West Seattle, Washington
19 Saturday
6:00 AM: Good morning – it’s Monday, February 24, 2025. School is now back in session for everyone, including those who were out on mid-winter break last week.
WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES
This afternoon through tomorrow morning, we’ll be under a Wind Advisory alert, with strong southerly gusts possible. Otherwise, the forecast is for on-and-off rain, high in the low 50s. Today’s sunrise/sunset – 6:58 am and 5:47 pm.
ROAD-WORK NOTE
(Photo sent by MJ)
Friday, readers reported the Admiral Way Bridge traffic lanes had shifted again. Then by Sunday morning (photo above), the bridge had fully reopened. We’re still waiting to hear from SDOT on whether that’s the end of all top-side work in the seismic-strengthening project.
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
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!
After a month of moving from Morgan Junction to The Junction, Paper Boat Booksellers has announced it’s ready to reopen in its new location at 4522 California SW:
… We just have a few finishing touches to add and while things will be a work in progress for the next few weeks – we are pretty much there and ready to open our doors – trust us, we are ready to open the front shade, take down the paper on the door and let in the natural light. …
They’ll reopen at 10 am Tuesday (February 25) and will keep later hours – 10 am-7 pm Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 am-8 pm Fridays and Saturdays, 10 am-5 pm Sundays, closed Mondays. We first reported on the shop’s planned move in December; among other attributes, the new space is twice the size of their old one.
(Photo by Oliver Hamlin)
At left, above, is Chief Sealth International High School wrestler Micah Policarpio, who took second in his division (190) at the just-completed state tournament. CSIHS reports head coach Maurice Dolberry‘s team finished 8th in the state and says they’re the highest-placing Seattle Public Schools team ever. Other top-ten finishers from Sealth are listed in their announcement as Lucy Self (3rd, 140), Xavier Nguyen (3rd, 150), Lanu Amituanai (5th, 145), Eli Policarpio (5th, 215), Alex Pando (7th, 175), and Xander Gomez (8th, 132).
P.S. You can find full brackets/results by starting here.
ORIGINAL SUNDAY AFTERNOON STORY: If you see Holy Rosary Catholic Church‘s bus sometime soon, it’s not on a church outing – it was stolen early today. Here’s the report and photo sent to us:
(Image from Google Maps)
Early this morning (Sunday, February 23), the Holy Rosary Church bus was stolen while parked on 42nd Ave SW. We do have surveillance video and have contacted the Seattle Police Department … The bus has been used for multiple activities – transporting parishioners who do not drive to Mass, senior outing events, some school activities, and for many years to transport homeless women to our shelter until that was closed during Covid.
Other info
– 2015 Ford E-350 Micro Bird bus
– WA license C52784N
– Color white with “Holy Rosary Catholic Church” lettering on sides and back of busWe are hoping one of your readers has seen the bus since it was stolen and can provide information on its whereabouts.
Call 911 if you see it. (We’ll add the theft video if and when we receive it.)
ADDED MONDAY: As noted in comments, Holy Rosary got the bus back today. It was found in Burien and they were having it towed to a shop there, to repair damage including the torn-up steering column.
Keep everything charged and make sure your outdoor items are secured – strong wind may be on the way. The National Weather Service has issued a Wind Advisory alert that takes effect at 1 pm Monday and continues until 7 am Tuesday. In part, it projects “south winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 to 50 mph.”
One week from today, Tibbetts United Methodist Church in West Seattle plans a tribute to the organist who’s been at their keyboard for 44 years – here’s the announcement, with some history:
(Photo courtesy John Van Lierop Jr.)
On Sunday, March 2, for the 10:00 am service, Tibbetts United Methodist Church, 3940 41st Ave SW, will honor John Van Lierop Jr’s 44 years of service as their organist. The church was not able to recognize John’s 40th year of service due to the Covid outbreak.
John started his organ playing in the church that his Father was minister of in Portland, Oregon, Hope Presbyterian Church, in the mid-’60s. His first official organ position was at Centenary-Wilbur Methodist Church in 1966 while he was a student at Lewis and Clark College in Portland. From there, John played the organ in churches in Spokane and Seattle, with his previous organist position prior to coming to Tibbetts being Mt. Baker Park Presbyterian Church in Seattle, where he served 7 years.
When John came to Tibbetts, the organ was a 2 Manuel Balcom & Vaughn pipe organ. Due to upkeep costs on that organ and other issues, Tibbetts decided to replace it with an electronic organ. After a successful fundraising campaign, a 3 Manuel Allen Digital Organ was purchased and installed in late 1989. The Dedication Recital was held in 1990, with John at the organ.
In addition to his usual organ playing in church and choir accompanying, John enjoys doing piano/organ duets during the church services. His piano partner is the talented Shirley Lindberg, who happens to be the director of the bell choirs at Tibbetts, in addition to directing the Bells of the Sound, a professional bell group based in Seattle. During these last 44 years at Tibbetts, John has worked under 7 ministers and 10 choir directors. He enjoys using the Tibbetts sanctuary with its 7-foot Steinway grand piano for his student piano recitals in Winter and Spring. Also, the Annual Guild Piano Auditions are held in church’s sanctuary.
John doesn’t plan on retiring quite yet from being the organist at Tibbetts but hopes to stay a little while longer.
The fourth Wednesday of most months brings a gathering for HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, South Delridge, and Riverview – but not this month. HPAC leadership has announced they’re canceling the February meeting, but keep your calendar set for a meeting on March 26. No meeting doesn’t mean no activity, though; on the HPAC website, you can see the issues the group’s paying attention to right now.
P.S. If you missed last month’s meeting – which featured local beaver expert Pamela Adams revealing everything you didn’t know about beavers – here’s our coverage.
10:50 AM: As we’ve been previewing, you can visit the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today for more than shopping – you can also check in with the Seattle Parks team planning West Seattle’s second off-leash area, on the south side of the WS Stadium grounds, in an area currently designated for overflow parking. Today’s booth is under the red canopy you’ll see close to the north end of the east side of the market, with the three design concepts on easels:
We asked the off-leash area’s designer Steve Nowaczyk, who’s with landscape-architecture firm HBB, about the primary differences to look for. He said the entryways on the north side are significantly different, as are the concepts for separating areas of the park, and how you’d travel through the park – two designs have a “social trail” around the periphery, while the other has a trail that’s more central. Each will have some accessible parking, but no additional general parking area beyond what’s already there for the golf course and stadium – the idea is for this to be more of a draw for those within walking distance, a more “neighborhood”-focused facility. They’re also particularly interested in whether you think the dog park will need lighting – it’s not currently planned, but could be incorporated. Meantime, at today’s event, you can put heart stickers on features and/or entire concepts that you like:
They’re also taking written comments:
And ready to answer questions – that’s Steve at right in the photo below:
In addition to stopping by this booth before 2 pm today, here’s another way to get a close-up look at the three concepts, and offer your opinion: An online survey will open soon. These designs will also be added to the website for the project, which is slated for construction next year.
8:53 PM: Just checked the project site, and it’s been updated since today’s event. Here’s the survey, which includes all three of the concept graphics shown today, and a request for you to rank them.
(Winter buds on Alki, photographed by Bob Burns)
The WSB West Seattle Event Calendar offers these possibilities for your Sunday:
SKI SHUTTLE: Shuttle to Crystal Mountain picks up at 7:15 am Sundays at Mountain to Sound Outfitters (3602 SW Alaska; WSB sponsor).
WESTIES RUN CLUB: Back to regular time for today’s run – meet at 9 am at Dough Joy Donuts. (4310 SW Oregon)
AMERICAN MAH JONGG: Meet up with other players – all levels – 9:30-11:30 am at The Missing Piece. (35th/Roxbury)
WEST SEATTLE FARMERS’ MARKET: Open 10 am-2 pm, with winter produce (root vegetables! greens! cabbage! apples!) and beverages, flowers, cheese, yogurt, fish, meat, prepared hot food, baked goods, nuts, dried peppers, garlic, candy, condiments, more. (California SW between SW Alaska and SW Oregon)
DOG PARK INFO/COMMENTS: Also at the Farmers’ Market, all four hours, look for Seattle Parks‘ booth offering new info – and your chance to comment – about the plan for a second West Seattle off-leash area south of WS Stadium.
MONTHLY GRIEF CIRCLE: Not just for people grieving the loss of a person, but all kinds of grief, as explained in our calendar listing, 10:30 am at Nurture Wellbeing (6307 California SW). Sliding-scale fee.
CHOCOLATE BEER WEEK CONCLUDES: Last day of this long “week” at The Beer Junction (4511 California SW), open 11 am-10 pm.
DUWAMISH TRIBE LONGHOUSE & CULTURAL CENTER: The Longhouse is open for visitors, 10 am-5 pm. (4705 W. Marginal Way SW)
WEST SEATTLE TOOL LIBRARY: Need a tool to get your project going, or to finish assembling a holiday gift? Borrow it from the Tool Library, open 11 am-4 pm on the northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center. (4408 Delridge Way SW)
MICROGREENS FLASH SALE: Noon-2 pm in the former Cascadia Fresh Market space (5444 Delridge Way SW), as previewed/explained here.
WELCOME ROAD WINERY: West Seattle tasting room open 2-5 pm, kids and dogs welcome. (3804 California SW; WSB sponsor)
READY FREDDY PREP PARTY! 2 pm at TBA West Seattle location, join preparedness guru Alice Kuder to get started on your readiness journey.
WEST SEATTLE INDIVISIBLE, 2 TIMES/PLACES: This resistance group has broken into two sessions for today:
First-time attendees: 3:45-5:15 pm at Southwest Branch Public Library meeting room (9010 35th SW)
Previous attendees: 2:30-4 pm at the West Seattle Admiral Branch Library (2306 42nd SW)
BOOK CLUB AT THE COFFEEHOUSE: 3 pm at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor), enjoy the Classic Novels (and Movies) Book Club. This month’s title: “Persuasion” by Jane Austen.
FABRIC PAINTING WORKSHOP: Local artist Stacey Sterling will lead you through this “fun and relaxing workshop,” 3 pm at Alki Arts (6030 California SW) – get your ticket(s) here.
‘COVENANT’ MATINEE: Third matinée for ArtsWest‘s new play, 3 pm, get ticket(s) here. (4711 California SW)
ASTRA LUMINA: One more month to catch 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. Tonight, 5:45 pm and later admission times. Tickets and info here.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE ALLEY: Sunday nights feature music with the Triangular Jazztet at The Alley (behind 4509 California SW) – 8-10 pm.
Are you planning, organizing, and/or publicizing something that should be on our community event calendar – one-time or recurring? Please email us the basic details – westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!
WSB photos by Dave Gershgorn
While many were out watching orcas this afternoon, another animal-viewing opportunity drew a crowd – The Reptile Lady‘s appearance at Ounces Beer Garden & Taproom in North Delridge.
April Jackson is The Reptile Lady, a calling in which she followed her dad, Scott Peterson aka The Reptile Man.
She brought a mini-zoo of reptiles to Ounces this afternoon, and her audience was enthralled:
From scales to shells, it was a chance to get up close and personal with the visitors, including Spongebob Scalepants, a Sulcata Tortoise:
Rocky the Cuban Rock Iguana was a crowd fave:
So was Mr. Pickles the Burmese Python:
This wasn’t the first exotic-animal visit to Ounces … they hosted a camel five years ago!
5:48 PM: The bright lights in the upper left of that cropped screenshot from SDOT’s West Seattle Bridge camera mark yet another crash on the westbound side of bridge today. No SFD dispatch so apparently no injuries. But one tipster says they saw, when passing going the other way, “two police vehicles, bashed-up pickup at peak of bridge,” plus the traffic backup.
5:57 PM: We haven’t heard yet whether the scene has cleared, but the live camera shows that the backup has.
7:39 PM: There’s yet another crash that police are handling right now, closer to the curve than the aforementioned one, according to radio traffic. We’re mostly just making note so we can follow up with SDOT yet again on Monday.
5:34 PM: If you’re noticing the emergency-response boats off Beach Drive north of Lowman Beach, here’s what it’s about: SPD and Coast Guard crews are helping a sailboat that needs assistance. No injuries reported, so there’s no shoreside response at this point (aside from SPD, which has since cleared).
7:08 PM: Thanks to James Bratsanos for the photo added above.
(Photos courtesy Jill Moore)
That’s a photo from Mom’s Micro Garden, a microgreens farm co-owned by Jill Moore of Cascadia Produce, who plans a “flash sale” of microgreens tomorrow at the Cascadia Fresh Market space she’s just finishing clearing out of. Jill explains:
I bought into Mom’s Micro Garden with another woman farmer. Microgreens are simply plants harvested at an early stage, just after they sprout their first true leaves. At that developmental stage, the plant has tons of rapidly dividing cells, an army of antioxidant guards, and is bursting with all the vitamins and minerals the full-size plant will ever have. We grow them vertically in a greenhouse on a food safety-certified farm in Sumner, WA. Our Mom’s Micros customers include Canlis, Climate Pledge Arena, and even the Seattle Public School District. Now, I’m working to make them more accessible to the public by partnering with other businesses for pre-order and pickup locations. This quick pilot at my market this weekend is a test of that model.
Micros can be spicy, savory, or sweet, adding fresh crunch and flavor to any food. My favorite is the cantaloupe green —an almost Willy Wonka-like experience where a single leaf releases a wash of cantaloupe juice. Kids love them, and they pack a whole salad’s worth of vitamins and minerals. Pea vines are also sweet and tasty, providing vitamins, protein, and calcium in just a few tender, pleasant-to-eat tendrils.
Microgreens have about a two-week shelf life, which is why they aren’t well-marketed in grocery stores — large businesses can’t turn them fast enough within the fresh window. It takes small, local agriculture to bring people access to this essential nutrition that can be eaten with anything. Micros literally meet you where you are, you can eat them by themselves or on anything. I put some on my McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish yesterday to make it a better-rounded lunch!
The flash sale is set for noon-2 pm Sunday (February 23) at 5444 Delridge Way SW.
(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:
(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.
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.
(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 toysITEMS 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.
(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!
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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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