West Seattle, Washington
01 Thursday
As we get ready to launch this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day map and list in less than 48 hours, we have two updates geared toward people still looking for someplace to sell their stuff:
MAARTEN PARK SPACE AVAILABLE: The neighborhood parklet at 42nd/Juneau was already registered as a group fundraising sale – then today we got word they’re also offering space:
West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! No yard? No problem! Maarten Park will have tables available for anyone who’d like to sign up and sell their treasures! There will also be a birdhouse-making station for kids and a lemonade stand. Donations for table use & birdhouses are suggested, and all proceeds go toward annual park maintenance costs. Text Krystal to reserve your table! 306-703-1041
Read the story of Maarten Park in our coverage of its dedication last year.
FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE SPACE AVAILABLE: We’ve mentioned this briefly already, but the historic schoolhouse (9131 California SW) wants to ensure you know the full plan:
We are excited to announce our participation in the 20th West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 10th! Our participation is not just a sale, but a crucial fundraiser to support Fauntleroy Children’s Center, the nonprofit central to our mission. We’ll also have a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, and more activities so grab the family and start your Garage Sale Day at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse!
Our teachers have been working hard at work putting together our first sale since we opened in 1978! Take about vintage finds! We have household décor, children’s clothes from infant – 12 years old, so many toys, books, sports equipment, furniture, tools, a beautiful outdoor playhouse and more!
ACTION! Please sign up to donate items or host a mini sale with us: https://forms.office.com/r/mfZAAyBSdN
How You Can Help:
Donate Items: We are accepting donations of items in sellable condition. Please bring your items, preferably in a box or bag, on Mondays or Fridays between 5 – 6 PM at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. We cannot accept mattresses, large appliances, refrigerators, or hazardous materials.
Host a Mini Sale: Missed the deadline for the West Seattle garage sale map? Sign up to host a mini sale with us. Your participation will help us reach our fundraising goal and boost traffic for your items!
The other site offering community spaces is Hotwire Coffee; we haven’t received an update with them, so check directly with Hotwire to see if they’re all booked..
Again, West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – the 20th anniversary WSCGSD, with 570+ sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, registered – is Saturday, May 10; we’ll have the (interactive) map and (printable) list available starting THIS Saturday (May 3) here on WSB.
(File photo of honey bee – photographed in 2024 by Steve Bender)
Out of the WSB inbox, from Johnny:
I was just at the Fauntleroy ferry dock near the tail end of the line [near tollbooth, lane 3] and there was a swarm of bees, dozens of them, flying all over the place. They must have built a nest nearby. I didn’t dare open my windows, even on a day like this. I thought I would send that information along since it can be real dangerous for some people. I reported it to WSDOT.
We’ll be checking with Washington State Ferries but in the meantime, since this is information we publish every year, we’ll take a moment to explain that if they’re honey bees, you should notify a local beekeeper who would be interested in collecting the swarm. Here’s the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association list for this year – including West Seattle contacts.
P.S. PSBA members and others will be happy to educate you about bees at this year’s West Seattle Bee Festival on May 17 – more info on that soon!
(Photos by Will Pyfer)
It’s a winning season for one of our area’s newest high-school sports! We first mentioned West Seattle Water Polo – open to players from other schools too, not just WSHS – when players came to a meeting to ask then-School Board director Leslie Harris for district acceptance. This is now the team’s second season! Here’s the update we received, including two ways to support them – as a spectator and/or donor:
WSHS Girls Water Polo is having a winning season with a league record of 5-1, logging wins again Ingraham, Roosevelt, Shorecrest and Newport and is on pace to qualify for the Division 2 State Championship Tournament in Puyallup the third weekend in May. Sadly, the team had their first loss of the season in a heartbreakingly close 8-9 game against Mercer Island on Friday, April 25th at Medgar Evers Pool.
The team will host its first home game in West Seattle versus Bellevue at Colman Pool on May 16th at 6:20pm. Bellevue will bring both varsity and JV teams, so there will be water polo to watch from 6:20-8 pm. This Friday, the varsity team will host Roosevelt at Medgar Evers at 8:50 pm and then on Saturday the JV squad will head down to Tacoma for a full-day tournament at Silas High School.
Earlier this year, the girls held a successful Tread-a-Thon fundraiser (thanks to all our supporters) and jumped right in to a busy season, consisting of 14 games, 3 one-day tournaments, and at least 1 multi-day tournament.
The team has set up an ongoing online auction with the goal of making the team more affordable. Supporters can join the auction to bid on gift cards donated by local businesses at: paybee.io/@wswaterpolo@3
(WSB photo, August 2024 WS Boat Swap)
Ready to get out on the water? (Or maybe you’ve been out already!) Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to the annual West Seattle Boat Swap this weekend:
This community event is a great opportunity to buy and sell human-powered watercraft (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes) and accessories!
We will have used Kayaks and Standup Paddleboards from Alki Kayak Tours‘ rental operation, as well as scratched and dented SUPs and Kayaks from Mountain to Sound Outfitters for sale at amazing Spring steal prices!
To shop, just show up at M2SO 11 am-4 pm this Saturday and/or Sunday (May 3-4). To “swap” (sell), drop off your item(s) 9 am-11 am Saturday, after signing up online.
Thanks to Kim for sending the photo of fishing boats clustered off west-facing West Seattle. As WSB archives confirm, May 1 is the annual start to recreational lingcod season. (Learn about lingcod here.) Though we haven’t been by to doublecheck yet, Seattle Parks had told us last week that Don Armeni Boat Ramp would be fully operational by today – just in time. Other big local fishing events coming up include the brief-and-popular spot-shrimp season on May 21.
(Great Blue Heron during low-low tide, photographed by Rainer Klett)
So many options! Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BRANCHES CLOSED: This is the annual in-service training day.
SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring planting season continues. The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
MAY DAY RALLY #1: Also at South Seattle College, staff/faculty concerned about budget cuts plan to gather at the clock-tower plaza at 10 am.
SOUND TRANSIT BOARD COMMITTEE: The board’s Executive Committee meets at 10:30 am, with its first look at the first set of goals for new CEO Dow Constantine. Attendance and commenting info is on the agenda document.
NAVIGATING MEDICARE: Presentation at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon) at 11 am.
BELGIAN BEER WEEK: Special event continues at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open today noon-10 pm.
WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email we***************************@***il.com to get the latest on where they’re playing today.
MAY DAY RALLY #2: Old Tyme Adults for Democracy will rally on the corners at California/Admiral, 2-3 pm, to voice their concerns about developments in D.C.
LOW-LOW TIDE: Another perfect day for a beach walk. Out to -2.8 feet at 2:17 pm.
CINCO DE MAYO KICKOFF: Mission (2325 California SW) plans five days of festivities, starting with mariachi music 4-5 pm today.
SPORTS: No local high-school games or matches on the schedule for West Seattle fields today.
DROP-IN CHESS: Canceled today because of SPL closure (see above).
HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events tonight here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Maroom Thaim.
WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: This is also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.
HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: HPCS is also the starting point tonight for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm, returning for beverages – info here.
VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!
WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Again this week, more good weather for walking – meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.
LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: West Side Jam & Skylark Fundraiser!. Signups at 6, music at 7. Suggested donation $10 at the door. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
DUSTY THURSDAYS: 6 pm at Tim’s Tavern (98th/16th, White Center). From West Seattle’s own Billy Joe Huels:
Dusty Thursdays concert series is returning at Tim’s Tavern 6-9pm on the outdoor stage. Each week we will feature a top local band (most hailing from West Seattle) followed by The Dusty 45s. It’s free, all-ages and everyone is welcome!
Featured tonight – Joe Ross and the Birdwatchers.
WEST SEATTLE BOOK CLUB: This month brings another long list of venues offering you a place to settle in and read starting at 7 pm – see the May lineup in our calendar listing!
JAZZ NIGHT AT THE CENTER: Larry Knapp and friends entertain, you enjoy! 7-10 pm at The Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), $10 cover.
NORTH HIGHLINE UNINCORPORATED AREA COUNCIL: The community coalition for White Center and vicinity meets at 7 pm at the North Highline Fire Station (1243 SW 112th).
TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet, hosted by Good Old-Fashioned Local Trivia (9614 14th SW).
DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts spinning early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Teddy Ruckspin, starting at 7 pm.
‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’: Opening night for the classic play at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 7:30 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.
‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Final week begins, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.
JOKES AT THE JUNCTION: 8 pm comedy night at Great American Diner and Bar (4752 California SW) presented by Cozy Comedy – ticket info in our calendar listing.
Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to we*************@***il.com – thank you!
9:05 AM: If you have a view of Elliott Bay, you might have a view of killer whales this morning. Kersti Muul reports that orcas have gone into the bay. Let us know if you see them!
(Added: Photos by Robin Sinner, from Duwamish Head around 10:30 am)
11:17 AM: They’re out of the bay and headed southwest past west-facing West Seattle, per an update from Kersti in a comment below.
6:01 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, May 1, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunny and warm, high in low 70s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 5:51 am and 8:22 pm.
(Wednesday sunset, photographed by James Bratsanos)
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”. P.S. Next round of community meetings – online, systemwide – have been announced for later this month.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB file photo, Morgan Community Festival)
If you’re thinking about having your business, organization, or school participate in this year’s Morgan Junction Community Festival – a fast, fun festival coming up June 14 – you have a bit more time to decide. Here’s what the Morgan Community Association asked us to share with you:
The Morgan Junction Community Festival is on the horizon! Today, in conjunction with the Last Call for Festival Vendors, we’re moving the application deadline to May 15th.
The Morgan Junction Community Festival returns to Morgan Junction on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. It features live entertainment in Morgan Junction Park, and vendor booths with local businesses, artisans/craft folks, non-profit organizations, and government groups in the parking lot behind Zeeks Pizza.
Vendor booth applications can be found on the Morgan Community Association (MoCA) website at https://www.morganjunction.org/festival.
The vendor application deadline is formally moved to 5:00 pm on May 15, 2025.
Vendor applications will be reviewed after the May 15th deadline, and notifications sent by May 20th. Accepted vendors will receive payment instructions with their acceptance and must pay for their booth by May 25th.
For any inquiries, please reach out to the Morgan Junction Community Festival team at mo*****@***il.com. Thank you for your support in making the Morgan Junction Community Festival absolutely amazing.
(WSB photo)
8 PM: Thanks for the tips. Police have 16th blocked for about a block (updated) between Henderson ad Barton. Neighbors believe it’s a barricaded-person situation; we’re working to find out more.
(Reader photo)
9 PM: Finally found archived audio from the original dispatch. Police responded around 5 pm to a report that a woman’s boyfriend had threatened to shoot her. She is reported to have since gotten out of the apartment safely, while the suspect remained inside.
9:16 PM: As commenters have noted, SWAT officers are now on scene too.
9:34 PM: Not resolved yet. But if you’re in the area, you might have heard loudspeaker warnings, which could eventually be followed by a tactical device that sounds explosive.
9:58 PM: They didn’t wind up doing that. But according to radio exchanges, the suspect is reported to have just surrendered and is in custody. Officers have also said they have a warrant to search the apartment, so they’ll likely be on scene a while longer.
11:59 PM: We’ve since obtained this incident summary from SPD:
At approximately 4:52 p.m., a dispatcher received a report of domestic violence threats involving a 51-year-old male suspect in the 9000 block of 16th Avenue SW. Two adult females and a child were able to safely flee the apartment without injury. The suspect barricaded himself inside the apartment and refused to exit.
As a safety precaution, nearby apartments were evacuated, and surrounding streets were closed to ensure the safety of community members. A warrant for entry was obtained for the residents to arrest the suspect.
Police coordination involved Southwest Patrol officers, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), and SWAT, made a plan to make entry into the apartment. Officers maintained open communication with the suspect and eventually the suspect surrendered exiting the apartment and was arrested. (He was) transported to King County Jail.
ADDED THURSDAY AFTERNOON: SPD further clarifies that the suspect is accused of threatening to shoot his girlfriend’s daughter. She got out first. Her mother, police say, was grabbed and shoved by the suspect, but then also managed to escape, and after that, the standoff began. We’re trying to find out the suspect’s current status.
1:08 PM: Still in jail.
(WSB photos by Anne Higuera)
Seattle Public Library branches host lots of story times – but they don’t all have special guests like this one at Delridge Library did. More than three dozen people were there this afternoon as the library hosted Firefighter Story Time, with North Delridge’s Station 36 firefighters there to not just read, but also to educate:
Part of the goal is to show kids, in a calm non-emergency situation, what the firefighters’ gear looks like, so they won’t be frightened if they encounter them in scarier, suited-up circumstances:
The firefighters of course arrived in their apparatus, Engine 36, which the kids got to check out firsthand:
One of the important questions the firefighters asked the kids – what number do you call in case of emergency? (Not all knew it’s 911.)
4:15 PM: Several people have asked today if any protests/rallies are planned in West Seattle tomorrow (Thursday, May 1) in addition to the ones announced for downtown Seattle and elsewhere. So in case you’re wondering too: The only people we’ve heard from are the “Old Tyme Adults for Democracy,” who’ve rallied at Admiral/California previously – the sign in our photo is from their first one – and plan to be there 2-3 pm tomorrow, with a “street rally for democracy, and they invite community members to join them. (Anything else locally? Let us know.)
12:10 AM: We’ve also received word of a planned faculty/staff walkout at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) at 10 am Thursday, with a rally at the clock-tower plaza, “to protest state and district-level budget cuts on the backs of our college’s underpaid student support professionals.”
Just 10 days until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, this year with a record 570+ sales registered for Saturday, May 10, from Duwamish Head in the north to Seola Beach in the south, from Highland Park in the east to Alki Point in the west, and everywhere inbetween. Here’s what’s happening right now: As WSCGSD coordinators, we’re assembling the map and list so they’ll be ready to browse starting Saturday morning, May 3, one week before Garage Sale Day, so you can make your plan and/or just see what your neighbors are doing – that’s the beauty of WSCGSD, it’s a day for meeting neighbors and celebrating community. Official hours on WSCGSD – celebrating its 20th anniversary – are 9 am to 3 pm, but as you’ll see in the listings, some are starting earlier, some are ending later, some are even adding extra days. Once the map’s out, we’ll publish some subset lists – not just hours/days, but, for example, the lists of sales offering particularly popular categories of stuff, sales benefiting nonprofits, sales offering food/beverages … so keep watch on WSB in the days ahead! (We’re also busy putting up posters and circulating word of WSCGSD around the region.)
P.S. We also want to remind you that WSCGSD coicides again this year with Stamp Out Hunger, USPS letter carriers’ door-to-door food drive, so make a note to have a bag of nonperishable food to set out, if you can, before you get busy with shopping and/or selling that day!
Four quick notes from local police, conveyed by Southwest Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite:
PERSONAL SAFETY CLASS: Just announced for May 20, with registration open now:
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Time : 5 pm – 7 pm
Location: Virtual
Register : Virtual Personal Safety Class May 20th 5-7 PMAbout the Class
Learn proactive tips and steps you can take to enhance your personal safety taught by Seattle police officers and employees.
Training goals:
-Share commonsense safety tips to decrease the odds of being a victim
-Know the important role your instincts and gut reactions play
-Discover potentially dangerous situations and how to avoid them
-Learn to make a safety plan based on different environmentsNotes:
-This is a facilitated discussion and lecture about crime prevention and safety.
-This is not a self-defense class.
-This class is open to individuals of all ages and most appropriate for those who are at least 14 years of age or older. For that reason, children should not attend.
(WSB photo: SW Precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair in foreground with Chief Shon Barnes at March’s SWPAC meeting)
NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING WITH POLICE: You’ll find police at most community-council meetings, but there’s also the quarterly Precinct Advisory Council meeting as a place to bring questions/concerns. The date for the next one is a day earlier than previously announced – it’s now set for June 3, 6:30 pm, at High Point Neighborhood House (6400 SW Sylvan Way). Here’s our coverage of the SWPAC’s previous meeting.
ONLINE COMMUNITY POLICE DIALOGUE: Another way to talk with local police, as announced today:
SW Precinct Community Police Dialogues –
Monday June 9th & Monday August 11th. Both at 5:30 pm via Zoom.
Sign up: publicsafetysurvey.org/mcpp-community-police-dialogues.html
DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY TALLY: The Southwest Precinct had the top tally in Saturday’s Drug Take-Back Day; the much-larger North Precinct collected 51.35 pounds of unwanted/unneeded/unusable medications, but SW received 60 pounds. Watch for the next date in October.
(West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Groupfile photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Your role in a vision for Seattle’s largest stretch of remaining forest was the largest topic at this month’s gathering of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.
Police had updates too during the meeting at Delridge Library, which was facilitated by Kay Kirkpatrick, HPAC co-chair.
RIDGE TO RIVER: While this initiative is being reinvigorated, it’s not new. Paul West, who said he had lived in the area for 25 years, explained that Ridge to River was inaugurated in 2019 “to make more connections between the Longhouse and the nearby neighborhoods,” particularly through the West Duwamish Greenbelt, a “four-mile-long corridor along the Duwamish River,” stretching south to White Center. He summarized, “We’re in the process of introducing people to the greenbelt … our goal is to make people fall in love with the greenbelt …it has a lot of existing .. and future potential.”
That love would be accompanied by community connections, West continued. Ridge to River has in its sights the entire stretch, north to south, especially underserved neighborhoods. And as a centerpiece, it’s the historical home of the Duwamish Tribe. “They don’t just think that their ancestors are in the greenbelt, they KNOW their ancestors are in the greenbelt.” And now is prime time to get more people involved with the land, the trees, the wildlife.
Some are working on that through other groups and initiatives – West and Caroline Borsenik, who also was there for the Ridge to River presentation, are also involved with the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails group, a volunteer organization that’s been improving trails in the WDG and leading community hikes through it. The trails-focused group also has produced a map, announced earlier this year.
As for Ridge to River, “We’re just getting up and running,” including their new website, city connections, and a pilot project, the first trail that will connect to the longhouse. West said they expect the first phase to take about two years to roll out. They’re also doing studies, and then next year they’ll ask the community for opinions to refine the draft plan, shaping it into a final version they hope the city will adopt for the area. About a dozen organizations are directly involved.
Borsenik told the HPAC attendees that this year’s focus is “gathering community input” and they really want to know what you love about the West Duwamish Greenbelt – or whether you even know about it. They’ll be launching a community survey in May, open through August 25, and will attend some community events (like the West Seattle Farmers Market on June 1, and the WDGT hikes). Contact info is on their website. But this isn’t just about a plan; after one is finalized, hopefully in 2027, there’ll be another phase to turn it into reality, which she acknowledged will be hard.
What about volunteer opportunities? asked an attendee. “There are groups running volunteer events right now!” said Borsenik; West had noted that the area’s been part of the Green Seattle Partnership efforts for ~20 years.
Who owns the land? another asked. Answer: Primarily multiple city departments, plus adjacent South Seattle College (WSB sponsor).
A variety of issues then bubbled into the discussion – from the long-running kiln-dust contamination in part of the area, to “sketchy people,” to a shipping container that’s long been in the forest for storage (Borsenik said “we’ve been trying to get it out of there”). Kirkpatrick also introduced an attendee she’d invited, owner of a nearby building that’s being revived as an event venue, who had temporarily activated a trail through the greenbelt between his property and the SSC parking lot rented for a recent event.
Regarding trails past and present, West explained, the ones there now were built without a central plan/vision so might not be optimally located, and some areas don’t have access at all.
Overall, “activate it and that’ll get more people interested” was a prevailing sentiment. Watch for opportunities – starting with the survey next month. (We’ll of course publish that announcement here when it’s available.)
The meeting started, as many community-coalition meetings do, with an update from Seattle Police.
POLICE UPDATE: Gunfire is the only category of crime that’s going up; in response to that, they’re doing “emphasis patrols” in North Delridge and High Point, “trying to comb this area to be sure it doesn’t happen again,” said Southwest Precinct Community Liaison Officer German Barreto. (Editor’s note: It’s been quieter in the week since this meeting.) SPD has emphasis patrols continuing in Westwood too. One attendee asked about the encampment along Barton Place; Barreto says he’s brought it forward to the Unified Care Team. The attendee said what they believed to be stolen bikes are a particular concern. Another attendee asked about the issues at 9th and Henderson, and two trucks “constantly bringing in trailers” with suspended licenses. They can’t be removed because they’re occupied, Barreto explained. “If they’re living in their vehicle, that’s their home, and we can’t take it.” But the officer clarified that if there are “no-parking” signs, vehicles can be towed. The attendee engaged with Barreto back and forth about “constant traffic” on the street at all hours. Are you calling 911? Barreto asked. No, said the attendee, but they’re recording security video. You can always call suspicious activity in, Barreto said – get the incident number when you call, and then ask for the outcome. Meantime, he mentioned the RV/trailer that was hit by a driver on Henderson a day earlier; Community Service Officers had talked with its owner/resident afterward.
WHAT’S NEXT: HPAC meets fourth Wednesdays most months – time and location might vary, so check the coalition’s new website, hpaction.org, for updates.
(River Otter, photographed at Constellation Park by James Hiersche)
Here’s our list of your possibilities for the rest of your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
COFFEE FUNDRAISER: Through 5 pm, the drive-up/ride-up/walk-up coffee stand West Bay (2255 Harbor SW) is donating part of today’s proceeds to the West Seattle High School ASB!
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy at 10 am for this free guided walk in Lincoln Park.
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new location. (4522 California SW)
REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)
LOW-LOW TIDE: As noted in last night’s story, today’s low tide is mega-low, -3.4 feet just before 1:30 pm.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).
FIREFIGHTER STORY TIME AT DELRIDGE LIBRARY: Bring kids 0-5 to meet firefighters and learn about fire safety, 3 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).
SPORTS: No game/matches on local fields on the Metro League schedule today.
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), free.
TALK WITH SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS: Seattle Public Schools board members are touring the city for “community engagement” events, and tonight brings the one in West Seattle, 5:30-7 pm at Denny International Middle School (2701 SW Kenyon), in the library.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it instead of discarding it! 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).
SAKE DINNER: Three seatings of multi-course dinner with sake pairings at Upwell, with Maison V. $185. Ticket link is in our calendar listing. (4811 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).
FREE GROUP RUN: All runners, all levels, are invited to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.
MUSIC BINGO: Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 3: Three West Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready for the spotlight? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
Got something coming up that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! we*************@***il.com – thank you!
If your summer-camp plans aren’t entirely locked in yet, here’s a unique opportunity – one week to learn about orcas with West Seattle-based nonprofit Killer Whale Tales:
Calling all young ocean adventurers! This summer, get ready to dive deep into the world of the endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales (SRKW) at an exciting, action-packed week-long camp designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and inspire the next generation of marine scientists, conservationists, and storytellers.
Led by Jeff Hogan, Executive Director of Killer Whale Tales, this hands-on, immersive camp will transform campers into real-life researchers, equipping them with the skills to decode orca data, crack the mystery of marine ecosystems, and tackle real-world conservation challenges. Through a mix of role-playing, creative problem-solving, and epic science games, participants will:
– Investigate real orca research data and practice field techniques like professional scientists.
– Learn how orcas communicate, form family bonds, and work together—just like a pod!
– Explore the impact humans have on the ocean, and brainstorm wild solutions to protect these majestic creatures.
– Join thrilling, hands-on games that simulate the challenges and triumphs of saving wildlife.“This camp is more than just a summer break—it’s a chance for campers to become ocean heroes, empowered to make a real difference," says Jeff Hogan. "They’ll walk away with a deep connection to orcas and a ton of new knowledge to share with friends and family.”
Perfect for future marine biologists, ocean lovers, and curious minds, this camp is a splashing good time full of hands-on learning, new friendships, and conservation action. Spaces are limited, so sign up soon to secure your spot in the adventure of a lifetime!
Dates: July 14th-18th
Location: Westside School,Register at: westsideschool.org/about-westside-school/summer-camp
6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
Sunshine returns todayy, high in low 60s (and 10 degrees warmer tomorrow!). Today’s sunrise/sunset – 5:53 am and 8:20 pm.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, which means later-evening sailings Fridays and Saturdays.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”. Low-low tides at midday today may affect some service.
ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.
STADIUM ZONE
–Mariners have a day game vs. the Angels, 1 pm.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Spokane Street Viaduct:
Low Bridge – Looking west:
1st Avenue South Bridge:
Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.
MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.
See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!
(WSB photos by Anne Higuera unless otherwise credited)
By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
A misty, wet start to low-low tide season did not deter people from flocking to shorelines at midday today to discover sea life left exposed by the receding Sound. South of Lincoln Park, dozens gathered among the towering piers of the ferry dock, forming circles around interesting finds and calling out to friends.
Among them were many beach naturalists trained by the Seattle Aquarium who plan to be at the beach during low tides sharing what they know with friends and curious neighbors whether it’s part of a formal program or not.
Tide-pooling during a low, low tide involves walking a hundred or more yards over sand and seabed that in some areas is exposed only a handful of days a year.
Rubber boots are a good idea, along with looking very carefully where you step. Bigger marine animals like sea stars and sea anemones are easy to spot.
So are the egg collars from Moon Snails, which look a bit like shaped plastic.
The smaller creatures require a keen eye and a little luck. Having someone who can point out a Shaggy Mouse nudibranch (Aeolidia loui) or know that the flat worm wriggling across the wet sand is likely a White Line Ribbon worm makes low tides into educational outings.
It’s also especially exciting to find things like a small Red Octopus biding her time until the tide comes back in. Pat, who took the photo, said the consensus was that this one is a female.
(Photo courtesy Pat Reaville)
There are several organizations in the area (including MAST and the Environmental Science Center) that have beach naturalist programs, but the Seattle Aquarium’s has been the largest, consistently staffing around a dozen locations, including two beaches in West Seattle. The Aquarium is planning to run their program again this year, but doesn’t yet have dates set. “The team tells me we are very close,” said Aquarium spokesperson Tim Kuniholm last week. It’s expected that the Aquarium program will have a significantly shorter list of events this year after layoffs in January. That program and Cedar River Salmon Journey relied on 300+ volunteers, who have been in limbo for a number of months, waiting to hear what’s next. Some have moved on to other opportunities, or just decided they’ll go to the beach no matter what.
Today, a naturalist who was let go in the round of layoffs was holding up a Leather Star to show other former Aquarium volunteers. They are supposed to have a scent similar to garlic, so everyone took a good whiff. She also pointed out a shrimp and other smaller creatures that might otherwise go unnoticed.
In talking with Aquarium volunteers today and others in recent weeks, we heard most express resignation and/or sadness at the changes being made to the naturalist program, but they also are making a point of reaching out to other volunteers to meet up, as they did today. One is even working to organize an informal club — the West Seattle Low Tide All Stars — in part to facilitate meetups between former volunteers on low-tide days.
Today that happened organically, with knowledgeable naturalists just as excited about what they were finding as were kids, families, and others peering into tidepools and wading in the water, trying to take in everything they could see before the tide began to inch back up again.
There is another very low tide tomorrow – -3.4 feet, same as today, just before 1:30 pm.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch reports from facilities serving children:
SCHOOL VANDALISM: After seeing a short Seattle Police summary about vandalism in the 5000 block of SW Spokane – the location of Alki Elementary‘s temporary home in the former Schmitz Park Elementary – we contacted Seattle Public Schools late Monday to ask for information. Here’s what we received at the end of the day today:
During the weekend, offensive language was spray-painted across multiple areas of the Schmitz Park Elementary/Alki Elementary campus. Our Seattle Public Schools Safety and Security Team responded swiftly, working overnight to cover the graffiti before the school day began on Monday. Emergency Maintenance also ensured the area was cleaned thoroughly the following day. A police report was filed, and a law enforcement officer visited the site to gather evidence. We continue to offer our full cooperation to the police investigation.
BRIGHT HORIZONS BREAK-IN: After hearing a bit about a police response at the day-care center on the lower level of the Link mixed-use building in The Triangle last night, we requested and obtained the police report today. It says someone broke the door glass while a janitor was on site, though he didn’t see it happen. The report says a laptop and 10 iPads were missing.
The Federal Transit Administration had most recently set today as the target date for its Record of Decision on Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension project, and at day’s end, ST announced the FTA has indeed just issued the ROD. As ST explains in its announcement, this ends the environmental-review phase and allows the project to move into final design. As noted at last week’s ST Board meeting, though, the agency has some milestones of its own ahead, including revising cost estimates and making funding decisions.
5:42 PM: Orcas have been in the area much of the day – we heard a report of some off south Vashon Island this morning, but nothing further; now Kersti Muul sends word of ocas “milling mid-channel south of Lincoln Park, surface active.” So if you’re in west-facing West Seattle, keep watch!
5:50 PM: Kersti says orcas are now northbound, passing Me-Kwa-Mooks/Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, close enough to see easily without binoculars.
9:29 PM: The whales subsequently went into Elliott Bay; thanks to Steve Pumphrey for sending the photos above and below, taken from Duwamish Head just after 7:40 tonight!
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