Admiral Way SW will return to one lane in each direction this weekend. Over the next several months, there may sometimes be brief periods in which more lanes are open as crews shift between working on different parts of the bridge.

We are continuing to make good progress on construction. Here are some photos showing the work in progress:

Those photos are from the underside of the bridge, over Fairmount Ravine, where Fairmount Avenue remains fully closed to traffic until the project is done, now projected for summer.

READER REPORT: Post-windstorm hero

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people | West Seattle weather

Christine sent this followup to one of the downed trees noted here during Tuesday’s windstorm coverage, at Walnut and Manning:

Last night, I heard a chainsaw so I walked down to the latest Walnut Ave SW fallen tree. A man was cutting up the tree into firewood size logs.

He said he was on the way home to Gig Harbor and he had the chainsaw in his car from the wind events over there.

I think he had the help of the young neighbor who lives across from the house that almost had a tree fall on it. Very very nice. People could drive around the circle today.

SDOT will need to take down the tree and Seattle City Light will need to fix the wiring.

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SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Submarine and another ship of note (updated Thursday)

| Seen at sea | West Seattle news

4:29 PM: Thanks to Steven Rice for the photo! Seen from West Seattle late this morning, a submarine and NOAA ship Oscar Dyson, an “ultra-quiet fisheries survey vessel” currently at Terminal 46 downtown. (That’s West Point Lighthouse in the photo.)

ADDED THURSDAY MORNING: We sent a note to the Oscar Dyson’s general email address, asking about their Seattle visit, and Commander Emily Rose replied, “The ship is in Seattle for a few more days before heading back to Kodiak after completing some repairs in the Puget Sound area.”

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Midday sighting

February 26, 2025 2:25 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Midday sighting

| Coyotes | Gatewood | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Reader report from Rebecca:

Today around 11:45 am, 36th and Myrtle. Just hanging out, drinking from the puddle. Crows were dive bombing (it)…

That’s right by Myrtle Reservoir Park. Meantime, our standard disclaimer – we publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; here’s expert advice on coexistence.

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Next milestone delayed again, on eve of another ‘early acquisition’ vote

February 26, 2025 12:31 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Thanks for the tip. Curiosity has run high about how the change of administrations in Washington, D.C., could affect local services that rely on federal funding, and now we have one sign: The federal “Record of Decision” for Sound Transit‘s West Seattle Link Extension has been delayed, again. The original timeline was that it could have happened as soon as a month after the ST Board made its final decision back in October about West Seattle light-rail routing and station locations; then the Federal Transit Authority‘s online dashboard showed a new date for the Record of Decision, due in late February, aka right about now – but a reader just pointed us to the federal website link showing it’s just changed again, to late April.

We have questions out to Sound Transit, including how, or whether, that affects work being done now on the project; the project website notes that when it’s issued, for example, final design can begin.

As we reported four days ago, the ST Board’s monthly meeting tomorrow is scheduled to include a vote on expanding the list of properties for which it’s pursuing early acquisition; the additions to the list would include the North Delridge buildings that house Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), Mode Music and Performing Arts, The Skylark, and Ounces, all on the site designated for the Delridge light-rail station. We also reported last week on Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, an ST Board member, issuing an executive order setting up city actions that might speed up the construction timeline.

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ORCAS: Transient killer whales passing this way again (early evening update)

February 26, 2025 12:13 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

12:13 PM: As Kersti Muul observes, we’ve had transient orcas in the area for the better part of three weeks. And now they’re back in view, currently southbound across the Seattle/Bainbridge ferry lanes, she tells us. Let us know if you see them! (And we always appreciate photos.)

5:17 PM: As noted in comments, a big group is now northbound from north Blake Island.

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Academy Schools: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

February 26, 2025 11:28 am

| Comments Off on Academy Schools: Welcome, new WSB sponsor!

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Today we’re welcoming one of our newest sponsors, Academy Schools. New WSB sponsors get the opportunity to tell you about themselves – here’s the message from Academy Schools:

Unlock Your Child’s Potential at Academy Schools!

Looking for a school that truly understands your child’s unique learning needs?

Academy Schools is a small, independent PK-12 school in Tukwila, dedicated to serving both neurotypical and neurodiverse students in a personalized, supportive environment.

Since 1997, we have believed that every child deserves an education tailored to their strengths — because learning isn’t one-size-fits-all. With small class sizes, flexible instruction, and a student-centered approach, we empower students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Our inclusive community supports students with:
-ADHD
-Autism Spectrum Disorder
-Sensory Processing Challenges
-School Trauma & School Refusal
-Anxiety & Emotional Needs

At Academy Schools, we go beyond traditional education — no rigid state mandates, no unnecessary testing — just real learning that meets your child where they are.

Now Enrolling for Fall 2025!

Visit academyschools.org/contact or call us at 206-588-0860 to schedule a visit today.

Academy Schools – Where Every Student Matters.

We thank Academy Schools for choosing to advertise their program by sponsoring independent, community-collaborative neighborhood news on WSB. Interested in doing the same? Call or text 206-293-6302.

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16 options for your West Seattle Wednesday!

February 26, 2025 9:49 am

| Comments Off on 16 options for your West Seattle Wednesday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(This morning – photo by James Bratsanos)

Here’s our list of what’s happening on your Wednesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Wednesdays at 10 am, too! Meet at 47th/Fauntleroy.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the shop’s new location. (4522 California SW)

FUNDRAISER CONTINUES: Second day of The Westy‘s dine-out fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe School, whose online auction (open to all) continues too – see this WSB story for details.

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, noon-4 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

(This morning – photo by Sandy Widlan)

TODDLER STORY TIME AT SW LIBRARY: 3 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW).

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm free drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Fix it, don’t toss it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center). Don’t know much about the WS Tool Library? Learn about it via our West Seattle Giving Spirit spotlight!

LEARN ABOUT WAXING SKIS AND BOARDS: Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) hosts a 6 pm “Intro to Waxing” clinic tonight – registration info and other details are in our calendar listing.

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Open invitation to the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW)

FREE GROUP RUN: All year ’round! All runners, all levels, are welcome to join the weekly West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) group run – meet at the shop by 6:15 pm.

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer slate. (7902 35th SW)

YOGA AND GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).

TRIVIA x 3: Three Wednesday trivia locations on our West Seattle list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday-night trivia starting at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

MUSIC BINGO X 2: Two places to play on Wednesdays! Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm … Or, at Three 9 Lounge (39th/Oregon), you can play MINGO music bingo, hosted by Mingo Maniac, at 7:30 pm Wednesdays.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Ready to take the mic and show what you can do? 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Planning an open house, reading, tour, fundraiser, sale, discussion, show, meeting, presentation, etc., that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Tryout time for students interested in West Seattle High School Cheer Team

February 26, 2025 9:04 am

| Comments Off on Tryout time for students interested in West Seattle High School Cheer Team

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

(WSB file photo)

West Seattle High School cheer coach Nadine Nguyen asked us to share this announcement:

Are you ready to become a part of the State-Winning West Seattle High School Coed Cheer Team? Now’s your chance.

Tryouts will be held in person the following days and times at WSHS:

March 6th- 4 pm-6 pm
March 7th 4 pm-6 pm
March 8th 8 am-TBD

To try out, you will need to fill out all online forms and provide a current Sports Physical.

We will also be hosting Cheer Clinics on March 4th @ 4 pm-5 pm

*For those interested in trying out for our State Winning Competition Team, you are invited to attend our Stunt Clinics where you will learn basic stunt skills.

Stunt Clinics are on March 5th @ 4 pm-6 pm

To participate in tryouts on March 6th – March 8th, Stunt Clinics, and the Cheer clinics, please bring a printed and signed copy of the following items below to the first day of the clinics/tryouts.

-Student Athletic Registration Form
-Signed Parent Waiver
-Up-to-date Physical

The Tryout application and required forms are available through the following link tree:
linktr.ee/WSHSCHEER

For tips and more information regarding tryouts, follow our Instagram @westseattlecheer

Good Luck and Go Wildcats!! For Questions, email: nmnguyen@seattleschools.org

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Calmer Wednesday

February 26, 2025 6:01 am

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news

6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Wednesday, February 26, 2025, and the weather’s back to something approximating normal.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

The forecast is for some sunshine, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:54 am and 5:50 pm.

ROAD-WORK NOTE

More on this later in the day, but be forewarned that the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project is scheduled to shift to one lane each way again this weekend, per SDOT.

TRANSIT TODAY

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Water Taxi – Also on a regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V 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 trouble 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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What’s happening at the West Seattle Junction’s hardware store is more than a name change

February 25, 2025 10:03 pm

| 31 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The store that was “Junction True Value” for so long isn’t any more.

You might already be aware of that; four months have passed since the initial announcement.

The signage, however, hasn’t changed … yet.

“We’re waiting for the city to give us a permit,” says third-generation owner Bruce Davis, with a touch of mild exasperation. “Two and a half months, just to change a sign.”

Well, two signs. Junction Hardware, with Ace beneath it. That’s the name of the co-op that Junction Hardware is part of now. Here’s a rendering of the new signage:

But the sign isn’t what customers are asking about most, Davis says. The number one question: “Are you closing?”

Most definitely not.

But changing, yes, and in positive ways, Davis explains.

For one, returning to affiliation with a co-op, which True Value ceased being after it was sold to a private-equity firm. (Davis says he voted against the sale and was surprised to be on the losing end.) Ace has a more dynamic web presence, too, which means more features they can offer to customers – delivery, for example.

For in-person shoppers, you’ll see “new assortments of merchandise.” Love to grill? You’ll find a bigger stock of equipment – Green Egg, Traeger, Blackstone, and of course Weber. YETI coolers, too. Looking for tools? “More emphasis on big power-tool names.” And more steel products. “Ace is pretty big into the brand names. … Some brand names will be changing. Our private-label brands will change.” Ace also offers a handyman service, he notes.

Plus: “We’re going to do an interior remodel … we’re going to change the register area a bit … But we’re not getting rid of anything major.” They’ll configure the register area so there’s one line for the four cashiers. No self-checkout: “They’ll all be live people,” Davis assures us. The ownership is the same, the hours are the same, the staffing – about 30 people work at the store – is the same. Well, they’re a little short-staffed, he says, after “a couple people retired” with 30 to 40 years’ experience.

Again, the name is changing. And behind the scenes, it’s “kind of a big culture shift … we’re having to learn a lot of things. … We’re progressing through it one step at a time; there’s a lot of training to go through.” Returning to a co-op is good for his store, Davis adds, as it means member stores get to share in profits. “We’re happy to be back in a co-op again.”

And once the internal remodel is done and the external signage is up, they’ll celebrate. “It’s going to be great when we get this all integrated and done!” Look for that sometime in April. “There’s a lot of work between here and there.”

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How easy is it to find a clean, safe, open restroom in a Seattle park? Here’s what the City Auditor discovered

February 25, 2025 6:17 pm

| 44 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Finding a clean, open, and safe restroom in Seattle city parks is, for lack of a better word, a crapshoot. That’s the blunt conclusion of a City Auditor report issued earlier this month, documenting a number of failures around maintenance and access to potties in the parks. West Seattle parks fare no better than the rest. As of this writing, half of District 1’s 26 restrooms are closed for a variety of reasons, some expected and some not.

The auditor’s report (read it here), covering operations in 2023 and 2024, will be discussed by a City Council committee tomorrow. More on that later. First: The report details a confluence of circumstances that contributed to not meeting Parks’ goals around cleanliness and availability, despite almost doubling the parks tax levy in 2023. A hiring freeze in 2024 was the primary culprit, but an increase in vandalism, inconsistent/unenforced standards, and lack of data collection have added up to a situation where managers don’t know if bathrooms have been cleaned, or how much, and the public often can’t tell if the restrooms are usable, let alone open, until they arrive. Improvements are now promised for 2025, and park visitors have the potential to play a larger role in assessing them than previously.

Park restrooms bear the brunt of the challenges that come with providing public restrooms.

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WEST SEATTLE WINDSTORM: The last unresolved major outage is over

February 25, 2025 5:18 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

5:18 PM: As we head into evening, that’s the last major outage in not only West Seattle, but citywide, with the 1,600+ affected customers representing just under half the 3,800+ customers still out around Seattle City Light‘s entire territory. For earlier events, see our morning coverage here and midday/afternoon coverage here. Best news is that the wind has moved on, and we’re even expecting a break from the rain, tonight at least through Thursday – when the temperature could reach almost 60 degrees.

5:27 PM: As if by magic, a moment after we published this, the outage ended, and the SCL map now reflects that.

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HAPPENING NOW: Online auction and dine-out fundraiser for Our Lady of Guadalupe School

February 25, 2025 3:22 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Before the Our Lady of Guadalupe School (WSB sponsor) fundraising event this weekend, two things happening right now are open to everyone: First, now through Friday, you can bid in the school’s online auction, with items donated by local businesses and other supporters – gift cards, tickets, more. Second, both today and tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26), The Westy (7908 35th SW) is hosting a dine-out fundraiser for the school – use the code OLG and mention you’re supporting the school, and they’ll donate 15 percent of the proceeds. Though The Westy is a 21+ establishment for dining and drinking, you can get take-out for the whole family, and that can count toward the fundraiser too.

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WEST SEATTLE WINDSTORM: Outage closes Thunder Road Guitars

February 25, 2025 1:58 pm

| 9 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

If you were planning on guitar-shopping before the day’s out – Thunder Road Guitars (6400 California SW; WSB sponsor) sadly won’t be able to help you today. They’re one of the Seattle City Light customers still out of power, and with the possibility it won’t be back until day’s end, proprietor Frank Gross tells us, he decided to close. Check out the shop tomorrow, 10 am-6 pm.

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FOLLOWUP: Milestone for Alki Elementary construction

February 25, 2025 12:19 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools

Despite the stormy weather, workers are on site today at the Alki Elementary rebuild project; Don sent the photo showing the concrete pour that’s under way. If you’ve passed the site in recent days and noticed the white tent-like structures, those have been part of the preparations for this. This is for the building’s ground floor; other work already been done includes foundation construction and piping for utilities including the building’s heating and cooling system. We asked the district about any other updates, and a spokesperson says, “The mass timber structure installation will begin in March.” The new school is expected to open in fall of 2026; staff and students will have been in temporary quarters at the former Schmitz Park Elementary site for three years by then. It’s been a year and a half since the old school was demolished; after demolition, the start of construction was on hold until an appeal was resolved.

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WEST SEATTLE WINDSTORM: Midday and afternoon updates

February 25, 2025 10:55 am

| 23 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

10:55 AM: The wind hasn’t entirely ebbed yet, but the official alert expired at 10 am and – at least in our observation – things are calming. Much of what we covered in our morning report has been resolved, so we’re starting fresh here with midday updates:

(Photo sent by Taylor)

TREE TROUBLE: The major roadblocking trees (Delridge Way, Olson Place, Holden) have been cleared by SDOT, as noted in our earlier coverage. But others are still awaiting clearance – like the one in the photo above, in the park near Delridge Community Center, west of the skatepark (thanks to everyone who sent tips and photos). And here’s another downed park tree, with some backstory:

This tree is at Highland Park. The large downed portion is covering half the road on SW Thistle between 11th and 12th.

As seen in the photo, the city knows about it and has already put caution tape around it this morning.

This is a favorite climbing tree of many kids who visit this park.

Seattle Parks also reissued its reminder that forested parks are places to avoid during high wind, and in general, when the wind kicks up, stay out from under trees. … In South Admiral, a texter reports this tree partly blocking at Walnut/Manning:

POWER OUTAGES: Many power outages were triggered by trees – City Light crews have been busy all night and morning – Al sent this photo from 47th/Eddy:

The largest remaining West Seattle outages are 1,600+ customers on the central west side of the peninsula, and almost 500 in Puget Ridge/Pigeon Point/North Delridge (see the darker markers):

We’ll continue adding to this story in the hours ahead – in general, give yourself extra time if you have to go somewhere, because you might encounter a downed-tree detour, or an intersection that’s stop-all-ways because a sign’s down or a signal’s out.

11:43 AM: The North Delridge/Pigeon Point/Puget Ridge outage is down to 215 customers.

12:30 PM: A caller wants to alert you that the California/Charlestown light is out, though everything around it seems to have power.

1:44 PM: A texter says this is where City Light is working to remedy the Seaview/Fairmount Park outage – “tree on power lines at 37th/Raymond”:

SCL has arborists in the trees (no alley access), but it looks like it will be a little while longer.

3:36 PM: Watch for low-hanging wires/cables – they’re not all live wires, but they can be dangerous just the same. One reader texted about one over the road at 55th/Andover.

3:59 PM: Also – beware of at least one flagpole! Our Lady of Guadalupe reports they’ve closed Myrtle between 35th and 34th (usually just closed during school hours) because of possible danger from their flagpole. They offer apologies to the neighbors.

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WEATHER, POWER OUTAGES, TRAFFIC/TRANSIT/TREES: Stormy Tuesday morning updates

February 25, 2025 6:00 am

| 75 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

Good morning – it’s Tuesday, February 25, and strong wind has been pummeling our area all night. Updates below, as they happen.

WEATHER UPDATE

The High Wind Warning alert remains in effect until 10 am. Otherwise, the forecast is for on-and-off rain, high in the low 50s.

POWER OUTAGES

6:08 AM: The Delridge/Thistle tree mentioned below has also just taken out power for 6,100 homes/businesses from Highland Park to White Center to South Park.

7:11 AM: Some if not all of those in the biggest outage say they’re back on.

7:39 AM: New big outage – almost 5,000 customers mostly in western West Seattle – here’s that part of the map:

Update: Per commenters, that outage was resolved around 9:30 am.

EARLIER: The Seattle City Light map shows scattered outages around the peninsula (as well as elsewhere in SCL territory) – the largest is about 500 customers in the Puget Ridge area, and about 200 around Alki Point, plus the 100-customer second Seaview outage noted earlier.

TRAFFIC TROUBLE, INCLUDING TREES

6 AM: The wind has brought down some trees that SDOT crews are dealing with; we’ve just heard a dispatch for a tree blocking Delridge/Thistle, while earlier tonight, one was reported on 35th near Holden. 7:30 UPDATE: SDOT crew on scene; RapidRide H rerouted until this is cleared … 7:55 AM: Now cleared!

ADDED 6:41 AM: And this tree’s blocking Holden about a block west of Delridge, per the texter who sent photo:

8:33 AM: Holden is now clear.

ADDED 7:28 AM: Two more road-blocking trees – one at 31st/Myrtle, this one on 47th between Oregon and Alaska (thanks for the photo):

ADDED 7:43 AM: A tree down on Olson Place at the east end of the Roxbury corridor is blocking eastbound traffic and rerouting Route 60.

Please let us know if you come across any closures – 206-293-6302 text or voice.

SCHOOL CHANGES

Added 6:33 am: The Highline district just south of West Seattle is on a two-hour delay.

Added 7:53 am: Vashon Island School District ~~1 1/2 hours late …~~ Genesee Hill Elementary lost power in the newest outage but is carrying on …

Update, 8:02 am: Vashon Island SD has now decided to CLOSE for today.

Any other changes? 206-293-6302.

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:

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.

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BIZNOTES: Another penciled-in Westwood Village tenant; BECU opens in White Center; Mountain to Sound Outfitters’ waxing clinic

February 24, 2025 9:04 pm

| 21 COMMENTS

| West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | Westwood | White Center

Three biznotes tonight:

ANOTHER PROSPECTIVE WESTWOOD VILLAGE TENANT: Even as other future Westwood Village tenants like Total Wine & More (seemingly on the brink of signage) and Panda Express work on remodels, another prospective tenant has turned up in city permit records: F45 Training, a fitness chain, is penciled in for the former Massage Envy spot on the north side of WWV. Its current Seattle locations include the Central District, Queen Anne, Ballard, Eastlake, and Northgate.

BECU OPENS IN WHITE CENTER: As noted here last month, BECU (WSB sponsor) has been building a Neighborhood Financial Center in the new mixed-use development at 16th/107th in White Center, and the credit union says it’s now open. They’re planning a grand-opening community celebration at 3 pm Wednesday, March 19. Readers have asked if the Roxbury Safeway BECU mini-branch will close; a BECU spokesperson told us today, “At this time, we have not announced plans for our Roxbury location.”

WAXING CLINIC:: Skiing and boarding season continues! So Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor) is presenting an “Intro to Waxing” this Wednesday (February 26), 6 pm:

The workshop will provide attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to keep their ski and snowboarding gear in top condition. There is a $10 ticket but that ticket cost can be used as credit toward the purchase of personal waxing supplies at Mountain to Sound.

Get your ticket, and find out more about the clinic, here.

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WEST SEATTLE WEATHER: Winds kick up; first power outage takes out 250+ in Seaview; second outage in that area too

February 24, 2025 6:24 pm

| 18 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

6:24 PM: Eight hours or so into the High Wind Warning alert, the wind kicked up a short time ago (we heard thunder too!), and West Seattle has its first power outage of note – more than 250 customers in Seaview. People in the area report hearing a “boom” before the power went out. Updates to come …

6:56 PM: This storm seems to be arriving (and departing) in waves, and we’re between waves right now. The photo above is from James Bratsanos, who noticed it just before that intense wave of rain, wind, and thunder. So far the 256-customer Seaview outage is the only one in West Seattle; citywide it’s the second-largest after a 5,300+-customer outage in North Seattle.

7:43 PM: The SCL map shows the Seaview outage has been resolved.

2:36 AM: An area further south in Seaview and beyond has lost power this time:

City Light says this one is affecting 100+ customers. The wind is about the strongest-sounding we’ve heard all night.

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ROAD WORK: Here’s what’s going on with the Admiral Way Bridge

February 24, 2025 6:23 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

For the third time in four days, the Admiral Way Bridge lane alignment has changed; as shown in our photo above, by dusk, one eastbound lane was closed, while the other one and both westbound lanes were open. Before that, all lanes were open during the weekend. SDOT spokesperson Ethan Bergerson explained, “Admiral Way SW was briefly reopened this week as our crews are preparing for an upcoming shift from working in the center lanes to working in the northern lanes.” He says it’ll continue to change at times in the next few months, while the seismic-strengthening project remains projected to be completed this summer.

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ROAD WORK: Here’s the plan for the 35th SW sinkhole

February 24, 2025 4:54 pm

| 7 COMMENTS

| Utilities | West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Some readers have asked about the sinkhole coned off in the middle of 35th SW near SW Edmunds. We asked SDOT, which in turn pointed us to Seattle Public Utilities; SPU spokesperson Brad Wong tells WSB that crews investigated it today:

Seattle Public Utilities is monitoring and working on a void in the 4700 block of 35th Avenue Southwest, which was reported by the Seattle Department of Transportation.

On the morning of February 24, SPU crews completed an initial investigation and inspection of the roadway and found that a 10-inch combined sewer pipe had collapsed. Flow, though, was continuing. As of 1 p.m., SPU had not received any report about properties experiencing sewer backups.

SPU is working with SDOT on traffic control in the affected area, which is barricaded. SPU crews are moving a pump unit to the location as a preventive measure for any system backup. SPU expects the pipe rehabilitation work on the affected area to be finished in about two weeks.

This stirs memories of a water break that flooded 35th downhill from there, between Alaska and Avalon, in 2017. That, however, was blamed on a private line.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another 7-11 robbery

February 24, 2025 3:34 pm

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| Crime | West Seattle news

It’s been a while since the last 7-11 holdup report, but one happened early today, according to Seattle Police. They were called to the Highland Park 7-11 (16th/Holden) shortly after 1:30 am. According to the police-report summary, an “employee was emptying trash outside when he saw a car parked at the east side of the building, occupied by at least 3. One suspect male brandished a gun and ordered the employee back into the store, where he had the employee open and empty the registers. The suspect and vehicle fled northbound on 16 Ave SW.” Police say they have fingerprints and surveillance video. Their summary didn’t include a description but the archived audio had this descriptio: Black, male, 20s, 5’6″, blue or black pants, black shoes, a black hoodie; the vehicle was described as a black or blue sedan.

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