West Seattle, Washington
07 Saturday
(WSB file photo)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Saving salmon – and in turn, saving animals that need them, like Southern Resident Killer Whales – is a painstaking job.
Just ask the dozens of people who gathered steps from the Duwamish River’s southern stretch this past Tuesday to share strategies and successes about restoring the river’s habitat. We accepted an invitation to cover their presentations.
Much of what we hear about cleaning up and restoring the Duwamish River and its watershed focuses on pollution, contamination, and the multi-billion-dollar, decades-long work of cleaning it up. But those gathered for the Duwamish River Habitat Symposium (held at Tukwila Community Center) are the ones who take over after that – turning former industrial sites back into places where fish, plants, insects, and people can flourish.
The presentations touched on common problems – Canada Geese seeing restored habitat as a tasty buffet, for example. They also celebrated successes – at a Harbor Island site owned by Vigor, it was declared triumphantly that, “Juvenile salmon are feeding.” That’s at an area that hasn’t been “heavily used” since World War 2, right by the mouth of the Duwamish. They’re ultimately restoring it for insects, too.
A duo from the Port of Seattle livened up their presentation with “habitat restoration bingo,” underscoring how everyone in the room was dealing with similar challenges and triumphs.
The sites discussed at the gathering were along many miles of the Duwamish/Green River, from its mouth on Elliott Bay deep into the southern reaches. That’s where another presentation was focused, a six-acre site that had hed a rundown hotel, demolished 10 years and yielding 250 tons of asbestos. Lessons learned from that site: Don’t put wood where it doesn’t belong; the fish weren’t interested; the choice of restoration materials is important Also, be ready for surprises – they discovered a significant amount of stormwater drainage that had to be rerouted. Here, like other sites, they had to work on repelling geese – they even took over a pole that was meant for osprey.
Now, after a few years. the plants are growing well, and an ecologist who grew up in the area says it’s “magical to see … important and valuale to bring all that nature right to where people see it all the time.” (This site has some noise challenges, though – it’s in earshot of a rifle range.)
Back toward the north, a West Seattle site just south of the former T-105 Park (now known as t̓uʔəlaltxʷ Village Park and Shoreline Habitat), is owned by a subsidiary of Nucor (WSB sponsor), and its restoration project is in construction right now, almost complete. Past and present photos were shown:
The challenges on this site range from creosote pilings to a rail line that takes scrap steel to Nucor and has had “some past derailments,” the symposium was told. They had to “clear 3 1/2 feet of contaminated fill” and remove a steel bulkhead, eventually resulting in almost three acres of habitat area, half of it “intertidal.”
The firm KPFF worked on this site as well as the aforementioned Vigor site and said the two were “really different” – among other discoveries, they found “an old concrete bunker filled with cable and a “huge outfall … draining a large part of West Seattle.” This presentation was one of several that mentioned another common challenge – boaters that don’t observe the speed limit and therefore churn up wakes that can damage the restoration zones.
Also on the West Seattle stretch of the river, two Seattle Parks reps, David Graves and Matthew Hilliard, talked about one of the earliest projects, at
Herring’s House Park (Tualtwx) – you might recall Graves from West Seattle projects including the restoration of shoreline at Lowman Beach. He said it was important to recall “there was a place here” before there was a park. The siute includes “the last remaining oxbow on the river,” he added; the Duwamish was once a winding river before it was straightened in the name of industry. The city took over the site in the ’90s and took on a 17-acre restoration, 11 of the acres intertidal, 6 upland, completed in 2000.
The fish, however, haven’t been so interested in using this habitat, they said, so the question now is, how to make it better? They’ve hired a consultant for a feasibility study.
With all that, they’re at 30 percent design on projects; they’re planning for a “loop trail” to replace the “social trail worn throughout the years,” noting they’ve tried to “discourage” it over the years with fencing but that had been “destroyed three times” before they finally gave up. Park users also have put up problematic signs, Hilliard noted, such as “no minors.” In non-human challenges, the parks pair echoed others regarding geese. “You’ve got to goose-proof your plants or they’re going to be decimated.”
Back down to the Tukwila area, Mike Perfetti from the city spoke about two habitat-restoration projects, the Duwamish Gardens – near the mentioned-earlier Chinook Wind site – and a flapgate-removal project on Riverton Creek. The Duwamish Gardens site was an “abandoned derelict farm” (backstory here) bought by the city for a park. The cleanup required here was traced back to chemical contamination from years of farming, including DDT; cultural resources had to be respected as well. They had to excavate 30,000 cubic yards; 1,000 yards of that were able to be reused as a viewpoint.
One thing notable about this presentation – it was a reminder that some restoration sites include public access, some – mostly because they’re on an industrial site – do not.
The Riverton Creek project was aimed at restoring salmon access into the creek, by taking out flapgates and culverts, requiring many agreements and easements to work out. But in the end, the stream was daylighted and the shoreline restored. And – the fish are back.
One last jump back to the north: Duwamish River People’s Park and Shoreline Habitat, the Port of Seattle-owned site in South Park. This higlighted another point common to some presentations – the process of acquisition, cleanup, and restoration often takes many years; in this case, the port acquired the site in 2000, it was cleaned up 2012-2014, and park construction was 2020-2022. Now they’re in a “monitoring” phase that will continue until 2032.
Here, they built a sort of “macrame” fence to exclude geese, who had even kicked out nesting ospreys. Here too, the fish are back – far more chum than chinook – and the chum draw other predators, like river otters. Another challenge: South Park’s “king tides,” although the habitat features survived them.
Even for a layperson, the day was a fascinating peek into what it’s taken to try to bring stretches of “Seattle’s only river” back to life.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: Help with habitat restoration!
(WSB photo, spring 2024 Duwamish Alive!)
This spring, for example, you can join the Duwamish Alive! Coalition – which organized the symposium – at the twice-yearly, multi-site work party that will show up here soon.
If you have a teenager in your home – no matter what school they attend – you won’t want to miss this Thursday night event at West Seattle High School. We’re showcasing it in case you haven’t already seen it in our Event Calendar:
Stronger Together: Forefront Mental Health Night at WSHS – Library
March 5, 2026, 6-8 pmJoin community to share resources and skills to help support teens as they navigate feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and thoughts of suicide. West Seattle High School has partnered with UW’s Forefront in the Schools Program to educate communities and provide important tools needed to listen, empathize and protect our youth and each other. Bring a friend! Everyone welcome. All attendees have a chance to win raffle items from local businesses. Snacks and warm smiles provided.
RSVP recommended but not required: Mental Health Night at WSHS – March 5, 2026
WSHS is at 3000 California SW.
(WSB photos)
Though it does not appear to be part of the future Glassyard Commons RV lot/tiny house site, the lot at the west end of the land bordered by Highland Park Way, West Marginal Way, and 2nd Avenue SW was getting cleaned up this morning. After a reader tip, we went there for a look, and saw crews with state-logo vehicles, including the State Patrol.
Earlier in the morning, there had been a rush for police backup at the site when a trooper decribed as “with a stolen vehicle” wasn’t answering their radio. (They turned out to be OK.) This site – state-owned but not adjacent to the “Glassyard” site (city-owned property sits between the two) had had an unsanctioned RV encampment for a while; we’re following up on today’s cleanup with WSDOT’s encampments point person. Meantime, the community meeting about the future RV/tiny house site is this Thursday, March 5, 5:30 pm, at New Direction Missionary Baptist Church, 755 S. Homer in Georgetown,
If that bicycle is yours – good news, Steve has it. Someone abandoned it by a gate to Schmitz Park; he now has it for safekeeping, Contact us and we’ll connect you.
Thanks to David for the moonset photo. Will we see the lunar eclipse overnight? All depends on the weather; if the clouds don’t take over, 3 am-4 am is the window of totality here. Meantime, here’s what’s on our list for the hours ahead, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
FREE TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm drop-in help at Alki Masonic Center. (4736 40th SW)
BABY STORY TIME: Noon at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). Free.
‘SOLUTIONS, NOT RESOLUTIONS’: Weekly speaker series continues with 1 pm presentation on “Fall Prevention” at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW). Our calendar listing explains how to RSVP.
FREE HOMEWORK HELP: Drop-in assistance for K-12 students at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), 4-5:45 pm.
COMMUNITY MEETING ABOUT BARTON REPAVING PROJECT: Paving work is ahead – and with it, detours – for the bus zone on SW Barton alongside Roxhill Park and across from Westwood Village. Tonight, learn about the plan and get questions answered, 6:30 pm online. Our calendar listing has the registration link.
D&D: Long-running weekly D&D at 6:30 pm at Meeples Games (3727 California SW). All welcome, first-time players too!
‘LISTENING TO GRIEF’ SUPPORT GROUP: 6:30 pm, ongoing weekly group gathering for people experiencing grief – you can participate once, weekly, or occasionally. Fee; before you go, RSVP/register here. (4034 California SW)
MONDAY NIGHT TRIVIA X 2: Two venues for trivia/quiz tonight! 7 pm at The Good Society (California/Lander) … 7:30 pm with QuizFix at The Skylark (3803 Delridge Way SW).
MEDITATE IN ALKI: Monday night meditation at Alki UCC is back this week, doors open at 6:45, meditation at 7. (6115 SW Hinds)
POOL TOURNAMENT: Pool players are invited to enter The Corner Pocket‘s weekly tournament starting at 7 pm. $10 buy-in. (4302 SW Alaska)
MEDITATE 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 music with The Westside Jazz Trio, 8 pm at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW), 21+, no cover.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 9 pm Mondays, 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 otherwise update), please send the info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
(October 2025 photo)
Roxhill Elementary teacher Shawna Prynne is launching a fundraiser for outdoor education and hopes you’ll help:
The outdoor school experience is one is remembered for a lifetime. When students have the opportunity to attend outdoor school, not only do they experience unique learning opportunities, they also share valuable time with their peers, building strong relationships that will carry on long after outdoor school ends.
This year, our budget has gotten much tighter. In the past, we received a state grant that helped offset the cost of camp, but those funds have been cut from our state budget. Now, the cost of camp is looming over our already tight budget. We want all our 5th graders to continue to have this opportunity, so we need our community’s help.
The funds raised will be used to cover the cost of outdoor school, including tuition, transportation, and substitutes.
Outdoor school should be an experience available to all students, but unfortunately, the required funds can be a limiting factor, especially for lower income schools, like ours. Often, outdoor school is the first and only opportunity our students have to experience nature. We need our community’s support to continue this invaluable learning opportunity for our 5th graders. Thank you for helping us make outdoor school possible for every student.
The donation link is here.
8:55 AM: Two notes – police are investigating a report of possible gunfire near the ramp to 99 from the eastbound bridge; also, a reader sent us a photo of a truck. backup near the 1st Ave. S. exit on the westbound side.
Earlier:
6:03 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Monday, March 2, 2026.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET
Sunshine in the forecast – high in the upper 50s. Sunrise at 6:47 am; sunset at 5:56 pm. (Next weekend – early Sunday – we spring forward an hour!)
1ST AVENUE S. BRIDGE ALERT
Two lanes are still closed on the NB bridge, and the speed limit remains 25 mph.
TRANSIT TODAY
West Seattle Water Taxi – Regular West Seattle service, winter schedule.
Washington State Ferries – Check WSF’s alert page for any changes to the 3-boat schedule. Also check that page for an explanation of the 3 percent fee that’s now being added to car payments.
Metro buses – Regular weekday schedule and routes.
SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS (SDOT has fixed the framegrab problem)
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 (see the WSDOT alert above):
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!
(Story originally posted 8:22 pm, updated 12:32 am)
By Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
From a distance, they looked like a regular crowd of people enjoying a nice evening walk on the shores of Lincoln Park. But they were gathered here for a singular purpose: to scream. Since September 2025, the Scream Club Seattle has met at Lincoln Park on every third Sunday to scream, led by head organizer Amber Walcker. No explanation, justification, or invitation to scream is needed – come as you are. “There are some harder emotions people come here to deal with, sure, but some people also just come to scream.” head organizer Amber explained.
Tonight’s crowd showed the club is rapidly growing. From around a dozen or so participants in the first gathering in September, tonight seemed to attract around 40 people gathering to let it all out.
As the sun started to set, and everyone was finally gathered together, the Scream Club was ready to begin.
There are only three screams, organizer Amber explained. The first, she said, is a scream to get used to doing it in public. The second scream is there to ground you. And the final – and longest scream – is there to let you have an emotional catharsis.
She also wanted to make sure people were taking care of their vocal health beforehand. As she told everyone to walk a little bit from the meeting place and start to gather near the shore, she instructed the crowd to hum for a few minutes on the way, to warm up the vocal cords.
With that, the crowd walked towards the shore.
“On the count of one – two – three – scream!” said organizer Amber.
You can see our video of the proceedings here. After the screaming, we talked to a few participants about why they came out.
“There’s not one thing that’s really making me want to scream. There’s a lot of stuff going on for me, a lot of emotional ups and downs. Screaming into the ocean together gives you a sense of community.” said Jessie.
“This is my third or fourth time coming to scream. With the political climate, with everything that’s happening, getting together with local community to scream feels more productive than screaming into the internet on social media.” said Ursula.
“This is my first time coming out.” said Liz. “I screamed after the Seahawks won the Super Bowl, and I really felt something. I realized I’ve been feeling a lot of frustration recently, and it felt like coming here was a healthy way to get it out rather than screaming at your neighbors.”
Organizer Amber recognizes much of what they were saying. “Meeting like this can be an important element to have in your mental health toolbox. It’s rare to have scream therapy.” She shared an anecdote about the therapeutic origins of the group, which originally started with a chapter in Chicago. “The founder was a life coach. Their girlfriend was having a bad day, and they encouraged them to go to the Chicago Pier and just let it out. He walked her through the process, and that was that. Eventually they invited more people to come do it.” She hopes to bring that same therapeutic energy to the practice here. “It’s a moment of emotional release more than anything else. Depending on what’s going on in people’s minds, everyone will come here with a different mindset and purpose. We’re providing a safe space to do that.”
Scream Club Seattle meets at Lincoln Park on the first Sunday of every month, and they are also starting to meet on the third Sunday of every month at Golden Gardens in Ballard. Tentatively, the next events will be in Lincoln Park on April 5th around 6 PM, and Golden Gardens on March 15th around 5 PM. If you’d like to know more, you can find them on Instagram here or look at their future events on their Eventbrite page here.
Perfect view to the west as the sun set tonight (thanks to Carol Ann Joyce for the photo). Sunshine is predicted for tomorrow too, but the sky may not stay clear for long enough to assist would-be eclipse-viewers. A “blood moon” eclipse will be visible here, too, if clouds don’t get in the way, though currently the forecast suggests they will. For full eclipse details, West Seattle skywatching expert/educator Alice Enevoldsen recommends EclipseWise.com. That’s a bit technical, though; ,local time, totality will be 3 am to 4 am Tuesday.
ADDED 7:14 PM: Here’s a look at the full moon tonight, just after dusk:
Thanks to the team at Row West – the new indoor-rowing studio in The Junction – for letting us know about this achievement:
Row West head coach Susan Gehrke broke TWO world records (last) weekend, one that had stood since 2014, in qualifying rounds for the World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships!
General manager Nicole Pierson adds:
The 2026 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2, began on February 21st with Heats in the 1 minute and 1000m events. Racing from their homes or clubs around the world, competitors were all connected virtually through Concept2 indoor rowing machines. Susan Gehrke, rowing in Lightweight category for Women 75-79, set new age category world records in both events (pending official confirmation from Concept 2:
-1 minute row 280 meters (previous world record 262 meters set in 2025)
-1000m row: 4:05.5 (previous world record 4:09.2 set in 2014)
Row West opened earlier this winter at 4740 44th SW.
If you were hoping to get to I Luv Teriyaki just off the 1st Avenue South Bridge on their first day back open – you’re out of luck if you didn’t go early. A reader texted us that there was a line around the block on midday; we got over a bit later and discovered they were sold out!
The restaurant (which has many West Seattle fans) has been closed for three years, rebuilding after a kitchen fire gutted it in March 2023. We reported a month ago that they were finally close to reopening; hours are 10 am-9 pm Mondays-Fridays, 10 am-8 pm Saturdays-Sundays.
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo, wondering about the big blue crane – labeled #70 – traveling through Elliott Bay by barge. According to online info, it was built in Wisconsin for the U.S. Navy to use in working on submarines at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton. This story says the 200-foot crane has been waiting to be towed here since completion 2+ years ago. It’s part of a four-crane contract, according to this report, and has been in transit from Wisconsin (Lake Michigan) since mid-November.
All sorts of spring dates are suddenly close – our clocks “spring forward” an hour one week from today, and spring officially arrives on March 20. One other date to throw into the mix – we are exactly one month away from the start of registration for West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, coordinated since its fourth year (2008) by us here at WSB! April 1 is when we open signups for WSCGSD, which is always the second Saturday in May – this year, that’s Saturday, May 9, 2026. WSCGSD is not one big sale, but rather an occasion for hundreds of sales all over the peninsula (most years including a few to the south in White Center, North Shorewood, and vicinity too), at houses, apartment complexes, schools, businesses, all sorts of venues. We produce a numbered map and sale list, with registration opening at the start of April and lasting 3+ weeks; the map (both printable and clickable versions) is available one week before sale day. Ours wasn’t Seattle’s first Community Garage Sale Day, but it’s become the biggest. So if you’re planning a sale, look for the registration announcement on April 1, and then be ready to sell and/or shop and/or just meet your neighbors, 9 am-3 pm Saturday, May 9, 2026!
Five and a half years ago, we photographed West Seattle comedian, writer, activist, and “Rosie” Georgie Kunkel on the eve of her hundredth birthday. Last October, at 105, she moved on from this plane of existence, and next weekend, family and friends will gather to celebrate her life. Her daughter asked us to publish a reminder of the memorial service, which is set for 1 pm next Saturday, March 7, at Westside Unitarian Universalist Congregation (7141 California SW). Here’s her obituary.
(Saturday sunset, photographed by Sam Verbon)
March is here! We start with a traffic alert from WSDOT, for those heading off-peninsula:
From 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. (today) all lanes of northbound State Route 99, the left lane of southbound SR 99 between Harrison and North 50th streets, as well as the southbound SR 99 off-ramp to Harrison Street, will close for the Hot Chocolate Run in Seattle. People traveling SR 99 should also continue to expect delays on northbound SR 99 over the First Avenue South bridge south of downtown Seattle, where two right lanes remain closed until further notice following a bridge inspection on Wednesday, Feb. 18. A temporary speed reduction to 25 mph remains in effect. This comes on top of existing lane reductions on northbound I-5 as part of the Revive I-5 program to preserve the Ship Canal Bridge.
Now, here’s the event lineup, mostly from our WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:
START YOUR DAY WITH PANCAKES: 8-10 am pancake breakfast at Alki Lodge 152 in The Junction (40th/Edmunds).
SUNDAY FUNDAY RUNDAY: The Westies Run Club is going to White Center today for the Sunday Funday run, this time from Moonshot Coffee – meet at 9 am. (9622 16th SW)
FREE WEST AFRICAN DANCE CLASS: Sunday dancing! 9:30 am at South Park Hall (1253 S. Cloverdale).
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: In The Junction, weekly Sunday morning games are happening at the new location of The Missing Piece (4707 California SW), 9:30 am.
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open as usual on California SW between Oregon and Alaska, 10 am-2 pm, now in late-winter produce-and-products season – roots, greens, peppers, mushrooms, cabbage, beans, garlic, apples, more – plus lots of baked goods, cheeses, meats, fish, prepared foods, nuts, condiments, pasta, more.
GIRL SCOUT COOKIES: Multiple locations and times again today (use the Cookie Finder), including 10 am-1 pm at Highland Park Corner Store (7789 Highland Park Way SW).
FREE NIA CLASS: Begins at 10:15 am; first class free if you pre-register. At Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary. (3618 SW Alaska)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool but don’t need 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)
FREE DROP-IN TAX HELP: 11 am-4 pm at Southwest Library. (9010 35th 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 at this West Seattle tasting room (with a patio!) open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
KORNER BLUES MATINEE: Afternoon blues music with Working Class Jones at Tim’s Tavern, 2 pm, all ages, tickets here. (16th SW & SW 98th, White Center)
FEEDING THE CAULDRON AT MR. B’S:2-5 pm “informal witchy skillshare meetup for queers, punks, & Outcasts” at Mr. B’s Mead Center (9444 Delridge Way SW).
MODERN CLASSIC BOOK CLUB: 3 pm at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor), reading “House of the Spirits” by Isabel Allende this month,
CHAMBER MUSIC MASTERPIECES FESTIVAL: 3 pm, Music Northwest concert at First Lutheran Church of West Seattle (4105 California SW; WSB sponsor). Tickets and program summary here.
‘TOPDOG/UNDERDOG’: Closing day! Online tickets are sold out for the “comic fable” at ArtsWest, but check with the box office for any 3 pm tickets. (4711 California SW)
SCREAM CLUB: 5 pm at Lincoln Park Picnic Shelter 4 (north on the shoreline path), gather and on cue, scream! (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW)
UNDERGROUND TRIVIA AT CORNER POCKET: Play begins at 7:30 pm – you can win prizes! (4302 SW Alaska)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: 8-10 pm, music to wrap up your weekend, with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW).
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that we could add to the WSB community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
“ASB, are you ready?”
That was the opening question as high-school ASB (Associated Student Body) leaders from around the city gathered today for their first-ever Seattle ASB Leadership Summit, hosted by West Seattle High School, where the idea originated (as we reported earlier this week).
As the summit opened, the energy was drummed up, literally, by performers in the gym, including the WSHS Drumline:
The WSHS Cheer Team:
Across 35th, a band of WSHS-student musicians:
In classic pep-assembly style, a few games were interspersed. And then, the speeches – co-lead Lizzy Greene and summit creator Jim Guevara, WSHS seniors, segued into Mayor Katie Wilson:
Lizzy talked about dealing with the “fear of complacency”; Jim talked about the summit potentially connecting tens of thousands of students around the city, and the hope it’ll become an annual event. He urged attendees to remember, “We are young leaders” but will soon enough be in charge.
Mayor Wilson described them as “community organizers” like her. And she lauded the work of other students who were part of her transition team, which met for the last time this week. She implored attendees to “hold us accountable” for working to make Seattle “a place where you can build a future.”
Final speaker was Seattle Public Schools‘ new Superintendent Ben Shuldiner.
He noted that he was a high-school teacher for 10 years, and that his last name translates to “school server.” But he said his main interest was in telling the participants “thank you.”
After the performances and speeches, the ~100 participants settled into a day of sessions on topics including:
-ASB Events, from Idea to Execution
-Sustainable Leadership and Wellness
-Leading the Crowd
-Public Speaking
-Partnering with Your Community
-Unified 101
-Mastering Assemblies
-ASB Law – Finances
-Building a Connected Campus
-ASB on Your FYP
-Spirit Week Spotlight
-Supporting Girls in Athletics
-NAACP Youth Council
-‘Super’ Senior Year
-Diversity and Equity
They were spread between three time periods, so each participant got to decide which three they wanted to attend.
To ensure the first SALS won’t be the last, co-leads Jim and Lizzy convened “SALS Charter Development” in the library; we sat in on that one, and discovered the superintendent was there too. This one quickly broke into small groups, with the intent, as Jim said, to “make (the summit) more of a real thing … self-sustaining,” with its own mission statement. Some of the differences between schools arose in the subsequent discussion (we were within earshot of several small groups) – some ASBs operate with strong committees, some don’t have the same clubs and groups as other schools. There was talk of regional collaboration between summits.
They also talked about how to collaborate on solutions after problems that might include multiple schools, such as a fight at a sports event.
When a voice on the PA system announced that Session 1 was over and it was time to rotate to Session 2, the charter group was just hitting its stride, so many of the participants stayed in place and continued their work. The plan was to present and sign the charter at day’s end, and to “pass torch to the next SALS host.” We followed up with Jim tonight to see who that’ll be; Ingraham High School, he replied. Asked for a comment on how today went, he said, “I think the summit went even better than expected. Seeing the joy and genuine interest on the representatives’ and ASBs’ faces, and the way they connect with one another, is truly inspiring.”
If you were in Western Washington on February 28, 2001 – exactly a quarter-century ago – you no doubt have a story to tell about the Nisqually Earthquake. (Your editor here was in her job interview at what was then Q13 News, talking with the fellow ex-Southern Californian general manager, blasé until she observed that a stack of videotapes was about to fall on me …) The anniversary also brings up the question, are you ready in case another big quake strikes? An event with local preparedness volunteers two weeks from today will help you answer “yes.” It’s not about personal preparedness but about neighborhood preparedness, via the Emergency Communication Hubs – predetermined locations where trained volunteers will gather to help coordinate information in case of catastrophe that interrupts regular communication channels. On Saturday, March 14, in a gathering at 2 pm at High Point Library, West Seattle hub volunteers present and (potentially) future will gather to:
Learn how an “Emergency Hub” works so you can quickly jump in and support your neighbors post-disaster. We will cover
-Preparedness in Seattle
-Hazards we face
-City response
-How the Hub works
-Practice a few scenarios, situations we think our neighbors will come to the Hub with.It’s great fun and interactive. You’ll quickly grasp how everything works together and feel much more prepared to support your household – and your neighbors!
HP Library is at 3411 SW Raymond, and this event is free. In the meantime, whether or not you can go to the March 14 event, use the map above to find the Hub nearest you, so you know where to go, just in case!
(Friday photo of Fauntleroy ferry at sunset, by Joshua Crowgey)
Starting tomorrow (Sunday, March 1st), Washington State Ferries will start charging a new fee on card transactions, as ordered by state legislators. If you haven’t heard about it already, here’s the summary from WSF leader Steve Nevey in the latest weekly newsletter:
Starting in three days on Sunday, March 1, a 3% cost recovery surcharge will be added to all credit and debit card purchases. The Washington State Legislature directed this change (RCW 47.60.860) so the state can recover the cost of processing card payments. The 3% recovery fee applies to all in-person, kiosk and online fare purchases, including single-ride, multi-ride, and ReValue tickets. It also covers no-show fees for vehicle reservations and carpool and vanpool permits. The cost recovery surcharge does not apply to fees for memorial services, annual business accounts or promotional activities like tabletops and film or photo shoots. Customers can avoid the recovery fee by paying with cash or by using a preloaded ORCA card. If a card transaction is refunded, the 3% surcharge will also be refunded. See our ticket information page for a full list of accepted payment options.
One reader told us they thought fees like this couldn’t be charged on debit-card transactions; WSF explains that they aren’t able to process debits, so debit cards are charged as credit cards and will include the fee.
The report was sent by Yoyo:
I am reporting suspicious activity observed near 32nd Ave SW and SW Holly St around 12:00 AM on Saturday, February 28.
An individual was walking along the street and looking into parked vehicles. When the person noticed they were being observed, they quickly hid behind a parked car. After they left the area, children’s homework papers were found on the ground behind the vehicle where they had been hiding.
The individual was wearing light gray pants, a dark jacket, and a hat. They appeared to have longer hair and possibly female. Their posture showed a noticeable hunch or forward lean.
There was no confirmed vehicle damage at the time, but the behavior was consistent with car prowling. Sharing this so neighbors can stay alert and report any suspicious activity.
Remember Friday’s reader report about a Coca-Cola truck getting stuck on the ramp from the Admiral CVS to the alley on its west? Apparently this U-Haul truck’s drivers missed it. This time multiple readers sent us tips and pics of the stuck truck.
That one’s from yesterday’s tipster, who reports that this one managed to get free after 40+ minutes.
12:09 PM: Thanks to Kay from Highland Park Improvement Club for the photo and update:
We have lots of excited gardeners getting free SPU compost plus free seeds and plants to swap- and complimentary coffee and cookies from the Highland Park Corner Store.
We are also kicking of a really fun fundraising auction. One of our board members acquired an amazing donation of 70 architectural ceramic planters which we will be offering via online auction starting today through March 12.
Find the bidding site here:
The compost giveaway is at 1116 SW Holden, on until 2 pm or until they run out.
1:05 PM: Just stopped by. Compost left! Some plants and seeds too. We’ll have a separate story later with more on the planter auction.
Story, photos, video by Torin Record-Sand
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Last night, West Seattle High School held their annual Lunar New Year Festival. This year marks the year of the horse, which was represented in the decor for this year’s event.
This year’s event was led by student organizers Kian (left), and Kallen (right), respectively from the WSHS Chinese Club and the Asian American and Pacific Islander Club.
It included a performance by students of both a lion dance …
… and a dragon dance.
After the performance, there were various activities available for attendees. These included games for prizes, such as jianzi, a Chinese game which loosely resembles ‘hacky-sack,’ as well as trivia about the lunar new year, and the Korean game ddakji. There were also more artistically inclined offerings, such as paper art and calligraphy.
Traditional food from a variety of Asiana cultures was also served, including items such as dumplings, spring rolls, lo mein, and papaya salad.
We estimate about 80 people were there when we were.
(Looking west, that’s the West Duwamish Greenbelt at center – photo by Anne Higuera)
Happy Saturday! The highlights are as usual mostly from the West Seattle Event Calendar:
SATURDAY GROUP RUN: At West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor), you can join the Saturday 8 am free group run.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION: After a couple days “soft open,” it’s grand opening day for Mud Bay‘s new location kitty-corner from their old one. Doors open at 9 am. (2358 California SW)
FREE MEDITATION: Get a quiet start to the weekend with Heavily Meditated, 9 am free meditation at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska).
INTRODUCTORY WALK and WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 9:30 am, walk a mile before the 10 am well-being walk (or just show up for that one). Both start from 47th SW and Fontanelle.
(Plants @ SSC Garden Center – photo by Margaret)
SSC GARDEN CENTER: 10 am-3 pm, open today! New plants in! North end of campus at South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor)
COMPOST GIVEAWAY & PLANT SWAP: 10 am-2 pm, compost while it lasts – bring your own container! – at Highland Park Improvement Club‘s past-and-future building site (1116 SW Holden), and plant/seed swap too.
MORNING MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 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.
RESONANT HEALING: Political grief circle and sound bath, 10:30 am at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW) – preregister here.
FREE WRITING GROUP: 10:30 am free, weekly, in-person, critique-free group – details in our calendar listing.
FAMILY STORY TIME: 10:30 am at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), geared to families with kids up to 5 years old.
FAMILY READING TIME: At Paper Boat Booksellers, 11 am family reading time. (4522 California SW; WSB sponsor)
LOG HOUSE MUSEUM: The home of West Seattle’s history is open, noon-4 pm (61st SW and SW Stevens).
VIETNAMESE CULTURAL CENTER: The center welcomes the public on Saturdays, noon-3 pm. Free. (2236 SW Orchard)
VISCON CELLARS TASTING ROOM/WINE BAR: Tasting room open, with wine by the glass or bottle – 1-6 pm at Viscon Cellars (5910 California SW; WSB sponsor).
NORTHWEST WINE ACADEMY TASTING ROOM, WINE BAR, STORE: Open 1-6 pm on north end of South Seattle College (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) campus.
FREE MASSAGE: 3-5 pm walk-in clinic offering short, specific massages at Nepenthe. (9447 35th SW)
LIVE MUSIC AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 6-8 pm at C & P Coffeehouse (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), Phil and Friends perform. Free, all ages.
ASTRA LUMINA: Last weekend, the celestially inspired light show on the grounds of the Seattle Chinese Garden at the north end of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus, first admission 6:30 pm. Tickets and info here; extended through February.
TOPDOG/UNDERDOG: Online tickets are sold out for ArtsWest‘s 7:30 pm performance, but you can check at the box office to see if anything opened up. (4711 California SW)
LIVE AT THE SKYLARK: At 7 pm, GLAM: Seattle’s Bearded Drag Show, tickets here. All ages. (3803 Delridge Way SW)
REVELRY ROOM: 9 pm, DJ GeoD . (4547 California SW)
SK8 PARTY: 9 pm-midnight at Southgate Roller Rink (9676 17th SW), with rotating DJs spinning old-school funk & hip-hop, $18 plus $5 skate rental.
KARAOKE AT TALARICO’S: 10 pm karaoke at Talarico’s Pizzeria. (4718 California SW)
Have a West Seattle event coming up? If community members are welcome, your event is welcome to a listing on our calendar, free of charge, always! Please email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
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