West Seattle, Washington
15 Wednesday
(Reader photo)
2:28 PM: Just as the rain returns – a bit icy this time – there’s been another crash toward the west end of the West Seattle Bridge: This time involving a motorcycle officer from the SPD Traffic Unit. He has told dispatch he’s not hurt but SFD is being sent to check him out; other officers are arriving at the scene.
2:31 PM: Reader photo added.
2:39 PM: Same reader (thank you!) just texted this one showing the location more widely:
Officers have just told dispatch that all westbound lanes are blocked, though they’re “working to move everything to the right shoulder” in hopes that won’t last long.
2:50 PM: Tow truck hasn’t arrived yet but police say the westbound lanes are open again.
12:30 PM: One lane is reported blocked by a crash toward the west end of the westbound West Seattle Bridge. It’s described as involving one car, whose driver hit the barrier(s), which are reported to now be in need of repositioning. (We do NOT know where this is in relation to the repeat trouble spot by the Dancing on Logs (etc.) pullout, as the traffic camera there has been broken for years, and the dispatch/crew communication has mentioned both Fauntleroy and Admiral as location points.) No injuries are reported so SFD is canceling, but police and SDOT are responding.
12:34 PM: The scene is apparently near that spot as police have just asked for SDOT’s incident crews to block the left lane “before the blind corner” and have said they’re “just east of Fauntleroy” (though not visible on the 35th/Fauntleroy camera).
12:38 PM: The displaced barriers are affecting the eastbound side too, according to radio communication, so SDOT will be on that side as well until fixed. Meantime, a commenter below confirms the location. (And the radio check of the vehicle’s license also confirms what the commenter’s photo partly shows, that it’s a pickup truck.)
12:56 PM: Just received that photo showing, from the eastbound side, the crash’s location. And here’s the SDOT crew blocking the left lane at the eastbound Fauntleroy/35th entrance while they work on the barriers – which may close the entire eastbound entrance shortly, per radio communication:
2 PM: Had to leave the keyboard for a while; the scene has since cleared, both directions.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The Seattle City Council has voted to put the Seattle Public Library levy renewal/expansion on the August ballot. (Document links are on their weekly agenda.)
If approved by voters, the new levy would kick in after expiration of the 2019 property tax levy, which allocated $219.1 million to maintain and enhance library services over the last seven years.
Up until last Wednesday at the Select Committee on the Library Levy meeting, the levy as proposed by Mayor Katie Wilson sat at $410 million. As we reported, councilmembers opted to add almost $70 million, which brought this 2026 levy up from what was already an almost 50 percent face-value increase from 2019.
While councilmembers ultimately voted 8-0 to move the bill forward, they expressed an array of sentiments.
Councilmember Maritza Rivera, who chaired the levy committee, said she did not support the amendments increasing the levy’s cost because it would “diminish our ability to address other city needs as well as it contributes to our city’s affordability problem,” but she did ultimately vote to pass the bill out of the select committee. “Of course we need to fund our libraries, but this is simply more than I think was needed when there are other pressing issues at the moment.”
Immediately following, councilmembers Dionne Foster and Alexis Mercedes Rinck took a slightly different approach, focusing more on the essentiality of libraries and a justification for the added funds the levy will bring in if voters pass it.
“Part of the reason that this levy is larger is also because it takes into account cuts that the library has absorbed over the last several years.” Foster said. She went on to add that she voted to increase the levy in order to incorporate HVAC systems, English for Speakers of Other Languages classes, and other retrofits as some examples.
Other councilmembers including Dan Strauss echoed each other’s comments about a flawed state tax code contributing to increased “workaround to allow our levies to provide operating costs instead of simply capital costs.”
District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka concurred, adding that there needs to be change at the state level so that the city isn’t forced to ask voters for these things which have “non- trivial impacts on affordability.”
Despite those concerns, the attitude toward the levy was overarchingly positive among the council.
Before the final vote, Rivera concluded by urging for transparency as to what councilmembers are asking of voters. She went on to say that this includes an understanding that the library levy may not leave much money for future levy renewals.
“Ultimately, however, it’s up to the voters to decide,” she acknowledged.
Your turn to vote will be this summer, starting when your ballot arrives about three weeks before Primary Election Day on Tuesday, August 4.
(WSB photos)
Back on Monday, we reported on the city notices posted to warn people to clear out of the encampment east of 35th, from the stadium to SW Brandon, by 9 am today, because of sweep plans. We just went over to check, and crews are indeed there now. We saw them from 35th/Edmunds (above) to Rotary Viewpoint Park (1st photo below) to the future dog park on the south side of the stadium lot (2nd photo below).
The encampment was reported to have extended into the woods to the east, and has been the site of trouble, most recently an assault that injured three people, with two hospitalized in critical condition, and an overdose death last week. As for the people who were camping there, when we went through a little while ago, people with filled carts on wheels lined the sidewalk on the north side of the stadium driveway. We’ll be checking with the city later in the day regarding how many people they contacted at the site. Also note, the outside northbound lane of 35th is currently coned off because of vehicles related to the sweep.
(Somewhat soggy crow, photographed early today by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our Wednesday list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar – which you can preview any time – here’s what’s happening today/tonight:
REMINDER – WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks start from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar and missed it because of our late list today, here’s your reminder for next week, when the weather might be better anyway).
TAX DAY: Today’s the deadline for filing federal taxes.
TODDLER READING TIME: 10:30 am at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor).
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).
FREE MOVIE: 2:30-4 pm, watch the classic movie “E.T.” at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).
REDUCED/FREE TRANSIT ENROLLMENT: 4-6 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), sign up if you’re eligible.
NO DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Canceled since it’s. spring-break week.
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix 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).
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: If weather permits, two local home baseball games on the Metro League schedule today, both at Nino Cantu SW Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), Chief Sealth IHS vs. Ballard at 6 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Franklin at 7 pm,
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Want to talk about our city’s growth, present and future? You’re invited to the weekly 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
KUNDALINI YOGA: Do it at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
AUTHOR MARGARET S. BARRIE … is at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 6:15 tonight, with her book “Auntie M Speaks.”
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Your chance to get moving at midweek – join the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
HUM-IN PROTEST: Protesting via sound vibration, 6:30-7 pm Wednesdays at Junction Plaza Park (42nd SW and SW Alaska).
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
MORGAN COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: New location for the quarterly meeting about what’s happening in Morgan Junction – The Kenney (7125 Fauntleroy Way SW), 7 pm; online option too, as you’ll see on the agenda in our calendar listing.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 4: Four West Seattle trivia venues – 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 at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … And trivia starts at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s (4718 California SW).
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Take the stage at West Seattle’s longest-running open-mic night! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
SWING IT! Swing dancing and live music at 8:15 pm at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
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!
You’re invited to sing this spring in an upcoming community concert at Alki UCC, no church or choir membership required! Here’s the call for singers:
You’re invited to add your unique voice to “Earth Mother,” Alki UCC’s spring community concert on Thursday, May 14 at 7:30 pm. All singers ages 16 and older of all experience levels are invited to participate.
The deadline to sign up to sing is Monday, May 4. The only requirement is to attend two mandatory rehearsals on Wednesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 13 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at Alki UCC, 6115 SW Hinds St.
The Earth Mother program, featuring the Alki UCC Community Choir and friends, celebrates themes of nature and motherhood, featuring a range of provocative and compelling contemporary choral works by living composers. Compositions by Frank Ticheli, Ola Gjeilo, Katarina Gimon, Dan Forest, and other beloved composers are showcased.
To sign up, email music@alkiucc.org by May 4 to express your interest in singing with us. Digital music and rehearsal resources will be provided so that singers can study independently ahead of our two rehearsals.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Seattle Public Schools spring break continues.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Showers, possibly thundershowers, high around 50. Sunrise at 6:20 am; sunset at 7:59 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, which means extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat. Check WSF’s alert page for last-minute changes.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
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 (25 mph speed limit):
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 trouble 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!
Two months ago, we first told you about an early-stage plan to replace the empty ex-clinic at 4550 Fauntleroy Way SW with a new clinic. The development firm working on the project still hasn’t disclosed which health-care organization would run it, but new documents in city files reveal more about the plan. According to this presentation document, zoning issues have forced the project team to move the location of the building on the site, which has streets on three sides (Fauntleroy Way north, 38th SW east, SW Alaska south).
Though the 12,800-sf, 24/7 facility is not proposed to be a full-fledged hospital, documents say it would offer a higher level of emergency medical services than currently available on the peninsula – here’s the overview:
The proposed project is a medical and emergency services facility intended to address a documented gap in healthcare access within the West Seattle community. This gap is due to:
Single-chokepoint geography – bridge & tunnel dependent
All existing EDs [emergency departments] require 18-38 minutes in normal traffic
~100,000 residents with no walk-to or close-drive ED option
Fastest-growing 65+ population segment – highest ED utilization
No Level I or II trauma in the peninsula – ambulance must bridge
Public transit not viable for emergency situations
According to the presentation document, they’re looking for city clarification on 10 points, including whether the facility can be exempt from required “full street-level activation” because it’s a medical facility. The current building on the site has been vacant since Virginia Mason Franciscan Health moved almost a year and a half ago.
This Sunday night, First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor) begins a year of celebrating its half-century old organ with the first of four concerts:
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the gallery Noack organ. To mark this important event, four concerts are planned from April 2026 to February 2027. This series is in honor and memory of Andrew King, cantor and organist at First Lutheran for 50+ years.
*The first program will be on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 7 pm, with Nathan Laube, Associate Professor of Organ at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
*On Sunday, September 27, 2026, at 3 pm, the second concert in the series will include a Concerto for Keyboard in d minor, BWV 1052, by J. S. Bach, performed by our organist/choirmaster Dana Robinson and joined by a chamber group of period instruments led by Tekla Cunningham of the Seattle Bach Festival. The program will also include selections for two organs. The other organist is Paul Tegels, organist/choirmaster at Christ Church, Tacoma, and Associate Professor Emeritus of Organ at Pacific Lutheran University.
*The third concert in the series will be played by Michael Kleinschmidt, who is Canon for Cathedral Music at St. Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral here in Seattle. Before coming to St. Mark’s, he served as Canon for Cathedral Music at Trinity Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. He holds degrees from Eastman School of Music and Oberlin College Conservatory of Music. He has played recitals across the world, has a keen appreciation for the ministry of music for children, and serves on the faculty of the Royal School of Church Music summer courses. This concert will take place on Saturday, November 7th at 3 pm
*Our fourth and final concert will be on Sunday, February 8, 2027 at 3 pm. The recitalist is Anne Laver, Associate Professor of Organ and University Organist at Syracuse University’s Setnor School of Music. She has performed in Europe, Latin America, Africa, and in the United States. Anne is often a featured artist at conventions of the American Guild of Organists, the Organ Historical Society, the Westfield Center for Historical Keyboard Studies, and the Goteborg International Organ Academy in Sweden. In 2010 she was awarded 2nd prize in the AGO National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance.
Mark your calendar. These are going to be outstanding programs. All extremely talented artists, yet all very different. This will give us all a marvelous experience of the diversity of the gallery Noack organ.
Admission is free; donations are welcome to support future events. These events are open to the entire West Seattle community and beyond!
The organ was the first of its kind in the region when designed and built in 1976.
Got your tickets yet? There’s a whole lot more soccer this spring/summer than that famous international tournament. The full season schedules are out for West Seattle pre-pro teams Junction FC and Rhodies FC. All listed matches are at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), which, as reported here recently, will have some enhancements this year. First, the Junction FC matches:
West Seattle Junction FC vs Tacoma Stars
Sunday, May 10th, 5:15 PMWest Seattle Junction FC vs Midlakes United
Sunday, June 7th, 2:00 PMWest Seattle Junction FC vs Ballard FC
Sunday, June 21st, 5:15 PMWest Seattle Junction FC vs Bigfoot FC
Wednesday, July 1st, 7:00 PMWest Seattle Junction FC vs FC Olympia
Sunday, July 5th, 2:00 PMWest Seattle Junction FC vs Snohomish United
Friday, July 10th, 7:00 PMWest Seattle Junction FC vs Portland Bangers FC
Sunday, July 12th, 2:00 PM
And here’s the Rhodies’ home schedule:
West Seattle Rhodies FC vs Tacoma Galaxy
Sunday, May 10th, 2:00 PMWest Seattle Rhodies FC vs Snohomish United
Sunday, May 17th, 2:00 PMWest Seattle Rhodies FC vs Salmon Bay FC
Sunday, May 24th, 6:00 PMWest Seattle Rhodies FC vs Bigfoot FC
Sunday, June 14th, 2:00 PMWest Seattle Rhodies FC vs Portland Cherry Bombs FC
Sunday, June 21st, 2:00 PMWest Seattle Rhodies FC vs FC Olympia
Wednesday, June 24th, 7:00 PM
Note that opening day, Sunday, May 10, is a doubleheader with both teams playing matches
This year’s Westside Awards. will be presented next month by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce – but first, the organization is gathering nominations, and if you want to suggest a business, organization, or community leader, you have one more day! Here again are the four categories:
• Westside Business of the Year recognizes an established business (3 or more years in operation) demonstrating growth, excellence in customer service, and meaningful community involvement.
• Westside Emerging Business of the Year honors a newer business (under 3 years) already making its presence felt through innovation, community engagement and gaining momentum.
• Westside Not-for-Profit of the Year highlights a nonprofit whose dedication to service and social good has left a visible mark on West Seattle.
• Westsider of the Year recognizes an individual whose leadership, volunteerism, or service has strengthened the community.
Chamber board members choose the winners, who’ll be celebrated at a breakfast event May 20 at The Hall at Fauntleroy. To send in a nomination, use this form – by 5 pm tomorrow (Wednesday, April 15)! (See the list of past winners here.)
Via email and text, we got two reports today about this fire-gutted Little Free Library:
Another Little Free Library vandalism, unfortunately. This one is in Highland Park, happened some time Friday morning. Fortunately SFD got to it before the fire spread outside the box. But it’s a total loss.
The other reader who reported it says it’s near 14th SW and SW Barton and sent a closer photo:
So sad we have literal book burning in the neighborhood. This one often hosts great progressive books, too.
Not sure who left the flowers but it’s clear others are mourning.
They added:
On my way back I tried to see what books were burned. The bottom ones are tight in there but a loose one is Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. It’s a book by a Jewish Holocaust camp survivor. Today is Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day.
We haven’t yet found the incident numbers but will add if/when we do. Last year in late spring, we had several reports of LFL vandalism – via someone removing books. We also had an LFL arson report from Gatewood in 2024.
12:26 PM: “It’s going to be here for a while.” That’s one police officer’s assessment of that truck/trailer, wrapped around the barrier where the eastbound West Seattle Bridge, NB 99 offramp, and 1st Avenue S. onramp meet. It’s slowing but not blocking traffic at the moment, as they strategize what kind of tow crew it’s going to take to clear it. The trailer is empty, police told dispatch; no SFD dispatch so far, so apparently no serious injuries.
12:35 PM: The scene has widened a bit and traffic is moving more slowly past the scene, which police are warning “is going to e a long-term closure.”
1:29 PM: Not cleared yet and the response has expanded, so traffic past the scene is more sluggish, as the updated traffic-cam screenshot (from a few minutes ago) shows.
1:49 PM: All eastbound traffic is now being stopped, police just told dispatch.
2:01 PM: Traffic’s moving again, though the scene has not yet cleared.
2:11 PM: And now it has, with “traffic flowing as normal,” officers radioed.
(WSB photo by Oliver Hamlin, May 2025)
West Seattle’s “pool with a view,” outdoor saltwater Colman Pool on the shore at Lincoln Park, will open again for pre-season weekends starting in “early May” though the exact date hasn’t yet been announced. Registration for summer swim lessons at Colman Pool is already open and today’s the last registration milestone date for the summer season – at noon today, Seattle Parks opens reservations for pool parties. Most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the season – June 26-August 30 – and Mondays, August 3-24, Colman Pool is available 7-8 pm for private parties of up to 30 people, for a $365 fee. Here’s the direct link to the page where reservations open at noon. (And you can watch here for the full 2026 schedule to appear any day now.)
Thanks to Jerry Simmons for the photo – he says it’s a Cooper’s Hawk. From our bird’s-eye view, here are event notes/reminders/listings for today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE CLOSED THIS WEEK … because of spring break.
KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: Open today, now through 11:30 am at The Bridge School Cooperative Elementary (10300 28th SW), just drop in! Older siblings on spring break welcome this week too.
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.
‘GROUNDED CONVERSATIONS’: Free drop-in coaching at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW), 10:40 am to noon.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today Major Roy Wild, regional commander of the Salvation Army. (4470 35th SW)
FREE ICE CREAM: Noon-8 pm, it’s free cone (or cup) day at Ben & Jerry’s (2742 Alki SW), no restrictions on flavor etc. – as noted in our preview, you can get civic info too.
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 City Hall, at 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch. Items today include finalizing the library levy.
NO DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Library event canceled this week because of spring break.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: One team is playing at home – Chief Sealth IHS boys soccer has a match vs. Seattle Academy at 4 pm at Delridge Playfield (Delridge Way SW and SW Alaska).
CREATIVE SKILLSHARING: 4:30-8 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) with West Seattle Mutual Aid.
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.
INTERFAITH PRAYER VIGIL: Continuing weekly, 5:30-6:30 pm at Alki Statue of Liberty Plaza. (61st SW and Alki SW)
FAUNTLEROY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION: 6 pm monthly board meeting at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), community members welcome.
SACRED BIRTH PRENATAL YOGA SERIES: 6 pm, series begins – info in our calendar listing. (7358 35th SW)
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 to RSVP.
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 4: Four venues for trivia tonight – 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).
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!
Family and friends will gather Friday to remember Wesley ‘Chief’ Goss, and are sharing this with the community:
‘
Wesley Joseph “Chief” Goss, 78, of Seattle, passed away on March 30, 2026. He was born on March 7, 1948, in Tacoma.
Wess dedicated 40 years of his life to the Seattle Fire Department, rising through the ranks to serve as Battalion Chief. Throughout his distinguished career, he was known not only for his leadership, but for his lasting contributions to the department and the community he served. He was instrumental in creating the MAP program, which improved firefighter accountability and enhanced emergency response times. Wess also served for 18 years as President of the Officers Association, advocating for his fellow firefighters with strength and integrity. His commitment to honoring those who served extended beyond his career, as he played a key role in the creation of the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Occidental Square.
Known affectionately as “Chief Goss,” Wess lived by the motto, “Work hard and play harder.” Outside of his career, he found great joy in traveling and spending time at the family’s cabin by the lake, where he created lasting memories with those he loved most. Wess was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Marie Goss; his daughter, Elena Gruner, and son-in-law, Eric Gruner; his grandson, Nick Gruner; and his brother, Larry Goss. He will be remembered for his dedication, strength, and the deep love he held for his family and community.
His legacy of service, bravery, courageous leadership, boldness, and compassion will live on in the many lives he touched.
His Funeral Mass is Friday (April 17) at 11 am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in West Seattle, preceded by 10 am recitation of the Rosary.
Please share memories, photos, and condolences with the family on the guestbook at: www.emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/wesley-goss
Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle
(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)
7:52 AM: Crash on east section of Eb West Seattle Bridge.
Earlier:
6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Seattle Public Schools and some others are on spring break all week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Rainy, breezy, high = upper 40s. Sunrise at 6:22 am; sunset at 7:57 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, which means extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route still on a two-boat schedule with a third, unscheduled boat. Check WSF’s alert page for any last-minute changes.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
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 (25 mph speed limit):
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 trouble 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!
2:46 AM: SPD and SFD are arriving in The Triangle after a report that someone might have been shot near 36th SW and SW Snoqualmie. No confirmation yet.
2:52 AM: Still no victim or evidence of a shooting found, police say. The just-in-case SFD response is waiting at Station 32 (38th/Alaska).
2:55 AM: One officer reports talking to someone in the area who is saying what sounded to one 911 caller like a “shot” might have been “a car backfire.” Another officer then reported finding a trail of blood leading “across 35th toward the encampment and the golf course.”
3:20 AM: Apparently that led nowhere – though they haven’t acknowledged it over the air, the SFD log shows the responding units have just been cleared and the call’s been closed.
9:31 AM: Here’s the SPD report narrative:
At approximately 0239 hrs on 04/14/2026, one call came in to 911 stating that a male had possibly shot another male near 36 AV SW and SW Snoqualmie St. The caller, who wanted to remain anonymous, first reported hearing a gunshot, then when asked if anyone had been shot, they reported that there was a possible shooting victim. While several units were enroute to the location, other callers called in reporting a fight involving 2-4 males in the same area.
Several units arrived in the area. Found on S Snoqualmie St, just east of 36 AV S, was a pair
of shoes in the street and several small blood droplets on the south sidewalk.A XXX male was found in the same block, around the corner. He stated that he heard guys fighting in the street, but said there were no shots fired. Another witness, listed above, said that, from her apartment window, she saw three males running eastbound towards 35th AV SW, one of them stated that he was hurt. She said that she heard one of the other males tell the injured male that he should call 911 and he said that he would not do so. She said a vehicle pulled up, one male handed something to someone in the vehicle and the vehicle left southbound on 36th. She also stated that she may have heard the vehicle backfire.
We followed the trail of small blood drops eastbound across 35th to a tent on the east side of 35th, but the tent was empty.
An extensive check for any victims or evidence of a shooting was conducted with negative results. The scene was photographed and released.
By Macey Wurm
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
After eight weeks of planning and construction, 9th graders from Maritime High School are bringing their floating-wetlands pilot project to a close in West Seattle waters, another step toward saving salon.
The school’s entire freshman class – 23 students – worked together learning how to use hand tools, power drills, and a newfound understanding of a human-made floating wetland’s restorative role in the Duwamish River’s ecosystem.
The project was a partnership with the River Access Paddle Program and the Port of Seattle, funded by the Rose Foundation. Saturday morning at Herrings House Park on the river, community members were invited to be involved with the construction of the last two floating wetlands, with the first two entirely built and planted by the students two weeks ago.
Floating wetlands are being used to provide habitat for juvenile salmon. The lower part of the Duwamish River is highly industrialized and the banks are mostly “armored,” which means rock without a place for juvenile salmon to feed, as explained by Sharon Leishman of the Duwamish Alive Coalition. These juveniles need their bodies to adapt to go from freshwater to saltwater, and the wetlands help create a space for these necessary changes.
Leishman was also involved in a floating-wetlands project with the University of Washington in 2019 in Lake Union. This project differs in that these use air-infused recycled glass instead of plastic for buoyancy. This change was made in an effort to eliminate the harms of microplastics.
This was the first floating wetlands project taken on by Maritime High School, and its continuance in the future will depend on whether or not the program can secure a location for more wetlands to go. In this case, George Blumberg with the port helped the school to find the location – a dock space on Harbor Island that the port can’t rent out by the port because it’s too small for boats.
Regardless, the school will continue with projects that incorporate similar learning outcomes. “The thing that really works for us and that we want to replicate is: How do we combine some of that construction skills training that we want to do with restoration?” mused Tyson Trudel, who works at Northwest Maritime, which brings the “intensely maritime parts” of the curriculum to the school.
Coinciding with the community assistance in building the second two floating wetlands was the semiannual kayak cleanup organized by the Duwamish Alive Coalition. In the spring, this garbage cleanup project is hosted with salmon retention in mind. The first group of kayakers went out at 10:30 Saturday morning, with the second deploying around 12:30.
Both projects are centered around taking care of the Duwamish River and its surrounding land. “This area right here has such huge environmental, social, and historical significance because Seattle would not be the place it is today without the industry that started in this valley,” Leishman said.
You have a chance to help next Saturday in the spring edition of the mega-work party Duwamish Alive! Partner organizations include Dirt Corps and the Green Seattle Partnership. Dirt Corps, an organization specializing in developing skills for green jobs, will be at həʔapus park, and Green Seattle will be at Herring’s House. The Duwamish Alive Coalition also plans to present awards to four dedicated volunteers in the opening event at Herring’s House park. To volunteer Saturday at a Duwamish Alive! site, go here.
Now more than halfway through registration time for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2026 – if you haven’t registered your sale yet, you have nine more days, until late the night of Wednesday, April 22 – then we start making the map and list for the big day, always the second Saturday in May, and this year that’s May 9. Almost 350 sales signed up so far – venues so far include yard sales, patio sales, planting-strip sales, driveway sales, sidewalk sales, courtyard sales, business sales, school sales, block sales, corner sales, church sales, table sales, and of course, garage sales! The types of sales span a wide range too – moving sales, downsizing sales, kid-outgrew-everything sales, kid-going-to-college sales, de-cluttering sales, plant sales, remodeling-leftover sales, memorabilia sales … It’s a day of person-to-person recycling and meeting neighbors … watch for the map and list to be announced here one week before sale day! Need to sign up your sale? Go here (and be equipped with your up-to-20-words description of why yours is a sale not to be missed!).
(WSB photo, Saturday night)
As we first reported last month, some of Seattle Parks‘ “summer” hours this year are starting on May 1 – and this past weekend, we photographed illuminated signage announcing that along Alki, while noting the city had yet to make a full detailed announcement. Today, it’s finally out, including info on beach-fire season, which will start the Friday before Memorial Day:
With the summer season approaching, Seattle Parks and Recreation is reminding visitors of summer park hours, boat ramp access, and beach fire rules at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens.
Below are key details to help you plan ahead, including summer hours and beach fire season dates.
Summer Hours at Parks and Boat Ramps
This summer, starting Friday, May 1, 2026, the permanent summer hours will be in effect at select parks and boat ramps across Seattle:Alki Beach and Golden Gardens:
Summer Hours (May 1, 2026 — September 30, 2026): 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Non-Summer Hours (September 30, 2026 — April 30, 2027): 4 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.Don Armeni and Eddie Vine Boat Ramps:
Summer Hours (May 1, 2026 — September 30, 2026): 4 a.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Non-Summer Hours (September 30, 2026 — April 30, 2027): Open 24 hoursThese seasonal hours help support safe, enjoyable use during peak visitation while aligning with staffing and safety resources.
Beach Fire and Park Rules
Starting Friday, May 22, 2026, beach fires will be permitted at designated fire pits at Alki Beach and Golden Gardens seven days a week on a first come, first served basis. Bringing your own fire pit is not allowed, and no propane fire pits/rings are allowed.-Fires must be extinguished by 10 p.m.
-Fires allowed 7 days a week starting Friday, May 22 through Tuesday, September 1.
-Staff will be on-site to manage and assist with putting out fires at 10 p.m.
-Parking lot gates will be locked and the park will close at 10:30 p.m. for summer hours.
-Please only burn clean (natural, bare, dry cord-wood) wood and douse your fire completely before leaving.
-Light a fire ONLY in one of the installed fire containers
-Use only clean, dry firewood
-Please douse your fire with water, not sand
-Fires are not allowed during air pollution alerts; we will post sign
-Please don’t remove any materials from the park, beach or dunes
-Please dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each. (SMC 18.12.260)
-Be considerate of others–please, no loud or amplified music! (SMC 18.12.170)
-Remember, no alcohol or smoking are allowed, and parks are drug-free zones.
-Beach fire rules are outlined in detail in the Seattle Municipal Code section 18.12.270 and in our Beach Fires Policy.If you see an illegal fire, call 911. For current burn ban and air quality questions, contact Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.
Fire pits at Golden Gardens and Alki are unlocked by 5:30 p.m. Please extinguish all beach fires (using water, not sand) by 10 p.m. in order to ensure that all fires are completely extinguished in ample time before the park’s closure.
We’re committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all that visit Seattle parks! Thank you for doing your part to follow park guidelines and help keep these spaces welcoming for this summer.
Summer plans on Alki are expected to be among the topics at the Alki Community Council‘s monthly meeting Thursday (April 16), 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
The Holy Rosary Church bell tower has been silent lately, Charlaine e-mailed to say, wondering if that’s temporary:
We live close to Holy Rosary Church & have always enjoyed their bells – which normally chime at specific times every day & also play songs on Sundays & especially on holidays. Christmas & Easter are wonderful! We realized the other day that we haven’t heard the bells since Christmastime – not daily & nothing on Easter. We aren’t members of Holy Rosary so are wondering what’s up – are they being repaired?
That’s indeed what’s been going on, Holy Rosary’s Deyette Swegle and maintenance staff told us, but they should be back soon:
Your observant reader is correct that they have not been hearing the bells since the mechanism was broken.
Our Schulmerich Carillon digital bell system stopped working in late February and we had to give up the bells for Lent. We sent them to the manufacturer in Cincinnati for repairs (i.e., software upgrade). Fortunately, they were just returned and will be reinstalled and ringing again (this) week. We look forward to once again sharing the tower bells with our West Seattle community!
The installation crew arrived today, we’re told, and the church’s “goal is to have them working by this weekend.” The bell system has long been digital, by the way, as this 2019 WSB story reminds us.
Out of the WSB inbox:
This bike has been sitting on the corner of Alki Ave SW and 62nd Ave SW for over a week now. The strange thing is that the bike is not locked to the bike rack and based on research it’s valued around $2,000. After looking at camera footage, it was left here on 4/6/2026. I am not sure if it is stolen or maybe it ran out of battery and the person isn’t able to get it back to their house but figured someone might be looking for it.
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