Two more wildlife sightings (thanks as always for sending them!):

BACKYARD OTTER: From Bill L:

Spotted this guy walking through our yard. First time we’ve noticed any here. We’re a block east of Fauntleroy near the Lincoln Park North parking lot.

As we’ve reported/shown before, river otters (which actually live in the salt water around here) may have dens relatively far inland, so be careful when driving along streets near the water (like Alki Avenue, Beach Drive, and in this case, Fauntleroy Way). Here’s a state fact sheet about them.

SIDEWALK COYOTE: Julia sent this video of a daylight coyote sighting in Sunrise Heights, near 31st/Othello, last Thursday:

Another reader sent a photo of a coyote in what appeared to be the same area of Sunrise Heights, around the same time, and said two others were in the area. Here’s state advice on coexisting with them.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen blue sea kayak (Update: Found, thanks to reader!)

April 27, 2025 4:05 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

ORIGINAL SUNDAY STORY: Sebastian is hoping for help recovering his stolen kayak:

I’m really upset I had my very lovely sea kayak stolen out of my driveway last night and it’s quite alarming – I live at the Tracy Ann Apartments right by Lowman Beach, 6790 Murray Avenue SW. It was an 18 ft Wilderness Concepts sea kayak, Polar Star model, quite expensive, and I believe that it might have been taken after 5:00 a.m. (when) I let my very sick dog out. It was blue, it has a rudder on it, tandem as well – two seater. It was in my parking spot in my driveway.

Sebastian is working on filing a police report; meantime, if you happen to find it, we can connect you with him.

MONDAY UPDATE: As you can see via comments below, a reader spotted it, and Sebastian says that as a result he has his kayak back.

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‘A quiet way to resist’: Victory Gardens in Highland Park

April 27, 2025 2:19 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Gardening | High Point | West Seattle news

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Coast to coast, “resisters” opposed to recent federal actions and orders have gathered on streetcorners, among other places, in recent weeks.

For Highland Park resident and West Seattle artist Sheila Lengle, protest took a different form.

With the help of graphic artist Gretchen Flickinger and Christy Hosler, she decided to start the group Victory Gardeners HP. “I am past my limit of endurance about feeling angry, and powerless about what’s happening in this country,” Lengle said. “This is my own quiet way to resist.”

(Photo courtesy Sheila Lengle, shown holding Victory Gardeners HP flyer at recent event, with another volunteer)

“The HP stands for Highland Park,” she explained, with the intent that others could take the Victory Gardeners model and use it in their own neighborhoods, with a slight tweak to their title.

The name is taken from the the historical Victory Gardens, originally called “War Gardens” or “Liberty Gardens.” In World War I and II days, people were encouraged to grow their own food, as a way to alleviate pressure on the national food supply, boost morale, and support the community.

Lengle’s Victory Gardens seek to serve much the same purpose, especially with increasing concerns about food security amid tariffs and other economic concerns. Furthermore, Lengle says, any additional produce grown throughout the project will be donated to local food banks.

Beyond just addressing food concerns, gardens also serve as a way to connect the community. “The essence, other than providing the food, is that people meet each other,” Lengle said. “It’s about the spirit of sharing with the community, taking something as easy and common as gardening and finding a way to share it with your neighbors.”

(The Victory Gardeners HP Flyer, Designed by Sheila Lengle, Gretchen Flickinger and Christy Hosler)

The project has only just begun, but Lengle said she is excited to see it grow, after sharing it with the community at a recent event held by the Highland Park Improvement Club. She plans to focus her garden on carrots, potatoes, onions and garlic, but there are dozens of options to choose from. The important thing isn’t the quality or quantity, but the spirit of being involved, she said. “The bottom line is, I did something. Everybody can do one little something.”

If you have questions about Victory Gardens, or would like to reach out to Sheila, you can do so through the project’s email address, vgardenershp@gmail.com.

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Master Gardeners back in action in West Seattle to answer your Q’s

April 27, 2025 12:01 pm

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| Gardening | West Seattle Farmers' Market | West Seattle news

Been working on your garden and/or planter(s) and have a question or discovery you’d really rather talk about with an expert, rather than just digging around online? These are the people who can help – King County Master Gardeners – and they’re back in action, not only at the regular spots, but also with pop-ups. At center above, photographed with fellow MGs at today’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market, is Beth, who sent us the announcement you might have seen in our Event Calendar:

The WSU Extension King County Master Gardeners will again be offering plant diagnostic clinics in the West Seattle area. Master Gardeners provide research-based home gardening information focused on environmentally friendly and sustainable practices. The clinic schedule is:
Delridge Home Depot – Saturdays, 10 AM – 2 PM – through September 6 (No clinic on Saturday, July 5)
West Seattle Farmers Market – Sundays, 10 AM – 2 PM – through September 7 (No clinics on Sunday, July 6 and Sunday, July 13)
South Park branch of Seattle Public Library – Saturday, May 3, 10 AM – 2 PM
West Seattle Bee Festival – Saturday, May 17 – 12 PM – 3PM
West Seattle Nursery – Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, July 13 – 10AM – 2PM

Have a home gardening question but can’t get to a clinic? The Master Gardeners have an email clinic – askamastergardener@kingmg.org

You’ll find them at the south end of the market (California/Alaska) until 2 today.

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Remembering Randy Maguire, 1948-2025

April 27, 2025 10:12 am

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| Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather later this week to remember Randy Maguire, and are sharing this with the community:

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Dennis (Randy) Maguire on April 14, 2025.

Randy was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Frank Maguire, and his two brothers Jack and Marshall. He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Belen, his son Mark, his sisters Mary Kathleen (Richard) Lohrman and Patricia Eilleen Maguire, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Born in Port Angeles, Washington, Randy spent his childhood in West Seattle, recalling fond memories of Alki Beach. He spent his school days in West Seattle growing up between the two beaches which was forever in his heart.

He spoke of his idyllic childhood on Alki collecting pop bottles for pennies to buy pickles at Spud’s, to climbing the roofs at Alki Fieldhouse to retrieve balls, playing in Schmitz Park swinging from the infamous rope swing, and “skimming” at the beach from morning to dusk.

He was an avid reader, loved history, and his dedication to the Bible is what he’d want to be remembered by. His ability to quote scripture was impressive.

Randy will be greatly missed.

Services will be held May 3, 2025 in Banning, California, where he resided with his wife, Belen.

(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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WEST SEATTLE SUNDAY: 17 options!

April 27, 2025 6:07 am

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| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Bucky Hayes-McQueen)

Not as incredibly busy a day as Saturday was, but you have options, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar and previously published previews:

WESTIES RUN CLUB: Today’s Sunday Funday run leaves from Dough Joy Donuts (4310 SW Oregon), 9 am.

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

(Saturday WSB photo)

ART MARKET AT THE LONGHOUSE: Spring edition of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse‘s popular art market with Native artists, second of two days, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)

(Saturday WSB photo)

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: Also open again today 10 am-5 pm – activities, displays, vendors, also at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), admission and parking free!

WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: 10 am-2 pm, with spring produce (lots of greens! asparagus too) 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)

MASTER GARDENERS: While you’re at the market, look for Master Gardeners, ready to answer your questions! Sundays this spring and summer, they’re back at the market, 10 am-2 pm.

KINDIE WEST CONCERT SERIES: The Highlight Quartet performs this family-music concert at 10:30 am, Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW).

GRIEF CIRCLE: Any kind of grief is welcome. 10:30 am-noon, with Listening to Grief, at Nurture Wellbeing (6307 California SW).

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

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

HER INK, HER VOICE: 2 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW):

A story of persistence, legacy, and the power of the pen! Meet Susie Revels Cayton — daughter of the first Black U.S. Senator, Associate Editor of The Seattle Republican, writer and activist at the turn of the 20thcentury — as she fights for justice with ink and fire! The program will be followed by an interactive audience Q&A/Discussion.

Free.

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

JAZZ GUITAR JAM! 2-4 pm at Bonjour Vietnam in The Junction.

CLASSIC NOVELS (AND MOVIES) BOOK CLUB: Monthly gathering at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 3 pm. “Madame Bovary” is this month’s title.

‘ATHENA’ MATINEE: “Theater plus fencing!” is what ArtsWest (4711 California SW) promises with its production “Athena“; our calendar listing has play info plus the ticket link for today’s 3 pm performance.

FREE COMMUNITY MEAL: 5:30-6:30 pm at Bethany Community Church in Highland Park (8600 9th SW), all welcome.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: End your weekend with Sunday night music provided by 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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VIDEO: Painful anniversary commemorated at West Seattle’s Vietnamese Cultural Center

April 26, 2025 11:05 pm

| 28 COMMENTS

| West Seattle history | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

A solemn commemoration in West Seattle today marked half a century since a difficult day in history.

This week will bring the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975. Today’s attendees and participants at the Vietnamese Cultural Center included South Vietnamese and U.S. military veterans.

Speakers talked about the “complicated” and painful feelings stirred by the anniversary.

The ceremony also included a chapter of the Patriot Guard Riders, who stood with flags throughout the program. The focus was on honoring fallen soldiers. Incense and food offerings were made. Attendees chanted “long live the Republic of Vietnam” and “Down with communism” in both Vietnamese and English.

One speaker who had served in the U.S. military during the war, 81-year-old U.S. Navy veteran Samuel Perkins, offered words in honor of the thousands of refugees rescued from Saigon who came to the U.S. and have worked hard for decades. “You came here with nothing and now you are more than great,” he said. (You can read some of the history of Southeast Asian refugees settling in our state after the war by going here.)

The Vietnamese Cultural Center is at 2236 SW Orchard, usually open to the public on Saturday afternoons. They also welcome community members during multiple cultural events each year, such as Vietnamese New Year and the Children’s Moonlight Festival.k

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SPORTS: Second WSHS-CSIHS boys’ soccer match of the season

April 26, 2025 8:06 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

For the second time in less than a month, the West Seattle High School and Chief Sealth International High School boys’ soccer teams faced off last night, this time at Walt Hundley Playfield. And again last night, the Wildcats won. Final score was WSHS 3, CSIHS 2 (last month, West Seattle won 2-0). It was also Senior Night for graduating WSHS seniors:

(L-R: Hollis Johnson, Finn White, Cole Heinrichs., Collin Temme, Jacob Stevens, Kingston Darocy, Arjun Rajaratnam, Pa Njie. Photo by Brandon Faloona)

You can see photographer Brandon Faloona‘s game gallery here. WSHS is now 9-3, #2 in the Metro League, while Sealth is 5-9. The Wildcats have a 4 pm Monday game against Seattle Academy at Delridge Playfield; the Seahawks’ next local game is on Friday, 4:30 pm vs. Cleveland at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Progress Pushers visit Delridge

April 26, 2025 6:22 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| Delridge | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo by Anne Higuera)

Of the many groups and organizations presenting events in West Seattle today, this one was unique – Renton-based Progress Pushers, focusing on youth empowerment. They presented a resource fair at Delridge Community Center, geared to their mission “to guide, educate, and empower Black and brown youth and those most impacted by societal systems by connecting them to mentors and much-needed skills and opportunities so they can live in their greatness.” They mentor youth with trained “Credible Messengers” and told us that many of those involved have changed their lives from a path they want to help youth avoid – some have been in the incarceration system, for example. Mentors help youth through teaching life skills, leadership development, and job readiness, as well as working with them on results-based projects. Interested in getting involved? admin@progresspushers.org

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CONTINUING SUNDAY: West Seattle Rock and Gem Show, agleam as always

April 26, 2025 4:45 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

There’s still one more day to stop in at the West Seattle Rock Club’s Rock and Gem Show, which is open again Sunday from 10 am-5 pm at the Alki Masonic Center, 4736 40th Ave SW, free to the public and with some tantalizing door prizes. But the true gems of the show may just be hiding in plain sight.

The Rock Club is celebrating its 60th year with 100 members, 30 of whom are juniors. Members get to show off their finds, their work and their knowledge via displays at the annual show. This year’s show also has 5 stone craftspeople demonstrating their skills and the machinery required to make things like beads, creating facets, and shaping cabochons. There are also a few sellers with rocks and gems in a finished form.

Show visitors have the chance to bid on rocks and minerals in a silent auction; there’s a “people’s choice” award for the best displays, and a chance at a prize just for walking in the door. It’s the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s the 57th show.

That is also coincidentally the number of years that Audrey and Lyle Vogelpohl have been members of the club, joining in 1968. They have humbly stewarded the organization practically ever since, adding a Juniors group to the roster along the way. Often, those younger members will get the rockhounding bug after going on one of the club’s field trips and then start going to monthly meetings to learn more.

The Vogelpohls have consistently made the West Seattle Rock Club a priority through most of their married life, while providing an educational opportunity for the entire community. They’re also involved with statewide and national organizations devoted to mineralogy. As the club website says, it is, “dedicated to the advancement of the lapidary arts and to enjoying the great outdoors.”

Audrey says they’ve both relished the work they’ve done with the club, particularly in the 27 years they’ve been retired. “You can’t just sit in a rocker,” she said. Lyle’s specialty is shaping cabochons, and Audrey was wearing a necklace today that she made out of one by adding beading to it. It’s work that takes patience and dedication, something the Vogelpohls have in spades.

Admission to the show is free, and so is parking in the Masonic Center’s lot for showgoers.

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UPDATE: Crash closes Beach Drive for hours, takes out power to dozens of homes

April 26, 2025 2:32 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

2:32 PM: SFD and SPD are on the scene of a crash that’s brought down a utility pole and wires in the 4800 block of Beach Drive [vicinity map] and report the entire street is blocked as a result. One person is reported injured. The Seattle City Light outage map says 58 customers are out of electricity, too.

3:26 PM: The photos are from WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen, who says the pickup truck in the photo below is the vehicle whose driver is reported to have hit the pole.

City Light is on scene and the street is still closed, though SFD has departed.

4:21 PM: The photo above is from Lura, showing City Light crews working at the scene. (Added below, a photo from Asher:)

6:34 PM: After four hours, Beach Drive is still closed, and if you’re going northbound from Lowman Beach you won’t know that until there’s finally a sign at Shore Place.

10:21 PM: Still closed after 8 hours. But a texter says “City Light team arrived in full force … Chainsawing the old pole out, getting ready to add the new pole and transformer.” They texted this photo too:

11 AM SUNDAY: Just went down to confirm, the work is done and road reopened. Meantime, the police data map confirms the driver was taken into custody for investigation of DUI.

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WEEKEND SCENE: West Seattle Eagles sale and benefit barbecue

April 26, 2025 12:33 pm

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| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

Anne, with jam, is one of the ~20 sellers you’ll find at the West Seattle Eagles‘ garden/craft sale, if you haven’t been already – it’s on at the Eagles’ HQ in The Junction until 3 pm, and you can get fresh-grilled lunch until 2, with proceeds going to cancer research!

The Eagles are at 4426 California SW. P.S. Anne – who sent the pics – was bringing eight cases of jam, including raspberry, strawberry, rhubarb, peach, and orange marmalade!

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WEEKEND SCENE: South Park Plaza grand-opening celebration

April 26, 2025 12:17 pm

| Comments Off on WEEKEND SCENE: South Park Plaza grand-opening celebration

| South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Nathan for the photos! Looking for someplace new to take your little one(s) to play? If you can get over the ridge to South Park, the play area at this brand-new park is an option. The park is South Park Plaza, on what was most recently a big gravel lot southwest of the South Park Bridge. The grand-opening celebration is happening until 2 pm, with speeches and a ribbon-cutting:

The city infopage for the project says the almost-one-acre park has been in the works for seven years, at a cost of $2.6 million.

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WEST SEATTLE WEEKEND SCENE: Free fun at West Seattle YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day

April 26, 2025 10:30 am

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| Fun stuff to do | Triangle | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Health is what the West Seattle YMCA (WSB sponsor) is all about, and you have a better chance of a healthier, longer life, the earlier you start. So that’s why the Y invites kids and families to visit for Healthy Kids’ Day, which is happening right now at the main West Seattle branch in The Triangle. Planned activities:

-Kayak races in the pool
-Glow in the dark yoga and zumba classes
-Bouncy House
-Basketball mini hoop challenge

-Photobooth

-Face painting
-Hula hoops
-Wood cookies crafting
-Trail Mix making
-Food samples from Distinguished Foods vendors
-Forgotten Dogs Rescue

You can enter a free raffle – the prizes (soccer balls and bikes) are on display:

It’s all happening until 1 pm at 36th/Snoqualmie, nonmembers welcome too!

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UPDATE: New life for old stuff at Fauntleroy Church’s spring 2025 Recycle Roundup

April 26, 2025 9:37 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo by Jason Grotelueschen)

That’s Sara Smith, coordinating Fauntleroy Church‘s long-running twice-yearly Recycle Roundup for the first time today, and excited about it! The church’s partner in the free dropoff event, 1 Green Planet, has two trucks ready to fill, and reinforcements waiting in the wings.

Just drive, ride, or walk up to the dropoff spot in the church’s lot at 9140 California SW before 3 pm. Sooner rather than later, so they don’t wind up with a last-minute backup! The list of what they will and won’t take is here.

2:15 PM: WSB’s Jason Grotelueschen sends that photo taken about half an hour ago, as Recycle Roundup approached its final hour, and reports, “Volunteers say things are going well, traffic slowed down around lunchtime, but has now picked up in the final hours. Still ample space for your treasures!” But 3 pm is closing time.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 43 notes for you!

April 26, 2025 6:03 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 43 notes for you!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Jerry Simmons)

The weekend is here! So are dozens of notes about what you can do in and around West Seattle today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar (where you’ll see even more):

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the free weekly group run.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS REGIONAL TRACK & FIELD: Qualifying competition all day at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle), 8:15 am-4 pm.

RECYCLE ROUNDUP: Don’t throw it away, recycle it! 9 am-3 pm free dropoff event outside Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW) – here’s the latest list of what they will and won’t take this time.

BENEFIT GARDEN SALE: Plants and more to benefit the PEO Sisterhood, 9 am-3 pm just west of High Point Library in the 6000 block of the alley between 35th SW and 36th SW (cross streets are SW Raymond and SW Graham).

PLANT, ART, CRAFT SALE & BBQ: Also 9 am-3 pm, at the West Seattle Eagles HQ (4426 California SW), big sale plus 11 am-2 pm barbecue with hot dogs and burgers.

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

WEST SEATTLE LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBALL EVENT: Celebrate softball with a two-part event at Bar-S (6425 SW Admiral Way) – a panel discussion with pro softball players at 9:30 am, then a game at 11 am.

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).

YMCA HEALTHY KIDS DAY: Tons of free fun at the West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie; WSB sponsor) – membership not required, just show up! From the Y:

Our activity stations for the day are as follows:
-Kayak races in the pool
-Glow in the dark yoga and zumba classes
-Bouncy House
-Basketball mini hoop challenge
-Photobooth
-Face painting
-Hula hoops
-Wood cookies crafting
-Trail Mix making
-Food samples from Distinguished Foods vendors
-Forgotten Dogs Rescue

ART MARKET AT THE LONGHOUSE: Spring edition of the Duwamish Tribe Longhouse‘s popular art markets with Native artists, first of two days, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 West Marginal Way SW)

(Photo courtesy West Seattle Tool Library)

WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY SALE: Hand and power tools are available at this huge annual tool sale, 10 am-3 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW).

WEST SEATTLE ROCK AND GEM SHOW: Activities, displays, vendors, also happening both days this weekend, 10 am-5 pm at Alki Masonic Center (40th/Edmunds), admission and parking free!

DRUG TAKE-BACK DAY: Have expired and/or no-longer-needed medication? 10 am-2 pm, it’s one of two events each year when you can take it to the Southwest Precinct (2300 SW Webster) and dispose of it, no questions asked.

MASTER GARDENERS: They’re out again in the community, ready to answer your questions! Saturdays this spring and summer, they’re at The Home Depot (7345 Delridge Way SW), 10 am-2 pm.

SEATTLE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY: Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW) tells us they’re celebrating 10 am-8 pm – here’s the plan, with special events and giveaways.

NORTHWEST GREEN HOME TOUR: Free regional tour, 11 am-5 pm, with two West Seattle homes among those being showcased. Here’s the map and location info. (Thanks to Jeff for the tip!)

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Marco de Carvalho and Friends perform. Info about Marco’s music is here.

KHMER NEW YEAR STREET FESTIVAL: 10:30 am-5 pm, the annual block party takes over SW 98th between 15th and 16th SW in White Center. Free.

GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. The 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.

SHOP TO FIGHT LEUKEMIA: In The Junction, 11 am-5 pm today, shop at CAPERS Home (4525 California SW; WSB sponsor) and/or Menashe Jewelers (4532 California SW) and part of the proceeds will go to help fight leukemia!

FAMILY STORY TIME: Canceled this week at High Point Library.

FAMILY READING TIME: Also at Paper Boat (see above for today’s main event), 11 am family reading time.

WHITE CENTER LIBRARY GUILD SALE: Second and final day of the spring rummage-and-book sale at White Center Library (1409 SW 107th) with the WC Library Guild, 11 am-4 pm. (Plants too!)

GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: Alki Coffee Co. and Ben & Jerry’s opened Wednesday on Alki, and today is the grand-opening party – a ribbon-cutting at noon, Dub II the Husky mascot for pics 2-3 pm, balloon artist 2:30-4:30 pm, diaper drive all day for WestSide Baby. (2742 Alki 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, WITH SAIGON COMMEMORATION: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. Today at noon a ceremony commemorates the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. (2236 SW Orchard)

WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE NEWCOMERS: Orientation meeting, 1-2:30 pm, for the group “committed to nonviolent and persistent advocacy for democracy.” At West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW)

READY FREDDY FREE PREP PARTY: Start your preparedness journey with a free, fun, short session with preparedness expert Alice Kuder, walk-ins welcome, 1 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 1 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW), “Waco Rising” is this month’s book.

SONG CIRCLE: New participants welcome at this monthly event, 1 pm in West Seattle – participation details are in our calendar listing.

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).

RESOURCE FAIR: Progress Pushers welcome kids and families to Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW) for a resource fair, 2-4 pm

FREE MASSAGE: Walk into Nepenthe (9447 35th SW) 3-5 pm for short, specific free massage.

ONE SHORT NIGHT IN THE EMERALD CITY: 5 pm at Brockey Center on the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor), Lafayette Elementary fundraising gala. Online ticket sales are closed, but you can check at the door.

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 6-8 pm, Makeda Belete brings “neo-soul” to C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), all ages, no cover.

‘THE SHAPE OF THE NIGHT’: This “immersive experience” has two shows a night at the historic Georgetown Steam Plant (6605 1st Ave. S.), 6:30 and 8:30 pm. Synopsis and ticket info in our calendar listing.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, show 7:30, Radio Enthusiasts of Puget Sound at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW), celebrating the circus. All ages; tickets here.

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Third weekend continues, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

WEST END GIRLS AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle’s drag extravaganza! As reported here, tonight is hostess Cookie Couture‘s last show “for a while.” Online tickets are sold out, though you can check at the door. 8 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

COMEDY AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 8 pm, with Joe Gomez, Jenna Nobs, Michael Aguilera, $15. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm with DJ 206 Dub at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW)

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

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

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen dark blue Outback

April 25, 2025 9:25 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Crime | West Seattle news

Stolen-car report, received via text:

It’s a really dark blue/looks black 1997 Subaru Legacy Outback station wagon. Stolen between 4 pm yesterday and approximately noon today while parked on 34th Ave SW between Findlay and Brandon. It has lots of dents and dings. License plate number is AMG7833. The police report number is 25-110595.

If you find it, call 911 – and consider letting the owner know too, by text at 206-660-8996.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Panda Express signage, finally

April 25, 2025 8:22 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants | Westwood

A year and a half after we first reported that Panda Express was pursuing a Westwood Village space again, the sign is finally up. (Thanks to the texter who tipped us!) If you’re not a frequent WWV visitor, this is the space north of the QFC, occupied by Pet Pros before their move to Jefferson Square (where they closed two years later). More than a decade ago, Panda Express had an early-stage application to take over the WWV space that’s now ATI, but that plan never got to the construction stage. As for when this will open, they haven’t replied to inquiries, but they do have multiple jobs posted, suggesting it won’t be too much longer.

P.S.

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CONGRATULATIONS! Six students receive recognition from American Association of University Women

April 25, 2025 7:39 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(L-R, Caitlin Boyer, Tara Kankesh, Lucia Stemm-Calderon, Annika Lindberg, Adelyn Martin, Ember Wonder)

Thanks to Jen for the photo and report from the Seattle chapter of the American Association of University Women‘s reception this week honoring its 2025 STEM Scholars – high-school juniors recognized for outstanding achievement in math, science, and technology. The six students in the photo, nominated by teachers for the recognition, are the local honorees from Chief Sealth International High School and West Seattle High School:

Chief Sealth IHS – Caitlin Boyer (math), Tara Kankesh (science), and Ember Wonder (technology)

West Seattle – Annika Lindberg (math), Lucia Stemm-Calderon (science), and Adelyn Martin (technology)

According to short biographies in the event program, Cailin plans to pursue a Ph.D. in astrophysics, Tara plans to go into pre-med studies, Ember is interested in a computer-science career, Annika expects to major in engineering, Lucia plans to study biology, and Adelyn is mulling a career in “biology, tech, or finance.”

They were joined by other scholars from around the city at the UW Center for Urban Horticulture, where they received certificates and monetary awards. They also got to hear from keynote speaker Alyssa Lind, an educator, researcher, and diver with the Seattle Aquarium who holds a master’s degree in marine biology. The announcement also notes:

The mission of AAUW is to advance gender equity through research, education, and advocacy. AAUW Seattle has been recognizing and honoring high school girls for their talents in math, science, and technology since 2001. The decision to recognize these students in their junior year was made to allow them to add this significant honor to their college applications. Learn more about the Seattle branch of AAUW and STEM Scholar Recognition Program at aauw-seattle.org

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Registration ends, map/guide work begins for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025!

April 25, 2025 4:54 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

When registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025 ended last night at 11:30 after three and a half weeks, more than 570 sales were signed up – a new WSCGSD record! We’ve spent the day reviewing the final registrations for sale day (just two weeks from tomorrow – 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 10!), answering WSCGSD questions, and other work making the database ready to turn into the interactive map and printable guide with the numbered locations and descriptions of those 570+ sales. As always, the descriptions promise a vast array of merchandise – two cars, one boat, bikes, plenty of plants, Santa suits, DJ equipment, accordions, pianos, aquarium supplies, “reptile habitat,” even a precious commodity these days – “fresh organic eggs.” And then there’s the sale offering a Honda Element catalytic-converter cage … If Saturday shopping isn’t enough for you, some sellers have added Sunday, a few have added Friday, and some have expanded hours. Some sales have been named – Kitchenpalooza, Bougie on a Budget – while other listings describe a stage of life (along with moving sales and stuff-the-kids-outgrew sales, we have a “changing chapter” sale and many “downsizing” sales. At least two dozen sales with nonprofit beneficiaries, too. You’ll see it all in the map/guide when they’re ready one week before sale day (the link will be here on WSB and at westseattlegaragesale.com). More updates and previews ahead as we get ready for the 20th anniversary WSCGSD!

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FOLLOWUP: See what volunteers found around and beneath Seacrest during this year’s cleanup

April 25, 2025 2:21 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

(Photos courtesy Seattle Dive Tours)

Those are some of the volunteers who removed almost 400 pounds of junk from the water and shore of Elliott Bay off Seacrest last Sunday morning. You’ll recall the West Seattle Water Taxi started late for the day while Seattle Dive Tours led its annual cleanup beneath and around the surface. We asked SDT about the results; they sent these photos and the wrapup:

The clean up went swimmingly. The final weight total for the cleanup was 384.8 lbs! Some item-total highlights are more than 450 cigarette butts, 72 aluminum cans, 5 shoes (including a matching pair of rain boots), 4 cell phones, over 100 fishing lures, and of course the ebike and shopping cart! If you include all the tiny pieces of plastic, it was over 1000 items picked up.

We ended up having 19 shore volunteers, and 14 diver volunteers.

SDT’s Scott Flaherty adds, “We thank all of the volunteers, especially a great number of local shore volunteers and coordination with A Cleaner Alki. Additionally, we always want to recognize Marination Ma Kai for the use of their dumpster to handle the debris.”

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FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp dock work expected to wrap up today

April 25, 2025 12:20 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Stewart L. (above) and Bob Burns (below) for the photos and tips that the Don Armeni Boat Ramp floating-dock work appeared close to completion.

We obtained this update from Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor: “The float fabricator is finishing up and should be completed with their work today. We have scheduled the substantial completion walk-thru for Tuesday. We anticipate both docks will be open on May 1.” That’s next Thursday; the floats were removed almost half a year ago, because of damage and deterioration, despite being relatively new. The same contractor that did the original work, Bellingham Marine, is re-doing it now.

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READER REPORT: Box of Christmas items found. Stolen/dumped?

April 25, 2025 11:14 am

| Comments Off on READER REPORT: Box of Christmas items found. Stolen/dumped?

| Seen around town | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The photo and report are from Laura:

A box of someone’s family Christmas ornaments / decorations was found in the alley behind my house near Admiral Safeway this morning. It looks like it was stolen and dumped. Could you post a photo of this box to see if I might connect it to the owner?