West Seattle, Washington
16 Saturday
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
Jubilation for the Wildcats, dejection for the Lions, after West Seattle HS took a must-win Metro League 3A Tournament game last night at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex, 3-2 over Lakeside. They won in a walkoff – Samuel Kraynek hit a single for the winning RBI:
That brought in Owen Fahy:
One of WSHS’s two other RBIs was hit by Sacha Ninburg:
Cole Williamson got the other RBI. Others with hits included Blue Cheha:
Starting pitcher was Brady Sternberg:
He was pulled in the fourth inning and Cameron Fitterer followed:
After giving up two walks, Fitterer was replaced on the mound by Ninburg for the final inning. WSHS’s next game is tomorrow (Wednesday, May 13), vs. Garfield, 7 pm at Eastside Catholic.
8:04 AM: SPD and SFD are arriving at Cottage Grove Commons (5444 Delridge Way SW) for a report that a man was stabbed in the hand when someone tried to rob him of his phone. First officers on scene told dispatch they have taken a suspect into custody. Due to the size of the usual “scenes of violence” response for incidents involving weapons, northbound traffic is likely to be impeded in that area.
8:08 AM: The victim’s wound is described as a “minor abrasion” so all but SFD units but one are being dismissed.
6:00 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, May 12, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the mid-70s. Sunrise was at 5:35 am; sunset will be at 8:36 pm.
(Recent sunset photo by Chris Frankovich)
CLOSURE ALERTS
–WSDOT now says the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge will close all weekend again this weekend. Multiple lanes are closed nightly till then, as explained here.
-Also, as announced, SDOT plans to close the West Seattle low bridge to drivers this weekend. (We have an inquiry out about whether the WSDOT plan will change this one at all.)
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
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 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!
(WSB photo, 2025 Fauntleroy Fall Festival)
Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack … if you dine at Endolyne Joe’s tomorrow (Tuesday, May 12), you’ll be supporting the Fauntleroy Fall Festival.The restaurant at 9261 45th SW is open 8 am to 9 pm; if you go at dinner time (5 pm or later), look for the festival organizers auctioning gift baskets as part of the fundraiser. The festival is happening on Sunday, October 18, and runs entirely on donations and volunteer power, so this helps the free fall fun continue.
<(WSB photo - new Delridge Farmers' Market site at 9th/Henderson)
Five weeks after we first told you about the Delridge Farmers Market moving to a new location this year, its first session of the season is just days away: 10 am-2 pm Saturday (May 16). The market is presented by African Community Housing and Development, which will have a ribboncutting at the start of the day, with Mayor Katie Wilson and District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka scheduled to participate. And tonight we have the opening-day vendor list, from ACHD’s Indra Budiman:
FARMERS:
Umoja N’Inguvu Farm (spinach, arugula, turnips)
Fruitfull Means (Chelan Valley apples, apple chips)
La Huertita Farm (duck and quail eggs, local seasonal veg)
Aash Farms (microgreens, mixed veg, plant starts)
Heu’s Blooms and Greens (greens and flower bouquets)
Mycology Mushrooms Medicine (local culinary/medicinal mushrooms)HOT FOOD:
Afella Jollof (Senegambian cuisine)
Amara Kitchen (Kenyan cuisine)
El Mextico (aguas frescas, tamales, etc)
Apapacho Mexican Treats (sweet Yucatan marquesitas)PREPARED/PACKAGED FOODS:
Alchemy Harvest (direct trade sustainably sourced coffee)
Queen Sugar Baking Company (Southern comfort baked goods)
Sassy Squeezers Lemonade (freshly squeezed lemonade)
Butter Bandit Bakery (Asian sweet treats)
Kehau’s Ono Grindz (Hawaiian treats)
Black Stash Coffee Roasters (hot coffee, South Asian snacks)
Tozi Teas (herbal medicinal teas)
Mixt Cafe (PNW/Filipino fusion beverages and pastries)
Nura Renüa (refreshing coconut-based drinks inspired by Puerto Rican recipes)ARTISAN:
Avea Glow (shea butter based skin care)
Amaj Scents (candles, scents, skincare)
Marooned Gifts (handcrafted jewelry)
Inspired x Chey (pressed botanical jewelry)
Heartful Rootz (herbal medicine, topical salves made with local botanicals)COMMUNITY
Burien Little Seed Library (free seeds!)
Seattle Parks and Rec (blender bike and youth engagement)
Highland Park Improvement Club (local neighborhood engagement)
White Center Solidarity (community potlucks)
The market’s new location was long the site of Morning Star Mini-Mart, famous for its barbecue until it closed almost five years ago. Its previous location was on the grounds of Hope Academy on 18th north of Roxbury. As we noted in our April report, one big reason for the move is to call attention to the ACHDO-owned land across the street, where the organization plans to build and open a permanent “public market.”
(WSB photo, May)
Lafayette Elementary‘s students and staff are dealing with the aftermath of a pipe break. Principal Cindy Chaput sent families a note, which was forwarded to us:
Update on Flooding Issue for Lafayette Elementary Families
Dear Lafayette families and staff,
Today, our school experienced a pipe burst resulting in flooding in the kitchen, cafeteria, and office hallway.Repair and cleanup work are underway. While this work continues, the front entrance, kitchen, and cafeteria will be closed for the remainder of the week.
You may notice higher humidity levels and a mild odor as part of the drying process. Please be assured there are no concerns about air contaminants affecting student or staff safety. Drying equipment will be in place throughout the week and will be located away from classrooms.
To maintain a safe and secure environment when doors are open for ventilation, a facilities staff member will be present. You may also see increased presence of a security division lead on-site and the school gates will remain locked.
We have made the following arrangements to support students during this time:
• School Access: Students and families should enter the building through the back entrances.
• Lunch: Culinary Services will provide sack lunches for the remainder of the week. Students will eat outside on the playfield or under the covered area in the event of inclement weather.
• Childcare: Childcare programming will continue in the library.
We understand that this situation may cause concern or inconvenience, and we appreciate your flexibility and cooperation. The health and safety of our students and staff remains our top priority.
If you have any questions, please contact the school office.Thank you for your patience and understanding.
We’re checking with district HQ to see if there’s any additional information. We don’t know if it’s related to any of the boiler work done in a major project five years ago. Lafayette is West Seattle’s most populous elementary, with 532 students as of last month’s official count. It’s been considered, but passed over, for a rebuild in district levies.
When WSDOT announced the schedule for its second phase of repairs to the northbound 1st Avenue South Bridge, they warned, “Additional night or weekend closures are possible depending on the pace of bridge repairs.” Along with the nightly closures already planned, they’ve also just announced the northbound bridge will be closed all weekend again starting this Friday night (May 15). Here’s the new plan, with a reminder first about the weeknight closures:
Up to three lanes of northbound State Route 99 will close across the First Avenue South Bridge in Seattle from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly Monday, May 11, through Friday morning, May 15. At least one northbound lane will remain open each night.
The following northbound SR 99 ramps also will close at the same times each night:
On-ramp from South Holden Street.
On-ramp from Occidental Avenue South.
Off-ramp to South Michigan Street.Contractor crews working for the Washington State Department of Transportation will move scaffolding on the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South Bridge to prepare for a second consecutive weekend closure across the northbound bridge from [10 pm] Friday night, May 15, to [5 am] Monday morning, May 18.
Crews replaced five failing steel grid deck panels during the May 8-11 weekend closure of the northbound SR 99 First Avenue South Bridge. They will replace five more panels during the weekend closure May 15-18 to finalize Phase 2 emergency bridge repairs.
Phase 3 will be a full replacement of the northbound bridge deck, WSDOT has said, likely sometime next year.
P.S. SDOT had announced the West Seattle low bridge would close this weekend – to driving – for work, and we already had an inquiry out regarding specific times, so we’re asking if this closure will change the plan at all.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
A suspect has been arrested and charged in three West Seattle business burglaries – in addition to four others around the city. All but one were burglaries at pet-supply shops. The suspect is 27-year-old Teresa R. Scavotto, seen here in a photo from the charging documents:
The seven counts of second-degree burglary include April 16 break-ins in the West Seattle Junction, at Next-to-Nature (as reported here) and co-owned The Hydrant next door. All the other charges involve locations of All The Best Pet Care, including the West Seattle shop at 4722 Fauntleroy Way SW, which the charging papers say was burglarized on April 15.
Though Scavotto is alleged to have stolen two dog jackets from the local All The Best – detectives note she had a dog with her when she was arrested – her primary targets, investigators say, were the stores’ safes, from which she allegedly procured thousands of dollars in cash. Here’s a paragraph from the detective’s report included in the charging papers, describing her alleged MO:
… After reviewing the cases, I observed the following similarities. The same vehicle used in all 3 incidents. The same method of entry being that of breaking the front window and going in through there. Teresa immediately proceeded to look for a safe. Teresa then uses the same bright colored crowbar to try and pry a safe open or completely off. Despite Teresa wearing a face covering, the same body type and build can be observed in all 5 incidents.
The same hair type could be seen in one of the incidents, it is styled in dreads and blonde in color. This same hair color would then later be seen during (her) arrest. The same green vest in the last 2 burglaries would later be found in the stolen vehicle with money coming out from it. The angle grinder in the stolen vehicle which was consistent in the damage that occurred during the last two burglaries. The black sling style backpack that Teresa was wearing in one of the burglaries also being found in the driver seat of the vehicle. …
The “stolen vehicle” refers to a car through which she was traced when tracking technology placed it at a north Seattle storage unit linked to her – a storage unit in which some burglary loot was found, including jewelry stolen from The Hydrant. She was arrested at the storage site and then charged in the vehicle theft; jail records show she was booked on that case late in the day on April 16 – same day as the burglaries at Next-to-Nature and The Hydrant – and released one day later. She didn’t appear for arraignment and was arrested on a warrant for that May 3; she is still in jail today, in lieu of $55,000 bail, and was due for arraignment on the burglary charges today. The new documents say she has a criminal history in the past four years including theft, obstructing an officer, and carrying a concealed pistol without a license
8:29 PM: At today’s arraignment on both these charges and the auto-theft case, Scavotto pleaded not guilty, and Judge Nelson Lee granted her lawyer’s motion for release, provided she reports to the alternative program CCAP starting tomorrow morning. We found the documents in the car theft case; the Honda Civic in the case against Scavotto was one of seven vehicles prosecutors say were taken in an April burglary from Crash Champions at 4501 38th SW in West Seattle. No surveillance video reported in that case so Scavotto is not charged in that burglary, though detectives wrote that some car keys also taken in that burglary were found in the car she is charged with stealing. Her next hearing is scheduled for June.
(Photos courtesy of West Seattle Junction Association)
9:51 AM: They’re here! The West Seattle Junction Association‘s annual hanging flower baskets have arrived in the past hour and they’re going up.
This year you’ll see 96 baskets in the heart of The Junction, “adopted” by local people and businesses to help cover the costs (WSB “adopts” one every year too). They were again this year grown by Van Wingerden Greenhouses in Whatcom County. We’ll head down in a bit for a closer look at some of them; you can see them by visiting The Junction, perhaps for upcoming events like this Friday night’s Wine Walk!
2:34 PM: Adding more photos, from WSB’s Torin Record-Sand:
And as forwarded by WSJA executive director Chris Mackay, here’s the grower’s list of specific plants!
Who Knew Orleans:
Calibrachoa Minifamous Uno Yellow+ Red Vein
Petunia Headliner Red
Verbena Lascar Mango Orange
Fruit Cocktail:
Calibrachoa Cabaret Neon Rose
Calibrachoa Cabaret Orange
Calibrachoa Cabaret Yellow
Spirits United:
Calibrachoa Cabaret Bright Red
Calibrachoa Cabaret Deep Blue
Calibrachoa Cabaret White
Sun Mixes
Mix #1
Dynamo dark salmon
Headliner Blueberry Swirl
Neo Cali Orange + red eye
Bacopa big falls white
Verbena mango orange
Mix #2
Headliner Lipstick Petunia
Indian summer petunia
Magadi basket dark blue lobelia
Ipomea solar power lime heart
Ipomea ace of spades
Mix #5 replaced bees knees mix with this
Who Knew Orleans
Mix #11 (replaced twice as nice with fruit cocktail)
Fruit Cocktail
Mix #14
Spirits United
Mix #15
SuperCal Bonfire Mix
Petcho Cinnamon
Petcho French Vanilla
Petcho Orange sunset
Shade
Mix # 16
Begon Groovy Orange
Creeping Jenny
Bacopa Big Falls White
Cha Cha Cali Diva Apricot
Mix # 19
Begon Groovy Red
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma)
Bacopa Big Falls White
neo Cali Double Yellow
(Photo by Rosalie Miller, who explains: ‘Ground nesting native Mining Bee, Genus Andrena, in a West Seattle garden’)
Here’s your Monday list of highlights, mostly from our West Seattle Event Calendar:
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). For up-to-18-month-olds. Free.
NO CITY COUNCIL BRIEFING MEETING: Canceled today.
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond)
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUPS: 4 pm and 6:30 pm, weekly group gatherings for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee. Before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
CRAFTING: It’s Crafty Night at Tim’s (16th/98th, White Center), 6-9 pm.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too! $5.
HIGH-SCHOOL SPORTS: In baseball playoffs, West Seattle HS faces Lakeside at 7 pm at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle).
CHESS NIGHT: 7 pm at Mission Cantina (2325 California SW).
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues offer you the opportunity for trivia tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) and 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players! Enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
ALKI MEDITATION: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
MEDITATION IN FAUNTLEROY: Free weekly Zen sitting/meditation in the chapel at Fauntleroy UCC (9140 California SW), 7 pm-8:30 pm.
JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: Monday night jazz with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: End your Monday with a song (or two) – karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria (4718 California SW).
Big thanks to everybody who sends info for our calendar; if you have something to add or cancel (or update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
Quick reminder that if you haven’t already responded to the city’s survey on its Draft Outdoor Racquet Sports Strategy announced last month, it closes today at 3 pm per the city website. Find the survey link here.
6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, May 11, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunny, high in the mid-60s. Sunrise was at 5:36 am; sunset will be at 8:35 pm.
(Photo by Mike Burns – Sunday’s sunset)
CLOSURE ALERTS
-After this weekend’s 1st Avenue South Bridge northbound repair closure, the work now moves to overnight closures, 10 pm to 5 am Monday through Thursday nights this week and next, still northbound side only.
-Also, as announced, the West Seattle low bridge will be closed to drivers next weekend, May 16-17.
TRANSIT TODAY
Metro buses – Regular schedules.
Washington State Ferries – Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route is back to the regular three boats. Check the alert page for any last-minute changes.
West Seattle Water Taxi – Now on “summer” schedule, with extra Friday/Saturday/Sunday runs including later-night schedules Fridays and Saturdays.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS
High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:
Low Bridge – Here’s the westward view. Also note, maritime-opening info is available via X (ex-Twitter):
1st Avenue South Bridge (25 mph speed limit):
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 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!
3:26 AM: The 7-Eleven at 16th SW and SW Holden in Highland Park has just been robbed, according to police radio, and officers are searching for the robber. The preliminary description they’re circulating is a Black man in his 20s, 5’8″, heavy build, beanies, black, white, and blue jacket, black pants, black-and-white shoes, armed with a gun, last seen running westbound. A K-9 is expected to join the search, which means neighbors might hear siren chirps and/or PA announcements. The robber is reported to have taken an unspecified amount of cash; no injuries reported so far.
3:43 AM: Officers told dispatch the robber might have been associated with a white SUV.
10:39 AM: The short police summary for this robbery adds only one thing to what we’ve reported: “He did not appear to have worn gloves in the surveillance footage and an item he dropped was placed into evidence to be processed for latent fingerprints.”
PHOTOS BY OLIVER HAMLIN FOR WEST SEATTLE BLOG
(Bodhi Smith celebrates after Sealth gets the final out)
A Saturday morning victory has sent the Chief Sealth IHS Seahawks into Thursday’s district championship game. They beat Cedarcrest 13-6 Saturday at Steve Cox Memorial Park to earn the title-game spot.
(Jaxton Daily on the mound)
That’s also where they’ll play Nathan Hale on Thursday night.
(Nevin Pivar on the mound)
In Saturday’s victory, Nolan VanBuskirk batted in three runs:
So did Julian Reinhardt:
Graham Hull scored three runs:
Railay Keokitvon notched two:
Oliver Pivar had two hits:
Here’s Oliver Clark diving for a catch:
Head coach Ernest Policarpio and his Seahawks play for the district championship at 7 pm Thursday.
Season-opening matches are in the books for West Seattle’s pre-pro soccer clubs, Rhodies FC and Junction FC.
WSB contributing photojournalist Dave Gershgorn was at the opening match of the doubleheader, Rhodies vs. Tacoma Galaxy. Rhodies were victorious – but first, a new era dawned after the club owners won their long battle for the right to serve wine and beer at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex:
Viscon Cellars (WSB sponsor) owner Ben Viscon was pouring today:
Food offerings included the Crispy’s truck from the DubSea Fish Sticks baseball team next door in White Center:
It was a proud day for owner Jessica Pierce – recent winner of the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s Westsider of the Year award – who posed with sponsorship coordinator Andrew Otwell:
On to the match! Here are some scenes from the Rhodies’ 1-0 victory over the Galaxy:
We couldn’t stay for the Junction FC match that followed, but they also played Tacoma, (corrected) winning 4-0.
WHAT’S NEXT: The Rhodies play at home the next two Sundays too, starting with 2 pm May 17 vs. Snohomish United – tickets are available here. Junction FC isn’t back home until Sunday, June 7, 2 pm, vs. Midlakes United – tickets available here.
(WSB photo, 2025)
The Duwamish Tribe, which has had the same chair for half a century, now has a vice-chair too. That’s one of the actions taken at its annual meeting. The tribe sent this summary of the meeting last weekend:
Duwamish Tribal Members elected three leaders to the Duwamish Tribal Council at Saturday’s Annual Meeting [May 2] at the Duwamish Longhouse & Cultural Center. The annual Council elections are familiar and open to all tribal members 18 years and older and part of a long, uninterrupted history of Duwamish Tribal governance. This year, the election included a significant new change with the addition of a new Vice Chairperson position, which required approval by members of an amendment to the Duwamish Constitution.
Three of four candidates running for Tribal Council positions were elected at the May 2, 2026, Annual Meeting: Roger Boddy, Paul Nelson, and Victoria Welch. Mr. Boddy and Mr. Nelson were reelected while Ms. Welch will serve her first term and all three will serve three-year terms, a change made during the 2025 elections. Three seats on the Tribal Council will be on the 2027 ballot.
-Mr. Boddy is a Project Manager with Indian Health Services, overseeing projects that improve public health and quality of life in Native communities across the state. He also serves as a Councilmember and Vice President of Duwamish Tribal Services (DTS), a non-profit organization, where he has helped grow the Tribe’s endowment through strategic planning and responsible stewardship.
-Mr. Nelson brings over 20 years of experience working at Microsoft with a focus on process improvement and strategic solutions. He also serves as Tribal Secretary on the Council and as a Board Member and Treasurer for DTS where he helps guide strategic initiatives, governance, and community-focused programs that support the Tribe’s growth and advocacy for federal recognition.
-Ms. Welch has a background in administration, leadership, and community involvement, including running a small business, Bellasorellas Charcuterie. With her lifelong commitment to the Tribe and a strong sense of responsibility – especially as a new grandmother – she is motivated to give back and help continue the work of those before her and serve her community.
“As a governing body, it’s vital that our Tribal Council listens to and takes direction from our members,” said Honorable Tribal Council Chairperson Cecile Hansen (1975 – present). “Our annual meeting is an important opportunity for members and leadership to come together to connect, share stories and food, and plan a healthy, strategic, and vibrant path forward for the Tribe.”
Duwamish Tribal Members voted to approve the Constitutional amendment creating a new Vice Chairperson role and nearly unanimously approved the Council’s recommendation of Nancy Sackman (photo at right) to fill the role. Ms. Sackman is the Cultural Preservation Officer with the Duwamish Tribe and is dedicated to protecting and stewarding cultural resources across the region. Her work includes reviewing SEPA and EIS reports, monitoring construction and parklands for cultural impacts, and collaborating with community partners to support the preservation and visibility of Duwamish culture.
The Duwamish Tribe in 1925 was the first tribe in the Puget Sound to adopt a constitution and was the lead signatory to the Treaty of Point Elliott in 1855. The Tribal Council operates under this Constitution and is the primary governing body and legislative branch of the Duwamish Tribe, elected to enact laws, manage budgets and resources, establish strategic direction, carry out administrative oversight, and represent the Tribe in meetings with other Tribes and governments.
“A tremendous amount of work goes into planning the Annual Meeting every year,” said DTS Executive Director Kristina Pearson. “This special event has marked the beginning of summer for me personally since I can first remember, and I’m so honored to be able to help with the planning and hosting that further supports and strengthens the Tribe’s governance and sovereignty.”
Also discussed at the Annual Meeting was The Heron’s Nest, a 3.56-acre land-care project and community hub that was created by the broader community for the benefit of the Duwamish Tribe. Shared Spaces Foundation is in the process of rematriating Heron’s Nest to the Duwamish Tribe, a unique and powerful land-back project that will be celebrated at a June 13 event in the West Duwamish Greenbelt during citywide 2026 World Cup-related events.
The tribe’s Longhouse and Cultural Center is in West Seattle at 4705 W. Marginal Way SW.
Your three state legislators spent an hour and a half answering questions Friday night in a Town Hall organized by the 34th District Democrats. Not much of a turnout, but we recorded video so you could see and hear what they were asked and how they answered.
Many of the laws for which people tend to blame local officials are actually state laws, and these are the people who have the power to change them: State Senator Emily Alvarado and State House Representatives Joe Fitzgibbon and Brianna Thomas.
Moderator for the forum at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center was 34th DDs chair Jordan Crawley.
First segment featured Crawley asking questions submitted in advance; then came an open-mic Q&A period. Crawley first explained how the Legislature works, and that was addressed during some of the Q&A too – the fact that our state has a part-time Legislature, only in session a relatively short part of each year. And that doesn’t give them a ton of time to review and vote on proposals; Crawley noted that this past session featured introduction of 1,700 bills, and passage of 270.
Asked about the most-significant public-safety issues of the session, Sen. Alvarado mentioned immigration-related issues and others that left the state dealing with the federal government’s “cruelty and chaos.” Rep. Thomas mentioned her much-discussed employee-microchipping ban, observing that other states are tackling the issue too, saying ours is the 13th state to address it: “I’m very pro-bodily autonomy and anti-surveillance.” Rep. Fitzgibbon said legislation that “didn’t get done but should have” had to do with reforming juvenile sentencing laws to give offenders a better chance at rehabilitation.
The legislators also discussed what the state is doing to counter federal attacks on civil rights, reproductive rights, voting rights, and more. And they were frank about the contention that state government needs more revenue to deal with programs the current federal administration has punted back to the states. Rep. Thomas, having described herself earlier as unapologetically blunt, said her retort to critics is, “Yes, I’m a ‘tax-and-spend liberal’. What do you think government DOES?”
Other hot issues that were the subject of Q&A included housing, climate change, universal health care, universal child care (Rep. Fitzgibbon said he’s currently a stay-home dad because outside child care is unaffordable for his family), gun violence, alternative energy, and education. Listen to it all here:
Next event for the 34th District Democrats is their monthly meeting, also at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, 7 pm Wednesday, after a 6 pm pre-program about ranked-choice voting
3:37 PM: SFD and SPD are headed for a report of a two-vehicle crash, with one car on its side, at 15th/Henderson. They’re looking for a driver who is reported to have left the scene. Updates to come.
(Added: WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
3:40 PM: SFD had briefly upgraded the response to “rescue extrication” but turns out no one’s trapped, so they’re canceling the extra units. At least one person is reported to be following the walkaway driver on foot. The vehicle on its side is described as a “cargo van.”
3:59 PM: Adding photos. Police have described the van as the suspect’s vehicle; it has Indiana plates they couldn’t trace but they just said over the air that its VIN traces to a van stolen in Redmond. The partial description circulated of driver who ran is Hispanic, male, 5’4″, shirtless (they found what might have been his shirt at 18th/Trenton), possibly missing a shoe.
4:13 PM: Our crew says at least two parked cars were damaged. SDOT was called to clean up what was described as an extensive fluid spill.
(WSB file photo: All ages welcome at West Seattle 5K!)
Reminder that one week from today – Sunday, May 17 – is your first and biggest chance to run/walk Alki in a 5K this spring/summer – this year’s West Seattle 5K, presented by the West Seattle High School PTSA. The West Seattle 5K is a fundraiser for programs supporting WSHS students. You can still register online to be part of this community event: westseattle5k.com. (Also remember, Alki and Harbor Avenues will close for a few hours next Sunday morning for the WS5K, which starts at 9:30 am.)
7:39 AM: Seattle Fire has a water-rescue response heading toward the Duwamish River under the West Seattle Bridge. Police are already searching under the bridge. This follows the discovery of an abandoned car on the shoulder of the crest of the high bridge’s eastbound side, and a report that someone might have jumped.
7:51 AM: So far they’re not finding anyone on land or in the water; the car apparently was first seen on the bridge at least an hour ago. It’s believed to have been driven by a 24-year-old woman.
(If thoughts of self-harm are being experienced by you or someone you know, the 988 hotline is always open.)
8:05 AM: SFD, SPD, and the Coast Guard are all searching, both with boats and with rescue swimmers and divers in the water.
8:20 AM: Divers and swimmers have been in the water for half an hour with nothing/no one found, so they’re ending the search. Police are trying other ways to see if the woman who would have been driving the car is safe somewhere.
11:01 AM MONDAY: SPD Harbor Patrol has told dispatch they’re recovering a body. We won’t know for sure if it’s the woman they were looking for until this appears on the Medical Examiner’s daily list, which isn’t likely before tomorrow.
3:35 PM TUESDAY: The ME’s list confirms the body they found was that of the woman they were looking for.
(On Alki this morning; photo sent by Charlotte, who’s missing her mom and honoring others who are too)
Happy Sunday, and happy Mother’s Day if you are celebrating! Our list for the hours ahead, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar, follows a traffic reminder:
NORTHBOUND 1ST AVENUE SOUTH BRIDGE STILL CLOSED: Repair work closure is supposed to continue until early Monday morning; we’ll update if it ends sooner (and please text us if you see it reopened before we do – 206-293-6302 – thank you!)
BONUS DAY FOR WSCGSD SALES: From the map/list for Saturday’s epic West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, here are the sale numbers that planned to be open today too (though be aware that some might have sold out early or changed their mind): Sale #6, Sale #10, Sale #54, Sale #141, Sale #158, Sale #269, Sale #324, Sale #350, Sale #378, Sale #441, Sale #455, Sale #466, Sale #558, Sale #578, Sale #656
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is meeting at Realfine Coffee (35th/Kenyon location) at 9 am today for this week’s Sunday Funday run.
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
(added) ADAPTIVE CYCLING DEMO: 10 am-2 pm:
Outdoors for All Foundation will be providing free adaptive bike rides for people with disabilities to ride on Alki. You can find them at the Don Armeni boat launch from 10 am to 2 pm. They will have recumbent trikes, handcycles, and tandems available for riders ages 7 and up. Eligible riders have a diagnosis or disability that prevents them from riding a 2-wheeled bike, or have balance and safety concerns related to aging or other conditions. They will be hosting 2 other events like this later in the summer.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open every Sunday year-round on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in full spring produce-and-products season – asparagus, greens, microgreens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – and many options for baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, poultry, fresh- and pre-prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta …
MASTER GARDENERS AT THE MARKET: Got a gardening question? Get an answer from a Master Gardener! Their weekly clinics at the West Seattle Farmers’ Market continue today, 10 am-2 pm. (Look for their booth toward the south end of the market.)
VASHON ISLAND ART STUDIO TOUR: Final day for the self-guided tour, all around the island, 10 am-5 pm (sponsoring WSB to be sure you know it’s happening).
WEEKEND SINGALONG BRUNCH: 10 am at Admiral Pub (2306 California SW), sing to hits of the ’80s, ’90s, ’00s and enjoy a buffet breakfast – if this morning is sold out, look at dates ahead.
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WALK AND TALK: Led by an English teacher, for English-language learners who want to practice, 11 am walk. Fee. Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need/want to, or can’t, buy it? You’ll probably be able to find it at, and borrow it from, the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE RESIST: Regular weekly West Seattle Resist Sunday sign-holding event, 11:30 am-1:30 pm. South of Farmers’ Market. (California SW and SW Alaska)
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: You’re invited to hang out this afternoon at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
MOTHER’S DAY CRAFTING AT OUNCES: 1-4 pm, as part of Seattle Beer Week festivities. (3809 Delridge Way SW)
SOCCER SEASON OPENS: West Seattle’s two pre-pro clubs play their home openers in a doubleheader today at Nino Cantu Southwest Athletic Complex (2801 SW Thistle) – Rhodies FC vs. Tacoma Galaxy at 2 pm (ticket info here), Junction FC vs. Tacoma Stars at 5:15 pm (ticket info here).
GAME CAFE AT MR. B’: “Everyone Plays” Game Café presented by White Center Solidarity, 2-4 pm at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
MUSIC MATINEE AT TIM’S: DeadGrass at 2 pm at Tim’s in White Center (98th & 16th).
STEEPLECHASE AT KENYON HALL: 4:30 pm, Irish music at Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW).
TRIVIA AT MR. B’S: 5 pm with host Morgue Anne, trivia at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
(added) MAISY OWEN AT EASY STREET: 6 pm in-store concert at Easy Street Records (4559 California SW), free, all ages.
BLACK TEA AT REVELRY ROOM: 7 pm-midnight late-night tea service with host Jack Sanders, info and RSVP here. (4547 California SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Trivia starts at 7:30 pm – free to play, and you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE JAZZ AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm jazz, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Organizing, or helping with, an event that we could add to the WSB community calendar – whether one-time or recurring? Please email the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(WSB photo, 42nd/Morgan)
8:36 PM: Police are closing SW Morgan from Fauntleroy to 39th because of a standoff. Per radio communication, a man is “barricaded inside (a residence) with a baby.” We don’t know yet how this started, but avoid the area.
9:12 PM: 41st also is blocked at Morgan. And the SWAT team has been called in.
9:19 PM: Nearby residents heard what sounded like shots; an officer radioed to “send in fire” and asked that others “check on the child.” But we don’t yet know what happened.
9:26 PM: It’s still not clear from the fragmented radio transmissions what happened but talk of placing the suspect into a car leads us to believe he’s in custody. As for the “shots,” keep in mind there are several non-gunshot tactics in situations like this that can sound like shots/explosions but aren’t.Meantime, a neighbor reports SWAT has departed.
SUNDAY UPDATE: SPD released this summary:
At 1928 hours, Officers responded to a call of a male reported to be in crisis who had barricaded himself inside his residence with his infant in West Seattle. SWAT and HNT personnel heard the broadcasted call and responded to the scene. A short time later, the male was taken into custody without incident. The male subject was later transported and booked into KCJ for DV Assault and Criminal Mistreatment.
He remains in the King County Jail tonight.
(Photo sent by Katy)
As soon as the “LEASED” sign went up in the window at the former West Seattle Junction Starbucks space (4233 SW Alaska), people started asking us if we knew who. And now we do. Anchorhead Coffee is moving in. Anchorhead owner Jake Paulson tells WSB, “Anchorhead is a Seattle-based coffee company focused on making high-quality coffee more approachable, with a strong emphasis on speed of service, consistency, and a thoughtful and unpretentious experience.” And, he says, “We’re excited to come to West Seattle” – he’s a former WS resident, in fact, and he says, “It’s an area that means a lot to me personally, so this one feels special.” Anchorhead has a handful of other locations currently – including Capitol Hill (here’s a 2021 Capitol Hill Seattle story about that) and Pike Place Market. No timeline or other details about the West Seattle expansion yet – “We’re still early in the process,” he says. Nine months have passed since the Junction Starbucks closed; the neighboring space, where Haymaker closed two years ago, also has new tenants moving in – Dave’s Hot Chicken and Gong Cha, as we first reported last October.
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