West Seattle, Washington
07 Tuesday
(WSB photo: Matt Hutchins and Kevin Broveleit at West Seattle Realty event)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
One of the most pointed audience questions during last night’s discussion of “Zoning Changes in Seattle” was whether everyone whose property has been, or will be, upzoned by those changes is aware of it.
All the discussion leader, local architect Matt Hutchins, could say was, in essence, if not, they should – this all has been years in the making, and it’s not over yet.”You can not like the outcome, but you can’t say this was done hastily,” he contended. (He’s had something of an inside view, as co-chair of the city-convened Planning Commission.)
More than two dozen people filled the seats at West Seattle Realty (WSB sponsor), whose proprietor Kevin Broveleit both hosted and participated. Here’s our full video of the event:
Though it was a full house at WSR, those were just two dozen out of hundreds of thousands – Hutchins’ slide deck included the projection that by mid-century, the city of Seattle’s population could hit 1 million. That’s why city, county, and state leaders have been changing zoning to accommodate more housing. And the city has just launched its next round.
Hutchins touched on many points in his presentation – including how replacement of older residential units with newer, denser buildings increases housing affordability, even if it’s the classic case of one older $750,000 house getting replaced with three smaller new homes selling for that or more. (His term for what happens: “Vacancy chains.”) He showed a multitude of examples of types of housing now allowed on some if not all single-family sites, including a phrase you might have heard, “stacked flats.” (Those buildings could hold up to 11 units and four stories, in certain cases, Hutchins said, or even 16 one-bedroom “deed-restricted, for-sale” units.)
He also explained why rezoning only means what can be done on a site, not what will, and discussed reasons why redevelopment hasn’t happened as quickly as it could have. According to Hutchins, one factor in Seattle is the Mandatory Housing Affordability component, requiring a builder either to include “affordable” housing in their project, or pay a fee that the city would apply toward funding it somewhere else. That fee currently must be paid before construction, Hutchins says, and that’s a dealbreaker for some builders who would be better able to afford the fee if it was collected afterward, when the units are sold.
In the meantime, a lot of building is being done with homeowners in the role of “developer” – Hutchins and Broveleit said “backyard cottages” are a surprisingly sizable percentage of home sales right now. With most lots now able to be developed into at least four units, Hutchins said this will “open the door to a new kind of competition among architects – who’s going to design the best backyard duplex.” He showed an example of a duplex that could be home to multiple generations of the same family.
And it’s not only about housing; he noted that corner stores and child-care businesses. Overall, “you’re going to see all kinds of variants” of projects because of the way the code (zoning) was written.
Bottom line, toward the end of the hour-and-a-half event, was a declaration that “density and affordability doesn’t have to be scary – (you have to) get people talking to each other.”
WHAT’S NEXT: This was a community-led event, not official, but plenty of official proceedings are coming up. Most importantly: The dates are set for consideration of the next phase of city rezoning, the Centers and Corridors proposals, as the council meets as the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan:
March 19 – 2:00 PM meeting
April 6 – Public Hearing 9:30 AM
May 29 – Public Hearing 9:30 AM
June 4 – 1:00 PM
June 18 – 1:00 PM
The Centers and Corridors proposal was unveiled a month ago.
(Tuesday’s sunset, photographed by Bob Burns)
Midweek highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, where you can look ahead days/weeks at a time:
PRAYER ROOM: Community prayer room open at All Souls at Trinity in Gatewood as part of citywide initiative, drop in any time before 7 pm. (7551 35th SW)
WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks started from 47th/Fontanelle (so if you didn’t see this in the calendar in time, here’s your reminder for next week).
TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
PLAY AMERICAN MAH JONGG: 2-4 pm, play at the new location of Missing Piece (4707 California SW).”
ART WORKSHOP: Drop-in art for kids withRec ‘N The Streets at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW), 3-4:30 pm.
DINE-OUT BENEFIT: Get food from/at The Neighborhood 4-9 pm tonight and part of the proceeds will benefit Tilden School (WSB sponsor). The restaurant is in Morgan Junction (6503 California SW).
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Back after break! 4-7:30 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
ROCK BAND GAMING AT MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: 5-10 pm, weekly event in South Delridge! (9444 Delridge Way SW)
POSTCARD-WRITING: 5 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), West Seattle Indivisible invites you to join in.
FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Repair your broken item instead of throwing it out! 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).
POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: Chanel your creativity! 6-8 pm, drop in and create at this cozy pottery studio. (3400 Harbor SW)
WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: Interested in our city’s growth, present and future? You’re invited to this 6 pm meetup at Great American Diner/Bar (4752 California SW).
NO HPAC MEETING: The community council for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge is not meeting this month, but check their website for many things you should know in the meantime.
KUNDALINI YOGA: Now at 6 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska). $35.
WEDNESDAY NIGHT RUN: Get moving at midweek – go on the weekly 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) tonight – all welcome, all paces!
LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)
LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET: Be among the first to hear new Bruno Mars music, “The Romantic,” 7 pm, free, all ages. (4559 California SW)
COMMUNITY CHOIR OPEN REHEARSALS: Drop in and sing! 7 pm at Alki UCC (6115 SW Hinds).
‘RECLAIMING OURSELVES’ INFO SESSION: 7 pm online, find out about the Listening to Grief x West Seattle Neurofeedback upcoming workshop series.
MUSIC BINGO: Weekly music bingo at at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.
TRIVIA x 5: Five West Seattle trivia venues on tonight’s list, starting at Future Primitive Beach Bar (2536 Alki SW), 7 pm, free to play … 7 pm at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), free to play, cash prizes … Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) has Wednesday trivia at 7:30 pm … Quiz Night starts at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … Update: trivia is ON tonight at 8:30 pm at Talarico’s.
SKYLARK OPEN MIC: You can take the stage during West Seattle’s longest-running open mic! 7:30 pm signups for the weekly event at The Skylark. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
KARAOKE AT ADMIRAL PUB: Sing at the pub starting at 8:45 pm, after trivia. (2306 California SW)
Planning something that’s open to community participation/observation? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Family and friends will gather Saturday (February 28) to celebrate the life of Patricia Loftis. Here’s the remembrance they are sharing with the community:
Patricia Jane Loftis, 81, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Seattle. She was born on September 15, 1944, at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Utica, New York, to Robert Faull Loftis and Margaret Josephine Loftis.
Patricia was raised in Ilion, New York, where she attended Annunciation Elementary School and Ilion Central High School, graduating with the Class of 1962. She continued her education at Utica College and later graduated from the New York College of Forestry, where she studied forest botany—an early reflection of her deep appreciation for nature and lifelong love of learning.
After college, Patricia spent a year in Chile with the Peace Corps, an experience that embodied her adventurous spirit and commitment to service. The Peace Corps was life-changing for her and resulted in a beautiful, enduring community of friendship and support. She later relocated permanently to Seattle, Washington, where she built her life and family in the West Seattle neighborhood.
Patricia worked in catering for many years before creating a culinary training program for high school students at Chief Sealth International High School, where she worked for approximately 20 years. She inspired and encouraged countless young people to find joy and fulfillment in the culinary arts. When former students saw her in the neighborhood, they would cheerfully greet her as “Mrs. C.” She also volunteered at the West Seattle Food Bank, quietly giving her time in service to others in her community.
After retiring from the Seattle School District in 2019, Patricia embraced a new and very important role: devoted dog caregiver. She happily took care of her daughter Shannon’s dogs—first Ramen and later Soba, both cavapoos—becoming a trusted companion, daily walker, and enthusiastic treat-giver. Their routines brought her joy, laughter, and plenty of furry companionship.
An avid swimmer, Patricia was a longtime member of the Arbor Heights Pool, where she found joy, routine, and friendship. She was a regular at the early bird swim and at every potluck.
Patricia loved travel and adventure and lived a full, curious life shaped by exploration, service, and meaningful connections. She took several trips to Europe, with France and Switzerland among her favorite destinations. Wherever she went, finding a bakery was always a priority.
She was predeceased by her parents; her godson and nephew, Scott Fifield; and her nephew, Michael Fifield. Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Thomas Chappon; her children, Shannon Chappon and her husband, Huy Son, and Brian Chappon and his wife, Heather Chappon, and their daughter, Elyse; her sisters, Jeanne Farnsworth and Sandra Russell; her brother, Robert Loftis; and her nieces, nephew, cousins, and extended family.
Though Patricia experienced dementia toward the end of her life, she never forgot her family and close friends, who remained constant in her heart. She will be remembered for her kindness, resilience, and the full life of travel, service, and adventure she embraced.
An open-house celebration of Patricia’s life will be held on February 28 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Shannon Chappon. Please message Shannon for details at shannonchappon@gmail.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at:
act.alz.org/site/TR/ActiveEvents/IL-Illinois?pg=personal&px=23006880&fr_id=19346
(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)
If you’re a local artist and interested in being part of this year’s West Seattle Art Tour, you have three more days to apply! Here’s the reminder from organizers:
The West Seattle Art Tour is accepting artist applications for its third annual event on September 19–20, 2026, until Saturday, February 28 at 11:59 pm.
This self-guided, two-day event connects local artists with collectors and art enthusiasts. Through a juried process, selected artists display work at host sites — artists’ homes and studios accommodating multiple participants. Visitors navigate using printed maps, digital maps, and social media.
We welcome submissions in painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, jewelry, mixed media, and other mediums from artists demonstrating unique vision and technical mastery.
Key Details:
Apply online: www.westseattlearttour.org/forartists
Deadline: February 28, 2026, 11:59 pm
Eligibility: Artists must live, work, or teach in West Seattle, or demonstrate an ongoing community connection.Full criteria at www.westseattlearttour.org
Questions or want to support the tour? Email info@westseattlearttour.org or visit www.westseattlearttour.org
WSB is the Art Tour’s media sponsor again this year.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sun and rain possibilities are again in the forecast – high in the low 50s. Sunrise at 6:57 am; sunset at 5:48 pm.
BRIDGE ALERTS
*Be aware, the West Seattle low bridge was having trouble earlier this morning; as of half an hour ago it was back in operation.
*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction to 25 mph – until further notice.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
TAP TO PAY
One last reminder – it’s now the third day of expanded card acceptance on transit around the region.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that SDOT may still be having some trouble – we’ve reported it – so if the “live” framegrabs seem stuck, choose almost any camera from SDOT’s page and view live video instead)
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (see the alert above):
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!
That’s a Chevy Silverado, reported stolen in Redmond, driven onto a Highland Park embankment tonight as its driver tried to get away from police. An officer first spotted the vehicle and along with reinforcements thought they had the driver cornered – Landon sent the photo above and the video below that shows what happened:
The police cornered a man in a stolen truck at the dead end where 8th and Kenyon would connect. The stolen truck eventually jumped the guard rail next to the stairs and got stuck on the hill.
The driver got out and ran; police looked for him but at last report hadn’t found him. He was described on police radio only as Hispanic, male, bald, in a red hoodie and blue jeans. Police were calling a tow truck for the Silverado.
Though the official “grand opening” celebration isn’t until Saturday, Mud Bay‘s Admiral store is expected to open for business in its new location – the two-years-empty ex-Wells Fargo kitty-corner from the pet-supply store’s old location – tomorrow. Crews are moving the merchandise into the new location right now. Grand-opening festivities are scheduled to start at 9 am Saturday. Their now-former space will be the new home of Thunder Road Guitars (WSB sponsor) and The Bass Shop later this year.
(‘Site plan’ from city permit filings for Glassyard Commons)
One month after we first told you about the plan for a shelter site in southeast West Seattle, the date is set for a promised community Q&A meeting about it. The meeting will be held at a church in Georgetown, according to the announcement from the organization that will be operating the site, LIHI:
Thursday, March 5th, 2026 at 5:30 PM
New Direction Missionary Baptist Church
755 S Homer St. [map]
Church and street parking availableThe proposed RV Safe Lot and Tiny House Village at Glassyard Commons will consist of 72 parking spots for RVs, 20 tiny houses, and community facilities. This program will move RV residents off neighborhood streets and give them a safe place to park. When they are ready to move into the onsite tiny house units, LIHI will decommission and dispose of their RVs. Site amenities include 24/7 staffing, onsite management, comprehensive case management, a community kitchen, and laundry and hygiene facilities.
LIHI brings over a decade of experience in providing tiny house villages. We operate Camp Second Chance nearby, as well as 16 other tiny house village programs in the Puget Sound region. We previously operated Salmon Bay Village, a combined RV and Tiny House Village program, in the Interbay neighborhood, and we had great success moving clients from rundown RVs into permanent housing. 67 RVs were decommissioned over the program’s duration. Construction at Glassyard Commons is estimated to begin in March and will take approximately 3 months to complete.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact LIHI’s Community Engagement Manager Marta Kidane at marta.kidane@lihi.org or 206-858-0734.
The Glassyard Commons site, owned by the state Department of Transportation, is at 7201 2nd Avenue SW and has been the site of multiple unsanctioned encampments for many years. The site was proposed for official use as a transitional encampment a decade ago, though a formal plan wasn’t pursued at the time, and permit filings show the most recent proposal dates back to last spring, with a slightly different mix of RVs and tiny houses.
As reported here on Monday, Alki Lumber is moving from West Seattle to South Park, in a move that’s been in the works since the lumberyard’s founding family, the Sweeneys, sold the business four years ago. However, this does not mean the Sweeneys’ big two-building mixed-use redevelopment project for the lumberyard property [map] is imminent. We heard back today from family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney, who confirmed that they continue to await more favorable conditions, and also mused that the move means the end of an era:
The Sweeney Blocks projects are still in the same holding pattern as before. As you mentioned, it’s not a positive environment for development right now so we continue to wait for economic factors to improve with the hope of breaking ground just as soon as possible. But no specific date is on the table. With the Alki Lumber move to South Park, we hope to find some additional short-term tenants to fill our lots. We are using our imagination — a summer food truck court maybe?
Obviously we will miss Alki and it’s been emotional to see the shelves and racks vacating. I’m pretty sure some of that material even predates my dad when he took the helm in 1962!
As noted in our Monday coverage, the Sweeney Blocks project is planned for more than 500 apartments with ground-floor retail, and both parts of the project passed Design Review (as we reported here and here) about the same time the lumberyard was sold. The lumberyard’s owner, Marine Lumber, says the new South Park location is 558 S. Kenyon.
Though Dustin was reported missing in Ellensburg in Kittitas County, the Sheriff’s Office there has been getting tips that he might be in West Seattle, so we’ve been asked to publish this notice. Dustin is 38 years old, 5’8″, 230 pounds. He has been listed as a missing person since mid-October. Investigators tell us that “there is no criminal investigation occurring with Dustin or anyone known to be with him, we are just looking to have contact with Dustin” so his family can know he’s OK. The Kittitas County case number is S26-02199; if you have information, you can call 911, or call the Kittitas County dispatch center at 509-925-8534.
Sent by Brian:
I found a likely stolen/dumped bike in my front lawn (Monday) morning on SW Stevens and 47th. It is pretty new-looking Radmission Rad Power Bike e-bike. Strange thing, the front tire was off next to it, along with a second tire. I pulled it inside and filed a police report.
If you’re missing one, contact us and we’ll connect you.
9:52 AM: Thanks for the tips. More than 300 customers have lost power in the area where Seattle City Light’s long-awaited Brace Point project is under way, meant to lessen problems with underground cabling that have long led to power outages in the area. No word yet on the cause of today’s outage; one resident reports hearing a “bang” around the time it started ~9:10 am. (Though the SCL map currently projects restoration this afternoon, keep in mind that projected restoration times are only guesses and it could be sooner, or later.)
11:26 AM: 164 still out. The map says the cause was “action by others.” SCL spokesperson Jenn Strang elaborates, “Yes, this is related to construction activities in the area. A fuse on a terminal pole was affected resulting in the unplanned outage. ”
1:50 PM: Map shows the original 319 total out again (which sometimes happens during restoration work).
10:14 PM: 70 customers are still out after 13 hours.
(Photo by Tom Trulin)
Here are today’s event notes/reminders/listings, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR WEST SEATTLE BRIDGE BIKE RIDE: Signups are scheduled to start today for the April 25 Emerald City Bike Ride, with a route including the westbound West Seattle Bridge.
FREE PLAYSPACE AT CHURCH OF NAZARENE: Open until noon for little ones and their caregivers. (42nd SW and SW Juneau)
NO KALEIDOSCOPE PLAY & LEARN: This weekly event at at Bridge School Cooperative Elementary is back on today, 10 am-noon. (10300 28th SW)
POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: New postcard-writers as well as returnees are welcome at this weekly advocacy gathering, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if this is your first time.
MEDICARE DROP-IN INFO: Got questions? Get answers, 11 am-12:30 pm at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon).
ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon Tuesdays, lunch meetings at West Seattle Golf Course, today with guest speaker Kate Matos from RYLA Northwest, the Rotary Youth Leadership Award conference. (4470 35th SW)
CHESS CLUB: All levels welcome to play! 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.
OTHER EVENTS AT THE CENTER: Go here for the full Center for Active Living calendar.
CITY COUNCIL: At 2 pm, the council holds its main weekly meeting. Today’s agenda explains how to comment and/or watch.
RESTAURANT POP-UP: Crave is back at The Neighborhood (6503 California SW), 4-8 pm.
DROP-IN HOMEWORK HELP: Back on, 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond).
DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-8 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $15 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.
DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.
PRAYER VIGIL AT ALKI STATUE OF LIBERTY PLAZA: Nondenominational gathering, 5:30-6:30 pm, as previewed here. (61st SW and Alki SW)
ZONING CHANGES IN SEATTLE: Big changes already, and more in the pipeline. How will they affect you and the rest of West Seattle? Learn about them from local architect Matt Hutchins in a free community event also featuring Q&A. 6 pm at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) – RSVP if you can, info@westseattlerealty.com
TRACK RUN WITH WEST SEATTLE RUNNER: Meet up by 6:15 pm at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.
OPEN CHOIR REHEARSALS: 6:30 pm Tuesdays at Tibbetts United Methodist Church (3940 41st SW), come sing with the Boeing Employees Choir, even if you don’t work for Boeing – email in advance to RSVP.
LISTENING PARTY: Be among the first to hear new music by Gorillaz, 7 pm, Easy Street Records (4559 California SW).
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING: Weekly lessons continue, 7 pm at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), details in our calendar listing.
WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group meditation at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034-A California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has info on registering before you go.
BINGO: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
TRIVIA X 5: Five places where you can play trivia on Tuesdays – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW), Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 pm and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7 pm at Admiral Pub, free, prizes. (2306 California SW) … Trivia at Christos on Alki (2508 Alki SW), 7:15 pm.
If you are organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc., tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Last weekend, we noted that two Chief Sealth International High School wrestlers won state championships. Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio says that’s just part of the team’s triumphs toward season’s end, and sent full details with photos:
It was a great finish for the boys and girls wrestling team of Chief Sealth.
The girls won their 7th consecutive Metro Title and their 2nd District 2 Title, bringing 5 girls to the Tacoma Dome.
The boys won their first Dual Meet Championship in over 30 years, going 16-0 in Metro Duals. Their 2nd 2A Team Metro Title and 2nd District 2 Championship.
Coach Maurice Dolberry won 2026 2A Metro Coach of the Year, Xander Gomez and Eli Policarpio won 2026 most outstanding wrestler of the year for the Metro League,
The wrestlers below qualified for the state tournament
120lbs Senior Stevens Nguyen (2nd in Metro, 4th in Districts)
120lbs Senior Lucas Jones (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
126lbs Senior Jonnathen Seng (Metro Champ, District Champ)
132lb Junior Xander Gomez (Metro Champ and District Champ)
138lb Junior Jumpy Kamili (2nd in Metro and District Champ)
144lb Sophomore Seneca Nguyen (3rd in Metro, 2nd in Districts)
144lb Sophomore Abdi Abdi (Metro Champ, 3rd in Districts)
150lb Senior Vlad Ponce Ramos (2nd in Metro, 3rd in Districts)
190lbs Senior Jessie Gilmore (Metro Champ and District Champ)
215lb Junior Eli Policarpio (Metro Champ and District Champ)
285lb Senior Shane Allen Tino (2nd in Metro and 4th in Districts)
285lb Junior Yusuf Donzo (Metro Champ and District Champ)Girls
110lbs sophomore Nicole Ork (Metro and District Champ)
120lbs Senior Petra Sheppard (Metro and District Champ)
140lbs Senior Lucy Self (Metro and District Champ)
145lbs Senior Lanu Amituanai (Metro and District Champ)
155lb Senior Nyko Herndon (Metro and District Champ)4 wrestlers placed at the State Tournament:
Lanu Amituanai won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the 2A 145lb bracket and became the 1st Seattle Public Schools female State Champion!
Eli Policarpio won the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in the 2A 215lb bracket. 2nd State Champion in Sealth history and 5th State Champ in the Metro League.
Lucy Self took 3rd in State at 140lb and Yusuf Donzo took 6th in State at 285lb.
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, February 24, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sun and rain possibilities are in the forecast – high in the upper 40s. Sunrise at 6:58 am; sunset at 5:46 pm.
LANE-CLOSURE ALERT
*Lane closures continue on the NB 1st Avenue South Bridge – plus a speed-limit reduction – until further notice.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, fall/winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
TAP TO PAY
Second day of expanded card acceptance on transit around the region.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (note that SDOT may be having some trouble – we’ve reported it – so if the framegrabs seem stuck, choose almost any camera from SDOT’s page and view live video instead)
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (see the alert above):
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!
38 minutes into that video of today’s Seattle City Council briefing meeting – their weekly meeting to both get briefings and offer individual updates – you’ll see a guest appearance by Sound Transit reps offering updates on Seattle projects: West Seattle Link Extension (due in 2032), Ballard Link Expansion (due in 2039), and the South Graham Street Infill Station (due in 2031). Alex Krieg presented an overview of the Enterprise Initiative, noting its intent is to remedy a “misalignment” of projected costs and projected funding for the entirety of ST3 – currently a $34.5 billion projected “misalignment.” (Here’s the full slide deck.) Neither he nor ST’s Brad Owen broke any news – that will come in a little over three weeks, when the Sound Transit Board gets a look at “scenarios” meant to bring down the price tag, for review at their scheduled March 18 retreat. “Everything is on the table,” the ST reps said. Councilmembers had an opportunity for Q&A; District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka was one of three councilmembers announced as having excused absences today, so he wasn’t there to ask West Seattle questions, but Councilmember Dan Strauss – whose District 5 includes Ballard and who also sits on the ST Board – called attention to what he considers a “really awkward situation,” the city’s responsibility to cover more than half the cost of the second downtown tunnel that’s currently part of the Ballard plan, a tunnel that some have suggested is unnecessary. He and the rest of the ST Board have their regular monthly meeting at 1:30 pm Thursday; the agenda explains how to watch/comment, in person or online.
Reader report:
I want to report a man was exposing himself on SW Genesee St. between 39th SW and 40th SW today. This incident was reported to the police who arrived promptly. Incident # 26-52019.
According to archived police radio, the exposer was described only as a Black man in his 50s, 5’9”, medium build, dark clothing, standing by a gold 4-door sedan.
With spring less than a month away, it’s time to start dreaming of (early) summer too. Saturday, June 6, is this year’s date for Loop the ‘Lupe, a multi-event funfest at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th SW and SW Myrtle), featuring the area’s only obstacle-course 5K and benefiting the community work of nearby Our Lady of Guadalupe. Organizer Brian Callanan offers some preview points, such as: “We are working on expanding our live music for this year, with a new stage area closer to the actual race course — which should improve the experience for participants, sponsors, and our musical acts.” Also watch for an update to Loop the ‘Lupe’s senior event, and “we’ll be offering our Elite Wave, Family Wave, 5K Run/Walk, and Youth Dash again, and we’re proud to kick off what will be our TENTH year (first one was in 2017).” Better yet, one more thing from Brian: “Our lowest prices of the year to register are from now until March 20, and teams who sign up 4+ at once get even more discounts.” Why wait when you can get a deal? Sign up here now!
Thanks for the tips! “We’re Moving Soon” banners like the one in our photo have gone up around the longtime Alki Lumber yard in The Triangle. So, readers asked, how soon is “soon”? The exact date isn’t finalized yet but “very” soon, Alki Lumber tells us, likely within weeks, with more details expected shortly. As we first reported four years ago, Alki Lumber is owned by Marine Lumber, sold by the Sweeney family after a century. Its new location is in South Park – 558 S. Kenyon. It’s been seven years since the Sweeneys announced they were studying options for their Triangle property’s future; they subsequently made plans for two buildings on what became known as the Sweeney Blocks, with hundreds of apartments.
(2021 rendering, with potential location for historic neon sign)
The projects finished going through Design Review in 2021 (as we reported here and here); some, but not all, major permits have since been issued.
Two West Seattle Crime Watch notes:
DUI EMPHASIS PATROL: SPD announced today that this special operation happened last night, with this summary:
At 1900 hours, three officers conducted a High Visibility Emphasis Patrol for DUI. They contacted 28 drivers, issued 23 citations, and conducted three DUI investigations.
The emphasis-patrol summary was linked to the Southwest Precinct – which covers West Seattle and South Park – so we asked for more details. So far, SPD spokesperson Det. Brian Pritchard could only find information about one case, “37th Avenue Southwest and Southwest Alaska Street . Suspect driver: 21-year-old woman.” We’re asking the City Attorney’s Office if they can point us to info on the other 22 citations.
Also in Crime Watch, this reader report:
DUMPED-POSSIBLY-STOLEN BICYCLE: Recognize this bike? A texter sent the photo and report:
Dumped for weeks, likely stolen. Older bike. Near alley entrance, 99th and 37th in Arbor Heights.
(WSB photo from October)
Another Jefferson Square business flooded by last October’s CVS pipe break is finally getting back into its space. We told you earlier this month about Dream Dinners West Seattle‘s reopening following flooding repairs; now we just got word from neighboring School of Rock West Seattle‘s proprietor Phil Gustavson that they’re ready to reopen too:
School of Rock West Seattle is hosting a grand re-opening event March 7th, 2026 noon-3 pm.
After being forced to close in October of 2025 due to water damage from a leaking pipe in the CVS pharmacy above the school, School of Rock West Seattle is thrilled to announce that the school will be rebuilt and ready for students starting March 7th. New students who sign up at the grand opening event will receive 50% off their first month’s tuition and 20% off summer camps!
The event will have live music as the house band rehearses during the event. Free trial lessons will also be available to those who pre-book by calling the school at 206.294.3175. Tours of the school and refreshments will be available as well as awesome door prizes including a brand-new Boss overdrive guitar effect pedal for one lucky guest! Guests may enter the door prize drawing for free and do not need to be present for the drawing at 3 pm in order to win.
School of Rock is on the east side of outer Jefferson Square, at 41st SW and SW Alaska.
(WSB photo by Dave Gershgorn, Saturday)
Though the “grand reopening” was celebrated Saturday (WSB coverage here), today is the first official day for Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California SW) public use. Tot Gym is just wrapping up, and the fitness room remains open until 2 pm. It’s on a limited schedule for two “Welcome Back” weeks until March 6, then expands a bit for the rest of spring, to include some sports – you can see that schedule here.
(Gull photographed on Duwamish River by Steve Bender)
Here’s what’s on our list for the rest of today/tonight, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm drop-in help at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Free.
‘SOLUTIONS, NOT RESOLUTIONS’: Weekly speaker series continues with 1 pm presentation on “Video Downsize with Confidence” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW). Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
ART SALON AT C & P COFFEE: 4 pm “safe space for creative people to gather” – bring your project! (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor)
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 3: Three venues for trivia/quiz tonight! 6:30 and 7:30 pm, Music Quiz at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free and all ages … 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is back this week, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
CHESS NIGHT AT MISSION CANTINA: 7 pm, details in our calendar listing. (2325 California SW)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players are invited to enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
MEDITATE IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 9 pm Mondays, karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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