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    SEE WHO’S MOVING IN: Ex-bakery space

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    WEST SEATTLE 5K: See & hear how it went

SEEN AT SEA: First cruise ship of the season
April 12, 2025 7:27 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Seen at sea | West Seattle news

Thanks to Bob Spears for the photo of Norwegian Bliss as it headed out on this year’s first Seattle-to-Alaska cruise this afternoon. As previewed here Thursday, this is the first of 298 expected cruise-ship calls at Seattle’s three berths (two in Magnolia, one downtown) between now and mid-October. According to the season schedule, the second one is Monday, when Carnival Spirit sails from Pier 91. It carries up to 2,100+ passengers, about half the capacity of Norwegian Bliss.

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COUNTDOWN: 4 weeks to West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025; midpoint for registration
April 12, 2025 5:42 pm
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

Four weeks from today – on Saturday, May 10, 2025 – it’s the 20th anniversary of West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, one huge day with hundreds of sales all around the peninsula. WSB has coordinated Garage Sale Day since its fourth year (2008); this year, we opened registration on April 1 and will close it on April 24, so today is the midpoint. More than 250 sales of all sizes are registered already, with locations and listings (up to 25 words describing their sale). Once registration closes, we use the addresses and descriptions to make a numbered map and printable guide that will be available one week in advance, so that shoppers can plan where to go – even if you just check out who’s within walking distance and go meet neighbors you don’t already know. It’s a busy day of person-to-person recycling as well as neighborhood mingling. If you’re planning a sale and haven’t registered yet, here’s where to go.

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BIZNOTE FOLLOWUP: Sign goes up as new restaurant The Neighborhood prepares to open
April 12, 2025 2:11 pm
|      5 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle restaurants

ORIGINAL SATURDAY STORY: Driving through Morgan Junction earlier this afternoon, we spotted the sign going up for The Neighborhood, the restaurant opening in the ex-Peel & Press space at 6503 California SW, so we diverted to check in on its status. The Neighborhood is opening Wednesday (April 16), co-proprietor Jenny Almukhtar confirmed. We first talked with her back in February for an in-depth look at the plan – and now they’re down to finishing touches:

As planned, Jenny and husband Ahmed – with lots of assistance from family members – have lightened up the interior (the wall color is “Morocco Red,” Jenny notes). They’re working on the back deck too (not yet furnished):

As first announced, they’ll be open 3-9 pm Wednesdays through Sundays for starters, maybe a bit later some weekend nights, with a menu spotlighting Italian fare, including pizza.

ADDED SUNDAY NIGHT: Tonight The Neighborhood is having a “friends and family” trial run – they invited us to stop by, so we just did that for a quick photo:

The photos on the south wall have been added since we visited yesterday. Again, official public opening is Wednesday (April 16).

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WEST SEATTLE COYOTES: Daytime sightings in Gatewood, Upper Fauntleroy (updated)
April 12, 2025 1:27 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

1:27 PM: More daytime coyote sightings today – first from Megan in Gatewood:

While out walking my two small dogs today, I came face to face with a coyote that was heading south on the alley between Kenyon and Monroe. It was very quietly following a gentleman who was also walking his small dog. The coyote was quite big and very healthy looking. It was not afraid of us and clearly wanted to get closer to our dogs. We yelled at it to scare it off and it circled back three different ways, keeping its sight on us. Two other neighbors came by and stood with us and I suspect our group was then big enough for it to lose interest. It continued south.

It was a beautiful and smart animal but also an important reminder to be mindful while walking our pets.

A few blocks south in Upper Fauntleroy, Erin spotted this one not far from California/Thistle:

She reports it “went right for some outdoor-enclosure rabbits at a neighbor’s house.”

Also in Upper Fauntleroy, this report came in last night after our earlier report about daylight sightings – from Delia:

When my son and I were walking home from the bus stop at 2:53 pm (Friday), I witnessed a large coyote running north on 39th Ave SW at the intersection with SW Tillman.

It seemed to be following a couple (who were wearing their infant in a front carrier). At first, I thought it was their off-leash dog, but when I realized what it was, I alerted them. They turned and had to stare it down until it turned around and ran east down SW Tillman toward SW 37th Ave. I was able to capture these photos, and my Wyze camera captured it as well. (Then) around 4 pm, my next-door neighbor texted me that he saw it again while he was mowing. So it appears to be hanging around the area. Sharing to help spread awareness for folks to keep an eye on children and pets. There were several young kids walking home around the time I saw it.

So what should you do if you see one? Expert advice is here – including, don’t run.

ADDED 3:30 PM: A bit further south, WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn spotted and photographed this one near the Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, where he was heading to cover today’s Fauntleroy Community Association egg hunt for us:

Dave last saw it at 42nd SW and the curve north of the schoolhouse where Barton becomes California.

ADDED SATURDAY NIGHT: One more Upper Fauntleroy sighting, from Shay, who emailed around 6:30 pm, when it was still light out:

Just had a coyote visit us in upper Fauntleroy (Donovan & 37th). It trotted down our street and headed towards 36th & Cloverdale. Seemed healthy and nonchalant but it definitely surprised us! It’s the first one we’ve ever seen during the day or this closely. You can see it here headed up our neighbor’s steps as it passed through their yard.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Easy Street Records hopping for Record Store Day 2025
April 12, 2025 10:29 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos by Jason Grotelueschen)

Never a dull day at Easy Street Records in the heart of The Junction, but as previewed in our Saturday list, this one is really jumping – it’s Record Store Day, which offers special deals, treats, and sights. WSB contributing journalist Jason Grotelueschen sent a few scenes:

Making an appearance for just a few hours, that’s the legendary touring van used by The Melvins, featuring art by Kurt Cobain. Past the van and on down Alaska, people were still lined up as of about an hour ago:

Inside the shop, Easy Street proprietor Matt Vaughan is the busiest man in showbiz, with freebies as well as sales – he told us about 500 people were in line when the store opened at 7 am!

Vaughan said some of the hot albums of the day (all of which sold out quickly after the store opened) included Wicked: The Soundtrack (purchased by the first two people in line), Gracie Abrams, MJ Lenderman, Charli XCX/Billie Eilish, Oasis and The Cure.

The shelves continue yielding treasures, curated and restocked by staff including “Upstairs Andy” Nelson, Easy Street’s “vinyl czar:”


Outside, legendary Seattle music scene photographer Charles Peterson shared stories (of the early days of Mudhoney, Nirvana, Green River, Sub Pop Records etc) with a crew from Julien’s Auctions, as the van makes its last public appearance before it goes to auction in New York City in late May:

Easy Street is open into the evening – this year’s RSD show features SYML, already sold out, so if you see a crowd at the corner tonight, that’s what it’s all about.

NOON UPDATE: Still a good crowd of people waiting to get into the shop (the line is shorter than it was this morning, though – it stretches to the alley near Darby Winery) as of noon.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes as your weekend begins
April 12, 2025 6:07 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 33 notes as your weekend begins
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Friday sunbreak, photographed by James Bratsanos)

Second Saturday of April, and if you’re not leaving town for spring break, many options await! First, a transportation reminder:

WATER TAXI SPRING/SUMMER SCHEDULE STARTS: Starting tonight, the West Seattle Water Taxi has later sailings on Saturday (and Friday) nights. Here’s the announcement, including the schedule.

Now, the happening-Saturday highlights, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

RECORD STORE DAY AT EASY STREET: It’s the biggest day of the year at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), which opens at 7 am for the special day’s special deals – with a free donut for the first 100 people in line (and other freebies) – and hosts a sold-out show by SYML tonight. If you’re there early, you might also get to see the legendary Melvins‘ van.

SATURDAY GROUP RUN, ANNIVERSARY EDITION, AND MORE: 15th anniversary celebration continues at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) at 8 am:

Mizuno and Superfeet group run at 8 am. You can try out Mizuno and Superfeet on your run. We will follow up the run with donuts and chocolate milk afterward.

Mark Bouma, owner of Lake Washington PT West Seattle, will be on site doing 1:1 assessments from 8:40 to 10:30 am. We will have Hawthorne Massage doing chair massage 10-12.

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

TLC FOR PUGET PARK: Meet at 19th/Dawson at 9 am for trailbuilding and blackberry removal. All ages welcome. Details and signup link here.

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

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

‘WEST SEATTLE RESISTS’: New weekly rally in The Junction, 10 am-noon, all welcome, as explained by organizers here.

BOOK GROUP AT THE MOUNT: As previewed here, all are welcome to come discuss “Don’t Walk Away,” 10 am, at Providence Mount St. Vincent. (4831 35th SW)

MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Susan Pascal, Jamie Findlay, Chris Symer, 10:30 am-noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

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

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

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

ALKI HISTORY WALKING TOUR: Second one of the series is sold out! If you did get a spot, 11 am is when to meet at the Log House Museum (61st/Stevens).

FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-3 pm at West Seattle (Admiral) Library (2306 42nd SW) – but if you don’t already have a slot reserved, you’re probably out of luck.

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

UW BEACH VOLLEYBALL AT ALKI: Second and final day of the Huskies’ only tournament at Alki Beach this season. They split a doubleheader on Friday and open today’s play at 11:15 am – more info here.

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)

PLANT SWAP AT HOSTE: 12 pm-4 pm, a master gardener from West Seattle Nursery (WSB sponsor) will be at Hoste in Admiral (2332 California SW) – drop in with potted plants and/or propagations for the community plant swap.

FAUNTLEROY EGG HUNT: First major egg hunt of the season! 1 pm at Fauntleroy Schoolhouse (9131 California SW), presented by the Fauntleroy Community Association, free. Littlest kids go first, hunting for prize-filled (no candy) eggs.

MAKE CERAMIC BIRD FEEDERS: 1-3 pm at The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW) with Frances – our calendar listing explains how to preregister.

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

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

LIVE AT C & P: The Tune Tourists, 6-8 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor).

PASSOVER BEGINS: First of eight days/nights for the Jewish festival. (Any community events in West Seattle this year? Please let us know!)

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Doors 7, show 7:30, pianist Ray Skjelbred at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7, show 8, The Nightshift, Sinking Dolls, The Commute bring indie rock to The Skylark, $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Third performance, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for the new production “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

OUT AT THE BOX: Drag show at Box Bar (5401 California SW), 9:30 pm. No cover. 21+.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm with Soul Focus FM at Revelry Room. (4547 California SW)

MACHINE LEARNING DANCE EVENT: Monthly West Side dance event at Lumber Yard Bar (9630 16th SW, White Center), 9 pm-2 am – this month’s details are here.

KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: Want to sing on your Saturday night? 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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DEVELOPMENT FOLLOWUP: Sign of life for long-shelved West Seattle project
April 11, 2025 11:02 pm
|      17 COMMENTS
 |   Development | West Seattle news

New hope that redevelopment might finally happen at the long-vacant strip-mall/restaurant sites in the 5200 block of California SW. The demolition permit was renewed back in February; now two expired construction permits are being reviewed for renewal, and the city permit system has the explanatory notation “Ownership is working to obtain funds to move forward with the project.” The project as first proposed back in 2017 was for 18 rowhouse-style townhouses. Then in 2023, a senior-living complex was proposed instead, but that was scrapped. It’s been almost nine years since the strip mall’s previous major tenant moved further north into The Junction; as for the two ex-restaurants, the former Papa John’s closed in 2017, and Thaitan (on the corner) closed in 2019. Records indicate the combined redevelopment site hasn’t changed ownership since around the time of most of the closures.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Police report robbery arrest, saying the weapon was hot coffee
April 11, 2025 8:27 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

From SPD Blotter, an arrest last night in the 5400 block of Delridge. Police say they arrested a 33-year-old woman and booked her into the King County Jail for investigation of robbery “after she reportedly stole hot coffee … and then threw (it) at a clerk when she was asked to pay.” They say the 45-year-old clerk suffered “severe pain” and had a “bright red face, neck, and chest.” SFD treated him but he declined a trip to the hospital. The suspect is accused of filling two cups wth hot coffee and leaving with one around 9 pm; the clerk said he followed her outside and asked her to pay – then, he said, she threw the coffee at his face and chest. Police found her nearby and arrested her. We don’t have her name, but checking the jail roster, we see a 33-year-old woman booked late last night who is still behind bars, bail set at $3,000.

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WEST SEATTLE SCENE: Rock Walk in The Junction, to raise money for Summer Fest music
April 11, 2025 5:46 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news

That’s the scene inside Jet City Labs, one of the two epicenters for tonight’s Rock Walk – check-in spot as well as a place you can still get a ticket if you didn’t buy one in advance for the sip-and-stroll event raising money to maximize music at West Seattle Summer Fest. At the door of JCL (4547 California SW), say hi to a man who knows a thing or two about music, proprietor Derek Moon:

His venue also is hosting one of tonight’s beverage providers, Offset Ciderworks. While briefly in The Junction, we also stopped in at another participating venue, Easy Street Records, where you’ll find Brennan and Paige from Sleight of Hand Cellars on the café stage:

Easy Street is gearing up for a huge day tomorrow – open at 7 am Saturday for Record Store Day. But in the meantime, if you’re not already on the Rock Walk, go get a ticket at Jet City or at John L. Scott (4445 California SW), and enjoy your 12 choices from among 30+ adult-beverage providers at 30 venues – listed here – and know you’re giving a lift to Summer Fest, now just three months away! Rock Walk is on until 9 tonight.

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WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Daytime coyote sightings
April 11, 2025 3:53 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Coyotes | West Seattle news | Wildlife

Two more sighting reports sent to us, first one just after 1 pm today:

Big coyote spotted on 31st and Thistle. It just tried to follow a friend who was walking a small dog.

That one came in anonymously via text. The next one was via email, reported by Tim Van Liew on Thursday:

Taking a walk through Camp Long … and as I approached the golf course access road, I observed 3 coyotes out on the greens.

As always, our standard reminder: We publish coyote sightings for awareness, not alarm; expert advice on avoiding conflicts includes “never run from a coyote” and don’t enable their access to food – from unsecured garbage to unattended small pets. Read more here.

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VIDEO: West Seattle High School celebrates national recognition for Unified Sports program
April 11, 2025 2:18 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

That photo wrapped up a celebration today at West Seattle High School – and at the heart of it is what’s directly over the athletes, school staffers, and sports mascots who gathered for the group shot: A newly unveiled banner in honor of national recognition for WSHS’s Unified Sports program:

As shown in the close-up photo, it now hangs in the WSHS gym next to a banner recognizing the program’s achievements in recent years. Special Olympics of Washington explains it in this excerpt from their announcement of today’s banner unveiling:

For its work in empowering students to be agents of change in their school and community, West Seattle High School (received) a Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools National Banner …

West Seattle is one of two schools in Washington to achieve National Banner status in 2025 and is the first school in the Seattle school district to receive this recognition. To add even more kudos, West Seattle also made the ESPN Honor Roll, which is a national list of schools recognized by ESPN and Special Olympics for their efforts in creating inclusive environments for students with and without intellectual disabilities. Only one high school is selected from each state and West Seattle was recognized for Washington.

A Unified Champion Schools National Banner is a major achievement for the entire school for meeting 10 standards of excellence. These national standards revolve around inclusion, advocacy and respect; they include implementing sustainable programs around Special Olympics Unified Sports (where students with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete as teammates), inclusive youth leadership and engagement throughout the whole school.

We were invited to cover the student-organized all-school spring pep assembly this morning during which the banner was unveiled following cheers led by former Seahawks player turned Special Olympics ambassador Ray Roberts:

As shown in the clip, WSHS’s Unified Sports coordinator Rachel Myers was honored too. We also recorded a longer version starting with students talking about the program before the assembly heard from Special Olympics of Washington president/CEO Mary Do, who reminded the school community, “You made this happen” (she speaks starting 5:20 into the clip):

The National Banner status was first announced last fall, at which time the school noted the banner itself would arrive in spring.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Sportage
April 11, 2025 12:22 pm
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Sportage
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Sent by Danny:

My 2019 red Kia Sportage was stolen off of Fauntleroy and Juneau yesterday, License plate # CKT6250. Front driver’s handle is missing. 25-96523 is the incident number.

Call 911 if you find it.

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FOLLOWUP: Parks Board approves fewer summer hours for Alki Beach & Don Armeni, fewer year-round hours for Hamilton Viewpoint
April 11, 2025 11:20 am
|      24 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog 

Summer visitors to some of West Seattle’s most popular parks will likely have slightly fewer hours to enjoy them. 

As we’ve been reporting (including last week, and a couple of weeks before that), Seattle Parks had been considering “permanent seasonal” reductions (Memorial Day to Labor Day, for all upcoming summers) to the hours during which several parks across the city are open, including our own Alki Beach Park and Don Armeni Boat Ramp, as well as a permanent reduction in hours for Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

On Thursday night, the city’s advisory Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners held a public hearing and vote, and the board unanimously approved the proposal, which now goes to the Parks superintendent Anthony-Paul (“AP”) Diaz (who was in attendance on Thursday night) to issue a final decision, which would be followed by necessary city clerk filings and then updates to parks signage and websites. 

Of the impacted Seattle parks that are specifically in the West Seattle area, the now-approved proposal calls for:

  • Alki Beach closing one hour earlier at 10:30 pm rather than 11:30 pm (just like last summer) and being open 4am-1030pm daily in the summer
  • Don Armeni boat ramp shifting away from 24hrs/day to instead match the Alki hours of 4am-1030pm daily in the summer
  • Hamilton Viewpoint Park would have a permanent year-round change, shifting from the current 4am-11:30 pm timeframe to a new reduced timeframe of 6am-10pm (this is based on the results of a pilot program dating back to 2015).  

The meeting on Thursday was a “hybrid” forum, with the board and a handful of in-person attendees gathering downtown at Seattle Parks HQ, while others joined online via Zoom. Public participation was light, with two “general commenters” who signed up and offered thoughts about overall parks concerns, but zero commenters signed up or in attendance to speak specifically about the proposed hourly changes. However, commission members did make reference to some emailed comments from West Seattle residents, as well as “comments on the West Seattle Blog,” summarized as such:

  • Via email: Two heartfelt thanks from WS residents in favor of the change, and one question about parking on Harbor Ave which, in some areas, is a “no parking” zone from 11 pm-5 pm, which means there is one hour of misalignment in the morning when nearby Don Armeni and Alki Beach will be open (at 4 am) but no parking is allowed on Harbor Ave until 5am.  Attendees at the meeting said they’d look into that. 
  • WSB comments: At least two commissioners made note of comments here on WSB stories regarding the proposal, describing them as a “mixed reaction,” but noting that many commenters do understand and agree “that the changes are being made to help make things safer.”

From last month’s meeting slides, here are two tables showing the city-wide changes that were proposed and now approved:

Commissioners noted that the rationale for the changes included fire safety (particularly for Alki and Golden Gardens), managing late-night noise and problematic “non-boating activity” on the boat ramps, and aligning hours and resources with SPD and other resources.  Commissioners added that although public commentary on the issue was minimal, the department had done the best it could to get the word out via their web and social channels, and in local news and blogs and social media. Two commissioners suggested the need for a future “comprehensive approach” to park hours, noting that numerous parks (such as Ravenna) have late-night hours but minimal/no lighting, which probably should be evaluated, and others agreed. 

In Thursday’s meeting, commissioners discussed the general positive sentiment about the proposal among board members, and among the (admittedly small) number of comments gathered online and via email (again, there was nobody signed up to comment at Thursday’s meeting). Based on that, they agreed to call for a vote rather than to delay a vote to a later meeting (the board meets again on April 24), and the motion then passed unanimously. 

Aside from the park-hours discussion, there were a handful of other West Seattle mentions during other portions of the meeting agenda:

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College beach volleyball, Rock Walk, anniversary run, theater, music, more for your West Seattle Friday!
April 11, 2025 9:58 am
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo sent by Betty – the art is a gift that appeared in her Little Free Library)

Here’s our Friday highlights list, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

STAY ‘N’ PLAY: Arbor Heights event canceled today and next Friday, for spring break.

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring plant-shopping time! The center is open Thursdays-Saturdays 10 am-3 pm, north end of the South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) cam

BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT: Two days of play begin today at 11 am for the University of Washington team’s only home tournament of the year at Alki Beach. Here’s a preview with info on the schedule, home and visiting teams, and more.

FREE TAX HELP: Free help at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW), 11 am-4 pm, but appointments were reported to be all booked up, so check with the branch before visiting.

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

ROCK WALK: Tonight’s the night for Rock Walk, a sip-and-stroll event around The Junction to raise money for West Seattle Summer Fest music, with dozens of participating businesses and beverage providers paired up (see the list here). Online ticket sales are closed but you can still get tickets at the two check-in locations after 5 pm, Jet City Labs (4547 California SW) or John L. Scott (4445 California SW).

HISTORICAL SOCIETY GALA: 6 pm dinner and auction at Salty’s on Alki (1936 Harbor SW) to support the Southwest Seattle Historical Society. Online registration is closed but check with SWSHS if registration will be available at the door.

SONGWRITERS AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: This month’s Songwriters’ Showcase tonight at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, all ages, no cover.

ANNIVERSARY RUN: Help West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) kick off its 15th-anniversary celebration with a 6:15 pm New Balance tryout run, followed by treats.

KENYON HALL CABARET: 6:30 pm monthly drag showcase at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).

SPORTS: One local game – baseball at 7 pm, West Seattle HS vs. Seattle Prep at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex. (2801 SW Thistle)

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Doors 7, music 8 – Caudal Peduncle, Margo Adrift, B.E.L.. $10. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Second performance, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for the new production “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Hershe 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: dj big peach, Dr. Wam & The Tone Zone, Schmutz​.

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

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YOU CAN HELP: Puget Park weekend work party
April 11, 2025 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Puget Park weekend work party
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(File photo – trail in Puget Park)

If your Saturday isn’t all booked up … volunteer slots remain for a work party at Puget Park, 9 am-noon tomorrow (Saturday, April 12). From the invitation:

Excited to host you all at Puget Park for a little park volunteer fun. Appreciate you all coming out. We will be re-constructing a bit of trail and removing some invasive blackberries. All ages OK.

What to Bring
Gloves, water, snack & proper attire (may get muddy). I have gloves if needed and plenty of tools. Also please note there is no bathroom on site.

Where to Meet
19th Ave SW & SW Dawson

If you can go, please register here ASAP!

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TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Pre-spring-break Friday
April 11, 2025 6:00 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Pre-spring-break Friday
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning! It’s Friday, April 11, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Your Friday forecast has a slight chance of morning rain, then sunshine this afternoon, mid-50s high. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:27 am and 7:54 pm. (Wednesday brings the first 8+ pm sunset!)

TRANSIT TODAY

Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle servicen; spring/summer schedule, with later-in-the-evening sailings two nights a week, starts Saturday (April 12).

Metro buses – Regular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet, plus M/V Salish is serving as the “bonus boat”.

ROAD WORK

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

-The daily SW 100th closure in White Center, 15th to 16th, has been extended through the 18th, according to King County Roads. (Thanks to Gill for the heads-up.)

BUSY AT THE BEACH

–UW beach volleyball hosts a tournament at Alki today and tomorrow. Play starts at 11 am.

SPRING BREAK

–Seattle Public Schools are out on spring break next week.

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

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

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

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FRIDAY PREVIEW: Waiting till last minute to decide about Rock Walk?
April 10, 2025 11:11 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Fun stuff to do | How to help | West Seattle news | WS beverages

Friday’s the night that you can sip, stroll, and help the West Seattle Junction Association raise money to raise the bar on West Seattle Summer Fest music. And the weather looks fairly promising for the first-ever Rock Walk, described by WSJA as “a night of different tastes from wineries, breweries, cideries and distilleries – with all proceeds supporting live music at Summer Fest.” If you didn’t already buy tickets, online sales are closed BUT WSJA tells us you can still get in on it – buy your ticket at one of the check-in locations:

Jet City Labs – 4547 California Ave SW
John L. Scott Realty – 4445 California Ave SW

Rock Walk (and last-minute in-person ticketing) starts at 5 pm Friday. (Summer Fest is just three months away, BTW, July 11-13!).

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Alki scenes from first West Seattle Art Walk of spring!
April 10, 2025 5:15 pm
|    Comments Off on Alki scenes from first West Seattle Art Walk of spring!
 |   West Seattle Art Walk | West Seattle news | WS culture/arts

(WSB photos)

5:15 PM: It’s West Seattle Art Walk night in dozens of places around the peninsula, either hosting artist receptions or offering food/drink specials to people out enjoying art! Tonight’s biggest spotlight is shining on Alki Beach (and the sun is too, just as we arrived), where businesses have rejoined the Art Walk lineup for an incentive to invite people to the beach. Tonight five venues are participating, coordinated by the Alki Community Council, and they’re showing work by student artists from Alki Elementary. Above is from our first stop, Blue Moon Burgers; also participating at the beach tonight, West Seattle Arcade, Gary’s Place, Alki Hair Design, and the Log House Museum – our second stop:

You can see the list and map of tonight’s venues all over West Seattle here, and browse info about tonight’s artists and receptions – most of which are continuing until at least 8 pm – by going here.

6:10 PM: We stopped at the other Alki venues and discovered an adult artist at Gary’s Place:

Sibling West Seattle Arcade is featuring student art plus Naomi Benson‘s work:

And Alki Hair Design is also featuring the photography of Dené Miles:

Next month, after its late-April opening, Alki Coffee Company plans to join the Alki participants for Art Walk too.

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BIZNOTE: New place to get creative – Potterings opens May 1
April 10, 2025 3:15 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

After leading classes elsewhere to help more people discover the joy of making pottery, West Seattle artist/entrepreneur Lora Radford is opening a studio, offering memberships and workshops/classes. Potterings will be at ActivSpace (3400 Harbor Avenue SW, #132), and Lora describes it as “a new creative space for beginners,” elaborating in the grand-opening announcement:

Potterings is the perfect place for you if you’ve ever wanted to try pottery but didn’t know where to start! Whether you’ve never touched clay or are looking for a fun, hands-on experience, our studio is designed to be welcoming, stress-free, and full of creative possibilities. We officially open on May 1, 2025, and we’re celebrating with a Grand Opening on May 2 & 3 — featuring free mini try-it workshops, chances to win a free workshop, add your creative touch to the Potterings ceramic sign, and free bubble glazing (you’ve got to try it to believe it!)

Friday, May 2, 6-8 pm – Open House with snacks and refreshments. Chance to win a free workshop! Learn about the Potterings membership.

Saturday, May 3, 12-5 pm – Free mini workshops including trinket dish, coat hook, plant holder, bubble glazing, chance to win a free workshop. Learn about the Potterings membership.

Both days, you’ll have a chance to add your creative touch to the community-created Potterings sign that will be displayed in the studio!

You can also find out about memberships by going here, and see the open studio and workshop/class schedule via the Potterings calendar.

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One month until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, as registration continues
April 10, 2025 1:30 pm
|    Comments Off on One month until West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025, as registration continues
 |   Community Garage Sale Day | West Seattle news

After nine days of registration, more than 220 sales are signed up for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day 2025 – the 20th-anniversary edition of the annual day for what we call “person-to-person recycling,” all over the peninsula. This year’s WSCGSD is on May 10, the second Saturday in May as usual, 9 am-3 pm (you can start earlier and/or end later if you choose to). In addition to all the individual sales signed up, we have school groups, nonprofits, businesses, block sales … and watch for an update tomorrow on multi-seller sites, if you’re looking for someplace to sell YOUR stuff. Registration will continue for two more weeks, through April 24; if you are ready to register your sale, draft your up-to-25-words listing and go here to register! (Also as usual, the WSCGSD map will be available online – in interactive and printable-list formats – one week before sale day.)

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(TO BE) SEEN OFF WEST SEATTLE: Cruise season starts Saturday. Here’s what’s different
April 10, 2025 12:19 pm
|      1 COMMENT
 |   Port of Seattle | Seen at sea | West Seattle news

(Norwegian Bliss arriving in April 2024 – photo by Lynn Hall)

The Port of Seattle sent a reminder today that cruise-ship season starts this Saturday (April 12) – here’s the full-season schedule, with the last scheduled cruise-ship call to be on October 19th. The port says it’s expecting 298 sailings with 1.9 million “revenue passengers, which comes out to more than 900,000 unique passengers.” The headline for today’s announcement (which you can read in full here) is that this is the first season with shore power available at all three of Seattle’s cruise-ship berths. (Update: We followed up to ask how many of the visiting ships are expected to use it. Port spokesperson Chris Guizlo told us 71 percent of the calls are shore-power-capable.) The berth closest to West Seattle is Pier 66 downtown, and that will host mostly Norwegian Cruise Line ships this season, including the one that starts the season on Saturday, Norwegian Bliss (also the first ship last year, as shown above). Among them will be a Seattle first-timer – the port notes, “This June, Cunard Line’s Queen Elizabeth will spend its first home port season in Seattle. The vessel will offer eleven sailings this season, with 7- to 11-day itineraries from June to September.”

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Holy Week/Easter services? Send your list for our list
April 10, 2025 11:18 am
|    Comments Off on Holy Week/Easter services? Send your list for our list
 |   Holidays | West Seattle news | West Seattle religion

With Easter just 10 days away, local churches are sending info for our seasonal list of services – including Holy Week – and other special events. If yours hasn’t, there’s still time; send the dates/times/brief descriptions to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you! (Here’s what we have so far. Several plan egg hunts, which we’ll be cross-referencing in a separate list before this weekend.)

P.S. Passover starts this weekend and we’ll list any community events we get word of, too.

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West Seattle Art Walk, Racoma at Easy Street, Words/Writers/SW Stories, park-hours hearing, ‘Athena’ opens, more for your Thursday
April 10, 2025 9:58 am
|    Comments Off on West Seattle Art Walk, Racoma at Easy Street, Words/Writers/SW Stories, park-hours hearing, ‘Athena’ opens, more for your Thursday
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

Big day and night around the peninsula! First, it’s West Seattle Art Walk night – here again is the venue list for both art exhibits and food/drink specials:

Our preview is here – don’t miss the Alki student-art displays – and this month’s guide to receptions and featured artists is here. Most events are 5-8 pm; scroll through this month’s guide for specifics. (WSB is an Art Walk sponsor.)

Now, here’s what else is happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ONLINE AUCTION’S LAST DAY: In advance of Friday night’s Southwest Seattle Historical Society spring gala, the online auction concludes today and is open to all for bidding – go here!

SOUTH SEATTLE COLLEGE GARDEN CENTER: Spring is now in its fourth week! 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 get info on where they’re playing today.

SPORTS: – One local high-school game today – West Seattle HS fastpitch softball vs. Lincoln at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) at 4 pm.

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 Paparepas.

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

HIGHLAND PARK RUN CLUB: HPCS is also starting point tonight for running 3 miles, or walking a shorter path, in the neighborhood near HPCS with the Run Club, leaving from the store at 6:30 pm – info here.

VISCON CELLARS: This West Seattle winery’s friendly tasting room/wine bar is open Thursdays, 5-9 pm (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor). Stop in for wine by the glass or bottle! And tonight – enjoy this quarter’s artist, as part of the West Seattle Art Walk.

WORDS, WRITERS, SOUTHWEST STORIES: 6 pm online, the Southwest Seattle Historical Society‘s monthly speaker series focuses on the history of photography this time – info, including how to get the link, is in our calendar listing.

WESTIES RUN CLUB: This group’s 6 pm weekly Thursday run now departs from The Good Society in Admiral (California/Lander).

ALL-AGES OPEN MIC: Signups for young musicians is at 5, music at 6, during this monthly event at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW)

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: Another way to get out on your feet tonight – 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).

ALKI BEACH HOURS: As we’ve been reporting, Seattle Parks is looking at hours changes for Alki Beach Park, Don Armeni Boat Ramp, and Hamilton Viewpoint. Tonight is the Parks Board public hearing, 6:30 pm meeting – the agenda includes info on how to participate, either online or in-person (downtown)

Update: Canceled LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Racoma‘s album-release show is at 7 pm at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW)! Free, all ages.

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

DJ NIGHT: The weekend starts early at Revelry Room (4547 California SW), with DJ Supreme La Rock, starting at 7 pm.

‘ATHENA’ AT ARTSWEST: Opening-night performance, 7:30 pm at ArtsWest Playhouse (4711 California SW), for the new production “Athena,” by Gracie Gardner – get tickets here.

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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