By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

On Thursday (March 12), the 2026 Washington State legislative session will adjourn under the state Constitution. With this deadline rapidly approaching, we are providing another update on how bills for which the primary sponsors are your 34th District legislators – State Senator Emily Alvarado, State House Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, State House Rep. Brianna Thomas – have fared since our last update two weeks ago.

Since then, another two major deadlines have passed: the last day to read in-committee reports from House fiscal committees and Senate Ways and Means and Transportation committees was Mar. 2, and the last day to consider bills in the opposite house – with some exceptions- was last Friday, March 6. Each bill number links to its page on the WA Legislature site with details, bill reports, and ways to comment.

GOVERNOR SIGNED:
The following bill has been signed into law by Governor Ferguson, and will take effect July 2027:

HB 2355 – Rep. Thomas
Creates labor protections for domestic workers including minimum wage and overtime requirements. Allows domestic workers to bring a private cause of action under the Washington Law Against Discrimination in some instances.

DELIVERED TO GOVERNOR:

Bills that have been delivered to the Governor have passed both chambers, House and Senate, and have passed any concurrence, dispute, or conference committees. These committees come about if the bill is amended in the second chamber, which then requires the initial chamber to concur with the new amendments. After this, the bill is considered to have passed the Legislature. The bill is then signed by the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, before it is sent to the Governor. The bills below have reached this point:

HB 2367 – Rep. Fitzgibbon
Exempts coal facility emissions occurring before Jan. 1, 2026 from the Cap-and-INvest Program, rather than all emissions. Gets rid of limitations on state agencies to impose emission performance standards on a coal facility as of Dec. 31, 2025. Repeals sales and tax exemptions for coal purchased or used at a coal facility.

HB 2303 – Rep. Thomas
Prohibiting employers from microchipping employees.

Governor Ferguson may decide to sign, partially veto, or completely veto a bill. If the governor does not take action within 5 days – if the bill is delivered while the legislature is still in session, or within 20 days – if it has adjourned, the bill automatically acts as if it were signed.

PASSED OPPOSITE CHAMBER: Some bills have passed the opposite chamber, but are not yet considered to have passed the Legislature – the step before being placed on the Governor’s desk. These bills have either not yet been signed by House and Senate leaders, or the opposite house has not yet concurred with new amendments:

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.

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.

SB 6026 – Sen. Alvarado
Certain 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. Prohibits local governments from imposing ground floor commercial and mixed-use requirements on subsidized affordable housing.

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.

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.

MISSED MARCH 6 DEADLINE: Some bills missed the opposite house cutoff that occurred last Friday, March 6. This cutoff was the last day for bills to be considered in the opposite house, barring some exceptions including budgets and matters necessary to implement budgets:

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.

SB 5500 – Sen. Alvarado
Asserts that a DCFY biennial report that includes a market rate survey also includes a current cost of quality childcare study and a cost of quality childcare study defined by the early educator design team.

SB 5647 – Sen. Alvarado
The real estate excise tax exemption for self-help housing would include qualified affordable housing.

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.

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.

WHAT’S NEXT: This legislative session will officially adjourn on Thursday. This year is the second year of the Legislative biennium, meaning that bills that didn’t pass will have to be completely reintroduced next year under new bill numbers for the 2027-2028 session, if their sponsors want to try again.

TRAFFIC ALERT: Northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closure extended through Friday because of ‘more extensive’ damage

March 10, 2026 9:17 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Just announced tonight by WSDOT – the repair closure of the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge won’t end tomorrow night after all:

The timeline for crews to complete temporary emergency repairs of the northbound State Route 99 First Avenue South bridge has been extended to 11:59 p.m. on Friday, March 13.

Washington State Department of Transportation bridge maintenance crews have been working to modify existing grated panels and install steel plates over the cracked grates to restore safe vehicle access across all lanes since the full closure began on Monday morning, March 9.

(WSDOT photo)

Damage is more extensive than inspectors initially thought and the work to realign the area where the two spans of the bridge meet is very precise and methodical. This area experiences some of the greatest stress on the bridge as vehicles travel across it. Carefully adjusting this section of the bridge helps to create a smoother transition and reduces stress where the two spans meet.

As a reminder, this work is intended to immediately stabilize the bridge and reopen all lanes to traffic before the second phase of work begins in mid-to-late April, when contractor crews working for WSDOT will replace the worst of the failing panels before summer. The third phase of this work is a full replacement of the northbound bridge deck and construction is expected in 2027. During its last full inspection, this bridge was rated in fair condition.

What’s next for Schmitz Park Elementary building, after Alki’s new school opens

March 10, 2026 5:40 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

After three years at the former Schmitz Park Elementary, Alki Elementary will move into its new building this fall. So what’s next for Schmitz Park (5000 SW Spokane), which housed West Seattle Elementary for a year (during the WSES expansion) before Alki moved in? We asked Seattle Public Schools. Their reply: “Schmitz Park ES will be vacant next year. We are planning to implement some minor preventative maintenance repairs late Fall 2026 through Spring 2027.” This year marks 10 years since Schmitz Park Elementary’s final school year; its program became Genesee Hill Elementary in a then-brand-new building.

CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Bail set for North Shorewood shooting suspect arrested in West Seattle

March 10, 2026 3:57 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

(Reader-provided image, KCSO response Friday night)

The 18-year-old shooting suspect who turned out Friday night to be in High Point instead of barricaded inside a North Shorewood house remains jailed today on half a million dollars bail. We reported on the situation as it unfolded that night and obtained court documents today from the suspect’s probable-cause hearing. They say another family member called 911 to report the suspect had shot his brother and said the victim was driving himself to a Burien hospital; King County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled him over and called medics, who took him to a Seattle hospital. Meantime, the family member told deputies that the suspect shot through a wall with a “long gun” after he and the victim argued, and that’s allegedly what hit him in the abdomen. Deputies believed the suspect was in the house and surrounded it while awaiting a warrant to go in, but as we reported that night, the court documents note that he called them to say he was miles away, near High Point Neighborhood House, and wanted to turn himself in. (How he got there and why he went there, the document narrative doesn’t say.) Back at the scene, deputies say, they found “a long gun that looks like an AR-15, .22 cal” outside the house and three .22 casings inside the house. So far as we can find online, the suspect has no record; the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office expects to get the case by tomorrow for a charging decision.

FOLLOWUP: Mayor’s proposed library levy would almost double the expiring one

March 10, 2026 1:42 pm

| 37 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

As previewed here last night, Mayor Katie Wilson has gone public with her proposal for the Seattle Public Library levy’s renewal/expansion, which she wants to send to voters on the August primary ballot. At $410 million over seven years, it’s almost double the $219 million levy that’s expired, which in turn had almost doubled the $123 million levy it followed. From the announcement today:

… The proposed 2026 replacement levy would further critical funding for The Seattle Public Library over seven years, from 2027 through 2033. It would replace the expiring $219.1 million 2019 Library Levy, which currently accounts for one-third of the Library’s total budget.

“Seattle is a city of readers. From toddlers discovering their first stories to seniors finding connection and lifelong learning, our libraries belong to everyone,” said Mayor Katie B. Wilson. “Investing in our libraries means investing in every community member, and in the shared public spaces that help our city learn, grow, imagine, and thrive together.”

If voters approve the 2026 Library Levy, it will invest in access, programming, collections, building maintenance, and technology and online services across Seattle’s library system. Key investments include:

-Open hours at all 27 neighborhood branches
-More physical, e-book and audiobooks for readers of every age
-Expanded technology and online services to support learning, job access, and connection
-Building maintenance and capital improvements to care for library spaces citywide
-Additional facility and janitorial resources to keep our libraries safer, cleaner and more welcoming for everyone

“We thank Mayor Wilson for putting forward a levy proposal that reflects community needs and interests and invests in Library open hours, collections, programs, buildings, and technology,” said Chief Librarian Tom Fay. “We look forward to working in partnership with Mayor Wilson and City councilmembers through a public process that will ensure this package is something all Seattle residents can be proud to support in August.”

The proposed 2026 Library Levy proposal will be reviewed by a select committee of the Seattle City Council, which will be chaired by Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) … If the updated package is approved by Council, it will go to a final vote of the people on the August 4, 2026 ballot. Learn more about the proposal at spl.org/2026Levy

The proposal is under the title “Read. Grow. Belong.” Our area has four SPL branches – south to north, they are Southwest (9010 35th SW), High Point (3411 SW Raymond), Delridge (5423 Delridge Way SW), and West Seattle (2306 42nd SW).

Upzoning, round 2, about to go into review. Do you know what’s planned for your neighborhood?

March 10, 2026 11:56 am

| 31 COMMENTS

| Development | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Whether you agree with their view of upcoming city upzoning or not, residents of one West Seattle neighborhood have advice for you: Find out what’s planned for where you live – don’t assume someone would have contacted you directly to let you know about changes.

The next round of upzoning involves what’s called the Centers and Corridors legislation, which the City Council will consider when it resumes meeting as the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan – next meeting 2 pm Thursday, March 19, with its first of two standalone public hearings set for 9:30 am April 6. The focuses include the areas that will become housing/business hubs known as Neighborhood Centers and areas that are considered “transit corridors”; the city says the legislation is meant to:

… implement the vision in the One Seattle Plan by increasing our capacity to build apartments and condos more widely in areas with access to transit, shops, and services. This legislation would rezone land in newly designated Neighborhood Centers, in new and expanded Urban Centers, and along frequent transit corridors.

That’s the map included in a city report on the proposals, which we wrote about after the city released them in January. That story led residents of 39th SW north of Morgan in upper Morgan Junction [map] to look into what was planned for their street – using the city’s interactive map.

They discovered, Scott Roberts told us, a dramatic contrast between their side of 39th remaining Neighborhood Residential, and what the other side of their street would be zoned for, Lowrise 2. He provided these before and (potentially) after views to demonstrate what he called an “abrupt zoning edge”:

We talked with him and neighbors along their street recently, after one of those neighbors contacted WSB. Their blocks of 39th have many long-time residents; Roberts and his wife have been there 26 years; another neighbor who joined the conversation has been there 29 years; yet another has lived there more than 80 years. (Some newcomers too; yet another told us they’ve lived there three years.) The neighbors have dinners and take trips together and consider each other family. “We’ve put our hearts and souls into this neighborhood,” Roberts says, expecting to live in their 1912-built home for the rest of their lives.

They also expected it would remain a quiet, not-so-dense neighborhood. And they think the proposed zoning change on the west side of the street is based on a mistaken view of how the area fits into the future vision.

They say their street, a long stretch of 39th SW between Holly and Juneau, doesn’t qualify as a “corridor”; it’s just east of Fauntleroy, but buses don’t run there. The closest bus route is the 128 on the SW Morgan hill at the south end of their street. Roberts has done copious research; he and neighbors commented when the proposal was reviewed by the city Planning Commission last month. He’s contacted multiple city offices; so far, he’s heard back from Brennon Staley with the Office of Planning and Community Development, plus an offer to chat with District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka during his in-district “office hours.”

In correspondence with Staley, Roberts noted it’s not just about height but also about other factors including a 50 percent reduction in required setback in Lowrise 2 – five feet, compared to ten feet for NR – compared to Neighborhood Residential, plus what he describes as “predatory developer pressure,” with property owners already being besieged by builders wanting to buy their homes, even before the rezoning is approved.

Staley’s replies included that the zoning difference was “fairly minor,” with four-story “stacked flats” actually allowable in both zones, plus the observation that the street is 60 feet wide, which he suggested provides “significant separation.”

If the zoning difference is “fairly minor,” Roberts countered to Staley via email, then why rezone at all?” What was “single-family” has already been upzoned, on this block and throughout the city, to at least four units on most if not all parcels, and some neighbors already have added “backyard cottages” (detached accessory dwelling units aka DADUs). Jeff, the 29-year resident, says he’s always been “excited about growth” and even recalled voting for the monorail expansion that once was planned to end at a station half a mile away.

Roberts and his neighbors also say they’re aghast that this change was proposed for their neighborhood – and other changes in other neighborhoods – without direct notification. They’ve been making flyers to circulate. And they’re hoping to convince city leaders to change the plan for their block, as they did with boundaries for some Neighborhood Centers, such as Endolyne before the proposed Centers and Corridors legislation came out.

The ultimate decision is up to the City Council, which starts the review next week and is expected to finalize the Centers and Corridors legislation in July. If you have anything to say about the plan, Roberts and his neighbors note, “Time is of the essence.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED: Basic info on the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, and its baseline meeting schedule, can be found here. When individual meeting agendas are set – usually a few days in advice – you’ll find them here. Don’t know how to contact councilmembers? Go here.

Admiral, Fauntleroy neighborhood gatherings, West Seattle Community Orchestras concert, dine-out fundraiser, more for your Tuesday

March 10, 2026 9:59 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Sunrise photo by Mike Burns)

Here are our event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: Open until noon for little ones and their caregivers. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)

KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: This weekly event at at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is happening today, 10 am-noon. (10300 28th SW)

SUPPORT SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE CULINARY STUDENTS: Otter’s Den Food Truck pop-up 10:30 am–12:30 pm – Clock Tower main campus square. (6000 16th SW)

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today with artist Saya Moriyasu . (4470 35th SW)

CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome to play! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.

OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Dozens every week! Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.

CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.

WHERE DOES IT GO? Visit High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond) between 2 and 4 pm to get practical advice on reducing waste.

HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: 3:30 pm baseball jamboree with Chief Sealth IHS, Nathan Hale HS, Cedarcrest HS at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).

TILDEN DINE-OUT FUNDRAISER: 4-8 pm, get food from/at West Wings (2329 California SW) and tell them you’re supporting Tilden School (WSB sponsor) so they’ll get a share of the proceeds!

RESTAURANT POP-UP: Crave is at The Neighborhood, now every Tuesday (6503 California SW), 4-8 pm or until sold out.

DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

KINDERGARTEN TOUR: Fairmount Park Elementary (3800 SW Findlay) welcomes prospective kindergarteners and their families tonight, 5-6 pm. No RSVP necessary.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm board meeting at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS: First of two free concerts this week! 6 pm at Chief Sealth IHS (2600 SW Thistle).

WESTIES RUN CLUB SPECIAL RUN: The club is teaming up with Orca Running Club at 6 pm at Lincoln Park‘s Little League field. (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)

WEST SEATTLE WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: Monthly gathering, 6 pm at West Seattle Coworking (9030 35th SW; WSB sponsor).

TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you don’t work for Boeing – email in advance to RSVP.

ADMIRAL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION: Come see what’s up – and what’s coming up – in the neighborhood, and meet more neighbors! 7 pm at Admiral HUB (4320 SW Hill), with special guests from the city’s CARE Team.

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.

BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

TRIVIA X 5: Five places where you can play trivia on Tuesdays – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.

If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday updates, second day of northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closure, crashes

March 10, 2026 5:59 am

| 20 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

7:20 AM: Thanks for the tips about the crash scene cleanup with City Light on northbound 35th north of Thistle. Log shows it happened just after 3 am. No major injuries. (Added: SFD says they treated a 19-year-old and that he was taken to the hospital by private ambulancw; they confirm the driver crashed into a utility pole.)

7:46 AM Texter reports Admiral, bridge-bound, is backed up in a big way.

7:55 AM: High bridge EB crash, center lane by NB 99 exit, no injuries.

8:18 AM; Texter reports Delridge to the bridge is backed up seriously too. (But not their H Line bus.)

8:34 AM: Fauntleroy backup to the bridge too.

8:36 AM: SDOT says bridge crash has cleared.

8:51 AM: Reports keep coming in about backups on other routes. West Marginal Way too (texted photo below):

9:03 AM: Police radio reports a crash at Avalon/Bradford (just south of the bridge).

Earlier:

5:59 AM: Good morning! It’s Tuesday, March 10, 2026, second day of a 3-day repair closure for the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. The South Park Bridge is the major detour for those coming from the south:

The West Seattle low bridge is an alternative too.

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..

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Rain/snow mix possible this morning, says the forecast again – high in the mid-40s, brisk breeze again too. Daylight Saving Time is here, so our sunrise is at 7:31 am; sunset at 7:07 pm. Ten days until spring!

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.

MORE SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

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.

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!

How much money will the next Seattle Public Library levy proposal ask for? We’re about to find out

March 9, 2026 11:59 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle libraries | West Seattle news

The next major city levy to expire will be the one that provides a third of the funding for the Seattle Public Library system. We’ll find out tomorrow what Mayor Katie Wilson wants to ask voters to approve to replace the levy when it expires at year’s end. The mayor is scheduled to announce her library-levy proposal at 12:30 pm Tuesday (March 10). The expiring levy was put forward by then-Mayor Jenny Durkan in 2019, a seven-year, $213 million levy that in turn replaced the seven-year, $123 million levy passed by voters in 2012. If you want to know how levy money’s been spent, here’s a page devoted to that info. After the mayor’s announcement tomorrow, the City Council starts reviewing it at 9:30 am Wednesday as the Select Committee on the Library Levy; you can comment at the meetings as well as at a public hearing April 2nd.

FOOD BIZNOTES: New truck site; pop-up expands; college cuisine; wine dinner

March 9, 2026 9:13 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

Four biznotes from food providers!

THAI-U-UP IN HIGHLAND PARK: Last year, we reported that the owners of the former Morning Star Market site at 9th SW and SW Henderson were exploring ideas for the lot including food trucks. Tonight we got a tip that one is there for a test run – the Thai-U-Up truck, 4-8 pm daily for two weeks. (That’s the truck that was at the 30th/Roxbury gas station for years.)

CRAVE IN MORGAN JUNCTION: The Filipino street food pop-ups by Crave at The Neighborhood in Morgan Junction are now happening every Tuesday instead of every other Tuesday, 4-8 pm or until sold out. (Tuesdays are a night The Neighborhood, at 6503 California SW, would otherwise be closed.)

DINNER AT THE ALHADEFF: With its renowned Culinary Arts program, South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) is famous for food. Its sit-down Alhadeff Dining Room is offering three nights of prix-fixe dinners next week, 6 pm March 17-18-19, by reservation, $45/person. Above is the Wednesday menu (18th); see the Tuesday (17th) menu here and the Thursday menu (19th) here. For reservations, email david.hatfield@seattlecolleges.edu.

WINE DINNER WITH DARBY X DRIFTWOOD: Driftwood Restaurant co-proprietor Jackie Mallahan sends word they’re selling tickets for a multi-course dinner April 23rd on their terrace (2722 Alki SW) in partnership with West Seattle Junction-based Darby Winery: “Guests will enjoy a multi-course chef’s menu paired with Darby wines, guided by the winemaker and Chef Dan Mallahan. Throughout the evening, you’ll hear stories from the cellar and the kitchen, ask questions, and experience the collaborative spirit that makes each pairing shine.” Tickets are $150, available here.

West Seattle Kiwanis Club, A Cleaner Alki dig in to help Summit Atlas garden grow

March 9, 2026 7:34 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

With spring less than two weeks away, garden prep work is top of mind for many people – including high-school students at Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights. They’re launching the second year for the school’s giving garden, created by AP Environmental Science students last school year:

Mondays are club days in the afternoon study-hall period, and that’s why the Gardening Club was out at work on the southwest side of the campus, with two special visitors:

At center is Denis Sapiro from the Kiwanis Club of West Seattle and at left is Erik Bell from A Cleaner Alki. Denis was there to present a $100 grant to the club, which is working to raise $500 to support its work this year; Erik brought tools from his legendary cleanup operation, including a weeding tool that was in use in a very special section of the garden:

That’s “Jeni’s Garden,” we were told, named for a classmate who died. It’ll be filled with purple flowers, because that was Jeni’s favorite color. The rest of the garden, upslope from this section, will be focused on produce to be donated to local food banks; the students, advised by educator Ayla Wilk, are raising seedlings including peas, tomatoes, and cabbage.

Here’s why Metro hasn’t issued a reroute advisory about northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closure

March 9, 2026 5:43 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

We’re almost through day 1 of the three-day closure of the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. Since buses do usually use the bridge, some readers were wondering why no reroute advisory had appeared. We asked Metro, whose spokesperson Jeff Switzer explains:

Routes 113, 131 and 132 are rerouted during the state’s emergency work; however, buses continue to serve every one of the bus stops for these routes and no bus stops are missed.

In this situation, we don’t issue a transit alert as, from the riders’ perspective, there isn’t an impact to where they board or exit. We appreciate riders’ patience while we reroute around this important emergency work.

Overview

131 and 132: Regular route southbound from Downtown Seattle to Burien Transit Center; switches to the South Park Bridge traveling northbound from Burien to Downtown Seattle.

113: Regular route to Shorewood from Downtown Seattle; switches to the South Park Bridge traveling to Downtown Seattle from 26th Avenue SW/SW 116th Street

This closure is supposed to end by 8 pm Wednesday (March 11), at which time all northbound lanes will be open, though the temporary 25 mph speed limit will continue. A longer repair closure is expected next month, and a full bridge deck replacement next year.

Yes, it all adds up! Local students organizing first-ever West Seattle Math Competition

March 9, 2026 4:39 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By students, for students! This spring, the first-ever West Seattle Math Competition will challenge middle-schoolers to test their skills. An organizer’s parent asked us to share this announcement – if there’s a middle-school student in your household, be sure they’ve heard about this, because signups are happening now!

West Seattle Math Competition is a small group of middle school students who have been competing in the Math Counts competition throughout their middle school careers – and they have decided to put together their own math competition! They have designed their own website and have written all of the problems themselves. It is very impressive what they have done and myself and the other parents involved are very proud of them.

The competition is put together BY middle school students and is FOR middle school students. The competition will be held at the Admiral HUB in West Seattle (the old Admiral Church building) from 12 PM to 5 PM on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Registration is OPEN and will close on April 18, 2026. This event is for ALL middle school students grades 6-8. Kids can sign up individually or as teams of 2 to 4. If you check out their website, there is a ton of information about signing up, how the competition is structured, as well as sample problems within the Registration tab.

Find all that by going here.

COUNTDOWN: Two months until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026!

March 9, 2026 3:10 pm

| 0 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Whether you’re selling or shopping, if you’re planning to be part of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day this year, we are here to remind you it is exactly two months away: always the second Saturday in May, and that’s relatively early this year, Saturday, May 9! WSB has coordinated WSCGSD since its fourth year (2008); it’s not just one big sale, but rather hundreds of sales of all sizes (more than 500 last year) all around the peninsula and a bit beyond, depending on who decides to sign up. We’ll open registration on April 1 and keep it open for a little over three weeks; watch for the announcement here when we’re ready, then get ready to browse, buy, and/or sell 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9, 2026!

WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: New survey about station-area planning – for two stations, and neighborhoods beyond

March 9, 2026 1:50 pm

| 26 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Though the Sound Transit Board is still weeks/months away from decisions about revising West Seattle light rail to get the projected cost closer to the available funding, a new city survey about station-area planning is out today. The survey only asks about Delridge and Junction station areas, a further reminder that the Avalon station is in the cost-cutting crosshairs. The survey is from the city Office of Planning and Community Development, which has planning processes under way for the Junction station area and Delridge station area, and that’s reflected in the survey, which only asks about those two, and includes this map – note that the areas of focus go far beyond the immediate vicinity of even just those two station locations:

Here’s how the survey is explained:

The City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and the Seattle Department of Transportation are kicking off a Station Area Planning effort in the West Seattle Junction and Delridge areas.

“Station area planning” is separate from Sound Transit’s light rail station design and construction. While Sound Transit determines where and how stations are built, the City of Seattle’s role is to work with communities to decide what happens in the neighborhoods that are ½ mile to 1 mile from the stations over the next 20 years. This includes decisions about housing, transportation, places for community to gather, safe streets, job access, and local businesses.

How to be involved

Take a brief community survey. Share your insights and experiences by March 27, 2026: bit.ly/StationAreaSurvey

The survey deadline is March 27. A major touchpoint ahead in Sound Transit planning, meantime, is the board retreat March 18, by which time the board is supposed to receive cost-cutting “scenarios” for projects including West Seattle light rail.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Recognize these coffee-stand burglars?

March 9, 2026 11:59 am

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

That video shows a burglar trying unsuccessfully for a minute and a half to pry open the drive-up/ride-up window at West Bay Coffee and Smoothies (2255 Harbor SW) around 5 am today, before the glass finally breaks. The video was provided by proprietor Jennifer, who tells WSB, “Nothing major stolen – milk, orange juice, music speaker and our terminal for cashing customers out.” West Bay is open but still awaiting the window replacement. Here’s another look at the burglar (who as seen at the video’s end had an accomplice) and car:

If you have any information, the SPD incident # is 26-065511.

Our list for your West Seattle Monday!

March 9, 2026 9:54 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the almost-spring photo! Here’s what’s on our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm drop-in help at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Free.

‘SOLUTIONS, NOT RESOLUTIONS’: Weekly speaker series continues with 1 pm presentation on “Benefits of Advanced Planning” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW). Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Cookie Booth season continues – find your nearest sellers here!

FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.

D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!

‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)

MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues for trivia/quiz tonight! 6:30 and 7:30 pm at Easy Street Records, it’s Music Quiz Monday … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).

MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is back this week, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)

CHESS NIGHT AT MISSION CANTINA: 7 pm in the upstairs mezzanine: “All levels of chess players welcome. 5- and 10-minute games, over the board chess.” (2325 California SW)

POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! You can enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)

MEDITATE IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.

JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 9 pm Mondays, karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).

Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

WHALES: Orcas in Elliott Bay (photos added)

March 9, 2026 8:55 am

| 0 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

8:55 AM: A texter reports three orcas in Elliott Bay, “way in next to container wharves!” Let us know if you see them too.

4:05 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for sending photos from this morning’s visit, which he says happened fast!

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Monday, first day of northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge closure

March 9, 2026 6:00 am

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Monday, March 9, 2026, the scheduled start of a 3-day repair closure for the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge. One major detour for people coming from the south will be across the South Park Bridge:

The West Seattle low bridge is an alternative for crossing the river, too.

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.

BUS REROUTES: Metro hadn’t posted any as of early today but check here.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET

Rain/snow mix possible this morning, says the forecast – high in the upper 40s. Daylight Saving Time is here, so it’s unrise at 7:33 am; sunset at 7:06 pm.

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.

MORESPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

WEEK AHEAD: Police chief promises ‘conversation’ at West Seattle meeting (update: but he won’t be there)

March 8, 2026 11:59 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

11:59 PM: Arguably the highest-profile meeting in West Seattle this coming week will be Wednesday (March 11) at Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle), when Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes visits for what’s promised as a “community conversation” about public safety.

The meeting is part of a monthly series rotating around the city. Checking the SPD events calendar, we see another one planned in West Seattle at 6 pm August 12th at Delridge Community Center.

12:25 PM MONDAY: Crime Prevention Coordinator Matt Brown tells WSB he just got word the chief won’t be in attendance, so the meeting will be led by Southwest Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair. We’re following up to ask why the chief can’t be there, as this has been in the works for months.

SEEN FROM WEST SEATTLE: Downtown drone show

March 8, 2026 9:51 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Seen around town | West Seattle news

Thanks to Stewart L. for the photos of a drone show over the downtown waterfront tonight, as seen from Harbor Avenue. With Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, the show commemorated the 10th anniversary of the finale of the two-season Disney-produced animated series “Gravity Falls,” and the launch of a new “visual history” of the series, a book titled “The Art of Gravity Falls.”

(It was meant to be seen from the Overlook Walk on the waterfront, so the images visible from here were reversed.)

CRIME WATCH: Shooting victim shows up at hospital, reportedly shot on Alki

March 8, 2026 8:27 pm

| 17 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news | West Seattle police

SPD says a shooting victim who showed up at Harborview Medical Center early Saturday was apparently shot on Alki. Police converged on the hospital around 3:40 am Saturday after getting word the 24-year-old had walked in with a gunshot wound to his abdomen.

(SPD photo, police outside Harborview early Saturday)

They couldn’t talk to the victim, who was rushed into surgery, but they found and stopped the car that had dropped him off. The two men inside said the shooting happened during a gathering at 57th/Alki and that they didn’t know the person who they said walked up and shot the victim. They said they put the victim into their car and drove to the hospital. The police summary has no description of the shooter, only that they were in a “white car” that left inn “an unknown direction.” After hearing all this police say, officers went to the beach and found “evidence.” If you have any information, the incident # is 2026-63655. That’s the second night in a row with a violent incident on Alki, after this Thursday night robbery/assault.

WEEK AHEAD: Pipes, drums, pubs (mostly) in The Junction next Friday night

March 8, 2026 7:39 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

(Photo courtesy Cascadia Pipe Band)

That’s the Cascadia Pipe Band, who you’ll likely see – and hear! – if you’re in The Junction next Friday night, March 13 (plus one Admiral stop). They’re planning a West Seattle Pub Crawl, starting at 5:30 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW) and wandering The Junction until heading to The Benbow Room in Admiral to end the night. Their announcement explains it’s more about performing than drinking:

Cascadia Pipe Band, a local Scottish pipes and drums band, will be doing a St. Patrick’s Day pub crawl–style performance through the West Seattle Junction and into the Admiral District on Friday, March 13. Throughout the evening, the band will rotate through several participating bars and restaurants, playing short, high-energy sets to bring some festive spirit, foot traffic, and excitement to the neighborhood.

Cascadia performs at community events, parades, and competitions throughout the Seattle area, and events like this help the band raise funds to travel to Scotland to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. We tied for 6th place last year! It should be a lively way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend while supporting local businesses and bringing a little bagpipe cheer to West Seattle.