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UPDATE: Orcas in Elliott Bay (photos, video added)
February 22, 2025 2:27 pm
|      6 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | Whales

(Added: Photo by Manuel Valdes)

2:27 PM: It’s perfect whale-watching weather if you’re looking out over Elliott Bay – the black fins are easy to spot in the silvery water. And you just might see some – Kersti Muul reports that orcas have been in the middle of the bay this past hour. Let us know if you see them!

5:25 PM: Still in the bay, commenter Bill reports – right off Anchor Park.

6:52 PM: Added above, a photo sent by Manuel Valdes, who says the calf is “T124D4 as ID’d by Brittany Noelle from Kersti’s WhatsApp group.”

7:24 PM: Two more photos, sent by Robin Sinner:

Those sightings were from Jack Block Park.

ADDED: Video from Kelly Howard:

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New audience for Mode Music Studios’ founder, as her light-rail move looms: Elected officials
February 22, 2025 12:27 pm
|      26 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | Sound Transit | West Seattle news

(Sound Transit rendering of Delridge station site)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Erin Rubin, who owns Mode Music Studios (WSB sponsor) and its nonprofit sibling Mode Music & Performing Arts, is used to making music.

This month, she’s also spent a fair amount of time giving testimony.

As we’ve reported previously, Rubin’s business and nonprofit are in a building that’s in the path of Sound Transit‘s Delridge station. But she’s had two challenges getting in the way of moving Mode somewhere out of that path, so that she and her staff can continue teaching hundreds of local kids:

For one, the building – where she’s been a tenant for a decade – was left out of Sound Transit’s early-acquisition plans, meaning relocation help couldn’t be offered to the tenants, unlike some buildings nearby. ST is looking at changing that; Rubin spoke to the ST Board’s System Expansion Committee last week as it considered an “early acquisition” resolution to buy the building that holds Mode and The Skylark, as well as the building down the block that holds Ounces. (Read the resolution here.)

But even if that happens, another hurdle is the amount of relocation help that can be offered. The Legislature is considering a bill raising the limit, HB 1733. Rubin testified to a Legislature committee last week and shared her statement with us afterward:

We currently serve over 400 students providing private music lessons. In addition, we work with Seattle Public Schools and partnering organizations to provide pay-what-you-can music arts education enrichment and music lesson scholarships to eliminate financial barriers in our local community.

We are waiting to be displaced by the light rail for the West Seattle Link Extension and have been told up until now that our cap for rebuild and rent increase will be $50,000. With the estimates we’ve received so far, we’re looking at somewhere between 350 and $400,000 to re-create the space that we currently are occupying on Delridge in West Seattle.

It’s extremely important for us that a cap increase to $200,000 be voted through not only for us but for other small businesses in other link extensions and neighborhoods in Washington State that will be facing displacement for public transit. It is our reality that this number won’t meet all of our financial needs but gets us closer to what we require to build a space that can house our services.

The heart of our neighborhood communities lies in small business. It’s where our kids congregate after school. It’s where we buy birthday presents and dine on the weekends. In support of local art and education, we have a responsibility to make sure our businesses are able to financially see this next step through for our buildouts and rent increases so we don’t have to close our doors and that businesses down the line are also compensated for their moves in favor of public transit.

On Monday (February 24) at 10:30 am, HB 1733 will have a public hearing in the State House Transportation Committee. Rubin plans to go to Olympia to testify again in support of the bill. Later in the week, the “early acquisition” proposal goes to the full ST Board for its 1:30 pm Thursday (February 27) meeting; here’s the agenda, which also explains how to comment, either in person or remotely. The proposed purchase requires a two-thirds “supermajority” approval vote to pass. Rubin will be there; she says it’s vital to “keep showing up” – not just for her own business and its neighbors, but also to help ensure a precedent for the others in West Seattle that will need to move.

Meantime, the show must go on; until the timetable and relocation compensation are settled, Rubin can’t seek a new space in earnest, so she and the many local artists she employs as teachers at her two Modes are carrying on in the current studios, not just with lessons, classes, and school programs, but also planning for summer camps.

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TRAFFIC ALERT: Crash near southwest end of West Seattle Bridge
February 22, 2025 11:27 am
|      13 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

Thanks for the tips. Another crash is reported at the trouble spot near the curve toward the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge. Via text, Jeff describes it as “a mid-size SUV into the median barrier.” At least one westbound lane is blocked. Apparently no injuries reported, so far, as there’s no SFD dispatch.

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COUNTDOWN: 2 weeks until West Seattle recycle/reuse/shred event
February 22, 2025 10:59 am
|      3 COMMENTS
 |   Environment | Puget Ridge | West Seattle news

(WSB file photo)

Exactly two weeks until the annual “Beyond the Cart” free recycling/shredding event presented by the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce and West Seattle Junction Association with partners. It’s happening 9 am-noon on Saturday, March 8, in the north lot at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor). If you’re driving there, this year rather than have you idling in a long line waiting to unload, they’ll direct you to park and walk your stuff to the dropoff station(s). We verified, after the previous announcement raised questions, that assistance will be available for those who need it. Meantime, here again is the list of what they’re taking and not taking:

ACCEPTED ITEMS:

• Foam blocks
• Household batteries (no damaged batteries)
• Florescent tubes and bulbs (no broken bulbs, limit: 4 ft.)
• Small, empty propane camping canisters
• Small electronics (TVs, computers, etc.)
• Small appliances (non-freon)
• Paper for shredding (limit: 4 boxes of paper)
• Clothing, accessories, bedding, and curtains in good condition
• Home goods and toys

ITEMS NOT ACCEPTED:

• Stained, ripped, or worn-out fabrics
• Mismatched items (single shoes, etc.)
• Furniture
• Hazardous waste
• Automotive waste
• Construction waste
• Car seats
• Mattresses
• Household garbage, yard waste, or recycling

Trucks will leave when full.

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WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 30 possibilities
February 22, 2025 6:12 am
|    Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE SATURDAY: 30 possibilities
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Hellebores, photographed by Lorrie)

Here’s the lineup for your Saturday, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:

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).

INTRODUCTORY WALK: Prelude to the next event – meet 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 weekly walk in Lincoln Park (also meet at 47th/Fauntleroy).

COMMUNITY SCHOOL OF WEST SEATTLE OPEN HOUSE: Prospective families are invited to visit CSWS 10 am-noon today. (22nd/Roxbury)

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.

WASHINGTON STATE BLACK LEGACY INSTITUTE: Open 11 am-6 pm so you can see the Black History Month art exhibit at the new history institution headquartered at 2656 42nd SW.

‘FISHY FABLES’: 11 am-2 pm event with DNDA at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW):

Looking for a warm, indoor, family-friendly event inspired by our incredible urban waterways? Dive into water-inspired activities for all ages! Our event will begin with stories led by Indigenous storyteller Barbara Lawrence (she/her), a Suquamish Nation elder and artist. Enjoy live music, stunning water-themed visuals, educational art activities, and local food. We’ll have a raffle for local goodies!

Create artwork to display at Youngstown or take it home — this event has something for everyone! In partnership with Seattle Public Utilities’ Shape Our Water, we’ll celebrate local urban waterways and wildlife while exploring how we can shape our future together.

RSVP here.

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

CHOCOLATE BEER WEEK: That’s what The Beer Junction (4511 California SW) is all about right now!

FAMILY READING TIME: Canceled again today because Paper Boat Booksellers is moving.

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).

BUILD ANIMALS AT CLAY CAULDRON: 1-3 pm with Kirsten; our calendar listing explains how to sign up. (5214 Delridge Way SW)

THE REPTILE LADY: 2-4 pm, The Reptile Lady visits Ounces (3809 Delridge Way SW). All-ages venue!

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, Crawlers to Walkers Motor Skills Play Group.

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: West Seattle’s Acoustic Crisis performs 6-8 pm at the coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), no cover, all ages.

LATE NIGHT GAME NIGHT: 6-8:30 pm at Spruce Hill Winery (2960 4th Ave. S.; WSB sponsor) – our calendar listing has info on reserving your table.

LIVE AT EASY STREET RECORDS: 7 pm, Taste Testors take the stage. No cover, all ages. (4559 California SW)

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

‘GUIDED CONCERT’ AT KENYON HALL: One-of-a-kind musical experience at 7:30 pm:

Join Benjamin Jay Thomas and friends for an immersive guided concert blending soul-filled indie/folk melodies, storytelling, poetry, and communal singing. Featuring both traditional singer-songwriter songs and intention-based “mantrasongs,” this unique experience invites you to engage at your comfort level, deepening your connection to the music and the community.

Get tickets here. (7904 35th SW)

DRAG AT THE SKYLARK: West Seattle’s drag extravaganza West End Girls, hosted by Cookie Couture, doors 7 pm, show 8 pm, tickets here or at the door. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: Spinning starts at 9 pm – catch Alex Carrabba (Off 99). (4547 California SW)

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

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

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UPDATE: Crash on eastbound West Seattle Bridge
February 21, 2025 10:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

10:31 PM: If you have to head eastbound on the West Seattle Bridge any time soon, you might consider waiting a while – a crash response near the 1st Avenue South exit has blocked all eastbound lanes, according to police. SFD is checking on whether anyone’s hurt. Keep in mind the 99 tunnel’s overnight closure has just started, so that’s not a viable option right now if you need to head beyond downtown.

10:43 PM: Police report SFD has cleared – indicating no injuries of note – so the bridge is partly reopened; they’re awaiting tow trucks for the two vehicles involved.

11:32 PM: Officers just radioed that “the bridge is clear.”

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VIDEO: Tow trucks’ tribute to Stan Bradley
February 21, 2025 8:32 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

If you saw that tow-truck parade today (commenter ltmmgm did), here’s what it was about: A tribute to Stan Bradley, longtime owner of Stan’s Mt. View Towing in South Delridge, whose memorial service was today (here’s the obituary we published last month). The video was sent by his son-in-law, John Bennett, who also shared this photo of “Stan in his first tow truck”:

Mr. Bradley died in December at age 79.

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Warmer weather means Westside Neighbors Shelter will soon end overnight operations
February 21, 2025 6:59 pm
|      7 COMMENTS
 |   Triangle | West Seattle news

We just might have seen the last of this season’s subfreezing temperatures. That means emergency overnight operations can stop down at West Seattle’s only shelter. We just received this announcement from shelter operator Keith Hughes:

The time has come for me to embrace reality that the “Cold Weather” is over, and it is time to close the Cold Weather Overnight Shelter.

We have been open since the first week of November 2024, and in that time have provided 5,800 beds, over 11,000 meals, and over 9,000 items of clothing. Sunday, February 23, will be the last night of overnight stays at the Westside Neighbors Shelter, unless the weather takes a drastic turn.

We will continue to operate the Morning Warm-Up Center from 7 am till 11 am every day, including a healthy hot breakfast every morning at 8:30 am.

My sincere thanks to the citizens of West Seattle for generously supporting this effort, and giving me the peace of mind to know that when I ask, they will answer.

The shelter, co-housed with American Legion Post 160 and the West Seattle Veterans Center at 3618 SW Alaska, runs on donations and volunteers.

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UPDATE: Two poles down, power out after collision off Avalon Way
February 21, 2025 5:46 pm
|      9 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

5:46 PM: The traffic effects haven’t been fully described by radio – aside from “slowing both directions” – but if you’re traveling Avalon Way near the bridge soon, be aware there’s a collision response involving two downed utility poles, and downed power lines from at least one of them. This is at Bradford/Avalon/30th; the poles are said to be on Bradford, on the west side of the intersection, reported to have been taken out by a vehicle rolling off a flatbed truck. No injuries reported so far.

6:38 PM: Thanks to commenter Matthew for that view from above.

1:59 AM: We checked the Seattle City Light map not long after the poles came down, and no outage was showing, but at some point since then, that’s changed, and 150 customers are out in the area.

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UPDATE: Admiral Way Bridge lane-configuration change
February 21, 2025 4:31 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

4:31 PM: Thanks for the tips! We just went up to confirm that the Admiral Way Bridge lane configuration has changed again. Now it’s one lane each way in what are normally the bridge’s eastbound lanes (the south side). This is all related to the ongoing seismic-strengthening project, which, the city recently said, isn’t expected to be complete before summer.

10:34 AM SATURDAY: A reader reports the entire bridge is open this morning. Is that the end of the top-side closures? We’re still waiting for an update from SDOT.

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FOLLOWUP: City’s CARE Responders set the date for West Seattle service to begin
February 21, 2025 3:55 pm
|      21 COMMENTS
 |   Health | West Seattle news

(City of Seattle file photo)

3:55 PM: The city’s been mentioning for a while that its CARE Community Crisis Responders would expand service to the Southwest Precinct area (West Seattle and South Park) as soon as they were staffed up; Mayor Bruce Harrell mentioned it in his State of the City speech earlier this week, too. And now they’ve set the date: As announced today, March 10th will be the first day of CARE Responders’ service here (which is a few months past the “end of 2024” the mayor announced last year). As explained in the city announcement, the responders “will assist Seattle Police Department patrol officers on 9-1-1 crisis calls that are non-violent and non-life-threatening. CCRs will be dispatched via the Seattle CARE Department 9-1-1 Communications Center, for 9-1-1 call events with a nexus to behavioral health (mental illness/substance use) and/or homelessness.” The team has been in service for about a year and a half and reports to CARE Chief Amy Barden, who also is accountable for the 911 Center, through which the Community Crisis Responders are dispatched, as are police. The city has 27 CCRs, and three are supervisors who also are Mental Health Professionals. We have a question out to the city about whether they’ll be physically based on this side of the river, in addition to responding to incidents here.

5:28 PM: CARE Department spokesperson Sean Blackwell replied:

Seattle CARE Department (CARE) Community Crisis Responders are currently headquartered at Seattle Municipal Tower and have additional office spaces at the Seattle CARE Department 9-1-1 Communications Center (located at SPD West Precinct) and the University of Washington Police Department (UWPD).

CARE is in the process of procuring additional office spaces in South Seattle (South Precinct), West Seattle (Southwest Precinct), North Seattle (North Precinct) and in the Capitol Hill/Central District (East Precinct).

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen red Sonata; ‘weird’ theft
February 21, 2025 2:02 pm
|      4 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | West Seattle news

Two reader reports in West Seattle Crime Watch:

STOLEN CAR: The report is from Jennifer:

Our car was stolen sometime between yesterday evening and noon today:

2015 red Hyundai Sonata
License # AVJ9617

Police report #: 25-48424

We’re off 34th and Morgan in High Point.

If you find it, call 911.

‘WEIRD’ THEFT: The video and report are from Kristy:

My front garden is inches from the sidewalk on California/Charlestown so I’ve grown kinda used to kids and weirdos messing with my stuff, but I had a weird visitor at 5:20 this morning. He took a trash can full of garden waste, so nothing really worth anything to me, but I have not seen someone on our cameras who looked this ready to burglarize. Just wanted to send this over in case anyone else is reporting seeing this dude.

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BIZNOTE: 1 week until grand opening of Mr. B’s Mead Center at former tool shop
February 21, 2025 12:10 pm
|      11 COMMENTS
 |   Delridge | West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news | WS beverages

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

A transformation from tool shop to “enchanted forest” (and more) is almost complete at 9444 Delridge Way SW.

That’s where Brandon Eller and Krista Eller – aka Mr. B and Mrs. B – will open Mr. B’s Mead Center one week from today, on Friday, February 28, an expansion of Mr. B’s Meadery in Fremont.

At Mr. B’s Mead Center, they are the new owners of the former Center Tool Rental site, re-envisioning it as not only an all-ages “safe community space” but also the production center for their mead; they’ve just moved production from SODO.

Not familiar with mead? Short description: “Honey wine.” But that doesn’t mean it’s “cloyingly sweet,” Krista says, cautioning prospective new customers against assumptions. Look at all the different descriptions on their “soft open” menu:

They’ve been selling most of their mead out of their other venue in Fremont, now in its fourth year, with a few wholesale customers. But unlike some brewpubs, the production facilities aren’t the visual centerpiece of this space.

Their woodsy, quirky decor is. Krista’s been doing much of the woodwork.

Some of it is repurposed, like this tree table you might recall from the shuttered Lodge in the West Seattle Junction.

The “enchanted forest” even features live trees. How did this all sprout in a former tool shop? Brandon explains that he grew up “in the south end,” and he and Krista live in this area. “I just kind of stumbled onto this place,” whose owner Doug was looking to sell and retire. He’s seen the transformation, they add, attending a friends-and-family test run a few nights ago.

He looked around, wide-eyed, they explain, and you likely will too. Even the restroom space has memorable decor – a hallmark of their other location, they explain:

And this won’t just be a place to drink (regular pours, by the way, are 5-6 ounces, and they’ll have a carbonated mead on tap too, with a honey soda also among the offerings). They’re planning events – a limited amount of live music, maybe Brandon’s own band Elephant Crows (“classic rock”). Live art too – Brandon mentions a “liquid light show.”

Wondering about food? Mostly just “snacks – things we can buy” to serve. Charcuterie, for example.

As with most new venues, the plan will keep evolving as they watch how the community responds (the decor won’t be static, either, they promise); starting hours will be 4-11 pm Thursdays and Fridays, 1-11 pm Saturdays, 1-8 pm Sundays. Next Friday’s grand-opening celebration will kick off with a 3:30 pm ribboncutting.

P.S. Scroll down the Mr. B’s Mead Center webpage for a huge helping of history about the site and far more details about their plans.

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READER REPORT: 2 abandoned bicycles
February 21, 2025 10:51 am
|    Comments Off on READER REPORT: 2 abandoned bicycles
 |   Found bicycles | West Seattle news

The photo and report were sent by Nicole:

We have a couple dumped bicycles in front of our house. They are in good condition and showed up sometime overnight last night/this morning. They are at 30th Ave SW and SW Cambridge.

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13 options for your West Seattle Friday
February 21, 2025 9:40 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Photo by Marina Clough)

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

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)

BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS: The West Seattle HS boys play Garfield at Bellevue College, 3:30 pm. (3000 Landerholm Circle SE)

MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: Steve Itterly and Friends perform at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), 6-8 pm, no cover, all ages.

LISTENING PARTY AT EASY STREET RECORDS: Join the party to hear “So Close to What” by Tate McRae, 7 pm, free/all ages. (4559 California SW).

LIVE AT KENYON HALL: Songwriter Incubator open-mic night – 6 pm signups, 6:30 pm music. (7904 35th SW)

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

LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: Baby Crow Flight School, AR Band, Cooper Point Rd, doors at 7 pm and music at 8 pm, details here. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

REVELRY ROOM DJ: 9 pm, DJ Twilight 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: Little Sister, Norman Baker and the Backroads.

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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Memorial service planned March 8 for William J. Code, 1921-2024
February 21, 2025 9:00 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Obituaries | West Seattle news

Family and friends will gather March 8 to remember Bill Code, and are sharing this remembrance with his community now:

William John Code
Aug. 24, 1921-Dec. 4, 2024

Bill, to his great surprise, but no doubt thanks to his clean living, generous heart, and incredible willpower, reached the age of 103. Born in Seattle, he grew up on Queen Anne Hill and developed a circle of friends with whom he remained close throughout his life. When Bill was 15, his father passed away, but he was well-loved and supported by a strong mother, Elizabeth, and an older brother, Clar. In 10th grade, Bill chose to be baptized at the Queen Anne Baptist Church, the dawn of his deep and abiding faith. The YMCA was the other touchstone and source of guidance in his life. He loved going to Camp Orkila and playing sports of all kinds, especially basketball. During his senior year, Bill captained the high school team, which in turn won the all-city championship. Bill went on to play basketball at the University of Washington, but his athletic career came to an end with the US entry into World War II. Bill joined the Naval Air Corps and trained as a fighter pilot, flying a Corsair in the Pacific theater.

After the war, Bill’s mom insisted that he come home and finish his education at the UW, which was a good thing because he became reacquainted with fellow Queen Anne graduate, Betty Blair. Within two years, they were married and off to Chicago for a graduate program in social work. Bill had found a partner who could more than match his energy level and active lifestyle over the next 76 years.

Bill and Betty moved to West Seattle in 1952. They raised three children, volunteered with school programs and scouts, and spent many a weekend on the Key Peninsula developing a piece of property while also camping, fishing, and waterskiing with the kids. Bill and Betty were active members at West Side Presbyterian Church, where for almost 30 years, they ran a monthly lunch and entertainment program for people with disabilities. They felt blessed to be part of the West Side faith community and cherished their many church-related friendships.

Bill started his working career at the Seattle YMCA with the goal of giving back to an organization that had served him well. Later, to spend more time with family, he took a position at Cascade Chemical Company, eventually buying the business and expanding into Oregon. At age 76, Bill retired and sold Cascade to his sons, which gave Bill and Betty time to travel, golf, and attend the college graduations of five grandchildren. Bill loved his family and his country and did not take a minute of his 103 years for granted.

Bill is survived by his wife, Betty, and children, Bob (Mary), Merilee (Scott), and Jim (Claire), 8 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8th at West Side Presbyterian Church, 3601 California Ave. SW. In lieu of flowers, please consider remembering Bill with a donation to his church or the Seattle YMCA’s Camping and Outdoor Leadership Program.

(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: Friday info
February 21, 2025 6:01 am
|    Comments Off on TRAFFIC CAMS, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Friday info
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:01 AM: Good morning – it’s Friday, February 21, 2025. Last day of mid-winter break for those who had one this week.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Rain in the forecast, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 7:03 am and 5:42 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 now serving as the “bonus boat.”

CLOSURE REMINDER

-As noted here, the Highway 99 tunnel will close overnight tonight into tomorrow morning (2/21-22) for maintenance work.

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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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Auto-theft attempt with gunfire
February 21, 2025 2:17 am
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   Crime | Highland Park | West Seattle news

If you thought you heard a gunshot in the south Highland Park vicinity this past half-hour, it might have been the report Seattle Police are currently investigating near 16th/Elmgrove. Two men – described as white, 20s, one with a white beanie and stubble, one with dark clothing – are reported to have broken a car window in an apparent attempt to steal it. At least one had a gun and when they were interrupted is reported to have fired a shot into the air before they took off. Their vehicle is described as a pickup truck with elongated bed and canopy, possibly dark blue, blue LEDs. If you have any info on them and/or this incident, the SPD # is 25-047946.

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BIZNOTE: New (sort of) evening hangout in West Seattle Junction
February 20, 2025 11:12 pm
|      16 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle businesses | West Seattle news

They’re popular for pastries … and now you can delight in their desserts after-hours!

Snapdragon, on the ground-floor corner of the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon), just expanded its hours to open its doors as a champagne-and-dessert bar some nights: Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights, to be specific, from 4 pm until 9-ish, and tonight was Night 1.

Snapdragon is the offshoot of a beloved bakery on Vashon, and started West Seattle operations as a pop-up, eventually putting down roots.

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SPORTS: One local high-school team still standing in basketball playoffs
February 20, 2025 10:14 pm
|      2 COMMENTS
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS & Sports

The West Seattle High School boys are the only local high-school basketball team still in the playoffs, after both Chief Sealth International High School teams lost win-or-go-home games tonight: The girls lost to/at Cedarcrest 51-37, while the boys lost to/at Lindbergh, 73-50. The WSHS boys play Garfield at 3:30 pm tomorrow (Friday, February 21) at Bellevue College (3000 Landerholm Circle SE) – winner to state, loser out.

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‘School Street’ signage disassembled, thrown aside on 45th Avenue SW
February 20, 2025 7:37 pm
|      15 COMMENTS
 |   Safety | West Seattle news

After a tip, we went over late today and confirmed that the “School Street” signage on 45th Avenue SW in front of Madison Middle School has been damaged, a little over a month after the weekday street closure was implemented. Our photographer reports the signs are in pieces on both ends of the block, a little too deliberate-appearing to blame on, say, yesterday’s wind. We’re checking with SDOT about plans to replace it.

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FOLLOWUP: Here’s the mayor’s promised executive order, hoping to speed up West Seattle light rail
February 20, 2025 5:01 pm
|      23 COMMENTS
 |   Sound Transit | West Seattle news | West Seattle politics

(Image from Final Environmental Impact Statement for West Seattle Link Extension, page 176 of appendix N.2)

As reported here two days ago, Mayor Bruce Harrell‘s State of the City speech on Tuesday included a mention that he planned an executive order aimed at accelerating Sound Transit light rail expanded to West Seattle and Ballard. (Currently, the WS extension is expected to open 2032, while the Ballard date is 2039.) When we followed up with his office about the details, they said the actual order would be out later in the week – and now we have it. Read the executive order here. It still is short on actual details of what kind of zoning changes will be proposed, among other things, saying only “In 2025 and 2026, my administration will develop several bodies of legislation, including land use code amendments, formal adoption of the ST3 projects, and necessary real property transactions to allow the projects to proceed as quickly as possible.” The order also says that while there’s currently a team with 20 full-time city employees focused on ST3 (the ballot measure that included the West Seattle/Ballard extensions), that will be multiplied: “The detailed plan will identify up to 50 additional staff in various City departments who will collaborate with Sound Transit on project design and engineering, environmental review and project permitting, and construction management and project impact mitigation, as well as lead on station area planning and access projects to support the new light rail station communities.” Read the announcement about the executive order here.

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WEEKEND PREVIEW: Unleash your thoughts about West Seattle’s second dog park
February 20, 2025 3:02 pm
|      31 COMMENTS
 |   Pets | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(WSB photo at future off-leash-area site during October event)

Even if you don’t usually go to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, you might want to visit this Sunday (February 23) if you have something to say about the plan for West Seattle’s second off-leash area. Almost a year ago, Seattle Parks announced that an area on the south side of the West Seattle Stadium grounds would become the site of our area’s second dog park. At the Farmers’ Market this Sunday, Parks plans an “open house” table/booth, four months after the previous “engagement event” at the future park site, currently used for overflow parking. Parks says its project team and design consultant will be at the market to show “concept design options” as well as gathering feedback and answering questions. The West Seattle site, expected to be built next year, is one of two new off-leash areas in the city that are budgeted together for $3.1 million from the Seattle Park District‘s second “funding cycle.” Sunday’s “open house” is scheduled for the same hours as the regular market, 10 am-2 pm.

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