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SPD and 911 changes – plus questions without answers – at Southwest Precinct Advisory Council meeting

(Council President Sara Nelson, Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite, SW Precinct Capt. Krista Bair)

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

On a day bookended by two gunfire incidents in West Seattle, leaders from the Seattle Police Gun Violence Reduction Unit happened to be among the guests at the quarterly Southwest Precinct Advisory Council meeting.

Lt. Sean Moore and Sgt. Jeffrey Page acknowledged it probably isn’t much comfort for those directly affected by gunfire incidents to hear that citywide, “shots fired” calls are down.

But they said the 15 detectives and two sergeants in the unit “are out there every day trying to find the people responsible for this violence.” They briefly mentioned high-profile West Seattle incidents such as the person reported to have pointed a gun at a Madison Middle School staffer last week. “We will arrest them and hold them accountable,” the GRVU team insisted.

They can’t do it without community information, however, they said – “we need your help, we need your eyes and ears, we need your private video.” And they urged people to use the SPD violent-crime tipline, 206-233-5000, anonymously if necessary.

GVRU is one of the followup units with which the Southwest Precinct is collaborating, precinct commander Capt. Krista Bair told the ~50 people gathered at Neighborhood House High Point. The others include the Narcotics and Robbery Units, she added, while reiterating that community collaboration is just as important.

Some categories of crime are down significantly, precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Satterwhite – who organized the meeting along with the SWPAC’s community lead Ella McRae – said. Year to year, auto theft in the precinct area (West Seattle and South Park)is down 37 percent, while burglary is down 40 percent.

After stats, the meeting moved on to what was originally to be a panel discussion – City Attorney Ann Davison canceled at the last minute and City Council President Sara Nelson arrived 25 minutes into the meeting (explaining that she had been napping and overslept), so Natalie Walton-Anderson – who is public-safety chief for Mayor Bruce Harrell – was alone to field initial questions.

The questions began with some submitted in advance. Police staffing was the first, and Walton-Anderson noted the recent recruiting success: “I always like to give hope and optimism – our hiring numbers continue to break records; we’re averaging 12 applicants every day.” But that won’t be reflected in numbers of officers on the street before fall, since the hiring and training process is time-consuming. “I know people are tired of waiting.”

What can city and county prosecutors do about gun violence? Walton-Anderson noted she has worked for both those departments. “Gun laws need to be addressed at the state and federal level … an influx of guns continues to come into our community.” But she said it’s also about working with youth, from mentors to “violence interrupters.” Regarding what seems like a “revolving door” of people through the criminal-justice system, she said, “Those are questions I’ve been asking for 28 years … in terms of repeat offenders, we should hold people accountable but if we don’t get to the underlying reasons,” things won’t change. Asked what specific laws need to change, she declined to make suggestions.

She did talk about the 911 and non-emergency-number system, which she’d been asked about in a previous forum. She mentioned some recent changes – for example, in mid-May, the CARE Department – which includes 911 – “went live with a new phone tree to try to direct calls such as parking enforcement.” And as of the start of this month, CARE is staffing a dedicated non-emergency calltaker during “peak hours, 7 days a week, 11 am to 7 pm.” That doesn’t mean the non-emergency number won’t be answered at other times, she said, but it increases the chances you’ll reach someone during those “peak hours.”

However, she warned, 911 still has 14 vacancies “and that’s a lot.” It’ll be reduced soon with a new class of seven people emerging, however. She added that any calls that haven’t been dispatched for an extended period of time are being “re-broadcast” (we’ve heard this while monitoring police radio).

That’s when council president Nelson arrived. The citywide councilmember (who’s running for re-election this fall) insisted the council is “laser-focused on public safety” while acknowledging “that’s not enough.” She said a major role of the council is oversight, and the recent report on gun-violence trends was an example. Meantime, “We’re trying to do our job by passing laws but progress is too slow – apologizing to the community is inappropriate right now, so we just have to acknowledge we have a long way to go.”

When the floor was opened to “live” Q&A shortly after that, she was asked if the council will try again to fund the gunshot-detector technology that the mayor decided not to pursue. Nelson said she was “100 percent for it.” Walton-Anderson declared that “we need all the technological help we can get” and said that technology already in use has “resulted in so many incredible outcomes.” That includes the newly implemented Real-Time Crime Center and closed-circuit cameras installed in three areas of the city (none in the SW Precinct yet, and the panelists said this area hadn’t yet been “identified” as a priority). The camera usage had helped solve an auto theft, for example, she added, and Nelson noted that while some might not consider auto theft mega-important, “the problem is that the stolen cars are being used for much-greater crimes,” like crash-and-grab burglaries.

Next question was about the North Delridge gunfire incident earlier in the day; Capt. Bair said she didn’t have up-to-date details but last she had heard, SPD was “working on a warrant” for a related search. (Our story had followup information earlier in the evening that the one person initially reported as “detained” was indeed eventually arrested and booked into jail.)

Will the police-hiring success mean more officers for the Southwest Precinct? Capt. Bair couldn’t say for sure but did note yet another departmental change – when new recruits leave the academy, they are usually “sprinkled around” the department, but next time “we’re going to take all five and put them in one precinct – it’ll be more impactful.” She didn’t know which precinct that would be, however.

An attendee who said her children were impacted by two recent incidents that led to schools sheltering in place asked, “How are we going to prioritize West Seattle?” Walton-Anderson, noting that she had a child affected by one of those recent incidents too, countered, “How are we going to prioritize ALL our kids?” She exhorted support for youth mental health and more city partnership with schools on safety programs. “More police, yes, but also, (programs like) Community Passageways” are needed.

Walton-Anderson had to depart at 7:30, with a half-hour left, so Nelson became the lone panelist (along with SPD personnel, including the GVRU leaders, Capt. Bair, and the precinct’s second-in-command Operations Lt. Nate Shopay).

Another attendee had more of a comment than a question, saying that three gunfire incidents have happened in her High Point neighborhood and she’s worried about youth who know who’s to blame but aren’t talking. She’s also worried that there’s no safe place for kids to play. McRae, who works as a community builder in HP, said there actually are a lot of options for play.

Regarding patrols to prevent crime, Lt. Shopay said that by mid-summer, some bicycle patroling would be back, focused on “directed patrol” emphasis areas such as Alki Beach and Westwood Village. (Officers won’t be riding to those spots from the precinct, though – they have to be able to “get back in their cars” quickly if other events dictate.) And he said “directed patrols” do include side streets, not just arterials.

A South Park representative reminded Lt. Shopay that SP would like bike patrols, too.

Are police monitoring social media to find out what’s planned for street-racing type events? one attendee then asked.

Capt. Bair said yes, the department is “scouring” social media and “often” knows when there’s going to be a gathering.
Overall, she insisted, “we’re doing everything we can.” There’s regional intel-sharing too, since often these gatherings move from city to city, not just neighborhood to neighborhood.

The precinct’s public-safety liaison from the City Attorney’s Office, Rachel Wang,, said some new racing-related regulations are on the books and could result in tickets – “participation” and “attendance at races.”

Then the question emerged again: What can be done about gun violence? Nelson promised to introduce “some policies” by year’s end, without getting specific.

Various other frustrations were expressed before the meeting ended. An attendee expressed frustration at trying to contact police with video of a reckless driver, saying the 911 calltaker told him they couldn’t do anything because no one got hurt. Capt. Bair apologized, saying that’s not the kind of reception she would have hoped for – the situation “sounds like a 911 call to me.” Others asked whether police were enforcing the lack of plates, or plates with tinted covers, or windows tinted too darkly. Capt. Bair said police are “doing what we can” – but she had to be honest, higher-priority violations take precedence.

Another attendee asked for clarification regarding the 206-233-5000 tipline. “Violent crimes,” said the GVRU commmander Lt. Moore. A legislative assistant accompanying Council President Nelson said that for non-urgent, low-level situations, Find It Fix It might be appropriate.

The meeting ran a bit overtime, and many participants stayed on for one-on-one conversations. Watch for the next quarterly meeting to be announced when the date, time, and location are set; you’ll also see Satterwhite and other SPD reps at many major summer events, including Night Out on August 5.

(We hope to add video of this meeting if we can solve a few technical difficulties!)

YOU CAN HELP: Two Chief Sealth teams offering you discount Mariners tickets

Two Chief Sealth International High School sports teams are selling discount tickets to an upcoming Mariners game, and offering them to the community:

“Chief Sealth Football Night at the Mariners”

Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on our flyer or by clicking this link: schoolpay.com/pay/for/Mariners-vs-Astros–July-18th-710PM/Sd5GIel

The game is Friday July 18th at 7:10 PM against the Houston Astros. It is also an ’80s-themed fireworks night!

View Level Seats – $20 each

Main Level Seats – $30 each

Last day to purchase tickets is Friday, June 13th.

Proceeds will directly support Chief Sealth Football and our partnering organization, Chief Sealth Girls Bowling.

Scam workshop, Roller Prom, Farmers’ Market Trivia, books, music, pottery, more for your West Seattle Wednesday

(Tuesday sunset photographed by Jen Popp)

Here’s what’s on our list for the hours ahead, mostly as featured on the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

WALKING FOR WELL-BEING: 10 am Wednesday walks leave from 47th/Fauntleroy.

TODDLER READING TIME AT PAPER BOAT: 10:30 am at the bookstore’s new Junction location. (4522 California SW)

CHAIR YOGA: 10:30 am weekly class at Dragonfly (3270 California SW): $20 drop-in.

HIGHLAND PARK SPRAYPARK: Second week of operations; open every day 11 am-8 pm. (1100 SW Cloverdale)

REJUVENATE YOGA: Weekly class at Viva Arts, 1:30 pm. Drop-in. $20. (4421 Fauntleroy Way SW)

FIGHTING PHONE AND ONLINE SCAMS: Learn what you need to know in this free event at Village Green West Seattle (2615 SW Barton; WSB sponsor).

AMERICAN MAH JONGG: All levels welcome, 2-4:30 pm at The Missing Piece (35th/Roxbury).

JOB FAIR: Teens and young adults are the focus of the Peace N The Hood job fair at Steve Cox Memorial Park (1320 SW 102nd, White Center), 3-5 pm.

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-7:30 pm drop-in help at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), free.

SOUTHSIDE REVOLUTION’S SKATE PROM: 5:30-7:30 pm, skate (or not) and enjoy other fun at Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby‘s Royal Masquerade Prom fun(draising) event at Southgate Roller Rink (9646 17th SW). This recent WSB story previews the event and tells you a bit about SSR!

FIX-IT WORKSHOP: Got something broken? Fix it instead of discarding it! Weekly event, free (donations appreciated), 5:30-7:30 pm at West Seattle Tool Library (4408 Delridge Way SW, northeast side of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center).

FARMERS’ MARKET TRIVIA NIGHT: Special trivia event at Great American Diner & Bar (4752 California SW) to benefit markets including West Seattle, 6 pm.

WEST SEATTLE CLASSIC SF BOOK CLUB: This month’s book is “Contact” by Carl Sagan for the 6 pm gathering at Paper Boat Booksellers (4522 California SW).

POTTERINGS OPEN STUDIO: 6-8 pm, $40, details here and pre-registration here. (3400 Harbor SW)

RHYTHM AND ROOTS NIGHT: 6-8 pm live music at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). All ages, no cover.

WEST SEATTLE URBANISM: All are welcome at the group’s weekly meetup, 6-8 pm at Great American Diner & Bar. (4752 California SW).

GLOBAL RUNNING DAY RUN & FUN: As previewed here, the Global Running Day edition of the 6:15 pm group run with West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) features ASICS shoe tryouts, treats, and more!

LIVE MUSIC AT THE LOCOL: 6:30 pm. 21+. Rotating performer lineup. (7902 35th SW)

KUNDALINI YOGA & GONG BATH: 7 pm at Inner Alchemy Studio/Sanctuary (3618 SW Alaska), $35.

MUSIC BINGO: Play at The Good Society (California/Lander), 7 pm.

REGULAR TRIVIA x 3: And we have three regularWest Seattle trivia locations on our Wednesday list: Larry’s Tavern (3405 California SW) hosts Wednesday trivia starting at 8 pm … Quiz Night also begins at 8 pm at Beveridge Place Pub (6413 California SW) … and at 8:30 pm, trivia with Phil T at Talarico’s (4718 California SW), all ages until 10 pm.

SKYLARK OPEN MIC: Your chance to take the stage – 7:30 pm signups for West Seattle’s longest-running open mic. (3803 Delridge Way SW)

Got something coming up that’s open to the community? Please send us info so we can add it to West Seattle’s only comprehensive event calendar! westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Funeral Mass planned June 12 for Kathleen Ann Mitchell, 1920-2025

Family and friends will gather June 12 to remember Kate Mitchell, and are sharing this remembrance with her community now:

Kathleen Ann (Sharp) Mitchell
November 10, 1920 — May 15, 2025
West Seattle

Kathleen Ann (Sharp) Mitchell, 104 years old, a longtime resident of West Seattle, died peacefully on May 15, 2025 after a brief illness.

Kate was born on November 10, 1920, the third child of Arthur Joseph and Eunice (Codd) Sharp on the family’s wheat and cattle ranch in The Dalles, Oregon. Her great grandfather homesteaded Galloway Farm on Threemile Creek in 1871.

Kate attended St. Mary’s Academy and graduated from The Dalles High School in 1939. She then attended Marylhurst College in Portland, Oregon and graduated in 1944 as an elementary school teacher.

In 1946, she married William Mitchell, whom she met when he was serving in the Navy and stationed in the Seattle area. After his discharge from the Navy, Bill and Kate settled in Seattle because they loved it so much. They eventually bought their home on Belvidere Avenue in West Seattle, where Kate lived for 67 years.

Kate worked at Frederick and Nelson in the payroll department. She also worked an evening shift at Shyler’s Multiphone Company as a Hostess, playing 78 rpm records. Customers in various restaurants around the city could put a nickel in the Multiphone which was located at their table. Kate would then say, “selection please” and play the requested song. She said that she worked until midnight and then would go dancing, getting up in the morning to go back to work at Frederick and Nelson. She always had so much energy.

She retired from The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. (A & P). In retirement, she was the bookkeeper at Blake’s Bakery on California Avenue and had other freelance clients.

Bill and Kate loved the outdoors. With friends, they often fished in Puget Sound and skied in the mountains. They played Bridge and had fun throwing parties and socializing with their neighbors. Kate’s annual Christmas Nativity window was well known on Belvidere Avenue.

Bill passed away in 1977, and Kate faced the future with resiliency and determination. She never had children or remarried, but lived with a deep faith and a zest for life.

Kate participated in many community organizations. She loved the visual and performance arts and had season tickets to all the organizations in Seattle. She was a member of Seattle Opera Guild, NW Pacific Ballet League, the Seattle Volvo Club, and the Seattle Garden Club.

She traveled to Europe, Asia, Scandinavia, and Russia and around the United States.

As a devout Catholic, Kate was very active at Holy Rosary Parish in West Seattle. She spent her final years at Providence Mount St. Vincent.

Kate is remembered as a very cheerful, happy person and a loyal friend. She was always ready to have fun or to help whenever she was needed. She remembered everyone’s birthday and planned dinners and celebrations for family and friends.

Kate was preceded in death by her husband William Mitchell, her sister Joan Frischmuth, and her brothers Edward Sharp and Patrick Sharp.

She is survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss her very much.

God bless our Aunt Kate.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4139 42nd Ave. SW, in West Seattle on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Holyrood Catholic Cemetery, in Shoreline, WA.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Providence Mount St. Vincent Foundation.

To share your memories of Kate, please visit: emmickfunerals.com/obituaries/kathleen-mitchell

(WSB publishes West Seattle obituaries and memorial announcements by request, free of charge. Please email the text, and a photo if available, to westseattleblog@gmail.com)

TRAFFIC, WEATHER, ROAD WORK, TRANSIT: Wednesday watch

6:02 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Cloudy, then clearing, high around 70. Today’s sunrise was at 5:13 am; sunset will be at 9:02 pm.

ROAD WORK

-The Admiral Way Bridge project indeed changed lanes on the topside; now it’s one lane each way on the north side. It’ll change again this weekend, says SDOT, which still will only say completion is expected “this summer.”

-I-5 Thursday night – alert from WSDOT:

From 10 p.m. Thursday, June 5 to 6 a.m. Friday, June 6, three right lanes of southbound I-5 will close from milepost 163 to milepost 161 for maintenance. The southbound I-5 off-ramp to Corson Avenue/Michigan Street (milepost 162) will also close.

-Highway 99 tunnel maintenance closure, 10 pm Friday night to 6 am Saturday morning.

As announced last week – the West Seattle low bridge will close this weekend, starting 7 am Saturday.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with a new addition continuing tonight – late-night service for weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and a few other events). More info here.

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Note: Online “open house” for commenting on possible ferry-fare increases/changes is continues here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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

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

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

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Another gunfire investigation

11:28 PM: The second West Seattle gunfire investigation in 12 hours is happening right now. 911 callers have reported a bullet through a residential window near 34th/Raymond and shell casings found near 35th/Findlay. Police are in the area. No injuries reported, so far.

11:32 PM: There’s also a report of another residence with bullet damage near 34th/Graham.

11:35 PM: Police are closing at least one southbound lane of 35th at Findlay while they investigate. (Side note, the commander and a sergeant from SPD’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit were guests at tonight’s Southwest Precinct Advisory Council meeting, held in High Point – our story, with video, will be out tomorrow.)

12:45 AM: As noted in comments, more casings turned up along 35th further north. There also was a later report of possible gunfire in Upper Fauntleroy/Fauntlee Hills – one caller heard something from 39th/Henderson – but we haven’t heard of evidence/confirmation in that one.

READER REPORT: West Seattle Eagle Scout project unleashes fun for dogs

Local Eagle Scout Gryffin Rust recently completed a project that’s making life more fun for dogs. He wanted to share his story:

This past Saturday, May 31st, local Scout Gryffin Rust of West Seattle’s Troop 284 successfully completed his Eagle Scout project, bringing exciting new features to the popular off-leash area near Green Lake.

Gryffin led the construction and installation of two dog agility structures — one larger and one smaller — designed to provide fun and exercise for dogs. The project involved other Scouts and several friends who dedicated their Friday and Saturday to assembling the structures and digging the holes to keep it secure.

The inspiration for this project came from seeing his dog Biscuit at West Seattle’s Westcrest Park, playing on the structures there. Those structures were also an Eagle Scout project from several years ago. The hope was to build the new structures for the upcoming West Seattle Stadium off-leash area, but unfortunately completion of that park is still many months away.

A big shoutout to Dunn Lumber for their generous donation of materials, as well as their assistance in cutting and helping select the wood. Also, a special thanks to Gryffin’s woodworking teacher at Chief Sealth International High School, Mr. Martinez, for the hands-on instruction this semester. A final thank you to Seattle Parks & Recreation for finding the right spot to build, and to Seattle’s Neighborhood Matching Fund for providing a grant. If you’re up north with your dog(s), check it out and bring a treat to coax them over!

COUNTDOWN: 4 days until you can Loop the ‘Lupe – and challenge soccer stars

(WSB file photo)

This year’s Loop the ‘Lupe is four days away! It’s the Seattle area’s only 5K obstacle course – one of four events that comprise Loop the ‘Lupe – and it’s raising money for community and social work done by Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, which is headquartered steps away from Walt Hundley Playfield, where you can Loop the ‘Lupe this Saturday (June 7). We checked in with Loop the ‘Lupe leader Brian Callanan about last-minute reminders. For one, he reminds you that you can sign up all the way until race day, so there’s room for procrastinators too. And whatever you’re signing up for if you’re 16 or older – the obstacle 5K, the fun run 5K, the Senior Saunter – here’s an extra option, Brian reminds us:

We still have 15 slots open for our inaugural Penalty Kick Soccer Shoot-Out with West Seattle Junction FC and the Rhodies. This is for registrants age 16+. For only $25, you’ll get to compete with other Loop athletes to see if you can score on some of West Seattle’s top goalkeepers! All entrants will receive 2 tickets to a Fan Appreciation Day for one of the teams later this summer (6/28 for Rhodies, 7/8 for WSFC). Our champion (we’ll do a playoff between our contestants to see who makes/who misses) will receive a pair of tickets for BOTH Fan Appreciation Days, plus a scarf and t-shirt.

Look for that as an option when you’re registering. And last but not least:

If people are looking for some volunteer hours, we have slots available, and especially could use help on obstacle teardown and general cleanup: runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/WA/Seattle/LoopTheLupe

Lots of other reasons to Loop the ‘Lupe too – it’s a party, a health fair, more.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Street robbery in The Junction

5:20 PM: Police are in The Junction to look for a suspect in a reported armed robbery. It reportedly happened in one of the parking lots west of the 4500 block of California. The robber is described as an Asian man, late teens/early 20s, 5’10”, thin, short hair, in a “tan or gold sedan.” Officers were having a tough time finding the victim but are reported to have finally connected.

5:34 PM: Circumstances of the robbery haven’t been discussed over the air except that the victim is female and the robber is reported to have gotten away with debit or credit cards that they’re trying to use. This is the second Junction street robbery reported in less than a week, after the holdup at the Wells Fargo ATM last Wednesday evening.

DEMOLITION: 4501 35th SW finally comes down

Thanks for the tip! Teardown is under way at 4501 35th SW, home to small vacant buildings hit by fires in the past few years. We wrote about it in 2023, when then-owners the Sweeney family were testing the waters with a plan for a small office building. Reached today, family spokesperson Lynn Sweeney said they sold the site last year to the owners of the Fairway Apartments next door, but she was glad to see the demolition because the site has “been such a nuisance for the neighborhood.” We’re hoping to reach the current owners to ask about their plans for the site, which is 2,400 square feet, zoned for mixed-use development up to 7 stories.

FOLLOWUP: Salmon release for all concludes record season on Fauntleroy Creek

Story by Judy Pickens
Photos by Tom Trulin
Special to West Seattle Blog

On Sunday afternoon (6/1), 118 community residents capped another salmon-release season on Fauntleroy Creek by putting the last coho fry in the water.

Among them, U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a West Seattle resident (seen below with volunteer Dennis Hinton, after releasing a fry she named “Justice“):

Between April 28 and May 31, volunteers with the Fauntleroy Watershed Council hosted 778 students and 301 adults for 22 school releases. Those, plus the community release, introduced 2,281 coho fry to the freshwater habitat that will be their home until next spring.

Fifteen West Seattle schools received eyed eggs in January through the Salmon in the Schools Program. The students who cared for them until release day ranged from preschool through post high school.

Fry released during the community event were the last of the “back-up” fry reared by volunteer Jack Lawless to ensure that, even if a school lost a lot of its fish, every student would have one to put in the water. His fry also enabled children from five area preschools to have a release experience in Fauntleroy Park.

A record number of volunteers (23) staffed all the releases and hosted many of the students for lunch and Q&A on the lower creek.

Fry released at the big bridge in the park will linger there for a few weeks, so veteran volunteer Dennis Hinton encouraged park visitors to look for them.

“Between release fish and home hatch from spawning, the entire creek has salmon in it year round,” he said. “Visitors can help protect them by keeping their dogs out of the water and leaving fell limbs in the channel as they create essential habitat for these juveniles.”

Next up for the general public: the annual drumming in October to call in spawners and, if it’s successful, a weekend “open creek” in November. Last year, a record 347 spawning coho came in.

ADMIRAL WAY BRIDGE: Another change this weekend, plus, progress report

The change in open lanes on the Admiral Way Bridge as of Monday – currently one lane each way on the north side – isn’t the only change planned this week. According to SDOT, “This setup will remain in place through Saturday, June 8. Starting Sunday, June 9, crews will shift the right lane closure to the westbound side of the North Bridge. Throughout construction, at least one lane in each direction on Admiral Way SW will remain open.” When we asked about the lane-closure changes, we also asked if there’s an update on when the entire project will be done. Short answer: No. SDOT spokesperson Mariam Ali‘s longer answer: “We’re still on track to wrap up work this summer. We’ll update the public if that timeline shifts.” The work has been under way for almost a year; the original completion estimate was spring, but SDOT told us in February that “full painting” of the bridge (which is really two bridges) had extended the timeline.

WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Gunfire investigation in North Delridge

11:35 AM: Police are converging on 25th/Dakota [vicinity map] for a gunfire investigation. Dispatch says two people were reported to be shooting at each other, one on foot, one in a vehicle. No injuries reported so far.

11:37 AM: The vehicle is described as a gray Kia Sorento; the shooter on foot is described only as Black, male, black shirt, red pants, seen running south on Dakota.

11:40 AM: Police report that they’ve detained one possible suspect. They’re also closing off Dakota at Delridge.

11:53 AM: If you see/hear a helicopter, Guardian One was just getting its day started and was going to head this way to help with the search. Police meantime are checking out leads that other possible suspects might be linked to residence(s) nearby. Still no report of any injuries.

1:01 PM: Police are still on the scene, between Delridge and 25th. They slso have a report of bullet damage at a nearby apartment building.

5:31 PM: We obtained a little more information from police at day’s end. The person they detained was arrested and was to be booked into King County Jail for investigation of assault; they believe he was the person involved in the shootout who was “on foot” while the other got away in a car.

Gas leak in southeast Admiral

Thanks for the photo. That’s the Seattle Fire response at the scene of a gas leak near 40th/Hanford. Seattle Fire is just wrapping up its response now that Puget Sound Energy is on the scene and is reported to have secured the line. According to emergency-radio exchanges, a construction crew hit a 5/8″ service line “in the street” and that’s what caused the leak.

Police and city leaders @ SW Precinct Advisory Council, and more for your West Seattle Tuesday

(Alki during Monday’s sunrise, photographed by John Graham)

Here’s our reminder list for your Tuesday, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

POSTCARDS4DEMOCRACY: Weekly advocacy gathering, until noon at C & P Coffee (5612 California SW; WSB sponsor). Sign up here before you go, if you’re a first-time participant.

ROTARY CLUB OF WEST SEATTLE: Noon lunch at West Seattle Golf Course (4470 35th SW), featuring a guest from the WSU School of Medicine.

CHESS CLUB: Tuesdays 1:30-3 pm, at the Center for Active Living (4217 SW Oregon). All levels welcome. (Questions? Email conwell@conwelld.net.)

CITY COUNCIL MEETING: 2 pm, weekly meeting, open to public comment in person or online. The agenda explains how to watch/participate.

HOMEWORK HELP: 4-5:45 pm at High Point Library (3411 SW Raymond), volunteers are available to help K-12 students with their homework.

DROP-IN WINE TASTING: 5-7 pm Tuesdays at Walter’s Wine Shop (4811 California SW) – $10 fee, $5 off with bottle purchases.

DEMONSTRATION FOR BLACK LIVES: Long-running weekly sign-waving demonstration on the corners at 16th/Holden. 5-6 pm. Signs available if you don’t bring your own.

WEST SEATTLE TAE KWON DO: 6 pm at High Point Community Center (6920 34th SW), first class of the month, all levels welcome.

WEST SEATTLE RUNNER TRACK RUN: More daylight for evening runs, as sunset approaches its latest point – tonight at 6:15 pm, meet at West Seattle Runner (2743 California SW; WSB sponsor) for WSR’s free weekly track run.

SOUTHWEST PRECINCT ADVISORY COUNCIL: 6:30 pm at High Point Neighborhood House (6400 Sylvan Way SW), the quarterly meeting for the community to hear from and talk with local police. Plus special guest panel with City Attorney Ann Davison, City Council president Sara Nelson, and community-safety leader Natalie Walton-Anderson from the mayor’s office. All welcome. (Afternoon update: We’ve just learned Davison won’t be there after all.)

TOASTMASTERS 832: Work on your leadership and speaking skills with this group meeting online and in person, 6:30 pm at Brookdale West Seattle (4611 35th SW).

MAKE POTTERY: Weekly 6:30-9 pm “girls’ night” at pottery studio The Clay Cauldron (5214 Delridge Way SW), sign up in advance to work on your project(s).

WOMEN’S MEDITATION CIRCLE: Weekly small-group event at Mama Be Well Healing Studio (4034 California SW), 7 pm. Our calendar listing has details on signing up before you go.

BINGO X 2: Play free Tuesday night Belle of the Balls Bingo at The Skylark, 7 pm. (3803 Delridge Way SW) … Talarico’s Pizzeria also offers 8 pm bingo (4718 California SW).

TRIVIA X 4: Here’s the answer to the question “who’s got trivia in West Seattle Tuesday nights?” – The Beer Junction (4711 California SW) has Sporcle Pub Quiz with David at 7 and 8 pm … 7 pm at Ounces (3803 Delridge Way SW), free and hosted by Beat the Geek Trivia; 7 pm at Zeeks Pizza West Seattle (6459 California SW), hosted by Geeks Who Drink; 7:10 pm at Admiral Pub. (2306 California SW).

WATER TAXI ADDS SAILINGS: ICYMI our other mentions, tonight’s the first weeknight the West Seattle Water Taxi adds sailings – 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 pm from downtown – for Mariners’ home games.

Organizing an event, class, performance, gathering, etc.? Tell your West Seattle neighbors via our event calendar, from which we draw our daily lists too – just email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

Rain City RopeWorks invites you to their Community Jump Rope Show – where you too can jump!

We’ve been telling you about West Seattle’s many championship-level athletes. Among the sports from which they hail: Jump rope! Here’s an invitation that West Seattle-based Rain City RopeWorks asked us to share with you:

Rain City RopeWorks Community Show
Showcasing our team and the sport of Jump Rope!

Sunday, June 8, 2025 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM at the Holy Rosary School Gym (42nd/Genesee)

Enjoy a dynamic and interactive presentation by the Rain City Ropeworks Jump Rope Team at our annual Community Show!

The team has a variety of entertaining routines in single rope, partner, long rope, and double dutch jumping to share with you! After their inspiring performances, team members will be available to talk, take photos, help you learn a new jump rope skill, and jump with you. You may even have the opportunity to get in the double dutch ropes yourself!

This family-friendly event will include all members of Rain City Ropeworks Jump Rope Team, including those competing this summer at the National Championships in South Dakota, and at the World Championships in Kawasaki, Japan!
General Admission tickets for $15 are available here.

Rain City’s founder/coach is former world champion Rene Bibaud.

TRAFFIC, ROAD WORK, WEATHER, TRANSIT: Tuesday notes, with eastbound West Seattle Bridge crash

9:22 AM: SPD and SFD are dispatching to a multiple-vehicle collision reported on the eastbound bridge at the ramp to 99. A reader says at least one of the involved vehicles is “turned around.”

9:36 AM: SPD reports no injuries. But there’s fluid and debris that will have to be cleaned up. The bridge camera has part of the scene:

10:47 AM: Police have just told dispatch the crash scene is now clear, all lanes reopened.

Earlier:

6:01 AM: Good morning! Welcome to Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

WEATHER + SUNRISE/SUNSET TIMES

Sunny, high in the low 70s. Today’s sunrise was at 5:14 am; sunset will be at 9:01 pm.

ROAD WORK

-The Admiral Way Bridge project indeed changed lanes on the topside; now it’s one lane each way on the north side. We’ve asked for followup info from SDOT re: how soon it’ll be all done.

-I-5 Thursday night – alert from WSDOT:

From 10 p.m. Thursday, June 5 to 6 a.m. Friday, June 6, three right lanes of southbound I-5 will close from milepost 163 to milepost 161 for maintenance. The southbound I-5 off-ramp to Corson Avenue/Michigan Street (milepost 162) will also close.

-Highway 99 tunnel maintenance closure, this Friday night at 10 pm to Saturday morning at 6 am.

As we reported last week – the West Seattle low bridge will close this weekend, starting 7 am Saturday.

-Gas pipeline work toward the Lowman Beach end of Beach Drive … street work for the Alki Standby Generator Project toward the Alki Point end.

TRANSIT TODAY

Water TaxiRegular West Seattle service; spring/summer schedule, with a new addition starting tonight – late-night service for weeknights with Mariners’ home games (and a few other events). More info here.

Metro busesRegular schedule.

Washington State Ferries – Regular service on the Triangle Route, with M/V Kittitas and M/V Cathlamet. M/V Salish serves as the “bonus boat”. Note: Online “open house” for commenting on possible ferry-fare increases/changes is continues here.

SPOTLIGHT TRAFFIC CAMERAS

High Bridge – Here’s the main camera, followed by the Fauntleroy-end camera:

Spokane Street Viaduct:

Low Bridge – Looking west:

1st Avenue South Bridge:

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

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

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

AURORA: We might see it again tonight

West Seattle skywatching expert Alice Enevoldsen points out that the aurora is a possibility again tonight, so if you’re going to be up for a while, keep an eye on the forecast sites she recommends – in our opinion, this one is particularly easy to follow, and as we type, it’s predicting “storm level” aurora possibilities in the short run, in the Kp 6+ level – Alice says, “Kp over 5 means possible aurora for Seattle, but the higher the better. If it hits 6 go outside. 7, I go somewhere local. 8, I go somewhere dark and farther away. 9, I turn my life upside down and you should too.”) Things change fast, though, so just because it’s “storm level” now doesn’t mean it’ll still be that way later! (Image: Steven Rice’s photo of early Sunday aurora from Alki)

FOLLOWUP: Is added Alki Avenue parking a done deal? What does ‘additional outreach’ mean? Here’s how SDOT replied

(WSB photos, this afternoon)

After reading our coverage of last week’s SDOT announcement about adding 150 parking spaces along Alki Avenue after the conversion of angled parking to parallel parking is done, a nearby resident asked us whether this was a “done deal.” The language on the “fact sheet” provided by SDOT last week includes this paragraph:

…Re-establishing daytime on-street parking is proposed for the west/ water side of Alki Avenue SW, between the 1200 and 1700 blocks, where the street is wide enough. This would help offset the reduced parking at Duwamish Head and meet increased parking demand during summers. Changes could be installed in the summer of 2025. …

But also this:

Additional Alki Avenue SW outreach is planned for later this summer. We’ll engage the community to address questions and take feedback before finalizing and implementing a design.

So we asked SDOT two things today: #1, is the added street parking in the 1200 to 1700 blocks a “done deal,” and #2, what kind of “additional … outreach” is planned – for example, will there be a community meeting?

Regarding “is it a done deal?” the answer wasn’t clear:

Before installing the second phase of this project, we would like to hear how people feel about the change and any specific benefits or challenges that re-establishing parking on the water side of Alki Avenue SW might bring.

Regarding “additional outreach,” SDOT says “no meetings are planned”:

We appreciate the community’s interest and input regarding Councilmember Rob Saka‘s request to re-establish on-street parking on the waterside of Alki Avenue SW to offset some loss of parking at the Duwamish Head. We believe the current survey provides one effective way of gathering feedback from a diverse range of voices.

To ensure adjacent stakeholders are aware, we are also putting up A-frame signs within the area and sending emails to community leaders. Wider promotion through outlets like your media site and Councilmember Rob Saka helps capture a wide array of Alki visitors, businesses, and residents. The survey itself ensures participants can share their thoughts conveniently and at a time that works best for them, allowing for a comprehensive collection of opinions over the next few weeks. While no meetings are planned at this time, we’ll see if the current outreach generates significant interest or if there are populations that appear not to have been reached and determine if supplemental efforts should be considered.

So if you have an opinion of the added spaces, whatever it is, the survey is apparently your main opportunity for input. Since SDOT’s replies made it clear that the added spaces, like the diagonal removal, is by request of Councilmember Saka, here’s his contact info too.

UPDATE: Rescue response on Beach Drive

7:30 PM: Now there’s another rescue dispatch – this time to the 6700 block of Beach Drive SW, where a man is reported to have “fallen down a bluff.” But first units on scene say the man may not be in major trouble so they are reducing the response.

7:34 PM: The remaining units just told dispatch they’ve already rescued the man.

8:40 PM: Just a note to say that, after a technical outage (sorry about that), we’re back up and checking with SFD on the man’s condition.

About the emergency response in Admiral

(Added: WSB photo by Christopher Boffoli)

If you too are wondering about the big police/fire response at an apartment complex south of California/Stevens – responders rescued someone who was threatening self-harm. The person will be taken to a hospital.

Reminder that if you are, or someone you know is, having thoughts of self-harm, you can call the 988 hotline any time of day or night.

WHALES: Orcas in the area

Orcas are northbound from Blake Island, Kersti Muul tells us. Lots of sun glare on the water if you try looking west right now, but they often detour into the bay, so we’re sharing the alert.

WATER TAXI: Weeknight late-night runs added for Mariners home-game nights

Just announced by Metro:

West Seattle Water Taxi will extend weeknight service for Mariners games this summer, beginning tomorrow June 3rd! See our website to check the sailing schedule & plan your trip to/from T-Mobile Park:

https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/metro/travel-options/water-taxi/west-seattle#toc-sailing-schedule