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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red CR-V (update – found); package taken; dumped clothes bag
February 27, 2025 11:09 am
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Three reader reports:

STOLEN RED CR-V: Sent by Kerry:

My car was stolen last night between midnight and 7 am from the alley off California SW and SW Findlay to the west. Red Honda CR-V with back quarter panel on passenger side dented and held up with a zip tie. License plate AOZ7418

(Update) Police report # 25-53976. Meantime, call 911 if you find it. UPDATE: Found where commenter (see below) spotted it,

PACKAGE TAKEN: Sent by Peter – the image is a screengrab from video of his package being taken:

Want to give a heads-up on a package thief north of Holy Rosary, by 42nd and Dakota. 5:03 pm Wednesday.

The temporary report number on this case is T00024941.

DUMPED, POSSIBLY STOLEN: John discovered this while out for a walk in Sunrise Heights:

… I came across an item which I think is likely stolen and dumped on a parking strip. It’s a black clothes carrier that was folded over; when I unfolded it and looked inside there were two tiers of clothes inside.

Possibly yours? Email us at westseattleblog@gmail.com and we’ll connect you.

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Log House Museum’s educator event, preschools’ parent-power talk, more for your West Seattle Thursday
February 27, 2025 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Beaver photographed on Alki/Harbor shore by Steven Rice earlier this week)

From our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, here’s the highlight list for today/tonight (are we missing anything? please let us know!):

BLACK HISTORY MONTH ART EXHIBIT: 11 am-6 pm, visitors welcome at the Washington State Black Legacy Institute (2656 42nd SW) in The Admiral District.

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

WEST SEATTLE UKULELE PLAYERS: All levels welcome to this weekly 1 pm gathering. Email westseattleukuleleplayerswsup@gmail.com to find out where they’re playing today.

SOUND TRANSIT BOARD: 1:30 pm meeting is scheduled to include a vote on another West Seattle “early acquisition” of property for the project. The agenda explains how to comment/attend, in-person or remotely.

EDUCATOR EVENT AT LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: 4-5:30 pm, educators are invited to the home of West Seattle’s history, as previewed here. (61st/Stevens)

HPCS FOOD-TRUCK VISIT: First of three regular Thursday night events tonight here – every Thursday, 4-8 pm, Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW) gets a food-truck visit. Tonight it’s Thai-U-Up.

WINE TASTING WITH CLARK: Also an every-Thursday event at HPCS, 5-7:30 pm – info here.

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: Also tonight, run 3 miles, or walk a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: The West Seattle winery’s friendly, cozy tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle!

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run departs from Future Primitive Beer Bar on Alki (2536 Alki SW).

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: One more way to get moving! Meet at 6 pm at 47th/Fauntleroy for tonight’s group walk – details in our calendar listing.

LIVE MUSIC IN THE JUNCTION: 6-9 pm, Patrick Rifflin performs Thursdays at Pegasus Pizza in The Junction (4520 California SW).

MORBIDLY CURIOUS BOOK CLUB: 7 pm at Two Fingers Social (9011 Delridge Way SW), “Tremors in the Blood” is the book they’ll discuss this time.

TRIVIA: 7 pm at Burger Planet, hosted by Good Old-Fashioned Local Trivia (9614 14th SW).

PARENT EDUCATION EVENT: 7 pm at South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) Brockey Center (south end of campus, 6000 16th SW), parents are invited to learn about the concept of “Power With, Not Power Over” as their children grow and try to find their way. Details and ticket info are in our calendar listing; benefit for West Seattle Cooperative Preschools.

‘COVENANT’ AT ARTSWEST: “Covenant” starts its final weekend, 7:30 pm. Ticket link is in our calendar listing. (4711 California SW)

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Kingblind & Teenage Rampage, starting at 8 pm.

Are you planning an event that should be on our calendar and in our daily preview lists? Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Memorial service March 9 for Joyce Koeppen, 1941-2025
February 27, 2025 9:00 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather March 9 in memory of Joyce Koeppen. Here’s the remembrance they’re sharing with the community now:

Longtime educator Joyce Koeppen passed away February 10, 2025 in Tacoma. A devoted wife, mother, daughter, and sister, Joyce is survived by her two children, Betty Kim Lierman and Todd Koeppen; three grandchildren, Brennan, Madelaine, and Josiah; and her sister, Cathy Hibberd.

Born in Idaho, Joyce grew up farming in the fields, milking cows, and riding horses. She loved to sing and sang pretty much continuously in the fields, bringing in the cows, doing dishes, or whatever. While she was raising her children, music was such a big part of their day that they thought everybody wrote songs. But once she returned to work, she found that the responsibilities of a working mom were such that she gradually stopped singing altogether.

After graduating from the College of Idaho (and a one-year stint as the lone female law student in her class at Willamette University), Joyce became a teacher. It was supposed to be for just a few years until she gained a financial footing, but she soon found out she LOVED teaching. Joyce was a natural teacher who ultimately spent nearly 30 years teaching English, History, Spanish, and Drama in the Glide and Roseburg school districts (both in Oregon). As her career reached its end, she was asked by the Oregon public-school system to help write the curriculum that would lead Oregon schools into the next century. After retiring from teaching, she taught computer literacy to seniors and Bible studies in a few churches.

A lifelong lover of community theater (acting and directing), Joyce received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Anne Frank’s mom in “The Diary of Anne Frank.” She founded the drama program at Glide High School and helped many students fall in love with the stage.

Joyce was also a survivor! She survived three bouts of Rheumatic Fever, several bouts of cancers, as well as a number of other serious health issues. She enjoyed referring to herself as an over-achiever as she somehow survived breast cancer four times, despite being “only born with two boobs.”

Joyce loved sharing all sorts of knowledge with her children and grandchildren, like how to raise many types of animals; flower and vegetable gardening; and her love of crafts: sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, and canning. Mostly, though, she enjoyed singing and spending time with her family, movie nights, and game nights. She spent her time in Washington gardening, traveling, caring for dogs, attending theater events, and most importantly, playing with her grandkids. She will be sorely missed.

Joyce’s memorial service will be Sunday, March 9, 1 pm, at Journey Church Tacoma (1801 N. Pearl St) in Tacoma.

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

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TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday toplines
February 27, 2025 6:03 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Thursday toplines
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:03 AM: Good morning! It’s Thursday, February 27, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly sunny with a slight chance of am rain, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:52 am and 5:51 pm.

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 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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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: See inside Hagosa’s House, opening Friday
February 26, 2025 10:16 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Feaven Berhe knows everything won’t be perfect when she soft-opens her North Delridge coffee shop Hagosa’s House this Friday.

But she is excited to start getting the community feedback that will propel her toward that ideal.

“Learning as we go,” she smiles, as we chat in the space formerly known as Pearls, in the 4800 Delridge Way SW building owned for more than a decade and a half by her dad Solomon Tesfu (in the photo above with Feaven) and mom Genet Berhane. To transform it into Hagosa’s House, they’ve brightened the interior in a big way.

As we first reported last week, family is at the heart of Hagosa’s House, which Feaven named for her grandmother.

Her parents are Eritrean immigrants, and their influence will pervade the new café too. Unique features will include Eritrean-style coffee ceremonies, which include roasting the beans just before the coffee is prepared. It’s another way to bring people together, Feaven says, and a way to enjoy the coffee aroma even before it’s brewed. This art on the café’s north wall depicts a coffee ceremony:

Speaking of roasting, Boon Boona will be the coffee source for Hagosa’s House. Feaven says her intentionality guides as much of what she’s offering as possible – with local providers like Harried and Hungry in Georgetown for the sandwiches and salads they’ll offer, and Macrina for the pastries. Again, this is where she plans to start simple and “see what people like.”

And Feaven is excited to be launching this new phase of her life in West Seattle, where she grew up – she even went to elementary school at Sanislo, just up the hill. Her previous career focus was as a “data person” – now she gets to turn the focus on her own enterprise.

Future plans include offering beer and wine – a liquor license will be sought in a few months – and events, maybe poetry and music. “We’re hoping to be here for the community,” Feaven emphasizes. “I love people” – and she’s ready to open a place where they’ll gather to enjoy each other’s company – and “good coffee.”

Hagosa’s House will be open 7 am to 7 pm daily – to start with – at least until and unless the community’s response and feedback suggest otherwise. “Is perfection achievable?” Feaven muses. “We’ll get as close as we can!”

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FOLLOWUP: Restroom report reviewed by City Council committee
February 26, 2025 8:38 pm
|      18 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | West Seattle politics

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Last night we told you about the City Auditor’s report on the state of Seattle park restrooms. This afternoon, that report was presented by the Auditor to the City Council’s Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee, with response from Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The audit details the challenges of providing restrooms that are clean, safe, and open, while reacting to unprecedented levels of vandalism and low staffing levels.

“It’s not an easy thing to keep 129 park restrooms in good working order,” acknowledged Auditor David G Jones. Cleaning has been a challenge, but vandalism has really affected operations, closing restrooms regularly for repairs. “Some restrooms are getting hit harder and more often than others.” He noted that right now 20 restrooms account for 60% of the maintenance. Councilmember Maritza Rivera wondered why there’s been such an increase in vandalism, while Councilmember Robert Kettle asked if there might be ways to use design to deter damage.

Parks Superintendent AP Diaz acknowledged the toll of ongoing damage and arsons, and then offered up some of the ways that it could be reduced. Among other things, he said restroom attendants are now being considered. They would staff high-volume restrooms that are frequently damaged, like Cal Anderson. “We believe that might be a solution for these hotspot areas.”

As they look to replace one park restroom this year following arson, Diaz said Parks staff are looking at approaches like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that Councilmember Kettle mentioned when they design the replacement building. They’re looking at lighting, whether the building is obscured behind trees, etc. “Are there some aesthetic things we can do to improve it?” asked Diaz. He said that it’s essential to focus on design that will discourage vandalism, or “you’re just setting yourself up” for more. Parks is also looking to use more resilient and fire-resistant materials, along with stronger hardware.

(Mural by Juliana Kang Robinson, installed on Walt Hundley Playfield restroom building last September)

Councilmember Rivera mentioned a grant in 2023 that funded murals on 18 park restrooms, and asked if that had decreased tagging at those locations. Parks said it had made a noticeable difference. “That’s something we should grow,” agreed Diaz. “My dream would be to continue that.” But he also said SPR needs “help from the public by treating these places with respect.” Committee Chair Joy Hollingsworth concurred. “It’s on us and the community as well. It takes all of us, not just our parks department.”

Overall, Parks’ response to the audit and plans to improve operations did not draw any criticism from the Councilmembers, but the committee is expecting to receive a full update on progress from Seattle Parks and Recreation a year from now.

See the full briefing and discussion in the Seattle Channel meeting video here.

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FOLLOWUP: What’s next for Admiral Way Bridge project, plus photos
February 26, 2025 8:05 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Another update from SDOT on what’s next for the Admiral Way Bridge seismic-strengthening project:

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.

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READER REPORT: Post-windstorm hero
February 26, 2025 6:31 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   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)
February 26, 2025 4:29 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   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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