Kevin Kirbitz, Chief of GM Heritage. Over the decades, he has seen several surviving Guild coaches in fair shape. But he told us they had not seen one with this level of beauty and precision craftsmanship. General Motors is opening a new Heritage Center museum next spring, and Kevin said they would be honored to include our grandfather’s carriage in the permanent collection.
Now, 40 years after he first declined GM’s invitation — and nearly 95 years after he purchased that original kit — our grandfather’s carriage will finally return to Detroit.
It’s an emotional trip, because we love our grandfather so much and miss him dearly; he died in 2002. He taught us how to finish something you start. How to be patient when you don’t see all the pieces. How to find solutions and move forward. And how to do work you can be proud of.
Before it departs the Pacific Northwest, we believe this represents more than industrial history. It is a Seattle story — a Boeing machinist’s Depression-era dream completed over fifty-five years in a garage, honored at the Washington State Fair, and now returning to Detroit as part of American industrial heritage.
We will depart March 3rd to deliver it to the GM Heritage Center in Grand Blanc, Michigan.
=====
Charlotte Starck is a former journalist currently engaged in civic and community service as president of the Alki Community Council.
Two months ago, Gay showed us how a tree took out Little Free Library #8702, uphill from Lowman Beach. Tonight, Gay sent this update, with photos!
The LFL on 48th and Graham is back in business. Our friend Dana and crew from Legendary Tree got the space all ready yesterday. Matt Lukin repaired it and put it back up today.
Shoutout to Pegasus Books for the continued support.
Thanks to Denny International Middle School student/family advocate and Kingmaker facilitator Keenen Allen Ladd for the report and photo from Denny’s Black History Month assembly today:
(From left, CM Saka, Keenen Allen Ladd, Dr. Mia Williams of SPS Office of African American Male Achievement, 8th grade math teacher Ms. Brown, Denny principal Mary Ingraham)
During our Black History Month Assembly, our students delivered powerful presentations honoring Black trailblazers and our Kingmaker students recited our King’s Pledge with pride and excellence. The program was a meaningful celebration of culture, history, and student leadership.
We were also honored to welcome Councilmember Rob Saka, who officially proclaimed today, February 25, 2026 as “Denny International Middle School Black History Month Day” in the City of Seattle. It was a powerful civic moment for our students to witness their school and community recognized at the city level.
To find out more about the Kingmaker program, you can read about it here.
(WSB file photo)
Last weekend, we noted that the next West Seattle recycle/reuse event was exactly a month away. Now, courtesy of one of the lead organizers – the West Seattle Junction Association – we have details on what you’ll be able to drop off during the 9 am-noon event on Saturday, March 21, so you can start planning. First, a reminder that the location is changing – now in the south parking lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), which is accessible via the southernmost SSC entrance off 16th.
Now the list:
ACCEPTED ITEMS:
Small propane canisters
Fluorescent tubes and bulbs
Household batteries
Clothing, bedding, curtains in good condition
Small electronics (TVs, computers, cellphones)
Small appliances (non-freon)
Foam blocks (polystyrene only)
Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes)
home goods and toysNON-ACCEPTED ITEMS (which are included but not limited to):
Furniture
Hazardous waste
Bicycle/tricycles
CRT tube TVs
Mattresses
AC units
Car seats
Stained, ripped or worn-out fabrics
Automotive waste
Construction waste
Garbage, compost and household recycling items
Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
If you’re looking for suggestions about how to best dispose of those items or others not mentioned at all, check out this Seattle Public Utilities lookup tool. And a wider variety of electronic items will be accepted (though we don’t have the official list yet) at the Fauntleroy Church Recycle Roundup – which is exactly two months from today, on April 25.
If you’ve been hoping for a chance to hear from/talk with new Seattle Public Schools superintendent Ben Shuldiner, this district announcement says your chance is coming up in about a month (we’ve highlighted it in bold at the end of the list below):
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner is hosting a series of community engagement meetings across the city to listen, learn, and begin building trust with students, families, staff, and community members.
The “Meet Superintendent Shuldiner” community conversations will take place in each School Board Director District, along with a citywide virtual session. School Board Directors representing each region are expected to attend. All sessions are open to the public, and attendees do not need to live in a specific district to participate.
These conversations mark an important step in Superintendent Shuldiner’s commitment to listening deeply to community experiences, capturing feedback, and following through with action.
WHAT
Community Conversations with Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner
WHO
Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent, Seattle Public Schools
School Board Directors (by district)
Seattle Public Schools students, families, staff, and community membersWHEN & WHERE
Thursday, Feb. 26 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Bailey Gatzert Elementary School
1301 E Yesler Way, SeattleTuesday, March 3 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
South Shore K–8
4800 S Henderson St., SeattleTuesday, March 10 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Salmon Bay K–8
1810 NW 65th St., SeattleTuesday, March 17 | 7:30–8:30 p.m.
Eckstein Middle School
3003 NE 75th St., SeattleTuesday, March 24 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
McClure Middle School
1915 1st Ave W., SeattleThursday, March 26 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
James Baldwin Elementary
11725 1st Ave NE, SeattleTuesday, March 31 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
West Seattle Elementary
6760 34th Ave SW, SeattleThursday, April 2 | 6–7:30 p.m.
Virtual (online; link forthcoming)
DETAILSSessions will include introductions, full‑group discussion, small‑group breakout conversations, and open Q&A.
Interpretation services will be provided at every session in Amharic, American Sign Language, Chinese, Somali, Spanish, and Vietnamese.
All sessions will be livestreamed and recorded on the SPSTV YouTube channel.
Superintendent Shuldiner will also be visiting every Seattle Public Schools campus during his first 100 days in the role.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
We’re checking in again with the latest updates on bills sponsored by local 34th District legislators – State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State House Rep. Brianna Thomas, and State Senator Emily Alvarado. Significant cutoffs for this year’s Washington State legislative session are rapidly approaching, with the 2026 session scheduled to close on March 12. You can find details on any bill below by using the “find a bill” link here to access its page with more details, including full text, and ways to comment.
POSSIBILITY TO ADVANCE: Today, Feb, 25, is the last day for in-committee reports to be read in the opposite house, minding that all bills eligible to advance at this point have already been passed in their house of origin. This cutoff date does not apply to bills in House fiscal committees or Senate Ways and Means or Transportation committees, which are subject to a Mar. 2 deadline. The last step for bills to pass their designated committee and advance is for the bill to be voted on by the committee during an executive session. Currently, two 34th district legislator bills are scheduled for executive session today, which will determine their potential to move forward. These include:
SB 6026– Sen. Alvarado
Local governments must include residential development in commercial and mixed-use zones. Prohibits requirement for groundfloor commercial and mixed-use in these zones– subject to exceptions.
(Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Local Government this morning.)
SB 5911– Sen. Alvarado
Prohibits the Department of Children, Youth, and Families from applying funds for or on behalf of a person in extended foster care as a reimbursement for the cost of care. Strengthening the financial stability of persons in the care of DCYF.
(Scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Early Learning and Human Services today at 1:30 p.m.)
LATER-DEADLINE BILLS: While Feb. 25 is the cutoff for most in-committee readings, some bills are eligible to stay in committee until Mar. 2 and have an additional week. These include:
HB 2215– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Reduces emissions threshold determining covered entity status and compliance obligation in the Cap-and-Invest Program for certain fuel suppliers. Requires them to report emissions to the Department of Ecology. Prohibits state from awarding a procurement contract to certain fuel suppliers, with some exceptions.
(Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Ways and Means tomorrow at 1:30 p.m.)
HB 2251– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Repeals three of the Climate Commitment Act funding accounts and replaces them with the Climate Commitment Act Operating Account and the Climate Commitment Act Capital Account. Makes changes to the use of CCA funding and distribution of revenue.
(Scheduled for public hearing in the Senate Committee on Transportation Friday at 1:30 p.m.)
SB 6027– Sen. Alvarado
Changes the allowable uses for local sales and use tax for housing and related services. Changes the eligible uses of funding in the Affordable Housing for All Account. Updates the definition of emergency housing for property tax exemptions for low-income persons or victims of domestic violence.
Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Finance on Feb 26 at 8:00 a.m.
SB 5500– Sen. Alvarado
Asserts that a DCFY biennial report that includes a market rate survey also includes a current cost of quality child-care study and a cost of quality child-care study defined by the early educator design team.
APPROVED IN COMMITTEE: These are bills that have already been voted on and approved by their designated committee, some of which were approved just yesterday. These bills have been referred to the House or Senate Rules Committee, from which they are eligible to be pulled onto the floor calendar for a debate and vote. These include:
HB 2123– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Candidates, campaigns, sponsors of electioneering communication or political advertising must confirm the absence of foreign national influence through a certificate, when the value of the contribution totals more than $6,000.
(Approved by Senate Committee on State Government, Tribal Affairs, and Elections, referred to Rules)
HB 2367– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Eliminating limitations on imposing emissions requirements for coal facilities inconsistent with the greenhouse gas Emissions Performance Standard.
HB 2303– Rep.Thomas
Prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.
(Approved by Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce, referred to Rules.)
HB 2355– Rep. Thomas
Creates labor protections for domestic workers including minimum wage and overtime requirements.
(number corrected) HB 2495– Rep. Thomas
Exempts consultations between the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council and federally recognized tributes from the Open Public Meetings Act during site certification. Tribal consultation must be offered within 90 days of receiving an application for site certification.
SB 5496– Sen. Alvarado
Limits excessive home buying by certain entities including those with interest in more than 100 single family residences, with some exceptions.
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Housing today at 4:00 p.m. (Passed by House Committee on Housing)
SB 5647– Sen. Alvarado
Value increased of personal property that can be sold by a water-sewer district without notice to $5,400. Value of retail property that may be sold privately by a water-sewer district increased to $7,500.
SB 5993– Sen. Alvarado
Lowering the interest rate for medical debt. Prohibits interest from being charged, and requires a refund for interest paid for medical debt in certain circumstances.
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary Tuesday. (Approved by the House Committee on Civil Rights and Judiciary).
MISSED PREVIOUS DEADLINE: Our last report detailed bills that hadn’t yet been passed in their original house, but were still eligible to move forward. While some did advance and are listed above, others were subject to the Feb. 17 cutoff date, which was the last day to consider a bill in its house of origin. These include:
HB 2517– Rep. Fitzgibbon
Enables agreements with regional transit authority to establish development standards that vary from otherwise applicable regulations not involving compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, in order to accommodate transit facilities.
SB 5647– Sen. Alvarado
Expands the Real Estate excise tax exemption for self-help housing.
SB 6173– Sen. Alvarado
Creates an Apple Health Employer Assessment imposed on all employers with employees enrolled in Medicaid, going toward the State Health Care Affordability Act.
SB 6069– Sen. Alvarado
Requires cities and counties to allow permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, indoor emergency housing, and indoor emergency shelters in certain zones.
WHAT’S NEXT: The last day to consider bills in their opposite house is coming up on Mar. 6, with the exception of “budgets, matters necessary to implement budgets, matters that affect state revenue, initiatives to the legislature and alternatives, differences between the two houses, and business related to the interim or closing of the session,” according to the 2026 Session Cutoff Calendar available on leg.wa.gov.
(WSB photo: Matt Hutchins and Kevin Broveleit at West Seattle Realty event)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One of the most pointed audience questions during last night’s discussion of “Zoning Changes in Seattle” was whether everyone whose property has been, or will be, upzoned by those changes is aware of it.
All the discussion leader, local architect Matt Hutchins, could say was, in essence, if not, they should – this all has been years in the making, and it’s not over yet.”You can not like the outcome, but you can’t say this was done hastily,” he contended. (He’s had something of an inside view, as co-chair of the city-convened Planning Commission.)
More than two dozen people filled the seats at West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor), whose proprietor Kevin Broveleit both hosted and participated. Here’s our full video of the event:
Though it was a full house at WSR, those were just two dozen out of hundreds of thousands – Hutchins’ slide deck included the projection that by mid-century, the city of Seattle’s population could hit 1 million. That’s why city, county, and state leaders have been changing zoning to accommodate more housing. And the city has just launched its next round.
Hutchins touched on many points in his presentation – including how replacement of older residential units with newer, denser buildings increases housing affordability, even if it’s the classic case of one older $750,000 house getting replaced with three smaller new homes selling for that or more. (His term for what happens: “Vacancy chains.”) He showed a multitude of examples of types of housing now allowed on some if not all single-family sites, including a phrase you might have heard, “stacked flats.” (Those buildings could hold up to 11 units and four stories, in certain cases, Hutchins said, or even 16 one-bedroom “deed-restricted, for-sale” units.)
He also explained why rezoning only means what can be done on a site, not what will, and discussed reasons why redevelopment hasn’t happened as quickly as it could have. According to Hutchins, one factor in Seattle is the Mandatory Housing Affordability component, requiring a builder either to include “affordable” housing in their project, or pay a fee that the city would apply toward funding it somewhere else. That fee currently must be paid before construction, Hutchins says, and that’s a dealbreaker for some builders who would be better able to afford the fee if it was collected afterward, when the units are sold.
In the meantime, a lot of building is being done with homeowners in the role of “developer” – Hutchins and Broveleit said “backyard cottages” are a surprisingly sizable percentage of home sales right now. With most lots now able to be developed into at least four units, Hutchins said this will “open the door to a new kind of competition among architects – who’s going to design the best backyard duplex.” He showed an example of a duplex that could be home to multiple generations of the same family.
And it’s not only about housing; he noted that corner stores and child-care businesses. Overall, “you’re going to see all kinds of variants” of projects because of the way the code (zoning) was written.
Bottom line, toward the end of the hour-and-a-half event, was a declaration that “density and affordability doesn’t have to be scary – (you have to) get people talking to each other.”
WHAT’S NEXT: This was a community-led event, not official, but plenty of official proceedings are coming up. Most importantly: The dates are set for consideration of the next phase of city rezoning, the Centers and Corridors proposals, as the council meets as the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan:
March 19 – 2:00 PM meeting
April 6 – Public Hearing 9:30 AM
May 29 – Public Hearing 9:30 AM
June 4 – 1:00 PM
June 18 – 1:00 PM
The Centers and Corridors proposal was unveiled a month ago.
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
Midweek highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, where you can look ahead days/weeks at a time:
PRAYER ROOM: Community prayer room open at All Souls at Trinity in Gatewood as part of citywide initiative, drop in any time before 7 pm. (7551 35th SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks started from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar in time, here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).”
ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids withRec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm.
DINE-OUT BENEFIT: Get food from/at The Neighborhood 4-9 pm tonight and part of the proceeds will benefit Tilden School (WSB sponsor). The restaurant is in Morgan Junction (6503 California SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Back after break! 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
POSTCARD-WRITING: 5 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), West Seattle Indivisible invites you to join in.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair your broken item instead of throwing it out! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: Chanel your creativity! 6-8 pm, drop in and create at this cozy pottery studio. (3400 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Interested in our city’s growth, present and future? You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
NO HPAC MEETING: The community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge is not meeting this month, but check their website for many things you should know in the meantime.
KUNDALINI YOGA: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving at midweek – go on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Be among the first to hear new Bruno Mars music, “The Romantic,” 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
COMMUNITY CHOIR OPEN REHEARSALS: Drop in and sing! 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
‘RECLAIMING OURSELVES’ INFO SESSION: 7 pm online, find out about the Listening to Grief x West Seattle Neurofeedback upcoming workshop series.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues on tonight’s list, starting at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, cash prizes … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … Update: trivia is ON tonight at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You can take the stage during West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Saturday (February 28) to celebrate the life of Patricia Loftis. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:
Patricia Jane Loftis, 81, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Seattle. She was born on September 15, 1944, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, New York, to Robert Faull Loftis and Margaret Josephine Loftis.
Patricia was raised in Ilion, New York, where she attended Annunciation Elementary School and Ilion Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. She continued her education at Utica College and later graduated from the New York College of Forestry, where she studied forest botany—an early reflection of her deep appreciation for nature and lifelong love of learning.
After college, Patricia spent a year in Chile with the Peace Corps, an experience that embodied her adventurous spirit and commitment to service. The Peace Corps was life-changing for her and resulted in a beautiful, enduring community of friendship and support. She later relocated permanently to Seattle, Washington, where she built her life and family in the West Seattle neighborhood.
Patricia worked in catering for many years before creating a culinary training program for high school students at Chief Sealth International High School, where she worked for approximately 20 years. She inspired and encouraged countless young people to find joy and fulfillment in the culinary arts. When former students saw her in the neighborhood, they would cheerfully greet her as “Mrs. C.” She also volunteered at the West Seattle Food Bank, quietly giving her time in service to others in her community.
After retiring from the Seattle School District in 2019, Patricia embraced a new and very important role: devoted dog caregiver. She happily took care of her daughter Shannon’s dogs—first Ramen and later Soba, both cavapoos—becoming a trusted companion, daily walker, and enthusiastic treat-giver. Their routines brought her joy, laughter, and plenty of furry companionship.
An avid swimmer, Patricia was a longtime member of the Arbor Heights Pool, where she found joy, routine, and friendship. She was a regular at the early bird swim and at every potluck.
Patricia loved travel and adventure and lived a full, curious life shaped by exploration, service, and meaningful connections. She took several trips to Europe, with France and Switzerland among her favorite destinations. Wherever she went, finding a bakery was always a priority.
She was predeceased by her parents; her godson and nephew, Scott Fifield; and her nephew, Michael Fifield. Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Chappon; her children, Shannon Chappon and her husband, Huy Son, and Brian Chappon and his wife, Heather Chappon, and their daughter, Elyse; her sisters, Jeanne Farnsworth and Sandra Russell; her brother, Robert Loftis; and her nieces, nephew, cousins, and extended family.
Though Patricia experienced dementia toward the end of her life, she never forgot her family and close friends, who remained constant in her heart. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the full life of travel, service, and adventure she embraced.
An open-house celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on February 28 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Shannon Chappon. Please message Shannon for details at shannonchappon@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at:
act.alz.org/site/TR/ActiveEvents/IL-Illinois?pg=personal&px=23006880&fr_id=19346
(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)
If you’re a local artist and interested in being part of this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, you have three more days to apply! Here’s the reminder from organizers:
The West Seattle Art Tour is accepting artist applications for its third annual event on September 19–20, 2026, until Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 pm.
This self-guided, two-day event connects local artists with collectors and art enthusiasts. Through a juried process, selected artists display work at host sites — artists’ homes and studios accommodating multiple participants. Visitors navigate using printed maps, digital maps, and social media.
We welcome submissions in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and other mediums from artists demonstrating unique vision and technical mastery.
Key Details:
Apply online: www.westseattlearttour.org/forartists
Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Artists must live, work, or teach in West Seattle, or demonstrate an ongoing community connection.Full criteria at www.westseattlearttour.org
Questions or want to support the tour? Email info@westseattlearttour.org or visit www.westseattlearttour.org
WSB is the Art Tour’s media sponsor again this year.
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