West Seattle, Washington
06 Sunday
9:36 PM: Avoid 35th/Roxbury for a while. That crash is blocking the southbound side, and police have described it as a hit-run. SFD is there but we don’t have definitive word on whether anyone is hurt; we were watching the live camera before police arrived and it appeared a woman, man, and dog from the car walked across the street. Police are calling for a tow for the car; it looks like debris cleanup will be needed too.
10:40 PM: Scene has cleared.
We recently reported on our area’s Junior Roller Derby league, Southside Revolution. As noted in our story, their travel team The Rebels were expecting to head to regionals and possibly to nationals – their journey is about to begin, according to this update we received:
Our area’s junior roller-derby travel team, the Southside Revolution Rebels, is off to Salem, Oregon this coming weekend (June 14-15) to face some top PNW teams in the Junior Roller Derby Association playoffs. The Rebels enter the tournament as the No. 1 seed in the region, with a record of 11-1 in sanctioned games vs. teams across the country.
Composed of teenage skaters from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and beyond, the Rebels travel team is part of the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby league. In its 11th year of operation, SSR makes its home at Southgate Roller Rink in White Center. The league serves about 90 skaters aged 7-18 of any gender identity, with five teams spread across a range of skill levels. The Rebels team travels throughout the year to play high-level opponents across the country.
The league will also appear at the West Seattle Grand Parade this year. Coming up after the parade: Travel Team tryouts and New Skater Clinics in early September. Anyone interested should contact info@southsiderevolution.com.
P.S. The playoffs will be livestreamed here: youtube.com/@cherrycityrollerderby/featured
If you were around for the West Seattle development boom in the late ’00s and early-to-mid 2010s, you probably remember the role Design Review played – a city-appointed review board met as often as twice a month, with up to two projects per meeting, and the calendar was often full. It was the main opportunity for community members to have input into notable projects, for better or for worse. And it changed the plan for some sites – one notable example is at California/Charlestown, where dozens of residences share the corner with lively small businesses largely because the Southwest Design Review Board gave relentless pushback to a previous plan to replace the beloved Charlestown Café with a one-story Petco store and parking lot. Since then, though, the Design Review rules have changed and the board meetings have grown fewer and fewer. The Southwest board had a one-project meeting in March – its first in 15 months. Last November, the city asked for your thoughts on what remained of the process. And now, changes are unveiled. In an announcement today about his proposals for further limiting design review, Mayor Harrell is proposing abolishing the neighborhood boards and replacing them with one citywide board. The summary in his announcement also includes:
–Extend successful exemption for affordable housing. The interim ordinance would extend by six months a Design Review exemption set to expire in August 2025 for projects that meet Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) requirements through onsite affordable units. During the two-year exemption pilot, proposed onsite housing units more than doubled compared to all prior years of the MHA program. Building on this success, the legislative proposal coming later this summer would make this exemption permanent.
–Only large projects would be subject to design review. The review threshold would increase to buildings with 150+ housing units or 20,000+ square feet of commercial space. Smaller projects would be exempt, as well as projects located outside Urban Centers or Regional Growth Centers, and projects subject to other review boards, such as the Landmark Preservation Board.
–Clear guidelines and less meetings. Permanent Design Review guidelines would be easier to understand and focus exclusively on elements of the building’s exterior. The permanent ordinance would also limit Design Review to one public meeting that must take place early in the permitting process to help increase predictability, reduce delays, and provide an avenue for public comment when it’s most impactful.
–One citywide board. The eight geographically focused boards would be replaced by one citywide board of 14 members who have expertise in design, development, and equity. Projects planned within established equity areas would use board members from the local community within the pool of 14. This change aims to simplify the program, make it more consistent, and improve representation for historically underserved communities.
–Flexibility in design standards in exchange for public benefits. Departures from design standards, such as increased height or floor area, may be allowed for projects that add public benefits like meeting equity goals or enhancing street-level design. Projects exempt from Design Review would also benefit from similar flexibility through an administrative process.
You can read the full announcement here. It also notes the legislation will be sent to City Council after the environmental-review process that continues through June 26 (various documents, and info on commenting, are here).
(2024 WSF concept for Fauntleroy Way signalized intersection)
Though construction of the Fauntleroy ferry-dock replacement/expansion is still a few years away, one related project is more like months away – the stoplight planned for Fauntleroy Way where it intersects with the dock entrance/exit. To get ready for it, drilling is planned on Monday (June 16), and Washington State Ferries is circulating this alert today:
Washington State Ferries (WSF) will conduct geotechnical drilling to understand site conditions for a new traffic signal at the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and the Fauntleroy ferry terminal. The traffic signal will make it easier and safer for people driving, walking, biking and rolling to get to and from the bus stops, terminal and other destinations along Fauntleroy Way Southwest and beyond.
When will the work occur?
• Monday, June 16 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.What can I expect?
• Construction noise, dust, vibrations and traffic.
• Travel and bike lane restrictions at the intersection of Fauntleroy Way SW and the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal. While crews are working, flaggers and a uniformed police officer will direct traffic through the intersection and to/from the ferry terminal. Please expect delays when traveling through the area.
• Large construction vehicles and machinery.
• Crews will use construction best practices to limit noise levels when possible.Questions or concerns?
• Email: wsfcomms@wsdot.wa.gov
• Call our construction hotline: 206-402-8070 (staffed 24/7 during construction)
The next full update on the project is expected during what will be the final meeting of its WSF-convened Community Advisory Group, online at 6 pm July 9 (registration link isn’t available yet but watch here when it gets closer).
(WSB file photo)
ORIGINAL TUESDAY AFTERNOON REPORT: The precision, prestigious Seattle Chinese Community Girls’ Drill Team is expected to return to the West Seattle Grand Parade this year for the first time since before the pandemic. We got word of that while talking with Keith Hughes, who chairs the parade for the Rotary Club of West Seattle, which presents it. He told the club that more than 70 entries are already signed up for the parade, and that sponsorships are ahead of last year. Keith said they’re expecting other comebacks, too. The parade is set for Saturday, July 19, starting at 11 am at California/Lander in The Admiral District and proceeding all the way down California to the south end of The Junction – watch for more info as it gets closer (and don’t forget it’s preceded by the Float Dodger 5K on the parade route – registration for that is open now!).
P.S. We were at today’s Rotary meeting for an unrelated topic, the club’s annual scholarship presentations – details coming up in a separate story!
EARLY WEDNESDAY UPDATE: From Parade Coordinator Michelle Edwards:
For clarification regarding our current parade entries, we are excited to introduce a new parade entry this year from the Seattle American Chinese Chamber of Commerce – The Flying Dragons and Lions!
In their own words: “The Flying Dragons and Lions bring the energy of good luck and prosperity to any event! The percussion instruments and dragons work together to symbolize the balance of the Ying and Yang energies!”
We are looking forward to welcoming this new entry to the West Seattle Grand Parade this summer and will have more new and exciting entries from around the greater Seattle area to highlight as we get closer to the parade.
12:28 PM: Thanks to Andrew for the photo! SDOT crews are working right now on the conversion of Duwamish Head diagonal parking spaces to parallel, for which District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka got $175,000 written into the city budget. Nearby residents had long been asking for the removal of the diagonal spaces, as a magnet for trouble, even a murder last year. Andrew’s photo came in as we were starting to write a related story – about last Friday’s removal of signage that SDOT had placed regarding this work and the proposal to create 150 new parallel spaces on the water side of Alki Avenue a bit further west.
We asked about the sign removal as soon as another reader asked (sending the photo shown above) on Friday; SDOT acknowledged the inquiry Friday but didn’t provide this reply until today (Phase 2 is a reference to the potential parallel-space installation):
Phase 2 status is currently under review. Staff will review the input from the survey before deciding on the next steps for the project. This ensures community feedback is considered as the process moves forward. In the meantime, we intend to move forward on the conversion of the Duwamish Head angled parking spaces to parallel parking.
SDOT removed the A-frame signs along Alki Avenue SW to avoid any misunderstandings about the work planned at Duwamish Head. We collected a large volume of public input from the survey responses so far and people can continue to provide input until June 22. Afterward, we’ll share the results and how they shaped the process and any decisions.
The reply also noted that they “expect to install (the diagonal-to-parallel) changes this week,” but as Andrew’s photo shows, that’s already under way. They told us that the conversion would mean a net loss of 10 street-parking spaces in that area. Meantime, though SDOT also initially attributed “Phase 2” to Saka as well, he said he’s against adding those spaces (though his budget item, as a commenter pointed out, mentioned not only the diagonal-space conversion but also the addition of on-street spaces on Alki Avenue nearby; we mentioned that in this November reportthe survey is indeed still open.
1:57 PM: Just went through, and the crew is gone:
Nobody seemed to have caught on to the new parallel parking opportunities yet. Looks like some work remains, however, such as grinding away the old parking lines, and removing the old signage that related to the angled parking.
We mentioned again in today’s highlight list that PCC West Seattle (WSB sponsor) had a few more days to go in its food drive for the West Seattle Food Bank. That’s apparently changed – we just got this from WSFB’s Robbin Peterson:
Grocery supplier UNFI got hit by a cyber attack, and their IT system had to be taken down, which impacted their ordering system. It’s meant trouble for grocers who heavily rely on them (PCC, Whole Foods) with low shelf levels on products, and as such, PCC has cancelled all remaining days of their food drives across all stores in Puget Sound.
If people have items to donate to WSFB, they can bring them directly to us (35th/Morgan) between 9 am-3 pm weekdays, or drop them in any of the permanent food drive barrels around town.
· West Seattle Thriftway
· Tom’s Automotive
· Meeples Games
· YMCA Fauntleroy
· West Seattle Animal Hospital
· West Seattle Eagles
· Admiral Safeway
· RealFine Coffee
· Rainier Hair Studio
All this aside, ongoing federal cuts and state/local budget crunches mean organizations like WSFB need your help more than ever, so however and wherever you donate, if you can, please do.
(Sunrise photo by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)
Here’s our reminder list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FOOD DRIVE CONTINUES: West Seattle Food Bank‘s weeklong donation drive at PCC West Seattle (2749 California SW; WSB sponsor) continues today. The store is open until 11 pm,
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, until noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-time participant.
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), featuring student awards and scholarship presentations.
CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate.
PRE-FATHER’S DAY MEAT MARKET: Five days until Father’s Day – a unique event at Lady Jaye (4523 California SW), 4-8 pm – if Dad is a devoted carnivore, this is the place to get something to cook for him OR something already cooked, during what LJ bills as “the ultimate Wagyu experience.”
HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers are available to help K-12 students with their homework.
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 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 CULVERTS MEETING: The first of the major Fauntleroy Creek culvert-replacement projects, beneath 45th SW north of Wildwood, is set for construction to start next year. Tonight the Fauntleroy Community Association and Seattle Public Utilities host a community meeting for updates and Q&A, replacing the first half of FCA’s regular monthly board meeting, 6 pm, at a larger venue – The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW)
WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: On this long night, enjoy the late light with a run – tonight at 6:15 pm, meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.
BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).
TRIVIA X 4: Here’s the answer to the weekly question “who’s got trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights?” – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 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; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).
Organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
With a little more than one week of classes left for most Seattle Public Schools students, it’s time to look ahead. That includes a Roxhill Elementary fundraiser this Friday for which your help can make a big difference – here’s how:
Roxhill Elementary School will host our annual Jog‐A‐Thon on June 13 to support the 5th grade overnight outdoor learning field trip to Nature Bridge in the fall. Our students are collecting pledges for running laps on the playground this Friday, and community members are invited to make a donation.
During their 4-night stay, students engage in various outdoor learning activities that build self-confidence, team building skills, and knowledge of physical sciences. It has been a tradition for many years that each 5th grade class attends an outdoor learning education overnight field trip. It is the experience of a lifetime! Donations will help cover a portion of transportation costs, meals, and other expenses.
This year’s fundraiser is especially important because the new Washington State budget removed the Outdoor Learning Grant program that previously helped offset the cost for Title I schools to go to camp. We hope our community will help us fill the gap and also support other impacted West Seattle elementary schools facing the same cuts.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, June 10, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
The heat advisory is over but it’ll still be warmer than normal – sunny with a high near 80. Today’s sunrise was at 5:11 am (as early as it gets, and holding there for another week-plus); sunset will be at 9:06 pm.
(Saturday’s sunrise, photographed by Stewart L.)
CLOSURES, ROAD WORK
-The Admiral Way Bridge is now one lane each way on the north side, with the south side closed for the ongoing strengthening/refurbishing work.
SCHOOL SCHEDULES
Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights has concluded its school year. Many local independent/parochial schools get out this Friday. Seattle Public Schools‘ last day isn’t until a week from Wednesday. Neighboring districts – Vashon gets out June 24, Highline on June 25.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus a new addition – late-night service for weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and some other events). More info here.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Wednesday night, our area’s largest political organization meets online to decide who to endorse in this year’s elections.
This past Saturday night, the 34th District Democrats gathered in person to raise money, snack, sip, and hear many candidates’ pitches.
The fundraiser’s theme was Forward Together, meant as a rallying cry as Democrats here and elsewhere work to find a unified breakthrough in an age of Republican control. As the organization’s first vice chair Rachel Glass said toward the start of the program, the point was “to uplift the work we’re doing to save our democracy.” Chair Jordan Crawley added, “The defense of democracy starts right here. … The moment we’re in (is) an invitation to lead.” But even local, regional, and state Democrats haven’t been marching in lockstep, as evidenced in two recent appearances of the 34th District legislative trio, at which they said working with newly elected Gov. Bob Ferguson had been a challenge.
The disagreements weren’t in evidence Saturday night, though, as the party filled the Washington State Black Legacy Institute in Admiral. Elected officials in attendance included 34th District State Sen. Emily Alvarado, State House Majority Leader Rep. Joe Fitzgibbon, County Councilmembers Teresa Mosqueda, Claudia Balducci, and Girmay Zahilay, Seattle School Board President Gina Topp, County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, and Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (the only one of the nine councilmembers to attend). Former elected officials too – including ex-King County Executive, now Sound Transit CEO, Dow Constantine and ex-State Senator, now state Commerce Director, Joe Nguyen.
With Crawley declaring “Elections matter,” he and Glass made way for a parade of candidates. State Sen. Alvarado – running unopposed for a full term in the seat to which she recently was appointed – gave the first and arguably most fiery speech: “We can’t just sit idly by while they try to take our democracy away.” County Councilmembers Zahilay and Balducci, main rivals for the open job of County Executive, gave more standard pitches mostly focusing on local issues and their respective selling points, although Zahilay had an extra point to hit: He arrived in the U.S. at age 3 as a refugee from Sudan – a country now on the federal “travel ban” list. “I’m running today because (a story like mine) is no longer possible.”
The Seattle city race with the most candidates speaking was City Attorney; incumbent Ann Davison, who has run for office in the past as a Republican, was not on hand, but her three challengers Erika Evans, Rory O’Sullivan, and Nathan Rouse made their cases. The two citywide Seattle City Council positions are both on the ballot; Position 8 incumbent Mercedes Rinck cleaved to the spirit of the evening by declaring “Seattle must stand as a beacon of hope and resilience (and) fight against the politics of fascism.” (She has four challengers, none of whom were there.) Position 9 incumbent Sara Nelson wasn’t there but one of her three challengers, Dionne Foster, spoke, proclaiming, “I know our city can do better.”
Burien is part of the 34th, too, so they heard from a few of the candidates in that city’s races, before the event wrapped with a round of “raise-the-paddle” fundraising.
Next up, the group meets online at 6 pm Wednesday (June 11) for endorsements. Here’s the agenda – one block endorsement, followed by a long list of individual ones for contested races. Even if you’re not a member eligible to vote, you can watch the meeting – here’s the registration link; they usually publish the recording to YouTube afterward, too.
Story and photos by Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
When Rain City Ropeworks held their annual community show at the Holy Rosary School gym on Sunday, it was more than just a chance to show off what they’ve learned – it was also a key moment of preparation for nine team members who will be representing Washington at the World Championships in Kawasaki, Japan, next month.
The show was a great way to get an understanding of what they need to improve on, said team coach and Rain City Ropeworks founder Rene Bibaud. She is a 5-time Jump Rope world champion, as well as a former performer and coach for Cirque Du Soleil, a motivational speaker, and ESPN color commentator.
In the past nine months, the students have drilled, practiced, and perfected their own freestyle routines. “It’s a consistent upgrade of skills,” Bibaud remarked. These routines are completely original and structured around a song, chosen by the students themselves. In the process of learning these routines, accepting and learning how to deal with mistakes is a vital skill, the coach explains. “The most important skill to have is learning how to recover. You’ll make mistakes, and it’s important to learn how to keep your footing.”
This is an especially important lesson for the older athletes to internalize, as the team is a mix of older students and younger ones. Often, the older team members will be called on to help mentor those with less experience. In order to facilitate this process, the program has a team leadership council. This is a group of experienced team members who help teach the new athletes.
It’s a rewarding experience for the Leadership Council as well, according to Ethan Im. As a member of the Team Leadership Council, Im has found a community in RainCity RopeWorks. Starting at the age of 7, he said the sport was intimidating at first.
He’s managed to channel this former fear as a guide to the younger athletes, however, by meeting them where they’re at. “It’s a little tricky, since they’re usually shy, but that changes once you show them the ropes,” Im said. “I like to tell that that ‘you’re only competing with yourself’.“
Im has grown into both a confident performer and a leader. From July 27th to August 3rd, he’ll be one of 9 team members going to Japan to compete in the World Championships. He says, above all else, he hopes that by participating in this sport he can help lend it more legitimacy. “A lot of people see it as a playground sport, but I hope this team can show them otherwise.”
Also headed to the World Championships is Alia Lundborg. She’s in her 4th year and is also a member of the Team Leadership Council. She’s nervous, but excited, to compete in the championships. Lundborg will be performing a Double Dutch, a group exercise using two larger jump ropes. “It takes so much practice to get these routines down, but it’s definitely brought us a lot closer together,” said Lundborg.
Lundborg’s progress stuck out in particular to Bibaud: “Alia has been at every possible practice; she’s one of the most skilled and consistent members of the team. I’m thrilled that she’s going to the world championships this year.”
Reflecting on the last ten months, Bibaud is most proud of the team for their growth as a community. Throughout the event, other athletes were consistently cheering each other on during their performances and congratulating each other afterwards. This supportive culture is in large part due to the Team Leadership Council, according to Bibaud. “They all want to do their own personal best, they care deeply about one another, and I’m very proud of that,” Bibaud said.
To learn more about the team, see the Ropeworks website here. For information about the world championships, check here.
Thanks to Tim O’Neill from O’Neill Plumbing (WSB sponsor) for the photos and report on a big win:
All of us here at O’Neill Plumbing are pretty dang proud of our Pee Wee team that just won the championship Saturday !!
We’ve been sponsors since 1974 and don’t have any record of them ever winning the championship !!
Way to go, TEAM OP !!
This is part of the West Seattle Baseball organization, which is now signing people up for Summer Crush – more on that in a separate report!
We reported last month about the King County Wastewater Treatment District’s new plans for West Seattle and South Seattle, including a 7-million-gallon-plus overflow storage tank off West Marginal Way SW. It’s meant to reduce overflows of combined sewage and stormwater into the Duwamish River. If you have questions about that or other parts of the “Mouth of the Duwamish” project, the drop-in session mentioned last month is coming up – here’s the reminder we received:
King County has proposed a solution to control overflows from five combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls at the mouth of the Duwamish River. The proposed solution to improve water quality in the Duwamish River and Elliott Bay includes a new wet weather treatment station in SODO and a new storage tank in West Seattle (Industrial District West). It also includes a new outfall for cleaned water, supporting facilities, and new pipes to connect flows along the way.
Now that we have a proposed solution, we will prepare an engineering report for review by the Washington State Department of Ecology. We will also start the design phase and environmental review.
-Share your questions with the project team
-Attend one of our upcoming drop-in sessions to share your feedback, questions, and concerns.–SODO Home Depot Drop-In: Tuesday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to noon at 2701 Utah Ave. S.
–Delridge Community Center Drop-In: Thursday, June 12, from 10 a.m. to noon at 4501 Delridge Way S.W.Can’t make it? We still want to hear from you! Connect with our team in one of the following ways:
Find us at an upcoming event:
–Georgetown Carnival: Saturday, June 14, from noon to 6 p.m., on Airport Way South between South Lucile Street and South Vale Street.
–Duwamish River Festival: Saturday, August 2, from noon to 5 p.m., at 8700 Dallas Ave. S.
-Contact Bibiana Ocheke-Ameh at dwetweafacilities@kingcounty.gov or (206) 477-5604 to have a one-on-one conversation or invite us to a meeting hosted by your group or organizationVisit kingcounty.gov/MDWetWeatherFacilities to learn the latest updates about the project, access all project materials, and sign up for email updates. If you have suggestions for other ways we can work with you and your neighbors, please let us know!
See a fact sheet about the plan here.
Last Tuesday’s gunfire at 25th/Dakota was related to a family dispute, according to documents in the charge filed against the suspect by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. It was all related to one nearby residence, prosecutors say. They filed a felony first-degree assault charge against 23-year-old Jibril Mohamednur. The documents say the suspect is related to the ex-spouse of a 28-year-old man who allegedly drove by the residence Tuesday morning and fired gunshots toward it. Prosecutors allege Mohamednur then grabbed a gun and ran out to shoot at the first man’s vehicle. They say police had responded to the residence twice in the previous two days for situations involving the divorced couple, one in which the ex-husband allegedly “drove in front of the residence brandishing a firearm.” The charging documents say Mohamednur was identified in part by video from a residential security camera. As shown in a police update we reported in a followup, investigators found a “loaded and chambered firearm” in an Audi also linked to the residence, along with clothes they believe Mohamednur was wearing at the time of the shootout. The court documents also show that he has a criminal record including felony convictions for burglary and identity theft. He remains in the King County Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail. The court documents also say police have probable cause to arrest the ex-husband but hadn’t found him as of the time Mohamednur was charged.
On a day like today, hard not to get caught up in summer-fun daydreaming. So we have more news about the peninsula’s biggest party of the year, West Seattle Summer Fest, a little more than a month away – it all starts with Summer Fest Eve on Thursday, July 10, then three days of Summer Fest, Friday, July 11-Sunday, July 13. Above is this year’s map, reflecting the changes we mentioned previously – the Kids Zone and food court have swapped sides of SW Alaska, and the West Side Stage will be near the food zone, by Wells Fargo. The map also shows where you’ll find a new feature – free stations to refill your water bottle. Also on the Summer Fest website, the West Seattle Junction Association – which presents Summer Fest – has published the lists of vendors (including year-round merchants with sidewal sales), food and drink (also including year-round businesses with sidewalk cafés during the festival), and the schedule for nonprofits/agencies you’ll find with us and WSJA in the centrally located Info Booth. Main-stage music is on Fridays and Saturdays, on California north of Oregon, running until 11 pm, and on Sunday, that same area will be temporary home to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market. This year’s festival hours are 1-8 pm Friday (music until 11), 10 am-8 pm Saturday (music until 11), and 10 am-5 pm Sunday (WSFM until 2 pm). See you there, July 11-13 (and Summer Fest Eve July 10)!
P.S. If you missed the earlier announcement of the music lineup, see that here!
SDOT says the SW Barton bus-layover zone between Roxhill Park and Westwood Village won’t be repaved this year after all, and that changes the plan for this week’s meeting about it:
Our project is being postponed – rather than starting construction in Fall 2025, we will begin work in March 2026. We need to delay our work because a separate project that will affect SW Trenton St (the street that major bus reroutes will use) conflicts with our timeline. Instead of competing for street space and making buses detour on an active construction zone, our project will start later.
We will still have our public meeting but are changing its format into a drop-in session where you can come learn the most up-to-date information. So come see us at our SDOT table outside the former site of the Bed Bath & Beyond in Westwood Village (2600 SW Barton St, Suite A1, across from the Wingstop) on June 11 (Wednesday) from 5:30 – 7:00 pm. And don’t worry. We will still hold a more comprehensive public meeting before construction begins – and will let you know when that meeting is rescheduled for a date in fall 2025.
We asked about the “separate Trenton project.” The reply: More speed humps.
BACKSTORY: We first reported the Barton repaving plan after spotting the permit application in March. SDOT says the temporary replacement layover zone will be on the southwest corner of 25th/Trenton.
(Early summer flowers – photo by Susan Whiting Kemp)
Here’s what’s on the highlight list from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (are we missing something? let us know!):
FAMILY STORY TIME: Southwest Library‘s 10:30 AM story time is open to wee ones and their parents/guardians/caretakers. (9010 35th SW)
HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Open every day 11 am-8 pm for kids to keep cool! (1100 SW Cloverdale)
CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: See city councilmembers look ahead to the rest of the week, 2 pm. The agenda explains how to watch.
HOMEWORK HELP: K-12 students can get free drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
CRAFTING & CREATIVITY NIGHT: 6-10 pm, Monday is “Crafting and Creativity Night” at The Missing Piece (9456 35th SW), info here.
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: No need to grieve alone. 6:30 pm at Mama Be Well Healing Studio, join a group with Listening to Grief. Registration/fee info here. (4034A California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA: Three places you can play tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7 and 8 pm Sporcle Pub Quiz at Three 9 Lounge (4505 39th SW), 21+ … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)
ALKI MEDITATION: Every Monday – doors open at Alki UCC at 6:45, meeting is from 7-8:30. (6115 SW Hinds)
POOL TOURNAMENT: The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starts at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
FAUNTLEROY MEDITATION: More Monday night meditating – free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Live music on Monday nights – jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
MONDAY KARAOKE Time to sing at 9 pm Monday nights – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Thanks to everyone who sends info for our calendar – if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Another announcement as the school year approaches its end: Chief Sealth International High School’s Drama Company will be staging two events to close out 2024-2025. On Saturday and Sunday – June 14th at 6:25 pm and June 15th at 4 pm – it’s the one-act play “The Angel Intrudes” by Floyd Dell. This one-act play is directed by students, and tickets will be just $2.
Then on Saturday, June 21st, at noon, the Intergenerational Theatre Project will present “The Lear Project,”described as a “company-devised piece based on participants’ writings, group exercises and discussions, and the first scene in Shakespeare’s King Lear.” We told you about the Intergenerational Theatre Project earlier this year. Essentially, it pairs students in the Chief Sealth Drama Company with adults to produce a theater show that bridges the generational divide. Tickets for the June 21st show will be free. Find out more about all these shows by going here.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, June 9, 2025.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
After a record high on Sunday (90 degrees), the Heat Advisory alert remains in place until 10 pm, and the forecast is for another sunny day, high in the low 80s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:11 am (which is as early as it gets, and it’ll stay there for about two weeks); sunset will be at 9:05 pm.
(Saturday’s sunrise, photographed by Richard Bartlett)
CLOSURES, ROAD WORK
-After a day-and-a-half closure over the weekend, the low bridge is open to all modes of traffic again.
-The Admiral Way Bridge lanes were scheduled to change again by today, says SDOT.
SCHOOL SCHEDULES
Summit Atlas in Arbor Heights has concluded its school year. Many local independent/parochial schools will get out this Friday. Seattle Public Schools‘ last day isn’t until a week from Wednesday. Neighboring districts – Vashon gets out June 24, Highline on June 25.
TRANSIT TODAY
Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later runs on Friday and Saturday nights, plus a new addition – late-night service for weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and a few other events). More info here.
Metro buses – Regular schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
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!
Big weekend for reunions – especially West Seattle High School alums who time theirs to coincide with the annual All-School Reunion (which was held on Saturday). Easy Street Records proprietor Matt Vaughan shared the pic from the reunion of the WSHS Class of 1985, which gathered at his shop/café/music venue! Easy Street opened just three years after the Class of 1985 graduated, so its own 40th anniversary is in view too.
Speaking of protests … Jason sent photos and info about this street-side advocacy action that local kids in Fauntleroy did this afternoon:
Cool to see: a child-driven protest against to-fast drivers on 45th between Concord and Henderson. It’s been a problem here since the bridge closure made people use this route as a shortcut.
According to one of the kids (Lola, holding the sign):
“We hope to get drivers to drive slower and pay more attention to kids who cross back and forth. In the past we’ve seen teenagers driving way over the speed limit and not letting us cross first. We started yesterday at a block party while we were pretending to be police officers and saw cars driving too fast. We pulled the ‘20 is plenty’ signs from the ground and waved them in the air. It seemed to work — people were slowing down, waving, smiling and happily honking. So we thought we do it again today.
“When we yelled ‘20 is plenty’ some people rolled down their windows and yelled ten is plenty! We made paper signs saying ‘20 is plenty’ and had a petition sheet for people to sign if they agreed with us.
“I feel like some of the cars might have listened and acknowledged that there were kids who need to cross the street while others ignored us and kept driving like 30 mph over the speed bump. We hope that we can keep doing this until everyone slows down. Today we set up on the side of the road on a speed bump hoping that cars would see us and slow down. We also have some requests that the speed bumps could be a little bigger, and we need a painted crosswalk and another roundabout.”
The Fauntleroy Community Association has long agitated for more SDOT attention there and elsewhere. That section of 45th has a big project in the works to the north – the culvert replacement, which FCA and Seattle Public Utilities will update at 6 pm Tuesday at The Hall @ Fauntleroy (9131 California SW).
Passing through The Junction on Saturday, we noted members of West Seattle Indivisible sign-waving, as planned, to remind people about the “No Kings” rally at Cal Anderson Park next Saturday (June 14), one of hundreds of planned protests nationwide. We’ve also been receiving questions by email, text, and voice about whether anything is planned here in West Seattle. So far, we have two answers:
#1 – If your concern is just getting there, transportation might be available, West Seattle Indivisible says. The group has filled up one bus with people interested in riding together to the Cal Anderson rally, leaving at 11 am Saturday from the West Seattle High School parking lot, $25 suggested donation. If they get enough expressions of interest, they’ll charter a second. You can sign up here if interested.
#2 – For those insistent on staying in West Seattle, Old Tyme Adults for Democracy sent us an announcement today for a street rally on the corners at Admiral/California on Saturday, 2-3 pm. Their group is based at nearby Brookdale Admiral Heights but all are welcome.
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