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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 20 notes!
March 16, 2025 6:16 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Recent sunrise, photographed by Theresa Arbow-O’Connor)

From the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here are possibilities for your Sunday, including more St. Patrick’s Day-themed events:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales end today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER’S LEPRECHAUN LEG GROUP RUN: Meet at Hiawatha (2700 California SW) by 9 am for this wearing-of-the-green 3-mile fun run, which ends at nearby Good Society.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s run leaves from Ampersand (2536 Alki SW), 9 am.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with late-winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!) plus beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)

DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The Longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)

FREE NIA CLASS: 10:30 am Sundays, first class free if you pre-register. Inner Alchemy Sanctuary/Studio (3618 SW Alaska)

DONATION DRIVE: Warm outerwear? Blamkets? New underwear/socks? That’s part of the wish list for this month’s dropoff donation drive outside Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds), 11 am-3 pm.

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)

IRISH FEST AT OUNCES: Noon-7 pm celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, one day early, green beer and all. Info here, starting with two events at noon:
–Free Irish line-dance class
–Green run
Everything happens at the tap room/beer garden (3809 Delridge Way SW).

MUSIC TALKS: Free workshop for those interested in reading music and singing, 12:15 pm at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (3050 California SW).

COMMUNITY CLOG-DANCING LESSONS: Final Sunday with 1 pm lessons at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).

MADISON STUDENTS’ POETRY SALON: Missed the first one (WSB coverage here)? Be at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 2 pm today to see and hear Madison MS students recite poetry!

WELCOME ROAD WINERY: Enjoy your Sunday afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)

PLAY CRIBBAGE: These Sunday sessions are for more-advanced players, 2 pm at West Seattle Eagles (4426 California SW), membership not required.

MAGICAL STRINGS: 2:30 pm St. Patrick’s Day concert at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

‘RAIN MUSIC’: That’s the theme of today’s Music Northwest concert, directed by Dr. Jane Harty, at Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill), 3 pm, featuring the world-premiere work “17 Names for Rain” by Northwest composer Sean Osborn. Details and ticket info are in our calendar listing. (See the full program here.)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Local singer-songwriter Jim Page performs at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm today.

ASTRA LUMINA: Last night to catch the celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus. Tonight, 7:15 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday night music – the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.

Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Spanning the generations: Student visitors bring joy to seniors at Quail Park in The Junction
March 15, 2025 11:29 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle people

Spring officially starts this Thursday. But seasonal colors are already brightening the lives of residents at Quail Park West Seattle (WSB sponsor), thanks to a collaboration with local students. Betsy Henry sent the report and photos on behalf of Quail Park:

Earlier this month, a group of 7th and 8th grade students from Holy Rosary School brought residents at Quail Park West Seattle a little extra sunshine. They decorated some of the community’s doors for spring.

The gesture was part of Holy Rosary’s long-standing relationship with the senior-living community. Students in leadership classes taught by Nicole Chiodo have been visiting Quail Park West Seattle for over 5 years. During COVID, they even adapted their visits by singing songs and visiting with residents from the safety of the community’s patio.

“We love being part of this community,” said Brian Anderson, the executive director at Quail Park West Seattle. “Our residents delight in interacting with the public, especially children and youth, and we are grateful to these students for sharing their time and joy with us!”

During their weekly or sometimes twice weekly visits, the students and residents socialize, do crafts and show off their talents. So far this term, they have had a meet-and-greet, a game day, a party, and a talent show. The spring door decorations, presented on March 6th, were another creative way for students to brighten the spirits of the residents.

The students’ involvement continues to highlight the importance of intergenerational connections and the positive impact these interactions have on both the youth and seniors in the community.

“It’s amazing to see the young and the old interact,” said Chiodo. “The smiles light up the room. My students are always so full of energy after our visits, retelling the stories they learned and they can’t wait for the next visit. We love our Quail Park family and I feel blessed to share this special opportunity with my students.”

Quail Park is at 4515 41st SW, walking distance from the school.

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YOU CAN HELP: Wish list for Alki UCC’s dropoff donation drive Sunday
March 15, 2025 8:22 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

(Alki UCC photo of donations from February 2024 drive)

Every month, Alki UCC puts out donation bins in front of the church at 6115 SW Hinds on one Sunday, and circulates a wish list for dropoff donations. Tomorrow is the March donation day, and here’s what they’re looking for:

Alki UCC Donations Drive – Sunday, March 16
11:00 am to 3:00 pm
Front Courtyard

This month’s priorities:
-Outerwear/Men’s Outdoor Work Clothing
-Blankets
-Clean Wearable Boots and Shoes
-New Socks
-New Men’s and Women’s Underwear

We also welcome non-perishable food, hygiene products and outdoor gear.

Donations are distributed through the Westside Interfaith Network Saturday lunch, hosted in White Center. Deepest gratitude to our community for your generous support of our neighbors in need.

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UPDATE: Fire callout on 45th SW, false alarm
March 15, 2025 7:17 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle fires | West Seattle news

7:17 PM: Seattle Fire is sending a big callout to the 5200 block of 45th SW, where “a caller reports seeing flames in the living room.” Updates to come.

7:20 PM: They’re reducing the response, saying it’s possibly “a TV” that caught fire (or sparked) but nothing major, and no smoke.

7:23 PM: And now they’ve further discerned that “flames on the TV” actually was “video of flames” … so they’re canceling the whole thing.

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Fauntleroy Creek volunteers place traps, start counting coho headed for salt water
March 15, 2025 5:10 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

A salmon update from the Fauntleroy Watershed Council:

Volunteers are starting the annual spring count of coho smolts leaving Fauntleroy Creek for their two years in salt water.

(Photos by Dave Gershgorn. Above Scoutmaster James Kim and Dan Vornbrock [Ben’s dad] attach netting to the trap frame)

Last spring Ben Vornbrock supported this research by designing and building two net traps as his Eagle Scout project. This past Wednesday, family and fellow members of Scout Troop 284 put them back in at sites in the upper and lower creek to continue the research. Today, monitors were scheduled to start checking them twice daily through late May.

(Scout Naomi Bilinski helps Dan position the net so all creek flow goes through it. Superintending are Jamie Bilinski and creek volunteers Tom Trulin and Dennis Hinton)

Last spring’s smolt count was 30; the highest count since the research began in 2003 was 230.

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GO GREEN! 9 West Seattle St. Patrick’s Day highlights for tonight, Sunday, Monday
March 15, 2025 3:51 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

St. Patrick’s Day is Monday, but the celebration is spanning three days this year. If you’re looking for West Seattle (and vicinity) events all in one list, here you go! (The Saturday-night events are already in this morning’s daily list, but we’re mentioning them again …)

IRISH FEST 2: Five bands, including West Seattle musicians, are playing Tim’s Tavern in White Center tonight – doors open at 6, music at 7, fundraiser for SMASH – all ages until 10 pm. (16th/98th)

IRISH-THEMED RAINBOW BINGO: Not too late to get your ticket(s) to the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation fundraiser, 6:30 pm tonight at West Seattle Golf Course‘s clubhouse. (4470 35th SW)

LEPRECHAUN LEG GROUP RUN: Join West Seattle Runner (WSB sponsor) on the track at Hiawatha for the start of this wearing-of-the-green 3-mile group ruh, 9 am Sunday. (2700 California SW)

FREE IRISH LINE-DANCE CLASS: Noon Sunday at Ounces, courtesy of West Seattle Irish Dance. (3809 Delridge Way SW)

GREEN RUN: Also at Ounces, the regular Sunday run at noon is green-themed this week!

ST. PATRICK’S DAY IRISH FEST: Those two events are part of a noon-7 pm celebration Sunday at Ounces, with green beer among other things.

MAGICAL STRINGS: This duo celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with their concert at Kenyon Hall, 2:30 pm Sunday, with dancers and fiddlers joining them. Get tickets here. (7904 35th SW)

COMERFORD IRISH DANCERS @ CENTER: 1:15 pm Monday, all are welcome to come see young dancers from West Seattle’s Comerford School of Irish Dance perform at the Center for Active Living. (4217 SW Oregon)

HIGHLAND PARK CORNER STORE TURNS IRISH PUB: It’s a tradition at Highland Park Corner Store, 5-8 pm on St. Patrick’s Day (Monday), visit for “loaded baked potatoes and corned beef sandwiches, green beer, shamrock ice cream scoops, Irish tunes”! (7789 Highland Park Way SW)

More St. Patrick’s Day festivities tonight, Sunday, Monday? These are just the ones sent in for our calendar – if you forgot to send yours, do it now and we’ll add! Thanks!

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SUNDAY PREVIEW: ‘Rain Music’ concert with Music Northwest, featuring world premiere of ’17 Names for Rain’
March 15, 2025 1:59 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Another chance this weekend to be the first to see and hear a new work performed! West Seattle’s Dr. Jane Harty leads Music Northwest, which presents a concert on Sunday appropriately titled “Rain Music,” featuring a world premiere. Here are the details:

Music Northwest presents “Rain Music” on March 16th, 3 pm, Admiral Church (4320 SW Hill). This Music Northwest Concert Series event features the world premiere of “17 Names for Rain” by Northwest composer Sean Osborn.

The concert also features music by Debussy, Chopin, William Grant Still, and Nadia Boulanger for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano in various combinations. In addition to clarinetist Sean Osborn, Northwest artists include Emily Hu, cello; Quinn Price, violin; and Jane Harty, piano. Tickets are available at www.musicnorthwest.org. Students age 25 and under may request FREE tickets by calling Music NW at 206-937-9792. (Student comps must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance). General admission is $20; Seniors $18; Students at the door, $10.

“17 Names for Rain” is the 9th piece commissioned by Music Northwest, a project which began in 2005. In 2024, our commissioned piece, “To the Invisible Listener,” in memory of Rev. Ronald Marshall by Juilliard composer Jacob Beranek, has been nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in Music. It was premiered in West Seattle in December of 2024. Music Northwest has received long-term support from the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture, King County 4Culture, ArtsFund, and ACMP (the Chamber Music Fund based in New York City). The Director, Dr. Jane Harty, recently served on the National Endowment for the Arts Music Panel during the Biden administration. Music Northwest is strongly committed to DEI programming, and past commissioned pieces have been set to texts by Phyllis Wheatley and Native American poets.

Music Northwest also offers annual Chamber Music Camps for both youth and adults, with gala concerts produced in West Seattle churches since 2002. For more information, please go to www.musicnorthwest.org

You can see the full program for Sunday’s concert here.

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SATURDAY WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas appear again
March 15, 2025 12:00 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

If you can spare time to whale-watch today, this might be a good time, between waves of showers – Kersti Muul texted to tell us that orcas are currently “northbound from the south end of Blake Island.” Let us know if you see them; thanks again to those who share photos/video of local sightings (westseattleblog@gmail.com)!

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Early-morning false alarm at Don Armeni Boat Ramp
March 15, 2025 10:59 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle police

For those who were wondering: A briefly big “water rescue response” at Don Armeni Boat Ramp this morning turned out to be a false alarm of sorts. SFD and SPD converged on the park around 6:15 am to check out a possible car in the water about 50 yards out. According to incident audio, divers/swimmers arrived, went into the water, and discovered it was not a car, but instead a rental scooter “with all its lights on.”

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 29 things to know
March 15, 2025 6:07 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Schmitz Preserve Park photo by Christopher Boffoli)

Get your Irish music on as this pre-St. Patrick’s Day weekend begins – two opportunities are part of the slate for your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar. We start with a traffic alert:

TRAFFIC NOTE: WSDOT is closing the two right lanes of NB Highway 99 across the First Avenue South Bridge until 1 pm for bridge-deck work.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales end this weekend! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet up at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

HEAVILY MEDITATED: Free community meditation, 9 am at Inner Alchemy‘s sanctuary/studio (3618 SW Alaska).

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, first at 9:30 am for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, join others for the full weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy). ‘

MOUNTAIN TO SOUND OUTFITTERS CLEARANCE SALE: Continuing this weekend! “We’re offering our best discounts of the season on all of our winter gear!” says Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor). Open 10 am-6 pm today.

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Jon Wall with originals and covers on ukulele and harmonica, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. 13-week series continues today, 10:30 am, Grace Church (10323 28th SW).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am family reading time returns at new home of Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

MAKE HANDBUILT ANIMALS: 1-3 pm, join Kristen for this session at The Clay Cauldron. Our calendar listing explains how to register. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.

SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION JUNIOR ROLLER DERBY: Go cheer the home team on bout night! “Legends in the Rink,” 4:15 pm-8 pm at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW) – see ticketing and other info in our calendar listing.

IRISH-THEMED RAINBOW BINGO: “Queens of the Green,” 6:30 pm fundraiser for the West Seattle Rotary Service Foundation at WS Golf Course (4470 35th SW) – get tickets here.

IRISH FEST 2: Tim’s Tavern (16th/98th, White Center) hosts five bands – including West Seattle musicians – starting at (updated) 7 pm, benefiting SMASH.

EVENING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Roo Forrest and Friends, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

IRISH/SCOTTISH MUSIC AT KENYON HALL: The Home Rulers perform – doors 7, show 7:30, at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) – tickets here.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Drew Martin presents his newest album, “Where’s Your Feet?” No cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge ends this weekend. 7:15 pm and later entry times tonight; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

‘MUSIC FOR THE SOUL’: Northwest Symphony Orchestra in concert at Holy Rosary (42nd/Genesee), 8 pm. More info and ticket link in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Tonight – BendreTheGiant, Wind-Up Birds, Verboten, Shark Out! Doors 7, music 8, 21+, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm with Soul Focus FM at Revelry Room – check here to see who. (4547 California SW)

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Saturday night singing! 10 pm at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)

West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to be listed on our calendar! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Helicopter-assisted search for carjacking suspects (updated Saturday)
March 14, 2025 11:02 pm
|      35 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Helicopter | West Seattle news | Westwood

11:02 PM: The Guardian One helicopter is joining SPD‘s search for two carjacking suspects. According to emergency radio traffic it happened in the Westwood Village area, but the carjackers already have abandoned the Acura SUV they stole. They’re looking for two suspects, one described as wearing all black, with a black face mask, and a gun; they were reported to be running on 25th SW. … Officers report having stopped a possible suspect in the area.

11:11 PM: The ground search includes a K-9, so if you’re in the area, you may hear police’s obligatory announcements of that.

11:30 PM: They’re still searching, including to the north and east of WWV.

11:39 PM: They’ve exhausted the possibilities for now, so the helicopter’s leaving. No further info on the incident, but we’ll of course follow up and add any additional information when it’s available.

ADDED 12:10 PM SATURDAY: Here’s the preliminary summary from SPD:

At 2300 hours, responded to a report of a carjacking that had just occurred at the Westwood Village Shopping Center. The suspects (one armed with a handgun) approached the victims as they were standing outside the vehicle and attempted to pistol whip the driver while suspect #2 simultaneously assaulted the female passenger. The victims complied and the suspects got into the victim vehicle. The vehicle was a newer Acura, and the suspects could not figure out how to shift it into drive. The suspects panicked and fled immediately once they could not manipulate the shifter dial, and the victims managed to maintain possession of their vehicle. Containment was established and KCSO K9 and Guardian One responded to assist.

If you have any information, the incident to refer to is 25-69379.

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VIDEO: Candidates and a tribute @ 34th District Democrats
March 14, 2025 10:59 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

What the feds won’t do – any more – the locals are going to have to.

That theme emerged in a variety of ways at Wednesday night’s meeting of our area’s largest political organization, the 34th District Democrats, facilitated by the group’s chair Jordan Crawley.

First, the pre-meeting presentation featured the local resistance group West Seattle Indivisible. Then, our area’s County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda touted local government’s support for areas hit by the federal budget ax – housing, worker protections, equity:

Two of Mosqueda’s fellow County Councilmembers spoke too, but in a different capacity – as candidates to succeed King County Executive Dow Constantine, who is not running for re-election. This wasn’t a formal candidate forum; 34th DD meetings often offer the microphone to candidates who want to make their pitch.

First was Councilmember Claudia Balducci from the Eastside, who declared, “I fundamentally believe in the powe of government, especially local government, to make lives better,” before decrying the federal slashing of services and spending. “We can’t do everything, but we can protect the people most at risk,” she said, adding that local government needs to “stand up for our values,” so if the president, for example, threatens to take away funding unless those values are cast aside, go ahead and dare him.

Balducci, a Sound Transit board member, noted that she might be “most famous for fighting and winning the battle of light rail” on the Eastside, and declared, “I can’t wait to push to get light rail to West Seattle!” (That was greeted by a whoop.)

Next was County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay, whose district is in South King County. He declared the KC Executive position to be the “single most important and powerful local office in the entire state of Washington.” He also said he’s running because of the potential of our region, which welcomed Zahilay and his family as refugees from Sudan when he was three years old. He then listed challenges – opportunities on the decline, the Trump Administration “threaten(ing) every value we have,” the housing shortage – and proclaimed that the next County Executive “has to ensure that King County is a beacon of hope and opportunity for the entire nation.”

Balducci and Zahilay were the only two County Executive candidates on Wednesday night’s agenda, but not the only candidates – five others running for election or re-election took the microphone too. Two were Port of Seattle Commissioners running for re-election – and they too spoke about defiance of D.C. Position 1 incumbent Ryan Calkins said that after “mourn(ing) a bit” following the November election, “we doubled down” on commitments such as green energy:

Position 3 incumbent Port Commissioner Hamdi Mohamed also observed that “local elected officials must hold the line” during “unprecedented times”:

Three City of Seattle candidates followed, starting with mayoral hopeful Ry Anderson. They warned of the dangers of hopelessness: “We have to empower the next generation to not give up.” And about services the feds may be abandoning: “The National Labor Relations Board may be (doomed), so we need to pick that up.”

Armstrong also nodded to the civil-rights curtailments of the D.C. administration, suggesting “the best way to give Trump (the finger) is to elect a trans mayor.”

Two candidates for citywide City Council Position 9 were next, challenging incumbent Council President Sara Nelson. First, Dionne Foster told the 34th DDs that all three of the district’s state legislators already support her. She described herself as a “first-time candidate” (but former city policy adviser) and steadfast champion of “progressive values” and “real results”:

Another Council Position 9 candidate, Ray Rogers, also called himself a “first-time candidate” and spoke of people power: “With you, we can get the job done.” He promised he would work tirelessly – “the first one to get there and the last one to leave.”

We won’t know the full primary-election fields for these and other positions until after the official Filing Week in May; primary voting will end on

The final spotlight of the night shone on a former elected official, Joe Nguyen, appointed as state Commerce Director after serving a term and a half as 34th District State Senator. Aaron Garcia of the White Center Community Development Association was first to speak in tribute, declaring, “Joe showed up.” Garcia’s predecessor as WCCDA executive director, Sili Savusa, spoke too, as did Seattle Port Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa and former Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels:

The traits they celebrated differed – Hasegawa hailed Nguyen as “a progressive elected voice” while Nickels said he became a “very enthusiastic supporter” despite having told Nguyen flat-out “you’re way too liberal for me.”

NEXT MEETING: The 34th DDs meet on second Wednesdays, sometimes in person, sometimes online only, so next meeting will be April 9th; you can watch for updates at 34dems.org.

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VIDEO: Space Needle hosts GuideStar laser art
March 14, 2025 10:41 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Thanks to Steven Rice for the photo of the Space Needle hosting tonight’s GuideStar laser-art installation, as previewed here earlier this week. If you had trouble seeing it from this side of the bay, the photo may hint at a reason why – the light beams were slender. Converge Media streamed the show, including spoken word and music beneath the Needle – here’s the recording:

GuideStar was created by New York-based artists Mendi + Keith Obadike, commissioned by Seattle’s Wa Na Wari.

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FOUND BICYCLE: Apparently abandoned at Alki
March 14, 2025 8:53 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Found bicycles | West Seattle news

Greg is the second reader who reported seeing this bicycle at the beach in recent days:

Found at Alki Beach, presumably stolen and abandoned child’s bike.

He took it home for safekeeping, so if it’s yours, let us know and we’ll connect you.

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THINK SUMMER (FEST): More seating! More shade! West Seattle Junction Association crowdfunding to make it happen
March 14, 2025 7:40 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

It’s a wish frequently voiced after West Seattle Summer Fest – a longing for more places to sit down and eat/drink and/or take a break from the sun. This year, the West Seattle Junction Association is hoping to make those dreams come true – with your help, as well as with some festival-layout changes. WSJA events director Stacie Woods explains, “The money raised for Seating and Shade will help us afford tables, chairs, tents and umbrellas at the festival to give folks more places to sit down, relax, eat, enjoy music and a cold beverage. We are planning to physically swap the kids’ area and the food area this year. That means the new food area will near the West Gate on Alaska with lots of new seating options as well. We are also moving the Westside Stage to the West Gate area as well so that folks can enjoy music while enjoying some food and drink.” Attending the festival remains free – donating is voluntary; if you can chip in a bit (or a lot!) to help improve it, just go here. (Also watch your favorite Junction restaurants, where you’ll be seeing table cards with a QR code for this.)

P.S. This is separate from the other West Seattle Summer Fest fundraiser announced earlier this week – ticket sales continue for the first-ever Rock Walk on April 11, with proceeds paying for festival music. (This year’s Summer Fest is Friday-Sunday, July 11-13 – and you’ll also want to set your calendar for Summer Fest Eve on July 10.)

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CRIME WATCH FOLLOWUP: Bail set at $100,000 for Roxhill Park shootout suspect
March 14, 2025 4:36 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Thursday afternoon)

4:36 PM: As noted in an update to our coverage of Thursday afternoon’s Roxhill Park shootout, which sent a 17-year-old to the hospital, police arrested the 18-year-old they were questioning. Court documents say he was the person who called 911 for the injured teenager after pulling over at 30th and Elmgrove, about half a mile north of the shootout scene. The 18-year-old suspect had his first hearing today, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office says a judge found cause to hold him for first-degree assault. Prosecutors asked for $200,000 bail; the judge set it at $100,000. The KCPAO also notes that:

The 18-year-old had one previous case, in which the Court granted deferred disposition. In that case, the teen was accused of showing a gun to friends in a vehicle in South Seattle. The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged him with Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree. … That Court order had 12 months of community supervision, 63 days credit for time served (the sentencing range is 0-30 days of local sanctions under state law), and school notification, among other terms … from Aug. 28, 2024.

The KCPAO notes that a bill supported by Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion, to strengthen juvenile gun laws, “died in committee.” One other note from the Roxhill Park investigation – according to the court document, “Officers recovered 16 9mm bullet casings and 2 .40 caliber casings at the scene.” No guns were recovered, though.

Tuesday is the deadline for rush-charging the 18-year-old in this case. The initial police report said the injured teen was expected to be arrested before leaving the hospital. Two other people were reported to have been involved in the shootout, which is reported to have started when one person pulled a gun during an argument on the Roxhill Park playground, but there is no word of additional arrests yet.

5:58 PM: A little more on the legislative (in)action mentioned above: The bill was HB 1536. It would have reduced the number of gun convictions needed before a juvenile can be held longer than a month, from five to three. Here’s Manion’s memo in support of it.

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FOLLOWUP: CARE Community Crisis Responders now officially available in West Seattle too
March 14, 2025 3:00 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Health | Safety | West Seattle news

(WSB photo)

Michael, Vanessa, and Alfred are Community Crisis Responders with the city’s CARE Department Team. We caught up with them for a quick photo at Alki this afternoon as they wrapped up their first week of being available for calls in West Seattle and vicinity. As reported here previously, the CARE Team was able to expand to this area of the city once it grew in size, as budgeted, after its first year and a half. As explained here, CCRs – all behavioral-health professionals – respond (at least initially with police) to situations involving people in crisis or other behavioral-health emergencies. CARE – short for Community Assisted Response and Engagement – is led by Chief Amy Barden and is considered one of the city’s public-safety departments. Though they’ll eventually have workspace in this area, the responders told us they’re currently based downtown. (We might hear more about that when the mayor comes to West Seattle next week for a formal announcement that the CARE responders are now available here.)

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Northwest Symphony Orchestra in West Seattle, with program including world premiere
March 14, 2025 1:00 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

Looking ahead to this weekend, Holy Rosary Catholic Church will again be the setting for a one-of-a-kind concert, this time by the Northwest Symphony Orchestra, which has been sponsoring WSB this week to amplify the announcement. The orchestra, conducted by Anthony Spain, will be joined by singers on Saturday (March 15) to present “Music for the Soul,” a program of both instrumental and choral music that includes a world-premiere arrangement:

*Stabat Mater- Antonin Dvorak
With ChoralSounds Northwest
Soloists- Alexandra Picard, Rose Beattie, Brendan Tuohy, Charles Robert Stephens

*Bogoroditse Devo (Hail Mary, Full of Grace)- Sergei Rachmaninoff – arranged for brass ensemble by Jon Boysen (world premiere)

*Du bist die Ruh- Franz Schubert
William Farmer, French Horn soloist

That’s just part of the program planned for the concert starting at 8 pm Saturday. Tickets are available online. The venue is at 42nd/Genesee.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Next briefing @ City Council Transportation Committee on Tuesday
March 14, 2025 11:54 am
|      10 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Image from Final Environmental Impact Statement for West Seattle Link Extension)

Your next chance for an update on West Seattle light rail is 9:30 am Tuesday (March 18), when a briefing on Sound Transit‘s West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions is the major item on the agenda for the City Council Transportation Committee, chaired by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka. The ST presenters’ slide deck can be previewed here; also scheduled to present is the city’s team focused on the project, and their slide deck is here. The agenda document explains how to watch/attend the meeting, either in person at City Hall or online via Seattle Channel, and how to participate in the public-comment period.

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West Seattle Community Orchestras concert, Big Band Dinner Dance, Rainbow Girls, Space Needle lasers, sports, more for your Friday
March 14, 2025 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Harbor seal, photographed at T-107 Park by Steve Bender)

It’s the final Friday of winter! Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am, weekly free drop-in playtime at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

GRILLED CHEESE: The Franz Bread Grilled Cheese Truck is scheduled to visit West Seattle Thriftway (4201 SW Morgan; WSB sponsor) 11 am-1:30 p.

FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, appointments recommended.

BABY STORY TIME: Noon-12:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

QI GONG AT VIVA ARTS: Fridays at 12:15 pm – info in our calendar listing. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

SPORTS: Three high-school games/matches today – 4 pm West Seattle High School boys’ soccer vs. North Creek at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), 4 pm Chief Sealth IHS fastpitch softball vs. Newport at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 7 pm WSHS baseball vs. Sumner at SWAC.

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales start their final weekend today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots in West Seattle.

EMERALD CITY DRAMA CLUB GRAND OPENING: 4:30 pm, as previewed here. (4455 California SW)

BIG BAND DINNER DANCE AT WSHS: As previewed here, 6 pm, the West Seattle Big Band joins student musicians for a night of music, (optional) dancing, and student-prepared cuisine, raising money for WSHS programs. (3000 California SW)

SONGWRITERS’ SHOWCASE AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Monthly songwriters’ showcase at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: PZ, Nia, Yoshio, WAiKS, doors at 6 pm and music at 7 pm, details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

SLIME-MAKING AND SISTERHOOD: 6:30 pm, West Seattle Rainbow Girls welcome 10- to 18-year-olds interested in leadership skills and fu with this group, event at Alki Masonic Center (4736 40th SW).

WEST SEATTLE COMMUNITY ORCHESTRAS’ FREE CONCERT: 7 pm at Chief Sealth International High School (2600 SW Thistle), the West Seattle Community Orchestras‘ Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony perform a free concert – details in our calendar listing.

DRAG AT KENYON HALL: This month’s Kenyon Hall Cabaret show, 7 pm at the historic venue, all ages. (7904 35th SW)

SPACE NEEDLE LASER SHOW: One-night-only laser-art installation expected to be visible here, GuideStar (here’s our preview), 7:30-9:30 pm.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Peg tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Haunted Horses, Help, Machine Country.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial service March 21 for Denise D. May, 1941-2025
March 14, 2025 9:09 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather one week from today to remember Denise May. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with her community now:

Denise Diane May, age 84, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025. She was born on January 8, 1941, in Littlefork, Minnesota, and moved to Seattle after the war with her parents, Loyd and Ruth Anderson. The only daughter among four children, she grew up with her older brother Curt and younger brothers John and Glen.

Faith was the foundation of Denise’s life from a young age. At just 7 years old, she experienced a profound moment of conversion, feeling called to follow Jesus Christ. That decision shaped the rest of her life, guiding her with kindness, generosity, and an unwavering trust in God. She carried this faith with her through every stage of life, finding strength in prayer, sharing wisdom with others, and serving with love.

Denise attended Duwamish Grade School and Foster High School before beginning her career. She worked briefly at the phone company, Boeing, and the Postal Service before finding her true calling in serving veterans. She worked as a Veterans Benefits Counselor at both the Seattle Veterans Administration (VA) Hospital and the Seattle VA Regional Office. With a deep sense of commitment, she helped what she lovingly called “Our Veterans” gather records to receive the benefits they had earned. Her unwavering advocacy earned her recognition as an outstanding employee and Veterans’ advocate, receiving numerous awards for her dedication. She also served as a Prisoner of War Coordinator, demonstrating compassion and diligence in all she did.

After the passing of her beloved husband, Allen May, in 2004, Denise poured her heart into celebrating her Norwegian heritage. A talented and passionate Rosemaling artist, she earned awards and ribbons for her intricate and beautiful work, including at the Puyallup Fair. She was an active member of the Western Rosemalers Association and the Daughters of Norway, where she built strong friendships and took pride in preserving her cultural heritage.

Denise was a longtime member of West Side Presbyterian Church, where she found strength and community. She was actively involved in Bible study groups, always eager to grow in her faith and encourage others in theirs.

She took great pride in her children — Scott, Karen, and Gwen — and found immense joy in her grandchildren: Brooke, Kelsey, Andrew, and Caroline, as well as her great-grandchildren.

She had a playful and vibrant spirit, which she expressed in many ways, including her signature pop of purple in her hair.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff of Florence of Seattle and Brookdale Admiral Heights for their loving care in her final years.

Denise’s legacy of faith, service, and artistry will live on in the lives she touched and the beauty she created. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

A memorial service for Denise will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, at 11:00 AM at West Side Presbyterian Church in West Seattle, located at 3601 California Ave SW.

Denise is survived by her three brothers, Curt (Joyce) Anderson, John (Signa) Anderson, and Glen (Linda) Anderson. Also by her three children , Gwen (Neal) Meyer, Karen (Rocky) Wright, and Scott (Madeline) May. Denise had four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

(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)

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VIDEO: Orcas off West Seattle
March 14, 2025 8:50 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

8:50 AM: Orcas are in our area again today. Kersti Muul reports sightings this past half-hour or so of orcas seen westbound from Alki Point Lighthouse and southbound near the Fauntleroy ferry dock “hunting right off the dolphins!” (Those are parts of the terminal, not marine mammals.) Let us know if you see them!

9:01 AM: Update from Kersti – orcas are heading toward Brace Point.

11:18 AM: Thanks to Lori Hinton for the video we added above that shows orcas – baby included – just south of the ferry dock!

ADDED: Another video, this one from Greg Dirks, who edited together all the above-water sightings:

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: What to know for Friday + weekend
March 14, 2025 6:02 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, March 14, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Today’s forecast – partly sunny, chance of rain, high near 50. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:23 am and 7:14 pm.

ROAD WORK

-In White Center, the 16th SW closure at 104th continues.

-On Saturday morning, WSDOT will close the two right lanes of NB Highway 99 across the First Avenue South Bridge from 5:30 am until 1 pm for bridge-deck work.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Sealth serving as the “bonus boat.”

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct – This view usually looks westward, with eastbound lanes at left and westbound lanes at right:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: Besides 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!

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