SUNDAY TRAFFIC ALERT: Part of Highway 99 closing for Hot Chocolate Run

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| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

If you’re headed to North Seattle or beyond via Highway 99 on Sunday, this alert is for you:

Northbound State Route 99 in Seattle between Republican Street and North 50th Street will close from 6 to 11 a.m. Sunday, March 2 for the Hot Chocolate Run event. People using the SR 99 tunnel will have to exit at Republican Street.

Additionally, the southbound SR 99 exit to eastbound Harrison Street will close. People can still exit to westbound Harrison Street.

People traveling through Seattle Sunday morning should use alternate routes or expect delays and detours.

The race is affecting some downtown surface streets too.

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COUNTDOWN: One week until Special Olympics of Washington Polar Plunge party @ Alki

| Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, 2020 Polar Plunge)

Next Saturday (March 8), around Alki Bathhouse, you can expect a lively celebration as the Special Olympics of Washington‘s fundraising Polar Plunge returns. The only thing this has in common with the New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim is that if you participate, you go into the chilly waters of Elliott Bay – but this one happens in waves, not in one giant group. And even if you’re not plunging, you’re invited to enjoy food trucks and a beer garden (details on that are here). It’ll be an all-day party at the beach (starting around 11 am), including a costume contest for plungers (12:15 pm). Here’s where to sign up (individuals or teams) to be part of the Plunging (which starts at 1 pm).

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WEEKEND WHALE-WATCHING: Orcas off West Seattle (photos added)

March 1, 2025 12:29 pm

| 11 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

12:29 PM: Just in from Kersti Muul, a report of “orcas close to shore northbound, heading toward Me-Kwa-Mooks” (Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook, 4500 block Beach Drive). Let us know if you see them!

1:15 PM: Now approaching Constellation Park, per Kersti.

5:14 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for the photo above, taken today as the orcas left Elliott Bay.

6:57 PM: And thanks to Robin Sinner for sending this photo, also taken today:

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Fauntleroy/Alaska work

March 1, 2025 12:25 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

You might want to avoid Fauntleroy/Alaska this afternoon, particularly if you’re heading toward the intersection from eastbound Alaska – the work crew that’s currently at the southeast corner has narrowed the lanes, so there’s a backup. Here’s a surface-level look at what they’re doing right now:

Some buses are rerouted off that stretch of Alaska because of the work, too, and the Metro advisory says that could last all weekend.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Home-invasion burglary

March 1, 2025 10:43 am

| 24 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

10:43 AM: Reader report from a resident on 26th SW north of Roxbury who called this in to 911 around 4 pm Friday:

I was not feeling well and was asleep when I was awakened by a woman with a flashlight coming into my room. I chased her down stairs and caught her as she was fleeing out my front door. This is when a male accomplice came back and pushed me while demanding I let her go.

The police did not see a point of entry. Since, the doors were open and undamaged I decided to check my back yard and discovered they had removed a glass panel from a bedroom window as a point of entry. The person that installed my security doors told me that they would never get through one of their doors and it would be more likely that an intruder would come through a window instead.

I immediately noticed that all my keys were gone. This has resulted in my spending a considerable amount of money trying to remedy the situation.

The case number is 25-55434.

The victim did not include descriptive information, so we’re asking on followup.

2:46 PM: Here’s their reply regarding descriptions:

Both of them were in their late 20s to 30 with dark complexions; he was about 5’10” with short black hair and a medium build, dressed in all-black clothing, and he was carrying a paper bag with unknown items.

She was also in her late 20s to 30, about 5’8″ with a dark complexion and black shoulder-length hair and had a medium build and spoke with a slight accent. She was also dressed in all-black clothing. She dropped her flashlight and pair of tin snips while I was chasing her out. The items were turned over to SPD.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 28 options!

March 1, 2025 6:07 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(The Brothers on Friday, with some receding fog – photo by David Hutchinson)

Here’s what’s happening on your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales continue today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots, during various time slots, in West Seattle. (Is your troop out selling cookies? We’re going to try to get some pics but we welcome yours too – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!)

SATURDAY GROUP RUN: Meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am for the regular Saturday morning run.

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

VOLUNTEER AT NORTH SHOREWOOD PARK: Give some TLC to this nearby neighborhood gem, 9 am-noon. Info here. (10044 24th SW)

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO CLUB: 9:30 am, this month’s first class at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW) – info in our calendar listing.

INTRODUCTORY WALK: First of two sequential weekly walking events – meeting at the same spot, 47th/Fauntleroy, 9:30 am, for a flat-terrain 1-mile walk.

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Then at 10 am, you’re invited to join others for the full weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).

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

GRIEFSHARE: If you have lost someone close to you, this is for you. Third week of 13-week series today, 10:30 am, Grace Church (10323 28th SW).

FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am – “This is a free, weekly, in-person active writing group grounded in the Amherst Writers and Artists method. It is a safe, critique-free space. Writers of all levels welcome, 16 and up.” Our calendar listing has location and RSVP info.

FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30-11 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), meant for kids 0-5.

.FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW).

FAMILY READING TIME: 11 am family reading time returns at new home of Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).

LOG HOUSE MUSEUM OPEN: The home of West Seattle history is open for your visit, noon-4 pm – see the newest exhibit, about the West Duwamish Greenbelt! (61st/Stevens)

VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER OPEN: The center is open to visitors noon-3 pm, as explained here. (2236 SW Orchard)

VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open – wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).

BASKETBALL TRYOUTS: 1-7:30 pm, multiple sessions for boys and girls by age group, for No Limits Academy at Greenbridge (9800 8th SW) – details here.

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Mac Potts performs, doors at 2, show at 2:30, all ages; get ticket(s) here. (7904 35th SW)

FREE MASSAGE: Walk-in clinic at Nepenthe (9447 35th SW), 3-5 pm.

FOR FAMILIES WITH BABIES: 3-4:30 pm at Viva Arts (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW) – today, Early Speech Skills and Baby Sign Play Group.

(Crescent moon setting behind Mt. Washington – photo by Dan Ciske)

ASTRA LUMINA: The illuminated walk at Seattle Chinese Garden on Puget Ridge continues. 5:45 pm and later entry times; ticket cost varies. (6000 16th SW)

EVENING MUSIC AT C & P COFFEE: Circle of Songs, acoustic event hosted by David Guilbault, 6-8 pm at the coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Asterhouse album-release party, hosted by KEXP’s Troy Nelson. No cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)

FINAL WEEKEND FOR ‘COVENANT’: See the play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW) at 7:30 pm; get tickets online here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Tonight – Festival of Friends presents Bandmixers!

Bandmixers-Discography events feature curated cover bands showcasing select tracks from some of rock music’s most iconic albums. Performing bands are made up of musicians from within the Festival of Friends Events musician community. Our Volume 15 installment includes the music of Queens of the Stone Age, The Cure, Pretenders and The Ramones. Join us for a great night of community live performances!

Doors 7, music 8, 21+, $10 cover. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

LIVE MUSIC AT SPRUCE HILL WINERY: 7:30 pm, singer-songwriter Angela Adams performs. 1 drink minimum, no cover. Our calendar listing explains how to reserve a table. (2960 4th Ave. S., SODO; WSB sph

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts 9 pm at Revelry Room – check here to see who. (4547 California SW)

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

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

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Another Nisqually Earthquake anniversary. Two simple ways to get ready for future quake

February 28, 2025 9:22 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Earthquake | Preparedness | West Seattle news

24 years ago today, the 6.8-magnitude Nisqually Earthquake rocked West Seattle and the rest of the region. Another big quake could be years away – or minutes away. Before the anniversary ends, we want to remind you about two simple ways to prepare for possible future quakes:

#1 – Know the location of your nearest Emergency Communication Hub. If an earthquake or other disaster interrupts normal communication, this is where you’ll be able to go to connect with neighborhood volunteers who in turn are communicating with authorities. (And if there’s not one close to you, volunteer to start one!)

#2 – Get going on your own “flee bag” – and learn other preparedness tactics – at a free “Ready Freddy” party with West Seattle preparedness coach Alice Kuder. She has two more scheduled in March – you can register here.

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Want a behind-the-scenes look into Transportation Levy spending? Apply to help oversee it

February 28, 2025 7:07 pm

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| Transportation | West Seattle news

Today was going to be the deadline for applying to be on the advisory committee overseeing the Transportation Levy approved by voters in November. The city is looking for more applicants and has extended the deadline to Monday morning. Here’s the announcement:

We are recruiting members for the new Seattle Transportation Levy Oversight Committee (LOC). Apply by 8 am on Monday, March 3, 2025!

Apply here.

Serving on the LOC is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of Seattle’s transportation system and to ensure transparency and accountability as SDOT builds and delivers on levy commitments. As a committee member, you’ll help keep Seattle moving by overseeing how levy funds are spent. Your role is to monitor budgets, track progress on projects, and make sure the funds are used as promised to Seattle voters. You’ll work with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and SDOT staff to ensure transparency and accountability. Join us in being a steward of this public investment and help make a real difference in Seattle’s transportation future.

Read more about it on this SDOT website. (Previous transportation levies have had committees like this too.)

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Opening night for Mr. B’s Mead Center, post-ribboncutting

February 28, 2025 4:53 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

(WSB photos)

Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW) is open for business, as of 4 this afternoon, with even more decor added since we talked to its proprietors last week – Brandon and Krista Eller were busy right up until the doors opened (and beyond), getting ready. The Ellers and friends took a quick break for a ribboncutting organized by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce:

When we stopped by last week, one of the yet-to-come additions was a bookshelf – now it’s in:

The all-ages sibling to Mr. B’s Meadery in Fremont will be open until 11 tonight – and if you stop in to Mr. B’s Mead Center tonight after dark, you can see Brandon’s liquid-light show!

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WEST SEATTLE LOW BRIDGE: Two updates, after two unplanned closures

February 28, 2025 3:02 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(SDOT photos)

With unplanned closures yesterday and today, the West Seattle low bridge’s status is in the spotlight again. We asked SDOT for updates – here are two we’ve just received:

Recent unplanned bridge closures

The recent unplanned closures of the Spokane St Swing Bridge have been due to a damaged sensor in the barrier gate on the western side of the bridge as well as unrelated electrical damage from the recent windstorms.

The motion sensor is one of the safeguards used to verify that the barrier gate is correctly locked into place so that the bridge can be safely opened to vehicles. The sensor appears to have worn out earlier this month leading to multiple short-term disruptions to bridge operations. It took us some time to diagnose the root cause of the problem, but this morning technicians were able to confirm the location of the damaged sensor and replace it.

Meanwhile, there have also been unplanned closures resulting from the storm this past weekend. During the storm, power surges and water seeping into some of the enclosures caused short circuits in the terminal blocks, wiring, and connectors. Maintenance staff have been troubleshooting and repairing this damage as it comes to light, but it is still possible that there could be additional damage which we have not discovered yet.

Update on lift cylinder repairs

Earlier this month, SDOT crews installed a newly repaired hydraulic lift cylinder inside the east pier of the Spokane St Swing Bridge. The work was completed over weekend of February 8-10, and did not require any bridge closures for land travel.

The bridge relies on two lift cylinders (one on each side of the Duwamish Waterway). There is also a third spare lift cylinder which has been used when one of the others is being repaired. SDOT has now finished repairing both of the active lift cylinders.

The pair of 30,000 pound hydraulic lift cylinders are the largest mechanical part in the complex system used to lift and turn the 14-million-pound bridge span so it can be opened for passing ships. Each of the large lift cylinders is connected to a pair of smaller turn cylinders which rotate the bridge (four turn cylinders total).

We are still working on the repairs to the last of these smaller hydraulic turn cylinders which was removed in October 2024. We expect to reinstall this turn cylinder and continue to repair and upgrade other cylinders and electrical components throughout this year.

SDOT also completed a bridge strengthening project in 2022, earthquake safety project in 2024, and upgrades to the bridge control and communications system in 2024. This work was made possible thanks to local funding sources including the 2015 Levy to Move Seattle.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen white Silverado

February 28, 2025 1:57 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

A WSB reader found the last stolen car posted here. Maybe you’ll find this one, just reported to us via email:

I am writing to report a stolen vehicle last night (2/27) sometime after 7:00 pm in the Diamond Parking Lot on 42nd Ave SW (behind Row House). 2006 white Chevy Silverado pickup truck. License plate #C50905U.

We’ll add the police-report number when we get it. (ADDED: It’s 25-55216.)

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WEST SEATTLE LIGHT RAIL: Three updates from Sound Transit board meeting

February 28, 2025 11:59 am

| 35 COMMENTS

| Sound Transit | West Seattle news

Three things to know from Thursday’s Sound Transit board meeting:

‘RECORD OF DECISION’ DELAY: We reported earlier this week on the Federal Transit Administration‘s new date for a “Record of Decision“ on the West Seattle Link Extension project, a milestone that allows the project to move into final design. This is what interim CEO Goran Sparrman told the board, in a ST-provided transcription:

We recently got word that the federal Record of Decision, which we anticipated at the end of this month, will likely be delayed 30-60 days to allow time for the Federal Transit Administration to work with the Office of the General Counsel at the White House to review and ensure consistency with recent Executive Orders. We understand that this added process step is not exclusive to the WSLE project and is being applied broadly at this time. We will continue to work diligently with FTA on next steps and look forward to providing you and the public updates as we have them.

BOARD APPROVES EARLY ACQUISITION: Board members approved the resolution authorizing “early acquisitions” in the 3800 block of Delridge Way SW (here’s our story from last weekend). That will pave the way for more North Delridge businesses including Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor), nonprofit Mode Music and Performing Arts, The Skylark, and Ounces to work with ST regarding relocation assistance.

COST SAVINGS: The board got a technical-detail-heavy update from deputy CEO of megaprojects Terri Mestas and West Seattle project director Brad Owen regarding potential cost-savings measures – systemwide as well as on WSLE – mostly involving “design optimization.” Here’s the slide deck. They promised more cost specifics next quarter, but in the meantime, some of what they’ve identified includes:

-Precast (constructed offsite) components of guideways for elevated segments
-Seven “station prototypes” that could be used on projects throughout the system
-Measures to reduce station footprints
-Measures to reduce wetland impacts

Until those upcoming specifics are available, there’s no new overall cost estimate – though a possible WSLE savings of a third of a billion dollars is shown on one slide – but one board member, Lynnwood Mayor Christine Frizzell, said she’s still worried about “off-ramps” for the West Seattle project, given the “sticker shock” of the most recent estimates. Mestas told her that once they hire a design firm – expected this spring – that team, for example, could do “limited design work” that would help zero in on cost savings.

Watch for the video of Thursday’s board meeting to appear here. EVENING UPDATE: It’s viewable here.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Farewell party for Admiral Chevron’s legendary Harold Chacon

February 28, 2025 11:11 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle people

(WSB photo by Anne Higuera)

You’ve still got time – until noon – to get to Admiral Chevron (northwest corner of Admiral and California) to say farewell to Harold Chacon, the jovial employee who is retiring after more than a quarter-century at the station, moving back to Puerto Rico to be with his mom. Today is Harold’s last day at the station, and he’ll head to Puerto Rico in about a month.

(Added: Harold with station owner Marc Gartin – photo by Clay Eals)

People have been streaming in to wish him well, and a small crowd was waiting for the cake, brought in by the station owner, who gave Harold a big hug. (See this recent WSB story for more about Harold.)

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Girl Scout Cookies, music, new businesses, poetry, much more for your West Seattle Friday!

February 28, 2025 9:54 am

| Comments Off on Girl Scout Cookies, music, new businesses, poetry, much more for your West Seattle Friday!

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Looking toward foggy Harbor Island/West Seattle from downtown – photo by Alyssa Baker)

Friday is here! Here’s what’s up today/tonight, mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:

HAGOSA’S HOUSE: Scheduled opening day for this new coffee shop, until 7 pm – here’s our story from earlier this week. (4800 Delridge Way SW)

FAREWELL, HAROLD: Drop by Admiral Chevron (northwest corner of California/Admiral) 10 am-noon and bid farewell to longtime staffer Harold Chacon – this WSB story explains.

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: 10 am-11:30 am, weekly free drop-in playtime at Arbor Heights Community Church (4113 SW 102nd).

BLACK HISTORY ART EXHIBIT: Visit the Washington State Black Legacy Institute‘s first major exhibit, 11 am-6 pm. (2656 42nd SW)

FREE TAX HELP: Drop-in help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, appointments recommended.

BABY STORY TIME: Noon-12:30 pm at Delridge Library (5423 Delridge Way SW).

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

GIRL SCOUT COOKIE BOOTHS: This year’s Girl Scout Cookie in-person sales start today! Go here to look for a cookie booth near you – multiple troops are selling at various spots in West Seattle.

MR. B’S MEAD CENTER: This new community space and beverage business is opening at 4 pm after 3:30 pm ribboncutting – see this WSB story. (9444 Delridge Way SW)

STUDENT POETRY SALON: Be at West Seattle Realty (2715 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 5 pm for a poetry salon with Madison Middle School students.

POP-UP SOCIAL: 34th District Democrats are hosting this in Burien tonight, 5:30-8 pm, Logan Brewing Company (Burien, 510 SW 151st).

SWEET SWEET MUSIC: Concert and dessert at Fauntleroy Church (9140 California SW), 7 pm, ukuleles, choir, more. $15/door.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Deep Sea Diver album release show and signing, 7 pm, free/all ages. (4559 California SW).

‘COVENANT’: Final weekend for the current play at ArtsWest (4711 California SW), 7:30 pm, tickets here.

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: School of Rock bands, doors at 6 pm and music at 7 pm, details here, $10 advance, $15 door, all ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Lady Coco tonight! (4547 California SW)

MAKE IT LOUD: Skating to live music at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW), doors at 9 pm, $18 cover, $5 skates, 21+. Tonight’s slate: Very Serious, Mutual Stoke, Pink Team.

If you have something to showcase on our event lists or calendar, please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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Two local nonprofits with spaces to offer

February 28, 2025 9:00 am

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| Delridge | West Seattle news | White Center

Two local nonprofits asked us to share the news that they’re putting up spaces for lease:

DESC’S DELRIDGE SPACE: When Cascadia Fresh Market closed last month, DESC wasn’t sure immediately what they’d do with the ground-floor commercial space at Cottage Grove Commons (5444 Delridge Way SW). Now they’ve put it up for lease, with these details:

Size: 2,423 sq. ft.

About the Space: Located on the ground floor of DESC’s Cottage Grove Commons in West Seattle, this versatile 2,423-square-foot commercial space offers an open layout with a main area, restroom, and utility room. Previously used as a small grocery store, the space is ideal for office, retail, or other commercial uses.

Permitted Uses: Office, retail, or general commercial activities. (Prohibited: liquor
stores, adult stores.)

Utilities: Landlord covers water, gas, electricity, and sewer. Tenant is responsible for other utilities, including garbage, internet, and security services.

Contact for More Info: Brandon Lawton, DESC Capital Project Manager blawton@desc.org | 253-283-1932

WESTSIDE BABY: This White Center-headquartered nonprofit has some spare space too – here’s that announcement:

Are you or your organization looking for office space or do you know someone who is? WestSide Baby has administrative office space available to sublet at our White Center Hub (10002 14th Ave SW)! We hope to prioritize partners and organizations with aligned missions, but are open to talking to other businesses in our community, as well. Contact our Executive Director Allie Lindsay Johnson for more information and to schedule a tour: allie@westsidebaby.org

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Friday info

February 28, 2025 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

9:59 AM: More trouble with the low bridge.

10:57 AM: Open to traffic again.

Earlier:

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, February 28, 2025

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Mostly sunny, high in the upper 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:50 am and 5:53 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.”

ROAD WORK NOTES

-Admiral Way Bridge lane configuration is expected to change again by or during this weekend.

-The 35th SW sinkhole near Edmunds will continue narrowing the road until utility work is complete.

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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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Almost-spring sunset

February 27, 2025 10:57 pm

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Almost-spring sunset

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

In case you missed tonight’s vivid almost-spring sunset, we have three views. Above and below are from WSB contributing photographer Dave Gershgorn:

And this one is a reader photo sent by Kay Kendall:

Thanks to all who contribute photos, from sunset scenes to breaking news – westseattleblog@gmail.com if it’s not urgent, 206-293-6302 if it is!

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YOUTH SPORTS: Girls’ lacrosse, basketball clinics and tryouts this weekend

February 27, 2025 6:15 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| West Seattle news | WS & Sports

Springtime youth sports are revving up – here are some invitations we’ve been asked to share with you:

GIRLS’ LACROSSE: Clinics are coming up this Sunday, according to parent Mike, who says that 7th-8th-grade girls are especially welcome due to openings in the season ahead – here’s the info (note there are clinics for boys too). Signup link for girls in those groups – 14U – is here.

BASKETBALL: Two organizations have events coming up this weekend:

Be a part of Hoops4Life Sunday Basketball Small Group Training at West Seattle High School! Great value small group instruction. The first Spring Session begins Sunday, March 2 and goes through Sunday, April 6. Sessions are at 11:00 and 12:15. Register here: hoops4life206.com/small-group-training

Also, the No Limits Academy has tryouts this Saturday:

Our mission statement: At No Limits Academy, we are passionate about developing the next generation of basketball athletes. Our developmental basketball program is designed to provide a nurturing and empowering environment for young athletes to hone their skills, build character, and help with the mental aspect of the game. We are a year-round basketball program that has travel teams, camps, personal training, and group training.

You can find out more at nolimitsacademyseattle.com.

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SPORTS: Chief Sealth International High School celebrates winter-season student-athletes

February 27, 2025 4:23 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

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

(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)

Chief Sealth International High School‘s athletics program had a lot to celebrate at last night’s Winter Sports Banquet!

First, a signing ceremony celebrating CSIHS’s flag-football star Eleana Lee, who’s already been honored with the new Maxwell Award as the best player in the state, and was Metro League MVP. The sport isn’t offered at every school, noted coach Kyler Gaither, but she’s signed with the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes. Her proud family was there to celebrate, too:

Sealth athletic director Ernest Policarpio gave a recap of the school’s winter success, including the achievements by a girls’ wrestling program that, as he described it, has become a “dynasty” with 6 Metro championships he recounted other championships and state contenders too:

The Seahawk Awards were presented to one outstanding student-athlete in each sport, recognized as outstanding scholars as well as for their leadership on the field or court.

Those winners are (including the seven in our photo): Ryan Nguyen for boys’ swim/dive, Owen Wright for boys’ wrestling, Keimani Proctor-Mills for girls’ basketball, Chase Valdez for boys’ basketball, Evie Nelson for girls’ bowling, Petra Sheppard for girls’ wrestling, Eleana Lee for flag football, Ryan Tran for cheer.

Also presented: the new “Above and Beyond” Awards:

These went to Micah Policarpio for boys’ wrestling, where he took second in state; Xavier Nguyen, also a wrestler, who took third in state; Lucy Self, girls’ wrestling, who took third in state; Gianna Moore, gymnastics, who competed at state; Dominic Milanese, boys’ swimming; and Karen Chiem, flag football.

Next up for local high-school athletes – the spring sports season, starting in March!

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ORCAS: Back in Elliott Bay (photo added)

February 27, 2025 3:10 pm

| 3 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | Whales

3:10 PM: Thanks for the tips! Orcas are back in Elliott Bay. Kersti Muul says they’ve been seen “deep in the bay” from Seacrest, while another tip says they’ve been in view from Jack Block Park. Let us know if you see them! P.S. Kersti says a humpback whale that’s been in the area today is in the bay too.

4:58 PM: Thanks to David Hutchinson for sending that photo as the orcas departed the bay.

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UPDATE: West Seattle low bridge trouble

February 27, 2025 1:16 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

(Added: Screenshot from low-bridge camera, with trucks waiting at 1:23 pm)

Thanks for the tip! Right after a texter told us the low bridge (aka Spokane Street Swing Bridge) appeared to be having trouble, SDOT issued a traffic alert confirming it. So far, they’re citing “technical issues.”

2:18 PM: Live camera shows the bridge is open again.

ADDED: SDOT’s explanation:

We were doing test openings to help us understand and resolve ongoing technical issues related to the damage which occurred when a vehicle drove through the warning gates and hit a moving barricade in September 2024.

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Signs of spring already, in and along Fauntleroy Creek

February 27, 2025 12:51 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(Fry in Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Dave Gershgorn)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Three Fauntleroy Creek events this week signal that winter is on the wane:

– “Home hatch” coho started emerging to feed in the creek.
– Skunk-cabbage blossoms started dotting the streambank.
– Teachers started signing up for salmon releases.

(Skunk cabbage along Fauntleroy Creek – photo by Dave Gershgorn)

Two weeks ago, volunteers began monitoring the lower creek for evidence that eggs left in November by a record number of spawners (347) had survived. Yesterday (2/26) they sighted 15 active fry darting around in the water.

Last fall, spawners hid their eggs under a blanket of loose gravel for protection. After a few weeks, the eggs hatched into alevin equipped with a yolk sac to sustain them until they were mature enough to emerge from the gravel and forage for themselves. In a year’s time, they will have grown into 4”-5” smolts, ready to leave the creek for two years in saltwater.

This same transformation is playing out across West Seattle as students in the Salmon in the Schools program rear their own coho. Come May, Fauntleroy Watershed Council volunteers will host 18 field trips to Fauntleroy Park, where students will release their fry and explore habitat.

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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.