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Orcas off West Seattle
May 3, 2025 8:49 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the news that orcas are off West Seattle again today – most recently reported southbound off Lowman Beach.

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WEST SEATTLE (and beyond) SATURDAY: 40 things to know about!
May 3, 2025 6:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo from Christy in Sunrise Heights, who wrote, “I don’t know which neighborhood kid left this, but I found it cute.”)

Spring Saturdays are full of fun – check out our list of West Seattle happenings – with guest appearances by White Center, Vashon Island, and Georgetown – mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

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

WHITE CENTER 5K: Run/walk to benefit three White Center nonprofits, starting at 9 am at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd). Registration info here. No road closures planned; see the road map in our preview.

COMPOST GIVEAWAY: Bring your own shovel and container for up to half a yard of free compost at the Westcrest Park garden (9000 8th SW), 9 am-1 pm (or until it runs out) – more info here.

WEST SEATTLE GARDEN CLUB SALE: Need plants? The West Seattle Garden Club sale has plenty! 9 am-3 pm. (6353 50th SW)

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

SAMPLE OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASS: The Bridge School invites families to Seahurst Park (1600 SW Seahurst Park Drive) at 9 am for this free introduction to outdoor education.

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).

FREE COMIC BOOK DAY! It’s the first Free Comic Book Day since Tails to Astonish moved into their new location at 5633 California SW. Everybody gets at least one free comic book. The shop’s open 10 am-5 pm today.

CINCO DE MAYO BRUNCH FIESTA: La Chingona Taqueria (2940 SW Avalon Way; WSB sponsor) invites you to celebrate both days this weekend with 10 am-2 pm brunch featuring food, drinks, and live music.

WEST SEATTLE MERCANTILE GRAND OPENING: Four shops under one roof, with one big grand-opening party today, 10 am-5:30 pm. (3270 California SW)

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.

VASHON ISLAND SPRING STUDIO TOUR: Visit artists’ studios around the island 10 am-5 pm today, tomorrow, and next weekend! Tour organizers are sponsoring WSB right now to amplify the free tour. Details in our calendar listing!

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.

GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this might help. 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.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), stories and songs for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

WEST SEATTLE BOAT SWAP: Got human-powered watercraft to sell? And/or in the market for something new? This event is for you, 11 am-4 pm at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) – tomorrow too. Sellers’ dropoff is 9 am-11 am, but register here first.

FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time.

STREET CLOSURE ALERT – WHITE CENTER BLOCK PARTY: The “Spring Fling” celebration presented by the White Center Business Alliance is set to take over 16th SW between Roxbury and 100th, noon-7 pm, with food, drink, and music.

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: Explore the present and past at the home of West Seattle history, 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)

POTTERINGS GRAND OPENING, DAY 2: Noon-5 pm on the east side of ActivSpace, visit the new creativity-celebrating space for free mini-workshops and more; here’s our Friday night coverage. (3400 Harbor SW)

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Along with the weekly gatherings, you’re invited to join in every month on the first Saturday, for long-distance advocacy, noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ AFTERNOON PERFORMANCE First of two Saturday shows! 2 pm curtain at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle). Ticket info is in our calendar listing.

FREE FAMILY FUN TO CELEBRATE STEM: You’ll find two ways of celebrating STEM at this free family-fun(draising) event at Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW), 3-6 pm – STEM activities, and a benefit for/celebration of Boren STEM K-8 school.

CELEBRATING WILLOW: 5-8 pm, celebrate the transition of Fleurt to Willow in The Junction’s retail scene! (4536 California SW)

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).

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

NOURISH & FLOURISH: This dinner/auction to support the West Seattle Food Bank is sold out! 6 pm at the 4105 Airport Way S. event space.

LIVE AT C & P COFFEE: 6-8 pm, the monthly unplugged Circle of Songs at 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.

MIKEY MOO LIVE AT EASY STREET: Vinyl-release celebration! 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, show 7:30, Cyd Smith ft. Kristina Olsen at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW). All ages; tickets here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: S. Trojan, Denny Way, Side Hustle perform, doors at 6, music at 7, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ EVENING PERFORMANCE 7:30 pm curtain at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle). Ticket info is in our calendar listing.

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

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Saturday spinning starts at 9 pm – tonight it’s the Mikey Moo Afterparty at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW), following the Easy Street show.

CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND DJ: The all-weekend celebration continues at Mission (2325 California SW) with a DJ spinning after the Sounders match.

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 we*************@***il.com – thank you!

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UPDATE: Flipped-car crash on SW Dawson
May 3, 2025 3:08 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS breaking news

3:08 AM: It’s not a huge response because those in the vehicle are reported to have gotten out safely, but a “rollover” crash is reported in the 1900 block of SW Dawson [vicinity map], the precarious section of road where it bends along a ravine. No other details.

3:16 AM: SFD is already leaving the scene, after its crew reported finding a “partial rollover” and that no one was there to treat – “everyone left.”

3:42 AM: Officers just told dispatch they’re blocking both lanes of Dawson as they prepare to get the vehicle towed, and that there’s a fluid spill SDOT should clean up.

4:02 AM: The street has reopened both ways.

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Sounds of the night
May 2, 2025 11:52 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

From the “in case you wondered too” department:

-No, those weren’t gunshots in southwest West Seattle this past hour. Speeding cars’ exhaust.

-Tracker says the low, loud plane that just went by, same area, was a C-17A Globemaster, Air Force cargo jet from JBLM.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Grand-opening night for Potterings
May 2, 2025 10:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photo)

You might know Lora Radford from her years running Hotwire Coffee (when she was one of WSB’s original sponsors), or her years as executive director of the West Seattle Junction Association. Tonight she celebrated the grand opening of her latest West Seattle business – Potterings, headquartered in a 117-square-foot studio in ActivSpace (3400 Harbor Avenue SW, just north of the West Seattle Bridge’s northwest end). It’s a place where beginners can explore pottery, which is increasingly popular here on the peninsula, including the reopening of the Alki Bathhouse studio (where Lora has been teaching classes too). Among other things, Potterings offers memberships, as explained here. If you missed tonight’s grand-opening open house, you can stop by tomorrow (Saturday, May 3) 12-5 pm for mini-workshops or even just fact-finding. It’s on the ground floor of the main building’s east side.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: HPIC revives First Fridays while awaiting rebuilding
May 2, 2025 8:06 pm
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 |   Highland Park | West Seattle news

(WSB photos unless otherwise credited)

Before the fire that gutted the Highland Park Improvement Club‘s historic building at 12th/Holden almost four years ago, the group hosted popular social events on the first Friday of most months – neighborhood gatherings with food, drinks, and music. Now, while HPIC prepares to rebuild, First Fridays are back! With the retained section of foundation safely fenced off, Highland Park’ers of all ages gathered on the site tonight to chat, sip, and snack:

Early in the evening, the sun shone:

(Photo courtesy Kay Kirkpatrick)

Then things got a little cloudy and chilly, so this helped minglers warm up:

DJ Evan played classics:

It was also a chance to celebrate new leadership for HPIC, which added new board members recently, though some longtime members continue their service too, like Kay Kirkpatrick, who tells WSB they’re hoping to have the next phase of pre-construction activity as soon as next month, including utility work. They’re still fundraising for the new building, too. Meantime, set your calendar for the next First Friday, on June 6th!

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WEST SEATTLE FOOD BANK: Benefit dinner sold out, but benefit music series needs help
May 2, 2025 5:31 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news

News x 2 from the West Seattle Food Bank. First, we asked development director Robbin Peterson about Saturday night’s Nourish & Flourish dinner and auction at the 4105 event space – she tells us it’s sold out!

For everyone who does have a ticket and is wondering what to wear, the theme is spring festive community party – “Come as you blossom.” Wear what makes you happy, we’re just excited to see everyone!

It’s gearing up to be an amazing night, with fun and interesting auction items, amazing food from Tuxedos and Tennis Shoes, as well as some special farm-to-table treats from Mom’s Micro Garden.

Also this weekend, you can support WSFB by donating during a musical performance at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor) 3-5 pm Sunday – but the longrunning series’s future is in question. Robbin explains:

For those who are looking for a different way to support their neighbors; C & P Coffee’s Sunday Music for the West Seattle Food Bank, as organized by Steve Norris is ending for the season – and perhaps permanently. May 4th will be the last one until Steve can find someone to pass the torch to.

This week’s lineup is Judy Kaplan, Deb Seymour, and Cynthia Ashley doing songs you know, originals and wonderful group creations.

The show starts at 3:00 pm and as usual, cash and or nonperishable donations are appreciated.

WSFB is so grateful to Steve, all the musicians who’ve participated over the years, and C & P Coffee for hosting.

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BIZNOTE: Grand opening Saturday for four-in-one West Seattle Mercantile
May 2, 2025 3:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Tomorrow is grand opening day for four businesses that are now under roof: Alair, Dylan, Three Little Birds, and Kid Friendly Footwear, now co-housed as West Seattle Mercantile. Here’s what proprietor Jennifer Young is promising for the 10 am-5:30 pm party on Saturday:

Join us for:

Raffles
Gifts with Purchase
Treats from some beloved local companies
Face Painting
Giveaways
Tours of our event space + color wall

Bring the whole fam and help us kick off this exciting new chapter.

West Seattle Mercantile is at 3270 California SW.

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IN THE JUNCTION: Flower baskets about to appear; you can help West Seattle Summer Fest get shadier
May 2, 2025 2:35 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Gardening | How to help | West Seattle festivals | West Seattle news

Two notes from the West Seattle Junction Association:

(WSB file photo)

FLOWER BASKET TIME: The famous hanging baskets that adorn The Junction every spring/summer are almost here! WSJA tells WSB that installation is planned for Monday. Once again this year, WSJA – a nonprofit – helped cover the cost of the baskets by offering the opportunity to “adopt” them; look for plaques later this month to show who is sponsoring this year’s baskets. (WSB is participating again this year, this time dedicating our basket to the memory of co-founder Patrick Sand.) The baskets are grown by Van Wingerden Greenhouses in the North Sound, who’ve been tending them since December to get them ready for their debut!

SUMMER FEST SHADE AND SEATING: West Seattle’s biggest party is a little more than two months away! West Seattle Summer Fest Eve starts it all off on July 10, and then the festival days are July 11-13. Every year, festivalgoers voice the wish for more seating and shade, so WSJA is crowdfunding to make that possible. Presenting the festival costs a big chunk of change, including permits and security, and it goes up every year, so adding these literally cool new features means this need for donations Go here to get the donation link.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: White Center 5K returns on Saturday
May 2, 2025 12:24 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | White Center

(WSB file photo from one of the first WC5Ks)

One of this weekend’s biggest events will be the White Center 5K, starting from Steve Cox Memorial Park (1321 SW 102nd) at 9 tomorrow morning. That’s where runners and walkers will finish, too. It’s a benefit for three local nonprofits – White Center Food Bank, YES Foundation of White Center, and the White Center Community Development Association – and this is the first time the White Center 5K has been presented since the pre-pandemic 2019 5K. Costumes are encouraged, particularly superheroes. No road closures are expected; here’s the course:

Not registered yet? Here’s how!

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ROAD/UTILITY WORK ALERT: What’s ahead for drivers, riders, walkers south of Alki Point
May 2, 2025 11:30 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

South of Alki Point, work affecting street and sidewalk users is about to get going, related to the Alki Standby Generator Project to increase power reliability for nearby wastewater facilities. The King County Wastewater Treatment Division has outlined what you will need to know – here are key excerpts from its bulletin:

Temporary lane change on Beach Drive SW between 63rd Avenue Southwest and Southwest Spokane Street begins as early as Monday, May 5

Crews will demolish and then replace three concrete panels on Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and Southwest Spokane Street.

Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be maintained … Several street parking spots on Beach Drive SW will be temporarily unavailable
WHEN: As early as Monday, May 5. Work will take place over approximately seven weekdays.

This work is necessary to better align the roadway with surrounding concrete panels.

Limited roadway access on Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest begins as early as Monday, May 5

Crews will begin work to relocate a waterline and excavate the roadway to install electrical conduit:

Waterline relocation
WHAT: Roadway digging and waterline relocation.

This work includes a temporary Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) water service shutoff for some nearby homes. SPU will notify specific homes affected by this service shutoff at least 48 hours in advance. Please contact SPU at (206) 684-3000 if you have questions.

Westbound Beach Drive Southwest will be closed at intersection with 64th Avenue Southwest.
-Pedestrian traffic will be maintained.
-Some street parking spots on Beach Drive Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest near the work area will be temporarily unavailable.
WHEN: As early as Monday, May 5. Work will take place over approximately five weekdays. Some weekend work is possible.

Roadway excavation and electrical conduit install
WHAT: Roadway digging and temporary repaving.
Beach Drive Southwest will be closed between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest. Crews will direct local access as necessary for residences on this block. … Some street parking spots along Beach Drive Southwest along the work area will be temporarily unavailable.
WHEN: As early as Monday, May 12.

Work in this area will take place through approximately mid-July. Some weekend work is possible.
WHERE: Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest.

CHANGES FOR SIDEWALK USERS
Alternating sidewalk closures on Beach Drive Southwest between 63rd Avenue Southwest and 64th Avenue Southwest
There will be multiple periods of sidewalk closures associated with the roadwork noted above. As crews move around the work area, they will direct sidewalk users as necessary to either the north side or south side of Beach Drive Southwest.

Full details and aerial maps can be seen here. This is all in preparation for the generator project, which itself is still months away.

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HPIC’s first ‘First Friday,’ Potterings grand opening, ‘Charlie Brown’ and ‘Athena,’ more for your West Seattle Friday
May 2, 2025 9:58 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Can’t resist another sunset photo – that one from last night was sent by Ian. Now, here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am open gym for little kids is back at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: The center (a WSB sponsor) is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.

BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Delridge Library, free! (5423 Delridge Way SW)

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

SPORTS: Two high-school games/matches at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle): At 4 pm, West Seattle HS plays softball against Holy Names; at 4:30, Chief Sealth IHS boys’ soccer plays Cleveland.

ERIC CHURCH LISTENING EVENT: Easy Street Records (4559 California SW) is a hot place to hear new music first, and today it’s by Eric Church. Freebies while they last! 4 pm.

FIRST ‘FIRST FRIDAY’ AT HPIC: Highland Park Improvement Club is bringing back First Friday gatherings at its headquarters site, all summer long, starting tonight! 5:30-8:30 pm, hang out with your neighbors. (1116 SW Holden)

POTTERINGS GRAND OPENING: 6-8 pm, open house to celebrate the grand opening of this new place to explore creativity! Snacks, refreshments, prize drawing. (3400 Harbor SW)

OPEN MIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm, open mic for all genres at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW). Free, all ages.

CAR SEAT HEADREST SIGNING AT EASY STREET: Meet the band at 7 pm Easy Street Records signing event! Purchase required – link in our calendar listing. (4559 California SW)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Two West Seattle bands and a special guest! Not Dead Yet, North Beach Gritty, Fairground, doors 7 pm, show 8, at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN’ Second night for the classic play at Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 7:30 pm. Ticket info is in our calendar listing.

BELLS OF THE SOUND IN CONCERT: The handbell choir presents “Sounds of Nature,” 7:30 pm at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW). Suggested donation $15/$10 students and seniors.

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Final weekend! Curtain time tonight is 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight 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: LipStitch & Tongues.

CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND DJ: 10 pm-midnight late-night DJ as Cinco de Mayo weekend continues at Mission (2325 California SW).

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email what/when/where/etc. info to we*************@***il.com – thank you!

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Remembering Don Stark, 1944-2025
May 2, 2025 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

The family of Don Stark will gather privately today to remember him, and is sharing this with his community:

Don Stark, a Pacific Northwest pioneer in the field of public affairs and adviser to many successful civic, corporate and nonprofit endeavors, passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2025 of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. He was 81. Don is survived by his wife, five children, and nine grandchildren.

Donald Everett Stark was born in Seattle on January 22, 1944 to Everett and Mary Stark. Raised in the Bryant neighborhood, he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, graduated from Roosevelt High School, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington. He served in the U.S. Air Force and earned a Master’s in business from the University of Oklahoma.

Returning to Seattle, Don joined the Wes Uhlman administration, rising to City Budget Director. He next served as Deputy Mayor of Renton. In 1978, Don co-founded Gogerty Stark Marriott, one of the Northwest’s first and most respected public affairs consulting firms. In 2009 he co-founded another regional public affairs firm, Smith & Stark, which he continued until his passing.

Across his nearly half-century of consulting, Don advised many of the region’s top companies, non-profits, and civic causes. While known for his mastery of complex public opinion research, a hallmark of Don’s work was his ability to assemble coalitions of “unlikely allies.” For example, Don assembled the coalition of Eastern Washington agriculture and Western Washington labor and businesses that moved the state Legislature to approve funding for the SR99 tunnel that enabled the transformation of Seattle’s waterfront.

Giving back to others was a huge part of Don’s life, especially to increase opportunities for young people. He served as board chair of both the Foundation for Early Learning and Thrive Washington, and served as board chair of the Wallingford Boys and Girls Club, as well as on the board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of King County.

Don also served for more than 20 years on the board and executive committee of the Seattle Chamber of Commerce and was board chair of Leadership Tomorrow, the Seattle Chamber’s business leaders development program.

A long-time advocate for civil and human rights, Don served on the Pacific Northwest Advisory Board for the Anti-Defamation League and also chaired the board of Temple De Hirsch Sinai.

Don was sought after for advice and often mentored people coming into the profession of public affairs or civic life, or anyone who was lucky enough to know him. He also was a steady, supportive presence for many people working through recovery.

Don Stark was warm, friendly, compassionate, funny, optimistic, generous, spiritual, principled, athletic, and wise. Above all, Don knew joy as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and whenever afloat on Puget Sound. Growing up, Don spent family summers on Hat Island, located between Everett and Whidbey Island, and it anchored him throughout his life.

An expert boatman and fisherman, Don and his wife Karen often motored to the San Juans or Desolation Sound. He took salmon fishing trips to Sitka or Vancouver Island with friends, but above all he loved building beach forts with his grandchildren or teaching them to crab and salmon fish, walking around the island, and making s’mores at the campfire.

Don also applied his expertise in service to his Hat Island neighbors. He served on the private island’s governing board and was its incoming president.

Don is survived by his wife Karen Hudesman Stark, son Robert Stark, daughters Anne Stark Nielsen (Clay), Jamie Wilsie (Alex), Andrea Lott (Jordan), Amanda Wolf (Ian Gillingham), and nine grandchildren: William Everett Nielsen, Henry Nielsen, Jacob Wilsie, Henry Wilsie, Shaina Starnicky, Zachary Starnicky, Audrey Lott, Sabrina Lott and Kai Gillingham King.

In lieu of flowers, Don’s family encourages donations to Temple De Hirsch Sinai or the Anti-Defamation League Pacific Northwest.

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to we*************@***il.com)

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: May’s first Friday
May 2, 2025 6:02 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:02 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, May 2, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny and warm again today, high near 70, showers possible tonight. Today’s sunrise was at 5:49 am; sunset will be at 8:23 pm.

(Thursday sunset, photographed by Hana Alishio)

ROAD WORK

-Street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project could start as soon as Monday (May 5) on Beach Drive SW just south of 63rd – details and map here.

-The Admiral Way Bridge’s outside lane on the eastbound/southbound side is still closed.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with later-evening sailings Fridays (tonight!) and Saturdays.

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”. P.S. Next round of community meetings – online, systemwide – have been announced for later this month.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

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

Spokane Street Viaduct:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

Delridge cameras: In addition to the one below (Delridge/Genesee), cameras are also at Delridge/Juneau, Delridge/Henderson, Delridge/Oregon, and video-only (so you have to go to the map), Delridge/Holden and Delridge/Thistle.

MORE TRAFFIC CAMS: All functioning traffic cams citywide are here (including links to live video for most); for a quick scan of West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras, see this WSB page.

See a problem on the bridges/streets/paths/water? Please text or call our hotline (when you can do it safely, and after you’ve reported to authorities if they’re not already on scene) – 206-293-6302. Thank you!

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HELPING: ‘Giving group’ Impact West Seattle hits half-million-dollar milestone
May 1, 2025 11:25 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo: Impact West Seattle’s board, Hannah Gregg, Julie Davis, Rachel Lazar, Amy Huey)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Six and a half years ago, we reported on the launch of “giving group” Impact West Seattle. In the announcement of their first quarterly gift a few months later, IWS described themselves as “an example of so many people’s desire to ‘do something’ amidst a challenging political climate and in a city facing massive growth and major challenges.”

Time has passed, but all of that still applies. And the group is going strong, we learned when Impact West Seattle leaders invited us to cover their quarterly meeting this week, at which they celebrated members’ cumulative gifts surpassing the half-million-dollar mark.

A little background: Impact West Seattle members commit to giving $100 a quarter. Where the collected money goes depends on a group vote, after they’ve heard pitches by representatives of three organizations related to their quarterly topic. The topics are chosen by the members at the last meeting of each year; members then nominate relevant organizations/agencies, and an online vote sets the three who are presented, usually by the members who nominated them.

As for the money – board members say that while people can opt in and out as their circumstances change, they’ve remained fairly steady at “about 200” members, which means a gift of about $20,000 per quarter. They generally stay away from “political or religious”-oriented recipients, and also recognize that “if a member isn’t aligned with the views of a beneficiary, they can opt out.” Most members are from West Seattle, White Center, Burien, and vicinity), and they focus on the greater Seattle area, though one upcoming meeting will zero in on potential beneficiaries in “Hyperlocal West Seattle.”

This quarter’s gathering was Tuesday night at the Center for Active Living (recipient of an Impact West Seattle gift last year). Attendees mingled for a bit, enjoying what Welcome Road Winery (WSB sponsor) was pouring, and then it was time to get down to business – after a few celebratory words from the night’s emcee, board member Hannah Gregg, with a bouquet of balloons as a backdrop.

The half-million-dollars of donations to date was “really great to celebrate,” she said, declaring that they’re looking forward to the next half-million.

Before their attention turned toward a new round of potential recipients, they listened to a recipient from last quarter, which had addressed food insecurity. Alimentado al Pueblo‘s executive director Roxana Pardo Garcia said the question her nonprofit sought to address is “why is there not a food bank that gives people what they eat?” And yet the food bank model itself needed to be transformed, too, she explained: “Our future exists because of our ability to imagine.” To the question “what did you use the money for?” Pardo Garcia had a long list, including support for small businesses and organizations that comprise “our Latino food system.” She also mentioned new needs that had just arisen – such as losing an AmeriCorps volunteer who was supposed to be helping them through September, gone because of a budget axe the Trump Administration hurled at the program.

Then came time for the night’s three presentations. These, Impact West Seattle leaders explained, are not only meant to help members decide where to direct the quarterly gift, but also to educate them about organizations and programs they may not previously been aware of. The night’s theme related to assistance for people with disabilities.

The first spotlight shone on Mainstay, described as a job-placement agency for people wtih developmental and intellectual disabilities – starting with some startling stats: 67% of people with these disabilities who don’t have a job by 21 will never have one. But with Mainstay, which is headquartered at Seattle Central College, 92 percent of job seekers found employment. It was explained that Mainstay not only coaches the potential employees, but also their prospective co-workers. As a result, the workers living with disabilities get jobs and keep them for years.

It does all this with an annual budget of just $1.2 million a year, with 12 staffers assisting more than 100 jobseekers.

When asked “what could a gift like this do for you?” the reply was that it could help Mainstay help clients who don’t qualify for funding otherwise.

Second up was Rebuilding Together Seattle, which matches up volunteers, local businesses, and community organizations to handle projects at 100 homes a year, enabling people living near the federal poverty line to stay in their homes. Maybe they need a wheelchair ramp or new flooring, for example, though not extensive projects such as new roofs. RTS assists people in a variety of categories – seniors, veterans, people living with disabilities, families. When people are approved for help, it usuallu happens within a year. The idea is that “keeping people safe and healthy in their community helps the community.” Rebuilding Together Seattle has only three fulltime staff, but will also have to figure out how to cope with the AmeriCorps cut, as they routinely had one or two volunteers from that program.

Then they heard about the Washington State Council of Firefighters Foundation‘s Camp Eyabsut for burn survivors ages 5 to 17. Jenny and her daughter Layla – a burn survivor – told the story of how the camp helped kids and teens on their “long journey to healing” – teaching them Eyabsut, which means “to rise above everything.” Layla explained that burns can leave you feeling like activities such as making s’mores or wearing a swimsuit are “risky” – until you are in a place like Camp Eyabsut, where you can be yourself. Attendance is free; the counselors are mostly adult burn survivors, and there’s on-site medical staff including therapy dogs. It’s run entirely by volunteers (including Seattle firefighters), so expenses are kept low; cost for each camper is about $1,500, so the gift would go a long way. This year’s volunteers will include the mother-daughter team, said Layla, who told the group, “The road to recovery for a young burn survivor is lifelong.”

After all three presentations, it was time to vote. Members who can’t get to the meeting can do it from wherever they are, via a QR code.

Mainstay was announced at the top vote-getter. The other two featured organizations usually benefit too, with members choosing to make their own gifts; Jenny told us Camp Eyabsut got warm words from many people she talked with after the meeting (its donation link is here – be sure to write the camp’s name in the “in honor/memory” spot – and Rebuilding Together Seattle accepts donations too). IWS co-founder Rachel Lazar told WSB that the highlighted organizations benefit in many ways: “Often our members will sign up to volunteer, or donate directly to the organizations. We have even had two members take full time roles with two of the nonprofits presented!”

So what happens now? Everyone makes their gifts via an online platform, and it sends the check. Then Impact West Seattle starts looking ahead to its next gathering – the July 28th topic will be legal advocacy, the October 23rd meeting will be the one focused on “hyperlocal West Seattle.” Along with the monetary gifts, they’re also starting food drives at their meetings, asking members to bring nonperishable food to donate.

Visitors too – here’s the upcoming meeting schedule so you can drop in to see if you’d be interested in getting involved.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Looking for casings, officer found something else
May 1, 2025 9:46 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

One West Seattle Crime Watch note, from early today. A police officer was dispatched to the Westcrest Park vicinity around 1:30 am to check out reports of possible gunfire. The officer saw a car enter the park’s south parking lot, a red 2013 Kia Rio. After looking around for casings because of the original dispatch, the officer eventually found the car abandoned in that lot, still running, double-parked across an accessible spot and the loading area, with a punched ignition. Though it checked out “clear,” police surmised it was a stolen car whose owner hadn’t reported it yet; it was registered to an address in Tukwila, but police there were unsuccessful in reaching its owner, as of when we obtained the report this afternoon. No gunfire evidence was ever found, nor was the driver who abandoned the car, which was impounded.

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READER REPORT: Alki restaurateurs support young entrepreneurs
May 1, 2025 8:18 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

Gyros on Alki is now selling earrings as well as food, in support of young entrepreneurs. The story and photo came in via text, from one entrepreneur’s mom:

The earrings are made by two local West Seattle girls — Lexi (age 11, a 5th grader at Arbor Heights Elementary) and Scarlet (age 11, a 6th grader at another school). Together, they run Shimmer & Shine, a small earring business they started about a year ago, selling to neighbors in Arbor Heights.

During spring break, Lexi and I (her mom) were at Gyros on Alki having ice cream when the owners, Ned and Sabine, came out to chat. The shop was quiet, and we got to talking about how tough it’s been for small businesses on Alki lately.

Lexi told them about her earring business and how she and Scarlet work hard making each pair by hand. She shared how much she admires Ned and Sabine for keeping their restaurant going all these years. When they asked how she usually sells her earrings, Lexi mentioned she sets up outside Arbor Heights Community Church — and to her surprise, they offered to feature her earrings inside the restaurant!

Now you can find Shimmer & Shine earrings hanging on the wall inside Gyros on Alki — they’re available any time the restaurant is open. Each pair is handcrafted and just $10.

We’re so grateful to Ned and Sabine for supporting young entrepreneurs in our community!

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Got your ticket yet? Almost sip-and-stroll time for West Seattle Junction’s spring Wine Walk
May 1, 2025 5:41 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   How to help | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

More than 50 wineries and West Seattle merchants are pairing up for the spring Wine Walk presented by the West Seattle Junction Association, which sends word that it still has tickets available, with two weeks until it’s time to uncork. The Wine Walk is 5-9 pm Friday, May 16. Your $37 ticket gets you 14 one-ounce tastings, a Wine Walk bottle tote bag, and a keepsake wine glass. You’ll get the chance to fill your tote with participating wineries’ bottles along the way (and there’s a free Bottle Valet service so you won’t get bogged down too soon). Check-in spots this time are Row House (4203 SW Oregon) and John L. Scott (4445 California SW). Get your ticket ASAP before they sell out – go here! (That link is also where you’ll find the list of participating merchants and wineries – the latter include WSB sponsors Viscon Cellars, Welcome Road Winery, and Spruce Hill Winery!)

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Need someplace to sell on West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day (May 10, 2025)? Updates from Maarten Park and Fauntleroy Schoolhouse!
May 1, 2025 4:09 pm
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

As we get ready to launch this year’s West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day map and list in less than 48 hours, we have two updates geared toward people still looking for someplace to sell their stuff:

MAARTEN PARK SPACE AVAILABLE: The neighborhood parklet at 42nd/Juneau was already registered as a group fundraising sale – then today we got word they’re also offering space:

West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day! No yard? No problem! Maarten Park will have tables available for anyone who’d like to sign up and sell their treasures! There will also be a birdhouse-making station for kids and a lemonade stand. Donations for table use & birdhouses are suggested, and all proceeds go toward annual park maintenance costs. Text Krystal to reserve your table! 306-703-1041

Read the story of Maarten Park in our coverage of its dedication last year.

FAUNTLEROY SCHOOLHOUSE SPACE AVAILABLE: We’ve mentioned this briefly already, but the historic schoolhouse (9131 California SW) wants to ensure you know the full plan:

We are excited to announce our participation in the 20th West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day on May 10th! Our participation is not just a sale, but a crucial fundraiser to support Fauntleroy Children’s Center, the nonprofit central to our mission. We’ll also have a bake sale, a 50/50 raffle, and more activities so grab the family and start your Garage Sale Day at the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse!

Our teachers have been working hard at work putting together our first sale since we opened in 1978! Take about vintage finds! We have household décor, children’s clothes from infant – 12 years old, so many toys, books, sports equipment, furniture, tools, a beautiful outdoor playhouse and more!

ACTION! Please sign up to donate items or host a mini sale with us: https://forms.office.com/r/mfZAAyBSdN

How You Can Help:

Donate Items: We are accepting donations of items in sellable condition. Please bring your items, preferably in a box or bag, on Mondays or Fridays between 5 – 6 PM at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse. We cannot accept mattresses, large appliances, refrigerators, or hazardous materials.

Host a Mini Sale: Missed the deadline for the West Seattle garage sale map? Sign up to host a mini sale with us. Your participation will help us reach our fundraising goal and boost traffic for your items!

The other site offering community spaces is Hotwire Coffee; we haven’t received an update with them, so check directly with Hotwire to see if they’re all booked..

Again, West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day – the 20th anniversary WSCGSD, with 570+ sales of all sizes, all over the peninsula, registered – is Saturday, May 10; we’ll have the (interactive) map and (printable) list available starting THIS Saturday (May 3) here on WSB.

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READER REPORT: Bees at Fauntleroy ferry dock (and what to do if you find a swarm somewhere)
May 1, 2025 2:28 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Fauntleroy | Safety | West Seattle news

(File photo of honey bee – photographed in 2024 by Steve Bender)

Out of the WSB inbox, from Johnny:

I was just at the Fauntleroy ferry dock near the tail end of the line [near tollbooth, lane 3] and there was a swarm of bees, dozens of them, flying all over the place. They must have built a nest nearby. I didn’t dare open my windows, even on a day like this. I thought I would send that information along since it can be real dangerous for some people. I reported it to WSDOT.

We’ll be checking with Washington State Ferries but in the meantime, since this is information we publish every year, we’ll take a moment to explain that if they’re honey bees, you should notify a local beekeeper who would be interested in collecting the swarm. Here’s the Puget Sound Beekeepers Association list for this year – including West Seattle contacts.

P.S. PSBA members and others will be happy to educate you about bees at this year’s West Seattle Bee Festival on May 17 – more info on that soon!

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SPORTS: Winning season for West Seattle Water Polo, and two ways to show support
May 1, 2025 1:03 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

(Photos by Will Pyfer)

It’s a winning season for one of our area’s newest high-school sports! We first mentioned West Seattle Water Polo – open to players from other schools too, not just WSHS – when players came to a meeting to ask then-School Board director Leslie Harris for district acceptance. This is now the team’s second season! Here’s the update we received, including two ways to support them – as a spectator and/or donor:

WSHS Girls Water Polo is having a winning season with a league record of 5-1, logging wins again Ingraham, Roosevelt, Shorecrest and Newport and is on pace to qualify for the Division 2 State Championship Tournament in Puyallup the third weekend in May. Sadly, the team had their first loss of the season in a heartbreakingly close 8-9 game against Mercer Island on Friday, April 25th at Medgar Evers Pool.

The team will host its first home game in West Seattle versus Bellevue at Colman Pool on (updated) May 9th at 6:20 pm. Bellevue will bring both varsity and JV teams, so there will be water polo to watch from 6:20-8 pm. This Friday, the varsity team will host Roosevelt at Medgar Evers at 8:50 pm and then on Saturday the JV squad will head down to Tacoma for a full-day tournament at Silas High School.

Earlier this year, the girls held a successful Tread-a-Thon fundraiser (thanks to all our supporters) and jumped right in to a busy season, consisting of 14 games, 3 one-day tournaments, and at least 1 multi-day tournament.

The team has set up an ongoing online auction with the goal of making the team more affordable. Supporters can join the auction to bid on gift cards donated by local businesses at: paybee.io/@wswaterpolo@3

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West Seattle Boat Swap this weekend! Here’s how to shop and/or ‘swap’
May 1, 2025 11:44 am
|      0 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, August 2024 WS Boat Swap)

Ready to get out on the water? (Or maybe you’ve been out already!) Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) invites you to the annual West Seattle Boat Swap this weekend:

This community event is a great opportunity to buy and sell human-powered watercraft (Kayaks, SUPs, Canoes) and accessories!

We will have used Kayaks and Standup Paddleboards from Alki Kayak Tours‘ rental operation, as well as scratched and dented SUPs and Kayaks from Mountain to Sound Outfitters for sale at amazing Spring steal prices!

To shop, just show up at M2SO 11 am-4 pm this Saturday and/or Sunday (May 3-4). To “swap” (sell), drop off your item(s) 9 am-11 am Saturday, after signing up online.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: About that cluster of fishing boats
May 1, 2025 10:30 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Kim for sending the photo of fishing boats clustered off west-facing West Seattle. As WSB archives confirm, May 1 is the annual start to recreational lingcod season. (Learn about lingcod here.) Though we haven’t been by to doublecheck yet, Seattle Parks had told us last week that Don Armeni Boat Ramp would be fully operational by today – just in time. Other big local fishing events coming up include the brief-and-popular spot-shrimp season on May 21.

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